History of Central America, Volume 3, 1801-1887: The Works of Hubert Howe Bancroft, Volume 8Bancroft, Hubert Howe
History
History of Central America, Volume 3, 1801-1887: The Works of Hubert Howe Bancroft, Volume 8
Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Central America -- History
José F. Barrundia was authorized by President Morazan to enter into
peaceable negotiations with Carrera, and the clergymen José María de
Castilla, Manuel María Zeceña, and José Vicente Orantes. Barrundia,
together with Manuel Arrivillaga, started for the hacienda of La Vega
to confer with Carrera; but at Ojo de Agua they ascertained that he was
at Mataquescuintla, and declined to hold any conferences, and yet an
arrangement with other opponents had been signed at Santa Rosa. This
document, which was shown by Father Duran to Barrundia, stipulated
the immediate coming of a bishop, the abolition of the code and of
other liberal measures decreed by Barrundia, and that Carrera should
become the commander of the reform forces, or in other words, the
arbiter of the country, which was what the clergy wanted. Barrundia was
indignant, but he had to submit and keep calm, else he might lose his
life. He merely said that the arrangement needed some discussion, which
might lead to the adoption of some amendments. Duran had not worked
to promote Barrundia's nor Molina's ideas, but his own interests. He
coolly replied that the matter had been well considered, and admitted
of no changes.
Barrundia wrote Carrera, asking for an interview to explain Morazan's
views, but Carrera appeared angry at the mention of Morazan's name,
and declined the invitation, saying that the time for negotiations had
passed, and that his march against Guatemala was in order.[VII-12] He
became much mollified on receiving from La Antigua a request for his
coöperation,[VII-13] and was now satisfied that the fate of the country
was in his own hands. Three days after Carrascosa's failure, Carrera
joined him with a numerous force of Indians, and after some fruitless
negotiations, marched into the city on the 1st of February,[VII-14]
at the head of about 10,000 men, women, and children, the troops of
the government having retreated in an opposite direction. The result
of this was that Galvez ceased to be the jefe of the state, and was
succeeded by the vice-jefe, Pedro Valenzuela.[VII-15]
[Sidenote: CARRERA TAKES THE CAPITAL.]
The entry of Carrera's hordes into Guatemala might well create
consternation. Outlaws and robbers were among the leaders; the soldiers
were in rags,[VII-16] and equipped with a variety of arms, from the
rusty musket down to clubs, and knives secured at the end of long
poles, while others carried sticks shaped like muskets, with tin-plate
locks. Conspicuous among the mass of followers were thousands of women
having bags to carry away the booty, and who gazed with amazement
on the fine houses.[VII-17] Shouting 'Viva la religion! Mueran los
extranjeros!' the invaders entered the main plaza. After a few hours
the work of rapine began.[VII-18] No regard was paid by Carrera and his
hordes to the wishes of the vice-jefe Valenzuela, who had asked that
only the force from La Antigua should occupy the plaza.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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