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264 process of passing through so many hands, and in September the ministry astonished the chambers by pressing anew for more means, this time in the shape of a loan for ten millions, pleading as additional motives the invasion of California by adventurers, and the intimation that England and France would side with the Texans in case of a protracted struggle. The demand was refused, to the general delight of the people, who had been striving to avoid the last contribution. In the districts of the present Guerrero the appearance of the collectors only

tended to give fresh impulse to the rising started at Chilapa two years before. This town was captured by the Indians and desolated with fire and pillage; and although troops marched against them and obtained several advantages, the struggle continued with its attendant inflictions. In Michoacan also the feeble