Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1845-1851, 1847-03-24


his with imparality, and afterwards Judge if de-
serve to be reprimanded But ii is not sufficient If
we desire to victory TO arms, that the |
army which | lave the honor to command, should be |
numerous and disciplined; 1t Is not sufficient this |
army possessed of the most eminent enthusiasm to
avenge the ouraees that have been done to the nation
this is great DEAL certainly, but it is by means
all that is required. Full of fire, and DESTROYS of
glory, the gallant Republicans of the army of the
Alps would not have been able to do what they did, if
instead of finding the beautiful and fertile fields of
Italy they had met with barren deserts, Obliged TO
cross in the horrid nudity in which they were.
No help could be given to them for the moment,
but their young general, from the snowy top of the
Alps pointed them the relic cities which would
become Prize to their army. They saw with Won
der, the magnificent Palaces which victory led
them. Has the Mexican soldier the perspectlOn!
He has to march through his country, and he is
obliged to respect the houses and property of his
countrymen, who expect from HIM protection. All
nearly deserted does not offer shelter against the
elements, nor a sufficient quantity OF water tor the
men aud horses; if advance, 1t Is necessary to
put from distance to distance depots OF provisions
where the soldier will be able to find, after being
down by fatigue and hunger the necessary
sources to live on. Without this II seems impossible
for the army make any movement. Has anything
been done concerning this important matter, although
| have made thousands of representations !! 1t Is
very painful tell it, Mexicans but | cannot keep
secret any longer nothing has been done and what
is worse, don't that there any prospect Of do
mo It. the army Is kept In a state OF great naked
ness. and in the most dreadful misery, much
hat for twenty-five days have not been able to pay
their rations which have been therefore taken
credit.
The heroic defenders of Monterey, wounded by the
ba il, of the enemies, lying here quite abandoned
without any other assistance than that which the
charity and the patriotism of few inhabitants gives
them.
There is not In this fellow citizens, any exaggera-
ton; appeal to the testimony of the authorities of
San Luis: since the 25ih of December it has been
scarcely possible TO assist the troops with two days
pay which has served more to pay off old debts than
to attend to present necessities. OF the $4,000
appropriated for the expenses Of the army, ony Sl15
eco have come 10 hand, which received III De-
cember last, and nothing this present month, and IN
order TO help the great wants, was compelled TO en-
gage my personal credit for the amount of so 600,
which were lent on pledge of my private property,
and which sent to the division IN observation at
Tula. Could the army under such miserable clrcum-
stances, make movement Far, very far, am |
from nsinuating that the Mexican soldier depends
upon the pronptness with which his country pays
him. but there are difficulties which II Is Impossible
for us to overcome 1t is impossible to give ratlons
to the troops when there is ratlons or TO pay them
when there is no money This Is, as described, the
situation of the army, courageous, and as full OF
patriotism as any other In the world, which Will sac
rice itself with It's chiefs for the national honor II Is
its WISH and if it asks for assistance only to satisfy
It's wants. ii does it be able to approach the
enemy to sustain It's good name, and the glory and
/ liberty of the nation TO which 1t belongs.
Useless have been, till to-day, all the endeavors
have used all the steps that have TAKEN having IN
view tie receipts of the necessary funds Notes over
notes almost daily repeated showing the horrid
state in which the troops were placed. The answers
to all these were promises and remote hopes, which
fear will never be realized, If so, they come per
lapS too late.
think that I have fulfilled, by this, my duties
because it is not for to propose the way of pro
viding the necessary funds, and | have only TO sa.
that If the nation wishes, think, To carry on thu
war, it must be known that those small sums tha
have been from time time RENTED are not of grea
help because they Will do only 10 cover the wants o
a day, they not sufficient to make permanent
impression, nor to base further operations upon. l.
those who are able do it not willing to help the
army the only protection which the country has will
be exposed, and they may lose all with their ndepend
ence, and they will be obliged to transmit to poserty
a name full of lgnomlny
Counrymcn! | would have omitted to present tt
you such a picture that given 10 you now, and
which know viii fill your hearts with Bitterness bu
find myself compelled to give you notice of all that
occurs 1t would be a crime II not brought tC
your notice. don't accuse any one, nor do dlTec
myself to any body bat | cannot consent that The
: honor Of the amy and nine, also, should suller
when in no period of history has the army de
served more credit and more esteem from the whole
country.
Concerning myself I shall repeat for the last time
Alexicans, that still recoec that the nation callet
defend her III the present contest and to resor
to her her liberty. honor, and glory, or to perish witt
her This is my only desire, and don't want, no
e do pretend any thing else. But if unfortunately
credit should not be given to my words--li, agains
: all hope, somebody should think me not capable q
: keeping faith with them, | shall prove ii with deeds
Tell me, if it is desired TO deliver the command O
t the army, and | will do it, although would lose b
: that the last opportunity to acquire an lmmorta
j name: because when it concerns my country-he
feelings and glory, there nothing, nothing IN til
, world difficult to
will retire if il is thought useful, not TO take ia
# power which conferred upon me a few days ago
o because have already sand more than once that
not wish any more employment nor other honor tina
5 that of saving my country, III the present war vat
the United States, and as 1t has been done,
: shall retire to my domestic hearth, and huma
J. power will be able to take me from thence TO publ
c life And if still my seli-dena is not Judged suii
: ccnt--if my presence is thought dangerous on tn
i soil on which | was born, shall seek III orelg
Y country an asylum for my last days, in which sha
pray constantly for the prosperity and increase OF IN
r country Far, very far am | from having ambtio
: less noble or praiseworthy; because undecelyed
the value Of power and distinction there on remain
to me one pleasure, which is, to deserve and CT
c Joy the applause and esteem Of my ellow-cltzens
q ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA.
e Head quarters, San LUIS Pot0Si,
l. January 2Gth, lsl7
II Later from TampicO.