Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1847-09-29


wanted 9 1000 men and ammunition, und
sent him oR with two dispatches, ALREADY
signed and sealed, in one Of which he gives
eNpost OF the action of the evening, stat.
ing that he bad beaten and put the enemy
TO y shameful flight, and that in conse-
quence he had conferred promotions on the
generals, chiefs. and officers.
Early the next morning, presented my
self again in the same camp reinforced by
q brigade which had drawn from the cap
ital, md with the intention OF forcing the
pass At any cost; but when was about to
commence, the enemy made his attack,
which lasted ten minutes, and l witnessed,
overwhelmed with despair, the defeat of
those soldiers worthy of a better fate. be.
cause the general who unfortunately cem-
uaanded them had cut himself off. The
consequences Of this success appeared terri.
bic 70 my sight. The enemy could arrive
BY rapid move at the capital before it
would be In my power to render assistance;
The enemy could by q flank movement cut
of my detached bsces; the enemy had OBJ
tanned as fruit Of his victory the power of
bringing the whole Of his forces against
part only Of mine; and, finally, the enemy,
owing to The insubordination and want of
skill Of one general, could turn to his profit
the advantages of my position.
The advanced fort Of San Antonio could
not be maintained, because our line had
been cut, and gave orders for its garrison
TO withdraw willis. protected the fort and
sefe de pond of Churubusco. The enemy
advanced and cut off part of the troops that
whore retreating, and appeared in front Of
our nearest defences There again l
placed myself al the head of our troops,
and my effort cost the enemy good deal,
of blood. The losses. although much to
DO lamensed, naturally proceed from the
retreat, which was hasty, unexpected, and
confused, owing to the trains that had to
pass through narrow lane, fanked in its
whole extent The defence was made from
line 10 line until we came to the third,
whore personally restrained the enemy
and saved tho capital, which had SO unex-
pectedly been placed in danger.
When was occupied on the 22d in re-
organizing the forces and manning the
batteries, having placed myself again at the
head of column which should offer resis-
,ance to the last extremity, received
communication from the general-in-chiefof
the enemy, proposing an armistice that
might give time to listen to the propositions
which may be made by the commissioner of
the Eoyernment of the United States, to
out an end to the contest between the two
nations. / accepted the armistice,- and af-
ter having had a meeting Of the ministers,
/ resolved to listen to the above propositions
The suspension of hostilities is always q
blessing, because war is always an evil,
particularly after the failure of grand CON-
binutions. To free the capital of its hor.
rora, or at least to retard them, was an
emergency which could not resist, and
the more 20 whom it presented the means of
arriving at an honorable peace.
When Two an,ions are IN state cs war
they enjoy the right Of reciprocally making
propositions, which pre-supposes the obliga-
lion to listen. A perpetual war is an abb
surdity, becnuse II is calamity, and the
instinct of eelf. representation which IS stron-
ger in nations than in private individuals,
ceunsels Us not to refuse any means which
may lead to an advantageous settlement.
re adopt this step she constitution conlers
anple powers on me.
Devoted to interests so noble and exalt-
ed, must at oil hazards maintain the
prssfiee and respect Of the supreme author
ity; particularly at present, when if the
factions should modest the Government,
.hey would deprive it Of the liberty of de-
liberating, and it would fall into utter insig.
niHcance in the presence Of our enemies. l
will be still more explicit. Attempts ut
subversiye scdition will be punished in an
exemplary manner.
/ hare still q respectable body Of troops,
and the nation will assist me to maintain
Its dignity and yindicate its glory. con-
slider myself as free as if had just obtained
q distinguished victory, and there is no
danger that the negotiators of the enemy
will impose upon me, when their troops
and cannon did not inspire me with fear.
We will settle cur difficulties amieably, if
above oil things our honor is, saved, and we
will again appeal to the sword, if force
should be interposed to withhold from us
justice and the acknowledgment Of the rights
of the nation.
Ssa ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA.
Mexico, August 23d, 1s47.