Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/806

790 The movement was received in Vera Cruz enthusiastically; Alvarado and other neighboring towns joined in the revolt, and the knell of the empire had sounded.

Great preparations had been made in the capital for the return of the emperor, where it was thought that he was all this time triumphing over the Spaniards. Moreover, an imperial prince had been born, and the celebration of the auspicious event awaited the arrival of the august parent. But Iturbide was in no humor for baby bell-ringings and baptisms. At Puebla he had received intelligence of Santa Anna's revolt, and though he pretended to make light of it, was none the less conscious of its serious significance. He hurried his departure from the town, and unexpectedly entered the capital by night, December 13th. Measures were at once taken to suppress the revolt. Santa Anna was declared a traitor,