directed their forces. This recruiting which might bring upon the nation immense evils, has produced general peace, and taught the Mexicans of the frontier that in vain they seek for brothers beyond their own country; and that foreign sympathies are those of interest, and are as abstract as the word.

The inhabitants of the Frontier saw and became acquainted with that horde of savages who are called a nation, without nationality, without origin, with laws written in the mouth of the pistol; arrogant and feeble, because they have not that point of union, that common sentiment which is country, and which is nothing else but the same origin and the land of our ancestry.[161]

The day after Carrasco's arrival in the Federalist camp, Canales penned a warm letter of acceptance to Reyes at Mier and outlined a plan for effecting the surrender. In offering "obstinate resistance" to party persecution, Canales revealed that he had "prepared so many means" that it was necessary for him to consult Reyes on "how to destroy them successfully."

I speak to you candidly, because it is incumbent upon one thus to speak to a friend. You are aware of the position which I occupy, and the motives which impelled me to take a determination which the greatest difficulties could not overcome. It only remains for you to know the number of . . . men at this time under my command, in order that with . . . your advice and experience, I may with ease extricate myself from my position without jeopardizing the life of any Mexican, or the munitions, arms, and other tren and baggage, which were over [last?] night at five leagues distance from this place [Los Olmitos]. I have in one camp 161 men, of whom 93 are foreigners. With [Rafael] Quintero are coming 258, of whom 43 only are Mexicans. With Juan Seguin are coming 213, of whom 43 are from Béxar and La Bahía.[162]  The tren and baggage is coming with Quintero, also one piece of artillery, a 4-pounder. This is my force; I reveal it to you, because