Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-10-23

low citizens to exercise the office OF comman-
der-in-chief of the Army of the Republic
was far from my native land when intelligence
of this renewed confidence, and OF these new
obligations imposed upon me by my country,
was brought to me, 4 saw that the imminent
dangers which surrounded her on all sides
formed the chief motive for calling me to the
head of The Army. | now see terrible con-
test with perfdious and daring enemy m
pending over-h her, in which the Mexican Re-
public must reconquer the insignia of her glo-
nv, and fortunate issue if victorious, or dis
appear from the face of the earth if SO unfor-
tunate as to be defeated. also see treach-
erous faction raising its head from her bosom,
which, IN calling up form of government de-
tested by the united nation, provokes prefer
able submission to foreign dominion; and
behold at last that, after much vacllatiOn, that
nation is resolved to establish her right, to act
for herself, and to arrange such form of gov
eminent as best suits her wishes. All this |
have observed, and turned a listening ear to
the cry of my desolate country, satisfied that
she really needed nay weak services at so i'm
portant a period. Hence have come without
hesitation or delav to place myself in sub ec-
ton to her will, and, DESTROYS to be perfectly
understood. uDon reaching my native soil,
VI
ments and principles The reception which
they met convinced me that had not deceiv-
ed myself, and am now the more confirmed
in them, not from having given them more
consideration, but because they have found a
general echo in the hearts of all my fellow-ci-
tlZens.
| I come, then, to carry nv views into oper-
ation and in compliance with the mandates of
nv country She calls me as commander-in-
chief OF the Army, and in that capacity stand
ready to serve The enemy occupies our har-
bors-he is despoiling US of the richest of our
territories, & threatens us with his domination.
| [ go, then, to the head of the Mexican Army,
an Army the offspring (hijo) of a free people,
and Joined with it | will fulfil nv utmost
duty in opposing the enemies OF my country.
| will die fighting, or lead the valiant Mexi-
cans to the enjoyment of a triumph to which
they are alike entitled by justice, by their war
like character, and by the dignity and enthu-
siasm which they have preserved of free ma
ton. The war is a necessity of immediate
importance. Every days delay is an age of
nfamy. | cannot recede from the position
which the nation have assigned me- | must 90
forward, unless | would draw upon myself the
censure due to ingratitude for the favors with
which | have been overwhelmed by my fell
ow-citizcns, or unless | would behold her
humbled and suffering under perpet,lation of
her msfOrtuncs.
Your EXcellency will at once perceive how
great an error | should commit in assuming the
Supreme Majestracy, when my duty calls me to
the field to fight against the enemies of the
Republic. | should disgrace myself, if, when
called to the point of danger, should spring
to that of power Neither my LOYALTY nor my
honor requires the abandonment of interests so
dear to me. The single motive of my heart is
to offer my compatriots the sacrifice of that
blood which yet runs in my veins. | wish
them to know that consecrate myself entire
" to their service, as a soldier ought to do, &
am only DESTROYS further, to be permitted to
point out the course by which Mexico may
attain the rank to which her destinies call her
In marching against the enemy, and declin-
ing to accept Of power, give proof of the
sincerity of my sentiments leaving the nation
her own mistress, at liberty to dispose OF her.
self as she sees fit. The elections for mem
bers of a Congress, to form the constitution
which the people wish to adopt, are proceed
ing. That Congress will now soon convene
and while | shall be engaged in the conflict il
armed defence of her independence, the nation
: will place such safeguards around her liberties
: Us may best suit herself
If | should permit myself for a single mo,
mcnt, 10 take the reins OF Government, the sin,
cerity of my promises would be rendered ques
tionabic, and no confidence could be placed il
= them.
am resolved that they shall not be falsif
cd, for in their redemption | behold the gener
:; al good, well as my honor as a Mexican
: ana soldier. cannot abandon this position
t The existing government has pursued course
' with which the nation has shown itself con
3; tent and have no desire to subvert it by Ia
! king its place. | feel abundant pleasure i'll re
manning where | am, and fatter myself tina
the nation will applaud my choice. | shal
. ioyfully accept such tasks as she shall con
. tinue to impose upon me, and while she is en-
. gagel in promoting the objects OF civilization
| will brave every danger in supporting it
Y benefits, even at the cost of my existence.
7 VIII your Excellency have the goodness II
e tender to the Supreme Government my SINGER
thanks Tor their kindness? | will PERSONAL,
repeat them tomorrow, for which purpose
propose to call at the palace | shall Their
t embrace my friends, and hastily pressing then
Il to my heart, bid them a tender farewell, an
> set out for the scene of war, to lend my aid t
serve my country, or to perish amongst its I'll
ms.
J. beg to repeat to your EXcellency assuran
ces of my continued and special esteem.
; ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA.
II A n