PAPERS OF ·MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE l.u\.:M:AR 125 soldiers as he said but only the Citizens of the place who had come out to see us- It was true, that they did not seem to have arms in their hands, altho' they displayed like a regular force. Jordan thought it prudent to examine into the matter; and sent out two scouts, right and left, for this purpose. These scouts were soon met, right, and left, by superior ones from the enemy. Jordan enquired of Malino what this meant; "you told me that there were no Soldiers here". Malino replied that he supposed that it was some of the Citizens who had armed themselves against us; and proposed that we should at once charge them and put them to flight. This Jordan was not dis- posed to do without further enquiries & discoveries. It was soon found that a very large force, was secreted behind the hill, waiting for our advance upon them. The scouts of both parties when they met, halted and remained sta- tionary until until [sic] Malino & Lopez and Jordan held a conference as to what should be done. They concluded to send a Messenger to the Enemy, and demand what he wanted. The Corrier was dispatched, well received, and returned with a letter, stating that the place was unprovided for defence, and that the citizens were willing to meet any reasonable requisition if the Troops would not enter the town. In a few minutes after, a Courrier came from the Enemy, with a proposition that Malino should come to their Read Quarters) to ad- just the matter, and to receive the money. 1\falino went, and went alone. A large Cavalry force came out to meet him; not to escort him, but to make him a prisoner. They charged upon him furiously, brandishing their weapons, and finally bore him off a captive. This was done in open -view of the Americans Lopez> cried out for Malino's rescue and urged Jordan to charge upon the foe. Jordan, however, concluded to learn a little more about the strength, position and de- sign of the enemy before moving. He now called in his scouts, and marched to a point where he could. see the whole force of the Enemy; and chose a position for battle. Lopez accompanied him; and all adjusted for the action, they awaited the advance of the Enemy. But he came not. They remained in this situation, each apparently wait- ing for the other to advance. Lopez Iiow proposed that the Ameri- cans and Mexicans should fight separately; and said that he would move round the hill and attack the Enemy in the rear whilst Jordan should charge him in front. The fire of his guns were to be the Sig- nal for Jordan to charge-The move was to be simultaneous, Lopez pressing upon the rear and Jording pushing upon them in front. This being ordered, Lopez moved off circling round the hill; when he had got some distance off he halted, and spoke to his men to this effect- saying that they were in imenent danger; that their escape was im- possible, and their distruction inevitable if they attempted battle- he therefore advised them to do what he had resolved upon himself- viz to go over to the Enemy- Gonzales abhorred the sentiment, and urge(j the men to stick to their integrity. Lopez, however, shouted Long Live the Republic of Mexico, and dashed off the Enemy's camp. The shout rang through his lines, and the most of the force followed their perfidious and dastardly leader. Gonzales still true to his faith, being second ,in command, collected the few who adhered to his coun-
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