159
PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR
prepared, not to attack Long; but to defend the place against Long's attack- The town was kept in confusion all night by his prepara- tions.- During which time frequent attempts were made towards a reconciliation; but all in vain; the obstinate and implacable Doctor would listen to nothing. He was told he had come to save the life of his father in law; but that his continued resistance would inevitably seal his death. "I come to save no lives; but to take life; I come for vengeance and nothing more." Rodrigus finding that nothing could be done with the Doctor, and dreading retribution if the place should fall into his hands, he pro- posed a treaty of peace and amnesty with his Prisoners, Bedowrie and Marcial Borego (who was related to the Doctor's wife) which they -readily agreed to; and a Doctement was soon drawn up and signed by the parties, who mutually pledged to forgive the past and under all circumstances to remain in friendship for the future. Rodrigus, his officers and the two prisoners now went to Dr. Long and presented the Document for his signature. The Doctor replied that he would not place his name to the Instrument; but that he was willing to abide by it~ stipelations if the prisoners were immediately released and order restored. This was done; and when morning came, what was the sur- prise, of all and the shame and confusion of the military, when, upon opening the doors of his fortification, it was found that the in- domitable Doctor had 8 muleteers to back him in his operations.- The Doctor soon after this went to Monclover to learn something concerning the progress & condition of the War; he found everything in confusion; the army defeated at Saltillio had retired to Monclover, and was about to choose [or] organize a govermt. Ramon Muscos and Bartolo Cadenas were rival candidates for Governor- the latter was elected. Much discontent prevailed with the defeated party; and the[y] believing that no good was about to result, he returned, and advised his father law to leave the country, being old and very obnox- ious to the Centralists; unable to resist persecutions or defend him- self. They left for Chiahuaha, and after travelling through a mon- tainous wilderness for 150 leagues, under great privations, they en- countered numerous indians and (were forced to return to Santa Rosa. Bedowrie now set out for Bexar, where -he had been governor; his removal was rendered necessary by the daily strength[en] ing of the Central power; and their unforgiving hatred of him. Doctor Long still remained in Santa Rosa.- It was well that Be- dowrie left him when he did, for very soon after his departure, Genl. Minyon arrived at l\fonclover, coming from the City of 3fexico, with a large force which he left at Saltillio, taking with him to Monclover only about 400 men. Minyon, on reaching :Monclover issued au Order for the apprehension of the principle Federalists in Santa Rosa, and to bring them on to Monclover. The order was given in secret; and before it was known that such an order had arrived, 25 of the most respectable men of the place were apprehended and put in prison. Doctor Long, having by accident got some little insite into what was• going on, escaped to the mines which he was working. He was fol- lowed by 26 men; they ordered him to surrender, he refused; they threatened his life; he seized his rifle and stood in self defence with
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