Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/633

Rh Tenango, which had proved disobedient to Morelos. He arrived there on the morning of the 5th of November, just in time to perceive the rear of the revolutionary party disappearing beyond the near ridge.

The consternation of the latter may be imagined, and but for Morelos' firm attitude a disorderly flight would have ensued. He promptly sent in advance the deputies and the non-fighting men with part of the baggage and a small escort, and remained with the rest to protect their march by detaining the pursuers. As Concha approached he gradually fell back, but found it necessary after a while to take a stand; which he did in three divisions, the right and left under Lobato and Bravo respectively, he himself occupying the centre with his two solitary field pieces. Concha then gave orders to charge. Bravo received the first shock, but held his ground well. Not so the right wing. At the first onset of the royalists, Paez and his command took to their heels, demoralizing the whole of Lobato's section. After a few blows it broke in flight, carrying disorder into the centre and left, and with a fresh effort from Concha's column the entire line followed; the royalists after them slashing and cleaving.

Seeing that all was lost, Morelos called out to Bravo, "Go, protect the congress; it matters not if I perish." After vainly seeking to keep his men together, he bade the remnant near him escape as best they could, he himself with a single attendant striking out for a steep hill. He dismounted at the base of it to remove his spurs for climbing afoot. At this moment a squad of pursuers came up, headed by Lieutenant Carranco, who had once served under his standard. "Surrender!" came from behind the levelled carbines. Resistance was useless. Turning to