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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
and the refusal of his Excellency to establish amicable relations with him at a crisis when the country demanded union and concert of action among all its friends, was a pretty strong indication that the vindictive spirit of the Gachupin was not dead- it was only slumber- ing-and that upon any encouraging occasion its ferocity would be fully displayed. These reflections, combined with the admonition of those who had some opportunity of knowing the secret prejudices and stifled resentments of the Spaniards, rendered it highly probable in the mind of General Long that he might be forced into some diffi- culty with the Garrison at La Bahia. He was wholly unprepared for such an event. Having come upon a peaceful mission, with only sixty men as an escort against the savages, he was not in a condition to make battle. It was, however, now too late for him to retreat. He was compelled to go forward; and considering the weakness of his force, he deemed it the most politic course, if practicable, to seize upon the place first, and parley with the commandant aft~rwards. Indeed, this was bis only hope of safety; for in the event of hostilities, his destruc- tion was inevitable unless he could first possess himself of the Fort by surprise. He, therefore, resolved upon the attempt. He found the task of easy execution; for the Garrison was greatly exposed by the want of proper vigilance and discipline which had followed the relaxa- tion of war. After a forced march during the night of thirty miles, be arrived a-t La Bahia a little before the dawn of day. ""\Vho comes there 1'' cried the drowsy Sentinel. The only .reply was ·a strong hand upon his shoulder. The Sentinel was mad'e and easy and unresist- ing prisoner; and before any alarm could be given, the Americans rushed into the Fort, put the Garrison to flight and took quiet pos- session of their quarters.-Not a gun was fired; and the only damage resulting was the breaking of the Soldiers' morning slumbers, and the transient alarm occasioned to the women and children. The day broke in beauty and serenity, and order being fully restored, our hero made the Amende honorable to the fair sex, for the sudden and uncere- monious manner of his appearance among them. All were delighted with the urbanity of his manners as well as with the good-natured gayety of his apologies; and in a few hours, he and his men were mingling with the inhabitants in peace a,nd pleasantness.- It was now for the first time that General Long was fully apprised of the true state of affairs in this section of the country. He was told by Garcia that Aradondo had retired from the contest- that Gasper Lopez was the Republican Commander of the Northern Provinces, and that Martinez, Perez and himself had declared for Independence and were retained in the Service of the national party. '' And why were these importa-nt events concealed from Genl. Trespalacios 1 ''- inquired Long. The answer was a brief one- '' ask the Governor.''- At a period as early as practicable, the Civil and military authorities of the place convened at the request of General Long in order that he might explain to them to the object of his visit and the motives of his conduct. He entered into a full a,nd free exposition of all his plans and operations, embracing a brief history of his first campaign -its motives, its sufferings and its final defeat. He also explained the views and feelings of General Trespalacios in uniting with him at
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