15
The Beginmngs of Revolution in Tezas, I8IO-I812
National lntell.igencer in Washington published a report from Natchi- tiches dated February 14, x8u, giving details of the Revolution. "God grant them success,'' wrote the editor, but wisely reflected, "... the revolution may change men and things." He hinted that it might be well to reinforce the Louisiana outposts against any emergency. 26 But forces were at work destined to tum the tide of rebellion temporarily. The rapidity of the advance of the Mexican Revolution north from San Luis Potosi had stunned the Royalists, but it had neither converted nor exterminated them. Even as Casas was at the height of his glory, Brigadier General Jimenez was facing a serious threat in Saltillo. The Royalist forces had been reorganized. The undisciplined and ill-equipped hosts of the Revolu- tion were no match for seasoned troops. Brigadier General Calleja attacked Hidalgo and Allende, and by defeating them in mid-January, forced their abandonment of Guadalajara. The Revolutionists retreated to Zacatecas as Calleja marched triumphantly into their former head- quarters. Allende, blaming Hidalgo for the defeat, had him removed from command. Dissension in the poorly organized ranks of the Revolu- tionists did not improve their chances of success. The ap-proacl,, of evi,l days. How to hold the northern provinces was perplexing Jimenez. In desrair he called upon Allende for help. He pointed out that the northern provinces must be held at all costs in order to keep open communications with the United States. He knew from reliable sources that Anglo- American reinforcements and arms would soon arrive in Texas. 27 To hasten the much-needed aid, Jimenez wrote Allende that Marshal Ignacio Aldama and Father Juan Salazar had been commissioned early in Feb- ruary to proceed to the United States by way of San Antonio to negotiate with the Anglo-Americans. 21 Allende did not need to have impressed on him the importance of consolidating the gains made by the Revolutionists in the northern provinces. Throwing caution aside, he resolutely marched from Zaca- tecas to the aid of Jimenez. He had no sooner left Zacatecas than the Royalists took possession. Calleja, having reorganized his forces in the meantime, had entered San Luis Potosi in triumph and was Z6Washington National Intelligencer, April 9, 1811, reprinted in Chabot, Teras in 1811, 148. 27Carlos Maria de Bustamante, Cuadro Historko .•. , I, 186-191, 197; IV, I 59·160. 21Lucas Alaman, Historia de Merko, II, I 50, 165-167; J. E. Hernandez y Davalos, Coleccion de Documentos, I, 233-234.
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