Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/85

Rh neither proposition was regarded with favor by his generals. And it was then resolved to push the operations against the southern side, which was the next weakest line. Even here the besiegers made little progress. Diaz and his troops were now enabled to render efficient service where danger most demanded it. The besiegers, on their part, felt more encouraged on hearing that both ammunition and food were becoming scarce within the walls.

At a conference, invited by General Forey, and held between him and Lieutenant-colonel Togno, an aide-de-camp of Ortega's, the French commander spoke of the uselessness of Ortega's tenacious defence, carried so much beyond the requirements of military usage, and seemingly for the sole purpose of winning renown. If such was the case, he need go no further; fame should be his, and he might now well give up the struggle for humanity's sake. He expressed his readiness to grant honorable terms of capitulation, and assured Togno that he would sooner or later take the city. He knew that the garrison was suffering for want of provisions. If Ortega did not surrender the place till after the rainy season had set in, he, Forey, would strengthen himself therein, and march on to Mexico during the coming winter. Yet more: the wily Frenchman threw out the bait of the presidency to the Mexican commander, as an inducement for him to surrender, accompanying it with certain propositions, which, if accepted, would facilitate a settlement of the questions at issue. Were