Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/65

Rh would be shot. The fact was, that Robles had violated his pledged word to the government, and accompanied Taboada on his journey to the allied quarters. He was tried, convicted of treason, and shot on the 23d of March, at San Andrés Chalchicomula.

There is a place known as Escamela, close to a ravine, the edge of which is called El Fortin. The French rear arrived at this latter place, which was covered by two small squadrons of horse, belonging to Porfirio Diaz' brigade stationed at Escamela. In this position 200 French cavalry and as many zouaves charged upon an advanced Mexican force, which gallantly bore the brunt, three fourths of their number being killed or wounded. This was the first French victory of the war, and occurred before Prim's departure. On Diaz apprising Zaragoza at Orizaba of the occurrence, neither he nor Prim felt disposed to give it credence. However, Zaragoza repaired to Escamela, and soon convinced himself. A squadron of Oajaca lancers kept hindering the enemy's march, and a heavy guard covered the road leading to the Escamela plain. Diaz took personal command of this guard to protect the entrance to the plain, while Zaragoza with the brigade and train countermarched to Orizaba, where Diaz soon rejoined him. Together they continued the march to El Ingenio, where they passed the night. Meanwhile the French repossessed themselves of Orizaba, which they had evacuated some days before, in pursuance of the terms of the Soledad convention. The reason alleged for this