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Rh trenches to encourage the soldiers, and seeking to alleviate as much as possible the suffering of the poor, among whom dysentery was making havoc. Whatever bitterness existed was directed against Marquez, now classed as a traitor by Maximilian himself.

Mendez and other generals had long objected to the sorties of Miramon as achievements worse than useless, since they served only to sacrifice valuable lives, weakening the army, and disheartening the soldiers, as shown by increasing desertion. The project of breaking through the siege lines must evidently be energetically taken in hand while means yet remained, and before the demoralization became dangerous. It was accordingly decided to seek the ranges of Sierra Gorda, which, passing about seven leagues north-westward, stretched over a vast expanse of country filled with strong passes and impregnable strongholds, and occupied by a sturdy race of mountaineers who were enthusiastically devoted to General Mejía. A march direct to Mexico would place them with wavering troops between two overwhelming forces, but in these mountains they could plan future movements at their ease, strengthened by Olvera's battalions and other recruits, and even reach the coast.

In justification of this step, the leading generals signed a manifesto, reviewing the siege operations, and pointing out the neglect of Marquez in not attacking the republicans before they had united, and in failing to lay in a greater stock of provisions. Capitulation with the foe before them not being deemed reliable, it was suggested to attack them, and, if defeated, to cut their way through, after spiking the