The town was made a
second stronghold of the revolution and a centre for new recruiting, the
army increasing so rapidly that in ten days' time its leader took the bold
step of advancing upon Mexico, the capital city.
The approach of the insurgents, who had now grown greatly in numbers,
filled the people of the capital with terror. They remembered the sack of
Guanajuata, and hastened to conceal their valuables, while many of them
fled for safety. As the insurgents drew near they were met by the army of
the viceroy, and a fierce battle took place upon an elevation called the
Monte de la Cruces, outside the city. A hot fire of artillery swept the
ranks of the insurgents, but, filled with enthusiasm, and greatly
outnumbering the royal troops, they swept resistlessly on, bearing down
all before them, and sweeping the viceroy's soldiers from the field with
heavy loss. Only his good horse saved Trujillo, the commanding general,
from death or capture, and bore him in safety to the city.
Mexico, filled with panic and confusion at the news of the disastrous
defeat of its defenders, could perhaps have been easily taken, and its
capture might possibly have closed the struggle in favor of liberty.
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