CIVIL WAR. 229 



remain chief until his arrival. This was assented to. 

 Deputies were sent requesting Morazan to come to Gua- 

 timala, and also to the Antigua, to explain the circum- 

 stances of violating the convention ; but they were un- 

 successful, and the same night the alarm-bell announced 

 the approach of eight hundred men to attack the city. 

 The militia were called to arms, but only about forty 

 appeared. At half past five Galvez formed the gov- 

 ernment troops, and, accompanied by Prem, marched 

 from the plaza to meet the rebels ; but before he reach- 

 ed the gate a conspiracy broke out among the troops, 

 and with the cry " Viva el General Merino, y muera el 

 Gefe del Estado, qui nos ha vendido — fuego, mucha- 

 chos " Live General Merino, and die the chief of 

 the state, who has sold us — fire, boys," the infantry fired 

 upon the etat major. A ball passed through Prem's 

 hat ; Galvez was thrown from his horse, but escaped, 

 and took refuge behind the altar of the Church of La 

 Concepcion. Yanez succeeded in dispersing the troops 

 with his cavalry, and returned to the square, leaving 

 fifteen dead in the street. Merino, with about a hun- 

 dred and twenty men, took possession of the small field- 

 piece of the battalion, and stationed himself in the square 

 of Guadaloupe. Parties of the dispersed troops re- 

 mained out all night, firing their muskets, and keeping 

 the city in a state of alarm ; but Yaiiez saved it from 

 plunder by patrolling with his cavalry. In the morning 

 Merino asked permission to march into the plaza. His 

 number had increased by the return of straggling par- 

 ties ; and on forming in the plaza he and three or four 

 of the ringleaders were ordered to leave the ranks, and 

 sent to prison in the convent of San Domingo, where, 

 on Monday afternoon, he was tied to a stake in his cell 

 and shot. His grave at the foot of the stake, and blood 



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