Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/667

Rh of its authorities, its past record, position, rough mountainous ground, and unhealthy climate, was one that he feared. Its most influential citizen, General Juan Álvarez, had been at first among Santa Anna's powerful supporters, but soon became disgusted with the dictatorial régime. To meet a possible emergency, and to keep the authorities in check, the government, with the pretext that an expedition was fitting out in California, under Count Raousset de Boulbon, to invade Mexico, arid might land at Acapulco, though Gen eral Alvarez had written that no reënforcements were

needed, despatched a considerable number of troops to Guerrero, directing at the same time the naval commandant at Acapulco to have an armed vessel in readiness to blockade the port. No plan had as yet been formed by the discontented surenõs, and, indeed, no thought given as to where the means were to come from. A revolution was impending, however. On the 20th of February news reached the capital that Álvarez had raised the standard of revolt in the south. The government then decreed severe measures against the rebels and all aiding them.