Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/738

722 Meantime occurrences of no less importance had been taking place in Vera Cruz, where the promulgation of the constitution had caused great agitation. The news of Iturbide's revolt, and of the adoption of the plan of Iguala, caused the utmost sensation both among the people at large and the troops. A portion of the latter proclaimed the plan on the 13th of March at La Banderilla, a short distance from the port, and marched against Perote, hoping to take it by surprise. Though the project failed, the revolted force under Iruela was joined by the Dragones de España from Jalapa and other bodies. Great enthusiasm was now manifested in favor of independence. The chief command was tendered to and accepted by Lieutenant-colonel José Joaquin de Herrera, who had served with distinction under Armijo in the south, and had retired from the service after the fall of Jaujilla. The revolution having at the same time spread toward the villas, Governor Dávila of Vera Cruz reenforced Orizaba and Córdoba. To the former place Santa Anna, then a brevet captain, was sent with some infantry and lancers. On the 29th of March he drove off an insurgent party; but Herrera having arrived the same day, he accepted the plan of Iguala. The occupation of Córdoba by Herrera on April 1st followed. Santa Anna now started for the coast, where he had influence, and captured the town of Alvarado, whose garrison abandoned the comandante Juan Topete. Meantime Herrera stationed himself in the province of Puebla, cutting off any assistance that might be sent to the city.

Brigadier Llano, commanding at Puebla, despatched