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730 numbers to lay siege, Novella made every preparation for defence. The forces chosen to operate against the besiegers were placed under Concha's command, and General Liñan was made chief of the staff. The royalist line extended from Guadalupe by Tacuba, Tacubaya, Mixcoac, and Coyoacan, closing by the Peñon at Guadalupe. Royalists were constantly deserting to the enemy's lines; while on the other hand, repeated skirmishes occurred, one of which precipitated a bloody action at Atzcapotzalco on the 19th of August. After this engagement the Spaniards concentrated their forces still more, abandoning Tacubaya, which the independents occupied.

When the treaty of Córdoba had been signed, Iturbide and O’Donojú approached the capital, and Novella, to whom a copy of the instrument had been forwarded, asked for an armistice, which was acceded to by the besiegers on the 7th of September. He then convoked a junta of representatives, at which the treaty and accompanying correspondence were read and discussed. The resolution to adopt no line of action until the arrival of O’Donojú being adhered to, two messengers were despatched to communicate the decision to him, and were received by him at Puebla.

On the 15th of September Iturbide arrived at Atzcapotzalco, where he established his headquarters. From this place he addressed a stirring