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Rh city was evacuated, after destruction of the fort, Saltillo being abandoned on August 4th.

The republicans took immediate possession, amidst more or less sincere rejoicings. Although many imperialists had here as elsewhere found it prudent to depart, others ventured to stay, in the hope that the penalty might be reduced to a mere contribution. Escobedo was prevailed upon to restore to the Americans at least a part of the intercepted convoys, and now trade promised to revive again. Unfortunately Matamoros declared itself at this time under Canales for Ortega, the rival of Juarez, the port being again besieged till the close of November, when, with the somewhat suspicious intervention of United States troops, Escobedo regained it under capitulation.

This diversion among the republicans relieved the French somewhat in their retreat, although several skirmishes took place en route. Bazaine had himself come northward to direct the movement, impelled by anxiety over the recent disasters, and a desire to survey the field. Hearing of a large mustering against Matehuala, which since August formed his most northern post, he gave orders for a sweep of the vicinity within a distance of three days' march, so as to strike a blow and then retire to Querétaro. This was