[134] For the Verdigris River, see Nuttall's Journal, in our volume xiii, p. 234, note 193.—Ed.
[135] This is the Cimarron River, see [note 43], ante.—Ed.
[136] Flint here refers to the most available authorities on Mexico. Conrad Malte-Brun was a Danish geographer (1775-1826), banished from his native country because of zeal for French revolutionary ideas. Settling in Paris, he devoted himself to geographical sciences, and issued Précis de la géographie universelle (Paris, 1810-29), which went through many editions and was long accepted as a standard authority. Alexander, Baron von Humboldt (1769-1859), was the most distinguished geographer of his time. His famous journey to South America and Mexico (1799-1804) first made Spanish America known to the world. Armed with official permission from Madrid his Mexican journey lasted about a year, in which he made a large collection of historical and scientific facts. The journals of his travels were published as part of his thirty-volume work on New Spain. He also published Essai Politique sur le Royaume du Nouveau Espagne (Paris, 1811). For Pike's work, see Brackenridge's Journal, in our volume vi, p. 155, note 56; also [note 46], ante.—Ed.
[137] Saltillo was founded in 1586. During the war for independence this place suffered considerably, a battle being fought here in 1811; later, the town served as headquarters for the insurgents under Jiminez. In 1846 General Zachary Taylor occupied the place without opposition.—Ed.
[138] After the Spanish attempt to recover Mexico in 1829, a law was passed by the republic, according to which all persons resident in the country, but born in Spain, were expelled from Mexican dominions.
The mines were those of Santa Rita; see [pp. 86], [110-119], [178-180], ante. The Spanish owner there referred to as Don Francisco Pablo de Lagera, is the same person here mentioned.—Ed.
[139] Religious toleration was finally secured in Mexico by the decree of 1873 pronouncing separation between church and state.—Ed.
[140] Monterey, the capital of the province of Nuevo Leon, was founded in 1596, and named in honor of the fifth Spanish viceroy of Mexico. The town changed hands several times during the revolutionary struggle; but the important event of its history was the siege by the American army in September, 1846. The place made a gallant defense, but finally capitulated upon honorable terms.—Ed.
[141] Agustin Iturbide was a native of Valladolid province, who entered the militia and rose to a colonelcy. In 1820, as military chief, he succeeded in combining the various Mexican parties, and drove the Spanish viceroy and army from the country. He was hailed as "Liberator," and shortly (May, 1822) had himself proclaimed emperor. But his arbitrary rule and the general desire for a republic, united his late allies against him, and in less than a year he was compelled to abdicate and submit to banishment. In 1824 he imprudently returned unheralded, being thereupon arrested and executed by the republican authorities.—Ed.
[142] Matamoras, the chief town on the lower Rio Grande, has been the theatre of many important historical events. Upon the revolt of Texas (1835) it was the base of supplies for the Mexican army. Taylor entered Matamoras with the American army in June, 1846. Much of the contest over the Franco-Mexican invasion under Maximilian, centred in this city, which was finally evacuated by the imperial army in June, 1866. The revolution which placed President Diaz in power, took its rise at Matamoras (1876).