Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/128

108 was once occupied by the French, the Juarists regarded it as fair prey; and the inhabitants were consequently obliged in self-defence to arm against, even if their sympathies might under other circumstances have turned toward, the republican cause.

Pachuca and Tulancingo were entered by Franco-Mexican forces already in July, to serve as radiating points for other advances. A part of Mejía's division won a fight on the road to Guanajuato, and another was gained in Puebla. Not long afterward the garrison of Chalchicomula gained Perote, and some French vessels from Vera Cruz took Tampico on August 11th, preparing thence to enter the surrounding, district. Yet these were after all petty operations, although the last blow was severe in its effect on Juarist supplies. The French were only waiting for the end of the rainy season to advance against the main forces of the republicans. As it was, the imperialists claimed in the beginning of August to hold over sixty towns and hamlets along the line from Vera Cruz, and to control a circuit of fully twenty-five leagues round the capital. Two months later, when the French main body was only preparing to set out, the actual gain was not much greater, but minor and advance forces were keeping up the fight with alternating advantages in all the central provinces from Jalisco and San Luis Potosí into Oajaca.

Undismayed as ever by the gathering storm, Juarez strained every nerve to fortify himself against it, mainly with regard to obtaining funds to sustain armies, for men could readily be had. On July 31st a contribution of one per cent on all capital above five