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Rh wholly unexpected. After a slight skirmish, therefore, he took possession of the town, and two days later engaged in an undecisive conflict with a relief party, whereupon he retired unmolested beyond the river, his main object having been attained. The incursion had led to a large gathering of defenders, for none knew Woll's intentions, and it was decided to make some use of the movement for a reprisal. Several hundred accordingly crossed the Rio Grande in December and occupied Laredo and Guerrero. Discord broke up the party, and most of the men turned back. About one third resolved to continue the campaign and made a descent on Mier; but here the portion of the northern army, under Ampudia and Canales, about 2,000 strong, came up and turned the tables, obliging them to capitulate.

It was evident that Texan expeditions by land were not to be feared, save by exposed settlements, and the little republic was regarded by Mexico rather as the work of the United States and an index to their attitude. Whatever might be undertaken against Texas, this formidable power behind must be studied and humored to a great extent, lest occasion be given for the quarrel which a great party within her borders were endeavoring to precipitate. After long negotiations, commissioners had been appointed, under a convention of April 1839, for examining the gradually accumulated claims of American citizens against the republic, amounting to more than eleven millions of dollars, out of which, two thirds being investigated, two millions were allowed. By a later arrangement, the interest so far due on the sum was to be