The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-03-17
Miscellaneous.
a Sketch OF SANTA ANNA.


career has been so extraordinary; and who but tho
other dny-''the observed of all observers with
tho desnies of nation in his hands, is now, il may
be presumed, little better than fugitive and AN out
law. The more immediate events in his history,
have been full OF stirring excitement. His capture
by the TeTians, his Tolenso, his return to Mexico in
an American National vessel, his overthrow Of BUS
tNmente, his recollection as president, bis losss of
leg in defence Of Vera Cruz. his ne movements for
the reconquest Of Texas, the death of his wife, his
speedy marriage to another, the late popular outbreak
tyrancal conduct towards the Mexican Congress, the
fidelity to him of large body of his followers, the
pertnacty Of his resistance, his repeated attacks on
Pueba, and finally, If the last accounts be true his
negotiation for surrender.
The conduct Of his countrymen in relation to his
amputated leg, must be pronounced brutal and dis
graceful, and will long be remembered as a coward
ly manifestation Of popu lar fury. Brantz Mayer in
his interesting work on Mexico, gives an account Of
the burial of this leg. lie arrived the city gates
just after sunrise, they commenced firing in honor
of tho day, which was to be celebrated by nm en-
tombment Of tho remains Of the shattered limb. Tho
principal streets were covered with awning; the
military were out in all their inery, the officers Of
government mingled in the procession; and the limb
Of the President, cut Off in 1888, afterwards buried
at Vera Cruz, was disinterred, and brought to the
Capital in 1912, laid in crystal vase, borne TO the
| cemetery Of Santa Paula, where il deposited in
monument erected to receive it, by the command Of
the General of the Mexican Army. A solemn eulo-
GUM on the President then pronounced hya dis
tnguished Mexican, and the ceremonies in honor of
the precious relic concluded.
What contrast have recent events presented =
The leg has been torn from its place Of repose, and
kicked about the streets A statue Of Santa Anna,
had been placed on beautiful column, has been
thrown down and trampled upon.
writer in the New Orleans Tropic, who was a
witness to the Revolution in the city of Mexico speaks
Of the Assembly OF people in the Piazza in front the
Cathedral Shouts Of vivas che says) from twice ten
thousand voices rent the air. cenched and uplifted
hands and gesticuntiOns of the most determined char
ncer, indicated the deep-seatcd enthusiasm of the
vast multitude. II was indeed tremendous specta-
Gle 81 witnessed many men so impressed and az
fected at the sight that tears streaming down
their faces. II WAS motley scene; the Mexican
gentleman, the merchant; the lepro, in his many col
ored sarape the officer in his gorgeous regmenlals
soldiers, crowd Of young men, women and BOYS, all
combined to furnish spectacle which those who
Witnessed il, and the intense Of enthusiasm which
appeared to burn in every one, will never forget !''
But few months before, Santa Anna visited the
Theatre in his splendid state carriage encompassed
by other carriages and followed by about seventy Ian
GERS. Two rows OF grenadiers were stationed the
whole length Of the TO the theatre, making
line for the General in Chef to pass, They
very fine men, hardly any under six feet. The thea
outside brilliantly illuminated; splendid trans
purences with the Inscriptions 'patron Of this edi-
fce," ''lIero OF Tampico,'' Hero Of Vera Cruz,
Siempre Vencedor, Always Conqueror.-these
and similar brliancies formed dazzling spectacle -
But the transparency that lowered above the
II full length figure of Santa Anna crowned with au-
rel by the genius of Victory, who hover
ing his head.
This was recently torn down by the mob, and con-
verted into kind OF broom with which the streets
swept.
Mr. Mayer in his work already quoted from de-
scribes Santa Anna about six feet high we'll made
and of graceful bearing and stumpng along old
fashioned wooden leg, having rejected as uncomlort-
able all the mock legs with patent springs that had
been presented to him. His dress all public
sons was that of high officer of the army, and his
breast covered with richly gemmed decorations.
ellis brow 1--WE here quote Mr. Mayors description
HSJ
sprnkIed with grey, is by means lofty, but narrow
and smooth. His head although rather small, and
too long for its breadih has marked and boldly de-
fined outline, indicating talent and resolution. His
nose is straight and well shaped, and his brows knit
in line over close and brilliant eyes, which are said
to flash with fire when aroused to passion. His
complexion is dark and salow, and his temperament
is evidently bilious Ills mouth is the most remark
able feature Its prominent expression when at rest,
is that Of mingled pain aud anxiety. In perfect re-
pose. you would think him looking on dying friend,
with whose sufferings he deeply but helplessy
sympathzing. There is no ferocity, vndictiveness
ill-temper in his expression as.a s...H Is
In another part Of his work, Mr. Mayer says: "As
we passed the front OF the National Palace, from out
Of its main portals dashed fifty gaily caparisoned hus
sars followed by coach richly decked with crimson
velvet and gold, drawn by four white horses, and
driven by Yankee coachmnn Behind those, DASH
ed fifty hussars; while at the side Of the coach,
six aids rained in the spirited chargers. THERE'S but
ona nerson in the vehicle His dress is that of n