Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/800

780 small guerrilla parties gave them much annoyance in waylaying their supplies. The plan of a fusion was fostered by the few remnants still left of the moderate party and by property holders, most of the latter for their own private ends. Miramon listened to them, and sent a communication to General Ramon Iglesias, commander of the forces in Vera Cruz, offering to pursue the most rational course to bring about a peaceful arrangement. Negotiations followed, but no understanding was arrived at, because of Juarez' refusal to do anything that was not in accord with the constitution of 1857, under which he was acting as president. Moreover, he would not give his consent to foreign intervention in the adjustment of the country's affairs. Miramon, on his part, accepted no amendment.

The besiegers threw bombs into the city, and continued the exercise fro the 15th to the 20th of March, doing but little damage. Miramon's casualties from warfare and disease had been large. At last he saw that he was foiled, and concluded to retreat. The retreat commenced in the morning of the 21st, Miramon's object being to reoccupy his lines of Orizaba and Jalapa, where the guerrillas allowed him no peace and many of his men deserted and joined the liberal ranks.

Miramon reached Mexico on the 7th of April, and both there and on the route avoided unusual honors,