Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-05-09
MONTPELIER, FRIDAY, MAY 9, 1s45.
A SKETCH OF SANTA ANNA

A SKETCH OF SANTA ANNA. |
The recent revolution in Mexico, together with
the overwhelming changes in the fortunes of San |
ia Anna have impaired fresh interest to the life of
n man. whose career has been so extraordinary
and who but the other day-"the observed of all
observcrs"-with the destinies of nation in bis
hands, is now, it may be presumed, little better
than fugitive and an outlaw. The more immedi-
ate events in his history have been full of stirring
excitement His capture by the Texans, his re-
lease, his return to Mexico in an American nation.
al vessel, his overthrow Of Bustamente his re-elec-
ton as President, his loss of leg in defence of
Vera Cruz, his new movements for the re-conuuest
Of Texas the death of his wife, his speedy mar
rage to another the late popular outbreak, his ty-
rannc0l conduct towards the Mexican Congress,
the fidelity to him Of large body of followers the
pertinacity Of his resistance, his repeated attacks
on Pueba, and finally, if the last accounts be true
OF his negotiation for surrender The conduct of
his countrymen in relation to his amputated leo.
must be pronounced as brutal and dsgraceful, and
will long be remembered as n cowardly manifesto.
ton of popular fury. Brantz Mayer, in his interes.
ting work on Mexico, gives an account Of the bu-
rial of this leg. He arrived at the city gates Jus:
after sunrise, they commenced firing in honor of
the day. which was TO be celebrated by an entomb-
ment OF the remains of the shattered limb. The
principal streets were covered with an awning the
military were out in all their finery, the officers Of
government mingled in the procession and the
limb Of the President buried in 1888, afterwards
buried at Vera Cruz, was disinterred and brought
to the capital in 1870, laid in chrystal vase borne
10 the oemetry of Santa Paula where it was depos-
tied in a monument prepared to receive it, by the
command of the general of the Mexican army A
solemn eulogium on the President was then pro-
nounced by a distinguished Mexican and the Ger
emonies in honor OF the precious relic were con-
cluded. What contrast have recent events pre-
! sentedl The leg has been torn from its place OF
/ I.sa1,...1
Of Santa Anna which had been placed OH beau
;iful column, has been thrown down and tramplod
upon!
a writer in the .Neo Orleans Tropic, " no was
witness to the Revolution in the city Of Mexico,
speaks of the assembly of people in front of the
Pluzza. Shouts Of vivas,' he says from twice ten
thousand voices rent the air, clenced and uplhed
| hands and gesticuutions of the most determined
character, indicated the deep-seated enthusiasm Of
the vast multitude. 1t was indeed a tremendous
spectacle. | Witnessed many men so impressed
and affected at the sight that the tears were stream
| ing down their faces. 1t was a motley scene. The
Mexican gentlemen, the merchant, the epego, in
his many coored clothing the officer in his gorge
| Gus regmentals, soldiers, crowds of young men,
women, and boys all combined to furnish specta.
Gle which those who witnessed it and the intense
| enthusiasm which appeared to burn in every one
will never forget. But few months before, Santa
A. visited the theatre in his splendid state carriage
encompassed by other carriages, and followed by a
bout seventy lancers. Two rows of grenader.
were stationed the whole length of the entrance tC
the theatre, making lane for the gcneral-n-chie
to pass. There was hardly any under six feet
| fine looking men. The theatre outside was bril-
| liantly illuminated; splendid transparencies will
the ptions-'Patron of this edlfice,' Hero O
Tampco,' Hero OF Vera Cluz,' 'Siempre Vende
corr or always conqueror; these and similar bril-
liuncies formed dazzling spectacle. But the trans
parency that lowered above the rest, was ful
length portrait cf Santa Anna crowned with aure
by the genius Of victory, who seen hoverin!
over his head. This was recently torn down b.
the mob, and converted into kind of broom witt
which the streets were swept. Mr.. Mayer, in hi
work already quoted from, describes Santa Anna Il
about six feet hgh well made and of graceful bear
ing, and stumping along on an old fashioned wood
en- peg, having rejected as uncomfortable all tn
mock legs with patent springs, that had been pre-
scented TO him. His dress on all public occasion
| was that of a high officer of the army, and hi
breast was covered with richly gemmed decorations
| His brow 1--WE here quote from Mr.. Ms. descrp
ton, written in 1872 shaded with black hair some
what sprnkled with grey is by no means lofty, bu
narrow and smooth. His head, although rathe
small, and too long for It's breadth, has a markc
g and boldly defined outline, indicating talent an
e resolution His nose is straight and well SHAPED
and his brows knit in line over close and brlial
eyes, which are said to fash with life when rouse
y to passion. His complexion is dark and sallow, an
$ his Temperament evidently bilious His mouth
= the most remarkable feature. lis prominent e,
s. pression when at rest, is that of mingled pain ar
d anxiety. In perfect repose you would think hi
:. looking dying friend, with whose suiferings
If was deeply but helplessy sympathizng There
It no vindictvcness, terocity or i'll temper in his e.
7, preston.
II In another part of his work, Mr.. Mayer says ::
IS 'As we passed the front of the national palac
J. from out of the main portal dashed fifty gay C
}, parisoned hussars, followed by coach richly dec
n ed with crimsoned velvet and gold drawn by io
p white horses, and driven by Yankee coachma
N Behind these dashed fifty more hussars while
d the side of the coach, six aids refined in their sp
!! tied chargers, There Is but one person in the Y
y hicle His dress is that Of general of divisio
p with red facngs and gold embroideres He wea
a. a number of decorations around his neck, while
re medal blazing with diamonds voted to him by t
rs nation, rests on his bosom. His sword handle
h. studded with diamonds, and his hand rests on a d
in mond headed cane He is uncovered, and as
is passes, bowling gracefully to your salutauon, y
&c recognise the President Of the Republic Su
a. was Santa Anna only year or two ago.
IS EhiiadeIDhia Inqurer