wished to compromise with the conservatives. On 29 September, the conservatives won a significant victory at Ahuahulco against Santigo Vidaurri. By October, 1858, the conservatives were at the height of their strength. In early November, Zuloaga’s minister of Government Jarequi offered to resign but it was not accepted. The liberals then took Guadalajara causing alarm in Mexico City. Zulaoga was holding frequent conferences with the British and French foreign representatives, and the two powers showed themselves disposed to help blockade Juarez. Juarez, however had long gained the good will of the United States, whose minister Forsyth had refused to recognize Zuloaga’s government. On 20 December 1858, about a year since he first came to power, Zuloaga had to face a pronunciamiento against himself. Echeagaray pronounced at Ayutla with a plan to summon a congress to frame a constitution suitable for the nation. Zuloaga passed measures to put down the revolt, assuming personal command of the forces at the capital, and forbidding all interaction with the rebels. He passed a manifesto condemning Echeagaray who was stripped of his post in the army. Manuel Doblado was also arrested. A modified form of the Ayotla Plan was proclaimed by Manuel Robles Pezula on 23 December, and found some military support in the capital. Zuloaga offered to resign if the objection was to him personally, but would not assent if the plan was meant to overthrow his conservative principles. Miramon was offered command of the plan, but he rejected it. As loyal troops kept defecting, Zuloaga resigned before midnight and sought asylum with the British legation in spite of the insurgents promises to keep Zuloaga unharmed. The Plan of Ayotla was actually an offshoot of the aforementioned fusionist party, a moderate faction, which did not seek to abandon conservative principles, but did seek an end to the war by seeking compromise with the liberals. Manuel Robles Pezuela arrived at the national palace on the morning of 24 December, when he assumed the presidency. Robles Pezuela sent commissioners out to gain adherence to his plan, and began to assemble a junta of representatives ignoring, however the conservative hero Miguel Miramon, upsetting conservative hardliners. Robles, however eventually conceded in granting Miramon representation. The Junta assembled on 30 December 1858, and proceeded to elect a president. Miramon won with 50 votes against Robles’ 46, though the latter was authorized to act as provisional president until Miramon arrived