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262 this the Austro-Mexicans had, in the early part of 1866, smothered the revolt led by Alatorre in the districts of Papantla and Misantla, but with republican successes in Tamaulipas and Huasteca, Alatorre and others rose again, retaking their former stamping-ground and advancing against Jalapa, which surrendered in November. Perote fell in January, leaving to the French only a narrow strip by which to reach Vera Cruz. This was also the case in Puebla, where Figueroa hovered along the southern line of march, and other leaders along the northern, as far down as Huamantla. In September Bazaine had the garrisons strengthened on either side from Tehuacan through Chalchicomula to Tlascala and Tulancingo, yet his opponents carried Pachuca in November:

In the province of Mexico the republican spirit had been sustained, especially along the west borders. The hills encircling the valley — hitherto nestling-places for petty bands, which had ever made the route to Puebla unsafe — now became the headquarters for the ever-growing guerrilla forces. Cuautitlan was