Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/796

776 revision of non-Spanish claims. Juarez and his cabinet, on the 30th of January, 1860, protested against the validity of such a treaty, and it never became a law.

On the other hand, Miramon, in a circular to the foreign diplomatic corps, endeavored to refute Buchanan's statements in his last message to congress, protesting against the pretensions of his government.

Some changes occurred soon after the conclusion of the McLane-Ocampo treaty in Juarez' cabinet.

Meanwhile both belligerents had been swelling their ranks and carrying on an active campaign. The constitutionalist forces were quite numerous early in 1860, and Miramon made preparations for a second campaign against the city of Vera Cruz. On the 8th of February, 1860, he started from the capital, accompanied by his minister of war, Diaz, to place himself at the head of Robles' division, timing his movements by a prearranged combination by which a small squadron under Mexican colors, and commanded by General Marin, was to sail from Habana to coöperate in the attack on Vera Cruz. The squadron was expected off that port about the end of February. Juarez on the 23d made a proclamation declaring it a piratical expedition, and the United States naval forces had orders from their government to prevent the intended coöperation.

Each contending faction used its best endeavors to injure its adversary. The reactionists raised parties