Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/723

Rh be spared, and they were to surrender their arms — a condition that they failed to fulfil. A force under Pueblita was despatched to intercept Osollo and Gutierrez, who had attempted to relieve Puebla by occupying Tlascala. Public opinion, and not a few members of the congress, disapproved of the capitulation, and so did the president, on the ground that the leaders who had caused so much bloodshed being left with life, it was reasonable to expect there would soon be another attempt at revolution. Peremptory orders were given for the prisoners to give up arms, or they would be dealt with as conspirators. Orihuela was taken at Atlangatepec and shot in Huamantla. Other rebel forces were dispersed by Moreno's energetic action. But others continued their depredations in several parts. In fact, there was hardly a state in which the rebels had not marauding bands. Comonfort succeeded, however, with the aid of public opinion, in subduing the spirit of rebellion for the moment at least.

He banished several persons, one of whom was General Pacheco, for plotting another sedition in the capital, and enacted on December 6th a law for the punishment of crimes against the nation, public order, and peace.