Restoration of Royal Autlwrity
33
By the end of the day Hidalgo, Allende, Aha.solo, Jimenez, and more than a score of the principal leaders of the Revolution were prisoners. A vast treasure of some two million pesos in gold and silver bars, artillery, equipment, supplies and hundreds of horses and mules fell into the hands of the daring Elizondo and his followers. More than eight hundred men were disarmed and taken prisoners. Only one leader of distinction, Iriarte, managed to escape. 17 Truly the dreams of the Revolutionists were shattered at one blow. The faith of Governor Manuel Salcedo was rewarded. The surprise had been complete and its effect, devastating to the cause of liberty. Mexican patriots wept; Liberals in the United States deplored the catastrophe; the English discussed the incident with interest; the French considered the blow one more check on Napoleon; and the Spanish Royalists applauded the victory at home and abroad. 11 But the very magnitude of the success attained bewildered the victors, who were too few to control effectively for long the amazed captives. The numerous prisoners and vast treasure which had to be guarded weakened Elizondo's ranks dangerously. Darkness came with its attendant confusion and chaos. The fruits of victory still hung in the balance. Shortly before midnight Elizondo, harassed by the expectation of a rally and counterattack, was suddenly relieved by the timely arrival of Governor Manuel Salcedo. He had left Monclova that afternoon at the head of a division of troops. He had waited until the Governing Junta of Coahuila, with Captain Munoz and Galan participating, had passed a resolution calling for Coahuila and Texas to unite their forces against the advancing Insurgents and make a united stand against the enemy. Realiz- ing there was not a moment to lose, he had appointed Captain Munoz his adjutant and rushed to the aid of Elizondo, who he knew had too small a force to secure the victory. 1 ' Texas had come to help Coahuila save the day. Salcedo's military skill soon restored order. The prisoners were divided into groups and placed under adequate guard; pursuit squadrons were quickly organized and sent to keep the scattered enemy from rallying, and the vast treasure of the Insurgents was well guarded. After an anxious night, Salcedo, who a little more than a month before had been led in chains from San Antonio to Monclova, proudly escorted the most highly
17 Alaman, Hisloria de Mexico, II, 175-178. IIGarrett, Gree" Flag, 68.
19 Simon Herrera to Commandant General Nemesio Salcedo, Monclova, March 28, 18 JJ, in Gazeta Extraqrdinaria •.• Mexico, II, 362-363; Report of the Deputies of Texas to Nemesio Salcedo, Coahui12, May 21, 18n, Nacogdo&lus Ardiflu.
Powered by FlippingBook