Star.
London, England, 1829-12-24 00:00:00

MEXICO.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR.
LETTER IV.
Stn,--It now remains for me to demonstrate the cor-
rectness of the assertions contained in my third letter.
Spain cannot assemble as considerable body of troops
at any point of the Peninsula, without being infallibly
exposed to a renewal of the events of 1820: from the
discontented there (and it seems to me they are not
wanted) are always sure to find support in the Spanish
soldiery, to whom they afford the chance of escaping
from being sent to South America. Add to this
the expense, dangers of such a long passage,
and the time given for preparing a warm re-
ception ! In order to have the smallest prospect
of success, it is absolutely necessary that Spain
should have a species of depot, towards which she could,
by successive detachments, transport the army which she
cannot send all at once. It is necessary that this spot
should be sufficiently remote from the coasts of Europe,
in order that the troops, when united, should not easily
yield to the temptation of returning. It is also requisite,
that this rendevous should be rich and fertile, sO as to
`afford the means of feeding and clothing these pilgrim
Soldiers ; as well atfto meet all the wants of the expedi-
tion before and after its departure. For this purpose,
Spain can only calculate on the Canary Islands, Porto
Rico, or Cuba : but the Canaries are extremely poor, and
at a short distance from the Peninsula: Porto Rico is
also poor, circumscribed, and opposite the coasts of Co-
lombia, where there is nothing to gain. It is also too
far from Mexico, where it is absolutely necessary togo in
order to risk what is called a coup de main. Cuba,
therefore, Cuba alone is the spot in which Spain can
sharpen its claws before pouncing on the eagle of
Guatimozin.
The vicinity of Cuba, its excellent ports, arsenal, and
forests:—its rich population, even the insalubrity of its
climate where the Spanish soldiers by the inoculation of
the yellow fever, become half seasoned against the still
more formidable dangers of the enemy's shores,—every
thing combines to render this island the centre of all the
liberticide intrigues against the New States,—the point of
departure for all the expeditions ofSpain. Place Cuba either
one way or other, in the impossibility of injuring Mexico,
and the Mexicans may from that hour lay down their
arms. It is also from this hour that the empire of the
laws may be dated among them.
Unfortunately, the foresight both of Mexico and Co-
lumbia at the period already alluded to, as well .8 their
preparations, were completely thrown away. An irresis-
tible combination enchained their will, and from policy as
much as gratitude, they made the greatest sacrifice which
any government could make for the tranquillity and security
of the people confided to their care, and for whose safety
they are alone responsible. The history of this transac-
tion in so well known, that I am spared the trouble of
entering into other details ' • and besides, what is the use
of recuring to an event which occurred five years ago ?
Recriminations and regrets are no longer of any use.
It is much better to call your attention to the situation in
which my country is now placed with regard to Cubs,
and to ascertain whether this situation is improved by the
late capitulation at Tampico. Such will be the object
my next letter.
Dec. a. MERICANUS.

VICTORY OF TAMPICO.

CONTINUATION OT THE DESPATCII 07 GENERAL

SANTA ANNA.

OFFICIAL BULLETIN.

I then replied that the Mexicans were as brave as they
were invincible against those who attacked their freedom
and independence, while they were ever ready to act
with generosity towards a fallen enemy. After which I
empowered Colonels PEDRO LANDER°, IGNACIO
'BERRI, and AN Tot; to Metta, to arrange the articles
of Capitulation as set forth in document No. '7, and
which were agreed to in a manner the most unequivocal
by an enemy who was not less surprised at the bravery
and resolution of our army in the field, than at the frank-
ness and civility of its Chiefs; when, no longer exercising
the barbarous law of force, an appeal was made to
Mexican sensibility and honour through those means
which are dictated by policy and justice. The
capitulation was finally ratified by myself and the
Spanish General, and is now executed, with the
sole difference that the invaders gave up their arms in the
entrenchments, and having substituted for the town of
Victoria, the villages of Catalina, Uzuluama, Tantima,
Altamira, and Panuco, for a residence until their
embarkation, and for the convenience of both
parties. I have ordered an inventory to be taken of the
colours, arms, ammunition, and other warlike stores
which have fallen into our hands. I have to lament the
loss of my Aide-de-camps Colonel Nicotas ACOSTA and
Lieutenant FRANCISCOTAMARIA, as also many other
brave Officers. Our loss in rank and file amounts to 127
killed and 151 wonnded. The loss suffered by the enemy,
though covered by his trenches, consists of 104 killed
and 96 wounded; all the latter are undergoing their
cures in our hospitals. I feel it my duty to recommend
to his Excellency the President, the wives and families of
those who have on this occasion fallen victims to their
gallantry and enthusiasm in the cause of liberty and
national independence. Nor can I omit calling the
attention of his Excellency to the exemplary zeal
and gallantry of the Officers of every rank. (Here
follows at considerable length the names of a great
number of those who most distinguished them-
selves during the action with the enemy) The 'Ge-
neral then proceeds : nothing, excellent Sir, but love of
country, and republican virtue, could have enabled both
officers and men to encounter the hardships or act with
the bravery displayed during these glorious operations.
It is happy for Mexico that in the midst of these evils
which the corruption of a few of her sons have caused,
she should still be so fertile in acts of heroism and intre-
pidity. I bless a thousand times the happy moment of
leaving the harbour of Vera Cruz in a few frail boatsl
with a handful of brave men, who, exposed to an ardent
sun, and tedious marches along the almost impracticable
coast, were among the first to humble the pride of Spain,
attacking, with little more than 300 men, and a few armed
volunteers, the head quarters of the enemy—forcing him
to abandon his ephemeral conquests, putting an end to
his chimerical hopes, and gloriously planting the trico-
loured flag of freemen, before a force five times more nu-
merous than our own.
Our idolized country has triumphed, excellent Sir,
and let us hope for ever ! To me was reserved the inex-
pressible happiness of commanding the brave men who
have achieved these triumphs, and vanquished those
legions which were once so invincible in Europe. Happy,
I repeat, was the hour in which I quitted Vora Cruz !
Happy, thrice happy the Republic, if it reaps all the
fruits of such a victory !
(Sped) ANTONIO LOPRZ DE SANTA ANNA.
The documents referred to will appear to-morrow.

FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE.
Al-11Mri.
The Duke of Devonshire, at Devonshire Honer, from his seat.
Cbatsweetb, Derbyshire • Bail Clanwilliam. le Cups-street, Pie.
cadny, from Ragland ; Hon. Captain and Mrs. Permit, at their
seat at Brent, from a tour; Lord M. BM, in Arlington-strict,
from Brighton • Z. Boner. Req. at Symmons's Hotel, St. James's-
street, from Set:eland; Lieutenant-Camel and bliss O'Reilly, at
Feotoo's Hotel, St. James's-street, from Ireland ; Captain Gipps
(Roml,Eoguseers).at Morky's Hotel, Cockapor-street, from 31rzi-
to • Lord Lilford, at Ms seat in Northamptonshire, from a tour ;
Captain and Mrs. Ripley, in Regent.sweet, from Bath; Robert
Ramsden, at the Denten Hotel, Berner' street, from Spratton,
Northampton; Mrs. I. In* and B. Orthorp, Rot at ditto. from
Bath; William Yates. Req. and Mrs. Yates. at ditto. front Lan-
caster ; J. Bartlett, Req. at ditto. Brighton ; .J: W. Hearne, Esq.
at ditto, from the Ridge, Henn
DRPARTU RES.
Lord Nugent, for his seat, Liner. near Aylesbury. Backs Mr.
and Mrs. Hawkins,and family, from Warren's Hotel,Regent.street,
for their mat, Betheler House Lido Hampton ; Mr. Mrs. and
Miss Carnahan from diva, ter their seat near Tonbridge Wells;
Mrs. Dawson. from MoosiboasPorsro, foe her seat, St. Leonard's.
hill, near Windsor; Wigpt Chown Zeal. from Hatchett's Hotel,
Piccadilly, for the Vino. Hung Rev. Mr. Winer, from ditto, for
ditto; J. W. Carleton, lisq. few Symmons's Hotel, St. James's.
street, for Chester; A. G. Mara. iits. ad the Misses Ideates,
from ditto, fur alanehester-street.