Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/70

50 During the heat of the fight on the hill, a no less severe struggle took place upon the plain on the right forming Zaragoza's front. General Diaz, with portions of his brigade and other troops, and two pieces of artillery, checked and drove away the French column which was marching against the Mexican positions. This column, like those repulsed from the Guadalupe, retreated to the hacienda San José Rentería, where preparations were made for defence.

The two armies faced each other till 7 o'clock in the evening, when the French returned to their camp at Los Álamos, and thence back to Orizaba on the 8th, there to await reënforcements which were on the way from France.

This success filled the government and its supporters with high hopes. Zaragoza received the thanks of congress, and afterward his delighted countrymen presented him a sword. Honors and rewards were decreed to the officers and men who took part in the action. Berriozábal, Negrete, Diaz, and the rest, for their gallant conduct, received their meed of praise.

Zaragoza sent the government the medals and decorations found on the battle-field, as well as those taken from the prisoners; but Juarez returned them and liberated the prisoners, sending to the French lines the well ones first, and the sick and wounded after