MY MOTHER AND SISTER LEAVE POPAYAN WITH UNCLE RICHARD--MR. LAFFAN AND I
ACCOMPANY THEM--LION GIVEN TO ME--MEET JUAN AND HIS TROOP--HEAR AN
INSPIRITING ADDRESS FROM DONA DOLORES--A POLITICAL BALL AT DON CARLOS
MOSQUERA'S--DONA DOLORES WARNS ME AGAINST CAPTAIN LOPEZ--SHE ENLISTS
NUMEROUS RECRUITS--THE DOMINIE SHOWS THAT HE HAS HAD MILITARY
EXPERIENCE--DRILLING THE LEVIES--THE CITIZENS EMPLOYED IN ERECTING
FORTIFICATIONS--THE ENEMY APPROACH--PREPARATIONS FOR THE DEFENCE--THE
SUMMONS TO ARMS--THE CITY ATTACKED--MR. LAFFAN AND I JOIN DON JUAN--THE
ENEMY DRIVEN BACK--A SORTIE--THE ENEMY ATTACKED--GUNS CAPTURED--RETURN
IN TRIUMPH TO THE CITY.
During the night information was received that the Spaniards, two days
before, had entered Bouga, on the Cauca, leaving us in no doubt that
they were advancing up the valley, and might be expected in our
neighbourhood in the course of three or four days--perhaps even their
cavalry might appear sooner, as they probably, thinking there was no
force to oppose them, would push on ahead of the main body. My father
therefore kept to his resolution of sending off my mother and sister;
and the next morning at daylight, after a hurried breakfast, the horses
and mules were brought round to the courtyard, ready to start. My
mother and sister, and the female attendants, rode the mules; the rest
of the party were mounted on horseback. It was settled that Mr Laffan
and I should accompany them to Egido, as we could without difficulty be
back before nightfall.
Our uncle, Dr Cazalla, came to see our mother off.
"I wish that you would accompany us, my dear brother," she said. "If
the Spaniards take the place, you are certain to be annoyed and
persecuted, even should no worse consequences follow."
"No, no; I must stay at my post, as your husband intends doing. We must
set a good example. If the principal people run away, what may be
expected of others?"
My mother's entreaties were of no avail, so Uncle Richard, finding that
all was ready, gave the word to move on.
We proceeded as fast as the mules could travel, and by noon arrived at
Uncle Richard's hacienda, where Aunt Maria and Rosa gave my mother a
warm reception.
"We shall here, I trust, be safe from the Spaniards; but if we hear of
their coming, we must take to the mountains, where even they will be
unable to find us," said Dona Maria.
"But what will become of the house and estate?" asked my mother.
"We must leave that matter in God's hands," answered Dona Maria. "If
the fruit trees are cut down, and the corn destroyed, he can restore
them. The Godos cannot prevent that."
As soon as our horses had baited, the dominie and I prepared to start on
our return. I embraced my mother and sister affectionately, and bade
farewell to dear little Rosa and Aunt Maria. We knew not what might
occur before we should meet again. I had, while staying at the house,
admired a fine dog called Lion, which had grown from a puppy into a
noble animal since I first saw him. The creature had taken a great
fancy to me, too, and this had been observed by Uncle Richard.
"I make you a present of him, Duncan," said Uncle Richard; "he will
prove faithful, I am sure, and may possibly be of service."
Lion was a species of hound, with a thick tawny coat and large paws,
possessing prodigious strength. He was good-tempered and obedient, but
at the same time it was very evident that he could fight desperately
with those powerful jaws of his. Patting his head, I told him that he
was to accompany us, and he seemed fully to understand me. The dominie
was already mounted. Lion looked at Uncle Richard when he saw me
getting on horseback, as if to ask if he was to go. Uncle Richard
nodded, and pointed to me. So Lion set off, keeping close to my heels
all the way, clearly understanding that I was in future to be his
master.
Mr Laffan was as eager to get back to the town as I was, in order to
hear the news. We were still about half a league from Popayan, when we
saw, in an open space near a wood, a considerable body of men, some on
horseback, others on foot, with flags fluttering above their heads. As
we approached, one of them rode out to meet us, in whom I recognised Don
Juan, though much changed in appearance. Instead of his civil garb he
was dressed in military fashion, with a long lance in his hand, a
carbine at his back, and pistols in his holsters.
"I have not been idle, you see, Duncan," he observed, after we had
greeted each other. "I have raised fifty fine fellows, and hope to have
a hundred more mounted and armed in a day or two. If every gentleman
will do the same, we shall soon collect a Patriot force sufficient to
drive back the Spaniards."
We rode forward with him to see his troop. The larger number were
mounted, but there were some infantry armed with long guns--tall, sinewy
fellows, dressed in broad-brimmed hats, loose trousers, and coats
fastened by pouch belts round their waists. The horsemen also wore
large sombreros, leggings and huge spurs, and tight-fitting jackets; and
they were armed with spears and swords of various lengths. Some had
pistols, others carbines, but the lance was the principal weapon.
We rode together into the town,--the infantry, who wore only sandals on
their feet, keeping up with the horses. We were passing down one of the
streets on our way to a convent which the authorities had turned into
barracks, when a lady appeared at a balcony. Juan reined in his steed,
and ordered his men to halt. I recognised Dona Dolores. My friend
bowed low, with a look of pride on his countenance. Dona Dolores
smiled, and addressed a few encouraging words to the men, reminding them
of the cruelties which had often been inflicted by the hated Godos,
urging them to fight bravely, and not to sheathe their swords until they
had driven their foes into the sea. The men cheered, and Dona Dolores
saying she would no longer delay them, we rode on.
The dominie and I parted from Juan at the next turning, and soon reached
home. Finding that my father was just setting out to attend a large
party given at the house of Don Carlos Mosquera, one of the principal
inhabitants of the place, Mr Laffan and I hurriedly dressed and
accompanied him. Though ostensibly a ball, the real object was to bring
persons of Liberal principles together, of both sexes. As many of the
upper classes took a warm interest in the cause of freedom, nearly all
the ladies of the influential families were there, with their husbands
and fathers. I was surprised, also, to see several parish priests, who
were as warm in the cause as any other person. Indeed, one of these
padres had donned a semi-military costume, and announced his intention
of aiding his countrymen with his sword. Those who knew him best said
that he could fight as well as he could preach.
I soon met Dona Dolores and her father. She smiled, and beckoned me to
her.
"I was glad to see you just now with Don Juan, and I hope that you will
obtain your father's leave to join his corps," she said.
I replied that I would gladly do so, but that at present my father
wished me to remain with him at Popayan.
While we were speaking Don Juan joined us, when Dona Dolores
complimented him on his zeal and activity in so soon getting together a
body of men.
"We have got the men, the arms, and the horses, but we all require what
cannot so readily be obtained--the necessary discipline," he answered.
"I myself require to learn the duties of an officer, for, except that I
can use a sword and lance, I know little of military affairs."
"You will soon learn, Juan," said Dona Dolores in encouraging tones;
"you must obtain an expert instructor, and your own natural talents will
point out to you how to act on most occasions."
Just then a military officer approached and bowed to Dona Dolores. I
saw an expression of scorn pass over her countenance, unobserved by
Juan, who, saluting the officer, addressed him as Captain Lopez.
"The very man I want," observed my friend. "I have just raised a body
of men, who require to be disciplined. You have had experience; you
must join me, if you do not already belong to a regiment."
I did not hear the answer given by Captain Lopez, but Dona Dolores,
turning to me, said, "He is not to be trusted; a mean-spirited fellow,
though a great boaster. You must tell Juan not to accept his services."
This Captain Lopez was, I afterwards found, a rejected suitor for the
hand of Dona Dolores. With her clear perception, she had discovered
that he did not possess the qualities she could admire.
Juan and Captain Lopez had gone to some distance, and were engaged in
eager conversation. During this time several persons had come up and
asked Dona Dolores to dance; but she declined, saying that she was in no
mood for such an amusement. She contrived, however, to keep most of
them by her side for some time, while she urged on them the duty of
joining the Patriot cause. I left her surrounded by a number of
gentlemen, and went to look after Juan, to whom I wished to repeat the
remarks I had heard from Dona Dolores. I found him at length in an
alcove, still talking with Captain Lopez. The captain's countenance, as
I watched him at a little distance, impressed me very unfavourably.
There was a scowl on his brow, and a peculiar wrinkle about his lips,
which made me feel that I for one would not trust him; and I hoped that
my friend would not be induced to do so either.
I waited until the captain quitted Juan, to whom I then went up, and
told him what Dona Dolores had said.
"She is too probably right, for she has wonderful perception of
character; but, unfortunately, I have engaged Captain Lopez to come and
drill my men, and I cannot now well put him off without his considering
himself insulted. However, I will remember the warning I have received,
and not trust him too much. I intend to bear the whole expense of the
corps myself, and am anxious to get some smart young officers. I wish
that you would join us, Duncan. You would soon learn your duties; they
come almost by instinct to some people."
"If I can get my father's leave, depend upon it I will," I answered;
"and as Mr Laffan has seen some service, I have no doubt that he will
assist you. Perhaps he himself will join. I suspect that he would be
as well able to drill your corps as Captain Lopez."
Several gentlemen present had been engaged in raising men; and, I was
told, there were already upwards of two thousand troops in town, though
few of them were sufficiently disciplined to meet the enemy. Other
Patriot leaders were scouring the country round to obtain recruits, and
these, in small parties, were coming in during the night.
In spite of the serious aspect of affairs, the people at this ball
danced as much as ever. The card-tables were also filled, but the
players stopped very frequently, forgetting the game to discuss matters
of importance. I understood that there were men on the watch at the
doors, to give notice should any foes to the Liberal party make their
appearance.
"I found, on our return home, that my father was pretty well satisfied
with the enthusiasm exhibited by the people generally.
"Bloodshed I fear there must be, for the Spaniards fancy that they can
overthrow liberty with a few blows, and are determined to stamp it out;
but they are mistaken," he observed.
From dawn the next morning, till nightfall, the new levies were
undergoing drill in the great square. I saw Juan at the head of his
men, and Captain Lopez drilling them.
"Don't you think you can give my friend Juan a helping hand?" I said to
Mr Laffan, who had accompanied me.
"Faith, it's not impossible!" he exclaimed, his eye brightening. "If he
asks me, I'll try to brush up my knowledge of such matters."
I told Juan what the dominie had said, when he at once came forward and
begged that he would take charge of a part of his men.
"Is it the cavalry or the infantry?" asked Mr Laffan.
"The cavalry are the most important," answered Juan. "Here is a spare
horse at your service."
Mr Laffan at once leapt into the saddle, and going to the head of the
men, formed them into line. To my surprise, he gave the proper orders
in Spanish without hesitation, and soon showed that he had had no little
experience as a cavalry officer. He kept the men at work for three
hours without cessation, after which they were dismissed for breakfast.
Captain Lopez cast a scowl at us as he passed on his way to his
quarters, without deigning to compliment Mr Laffan on his proficiency.
Juan accompanied us home to breakfast, and afterwards we returned to the
square, when, to my surprise, the dominie took the infantry in hand, and
drilled them for four hours in a still more thorough way even than he
had done the cavalry.
"If we had but a few British sergeants and corporals, we should make
something of these fellows in a few weeks," he observed. "I would be
mightily obliged to the enemy if they would but wait till then; we
should by that time be able to give a good account of them."
Don Juan, as might have been expected, begged Mr Laffan to join his
corps, offering him the command of either of the companies.
"I am engaged to the doctor, and cannot quit his service unless he
dismisses me," he answered; "but, while I have the opportunity, I will
gladly drill your men for as many hours as they can stand on their legs.
Some years have passed since I have done any soldiering, and it makes
me feel young again to be so engaged."
While the levies were drilling, the townspeople--including old men,
women, and children--were employed, under the few officers who had any
knowledge of engineering, in throwing up batteries and forming
entrenchments round the town. In some cases the walls were strengthened
by the aid of a machine, consisting of a large square bottomless box,
into which the mud was thrown, and then beaten down hard. A number of
these boxes were used at a time, and it was extraordinary with what
rapidity a strong wall could thus be erected. The mud was brought in
carts, in baskets, and in various other ways, and thrown into the box.
Additional strength was gained by forming a slope on the outer side. A
number of guns buried on a former occasion by the Patriots, to conceal
them from the Spaniards, were also dug up, and mounted. Night and day
the people worked, for every hour gained added to the strength of the
place, and increased the prospect of successfully resisting the enemy.
There were several known Royalists in Popayan, who had hitherto remained
quiet; and many of them, on seeing the preparations made for the
defence, hurriedly left the town. Many Liberals also sent off their
families, to avoid the risk to which they would be exposed. Among the
Royalists I met the Bishop of Popayan, Don Salvador Ximenes, mounted on
a splendid horse, and attended by his secretary and several
ecclesiastics--who, but for their hats, I should have taken for military
officers, for they were all armed to the teeth, and had a decidedly
martial aspect. My father knew the bishop well, while I had often seen
him. Though a somewhat small man, he was remarkably well-made, and had
a good-natured, open countenance, with sparkling grey eyes. His
secretary was a tall, good-looking fellow, with a broad pair of
shoulders, but bearded like a pard, and looking little like a priest;
indeed, he had formerly been a captain of dragoons in Spain, until he
followed the bishop out to South America. Don Salvador had been canon
of the cathedral at Malaga when Buonaparte invaded Spain. On that
occasion, throwing off his ecclesiastical garb, he had assumed the rank
of a colonel, and by his preachings and exhortations he had aroused the
Spanish peasantry to resist the French. On the restoration of Ferdinand
the Seventh to the crown of Spain, the _ci-devant_ colonel was created
Bishop of Popayan, then in possession of the Spaniards, where he had
made himself very popular among all ranks, notwithstanding his political
opinions.
On meeting the martial-looking bishop and his companions, I felt sure
that his departure foreboded no good to the Patriot cause. I bowed to
him as I passed, and he gave me a nod of recognition, although he was
well aware that I was not a member of his flock.
I at once rode on to Don Carlos Mosquera's house, to inform him of the
departure of the bishop, should he not be acquainted with it.
"Let him go," he answered. "He will do more harm to liberty inside the
town than he will do without; and we cannot imprison him. If he comes
as an enemy, a bullet may put a stop to his intrigues."
I frequently met Dona Dolores on the parade-ground, riding a handsome
horse, and attended by her father, Juan, and others. She on several
occasions addressed the men, especially the new recruits, and urged them
to be faithful to the noble cause in which they were engaged. She also
occupied herself in writing to Patriots in various parts of the country,
or to persons whom she hoped to win over.
While the citizens were working away in the town, scouts were sent out,
that we might have early notice of the approach of the enemy. Several
days elapsed, however, without any news of their approach, and this
afforded time for fortifying the city and increasing the number of its
defenders. So confident did the Patriots at length become, that it was
proposed to march out and encounter the enemy in the open country; but
wiser counsels prevailed. Our men were ill-disciplined, and we had no
field-artillery.
Upwards of a week had passed, when the scouts brought in the information
that the Spaniards were advancing. Still two or three days must elapse
before they could reach Popayan. The interval was spent in
strengthening the fortifications, and otherwise preparing for the
defence of the city. Provisions were brought in, and gunpowder and shot
manufactured, while the drilling of the men went on as energetically as
at first. White men, Indians, and blacks, all seemed to take a real
pleasure in their duties. The army was certainly a motley one, both in
costume and colour, composed as it was of men of every shade from white
to black--the dark, however, predominating; several of the officers were
black, and others had Indian blood in their veins, if they were not pure
Indians. Where all fight for liberty, however, the only qualifications
required for command are talent and courage. Not a few even of the
highest rank could neither read nor write.
My father, I may here say, had half consented that I should join Don
Juan's troop, and had given leave to Mr Laffan to act as he felt
inclined.
The enemy had now got within three leagues of the city. Some deserters
who came in--or rather, I should say, some Liberals who had made their
escape from the Royalist ranks--informed us that they were not at all
prepared for the resistance they would meet with, as they were not aware
that the city was so strongly fortified and garrisoned.
Each night we went to bed expecting that the next day might be that of
battle; but I was one morning awakened by hearing all the bells in the
city ringing. I jumped up, and going to Mr Laffan's room, found him
dressed, and in the act of buckling on his sword--afterwards sticking a
brace of pistols in his belt.
"I intend to join Don Juan," he said; "if I fall, Duncan, you will not
forget the instruction I have given you. Good-bye, my boy; do you stay
quietly at home."
"Not if I can help it," I answered. "Wait but five minutes. My father
will not refuse me permission to assist in defending the walls."