Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/701

Rh had 11,500 men provided with good artillery, and placed in echelon; and 4,000 of national guard had been stationed in Mexico. He then started for the front on the 29th, erected intrenchments at San Martin, as a basis for future operations, and finally established his headquarters in Rio Prieto. The reactionists had retreated within the walls of Puebla. The clergy at first paid the expenses, and when their means were exhausted the merchants were called upon for loans.

The garrison made a sally in force on the 8th of March, and gave battle at half-past seven o'clock in the morning, at Scotland. After two hours' fighting, with a doubtful result, Haro asked for a truce, and while holding an interview with Comonfort his troops retreated unnoticed to Puebla. On the 9th the siege was established and energetically pressed till the 22d, when the enemy surrendered. Owing to Comonfort's refusal to treat with Haro directly, the latter gave up the command to Castillo and Güitian, managing to escape or conceal himself, and they to Oronoz, who completed the capitulation, under which the reactionary rank and file might remain in the government's service or be disbanded, at their option. The officers were to be confined where Comonfort might choose, he afterward to dispose of their future fate. The casualties of the victors had been 400 killed and 500 wounded; the expenses of the government about one million dollars. The insurgents not included in the capitulation were to be tried and punished.