Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/138

118 The imperialists were making rapid strides in different directions, Bazaine himself setting out from Mexico on November 12th to Acámbaro, whence he despatched Marquez with Berthier against Morelia, ever one of the main positions of the republicans. The city had been long preparing for this, yet Berriozábal, commanding there, thought it prudent to evacuate on November 30th. The enemy entered the same day amid a subdued demonstration. The prospective loss of so rich a province as Michoacan could not be quietly endured, and reënforcements were soon sent, which raised the Juarist army here to about 9,000 men. Under the leadership of Uraga, fire was opened against the city on December 17th, several of the points commanding it being secured, although the imperialists had made efforts to strengthen their position. On the following day a general assault was undertaken, and although several advantages were gained at different points, the skill and activity of Marquez prevailed, and Uraga found himself obliged to retreat southward, with a loss of about 1,300 killed and captured, and the dispersion of a large portion of his force.

Still more severe was the effect of imperial operations in the central provinces. Mejía, in union with a French column under Douay, was allowed to enter Querétaro on November 17th without striking more than a passing blow at some guerrillas, the republicans retiring into Guanajuato, where Governor Doblado was making preparations for resistance. Flushed