Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/491

Rh placing Mexico in a state of defence as the coming centre of action. He reorganized the shattered forces, drilled recruits, threw up fortifications in every direction, manufactured arms and ammunition, and imparted life to all and everything. Herein he shone indeed as a good genius. And nobly did the people respond to his appeal, with hardly a murmur at his arbitrary levies of men and funds. It was an imposing spectacle, this rally to the defence of home, especially after a long series of disasters to their best armies, with an inefficient government, a faction-torn congress, an empty treasury; with poor and scanty armament, and hardly a single leader in whom they could repose confidence. More volunteers presented themselves than ever before, mustering within a short time an army of fully 20,000 effective men, and somewhat over 100 pieces of artillery. Several thousand more stood enrolled, and while not equipped as regular soldiers, they served as auxiliaries in different capacities to swell the number. It was like a gala-day at Mexico as these forces were reviewed and sent forth to their posts. Flowers in festoons covered the muzzles of the frowning guns, and bright cockades the breast heaving in enthusiastic response to the cheers around, and to the blossom showers and fluttering handkerchiefs of señoritas smiling midst their tears.

Profiting by experience, Santa Anna had resolved to await the enemy behind the lines with the main body, while two divisions, under Valencia and Álvarez, the latter consisting of cavalry, and each of about 4,000 men, advanced in the direction of Tezcuco and Chalco respectively, prepared to fall upon