Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/313

Rh made the attempt early one morning to break through the lines in the direction of Sierra Gorda, but seemingly informed of the project, the republicans mustered in such force as to defeat it.

This failure increased the discouragement, and several officers manifested it so far as to write to Mejía, urging negotiations for surrender. The prompt arrest of the leaders served to check a desire which seems to have been wide-spread. Shortly after, as if in accord with the other, came a proposal from Escobedo for capitulation, offering to let Maximilian depart; but it was rejected, with the assurance that there was no lack of resources, of which proof was tendered in a lively reply to the bombardment. This was intended also to distract the attention of the