Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-03-25

gdI17EI
this with impartality. and afterwards Judge if de-
serve TO be reprimanded But it is not sufficient, if
we desire to victory TO our arms, that the
army which have the honor TO command, should be
numerous and disciplined; it is not sufficient this
army is possessed of the most eminent enthusiasm TO
avenge the ourages that have been done 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 10
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 out them the relic cities which would
become prize to their army. They saw with Won
der, the magnificent Palaces 10 which victory led
Them Has the Mexican soldier the same perspection!
He has to march through his country, and be is
obliged to respect the houses and property of his
countrymen, who expect from him protection. All
nearly deserted, it does not offer shelter against the
elements, nor sufficient quantity of water tor the
men aud horses; if we advance, it is necessary 10
put from distance TO distance depots OF provisions
where the soldier Will be able to find, after being
worn down by fatigue and hunger, the necessary
sources to live on. Without this it seems impossible
for the army to 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 it
secret any longer; nothing has been done, and what
is worse don't see that there is any prospect of do
ing it. The army is kept in state of great naked
ness. and in the most dreadful misery, so much so
that for twenty five days have been able to pay
their rations, which have been therefore taken on
credit.
| The heroic defenders Of Monterey wounded by the
balls of the enemies lying here quite abandoned
without any other assistance than that which the
charity and the patriotism of few inhabitants gives
1 them.
There is not in this, fellow citizens, any exaggera-
tion appeal to the testimony of the authorities of
San Luis; since the 18th of December it has been
scarcely possible assist the troops with two days
pay, which has served more to pay off old debts than
to attend to present necessities. OF the 100000
appropriated for the expenses of the army only Sl75
0C0 have come 10 hand, which was received In 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 $4,000,
which were lent me pledge of my private property,
and which sent to the division in observation at
lula. Could the army under such miserable crcum-
stances, make a movement Far, very far, |
from insinuatng that the Mexican soldier depends
upon the promptness with which his country pays
him, but there difficulties which it is impossible
for us to overcome 1t is impossible to give rations
to the troops when there is no ratons pay them
when there is no money. This is, as described, the
situation of the army, courageous, and full of
patriotism any other in the world which will
rce itself with its chiefs for the national honor, 1t
its WISH and if it asks for assistance only to satisfy
It's wants, 1t does 1t to be able to approach the
enemy to sustain its good name, and the glory and
liberty of the nation to which it belongs
Useless have been, till to-day, all the endeavors
have used all the steps that have taken, having in
view the receipts of the necessary funds. Notes over
notes almost daily repeated, showing the horrd
state in which the troops were placed The answers
TO all these promises, and remote hopes which
fear will be realized, if so, they per-
haps too late
think that have fulfilled, by this, my duties,
because it is for to propose the way of pro-
viding the necessary funds, and l have only say
that if the nation wishes, as | Think to carry on the
war, it must be known that those small that
have been from time to time RENTED not of great
help because they will do only to the wants Of
day, they are sufficient to make permanent
impression, moo base further operations upon. If
those who able to do it are 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 posterity
full of gnominy.
/ Countrymen! / would have omitted to present to
you such picture as that given to you now, and
which know will fill your hearts with bitterness but
find myself compelled to give you notice of all that
occurs. 1t would be crime were it not brought TO
your notice. don't accuse any one, nor do direct
myself to any body; but ] cannot consent that the
honor of the army, and mine, also, should suffer,
when, in period of our history, has the army de-
served more credit aud esteem from the whole
country.
Concerning myself shall repeat for the last time.
Mexicans that still recollect that the nation called
me to defend her in the present contest and to restore
to her her liberty, honor and glory, to perish with
her, This is my only desire, and don't want nor
} do pretend any thing else. But if unfortunately,
credit should not be given to my words-if, against
all hope, somebody should think not capable OF
keeping faith with them, shall prove it with deeds
Tell me, if it is desired to deliver the command oil
the army, and will do it, although would lose by
that the last opportunity to acquire an immortal
name; because when it concerns my country-her
feelings and glory there is nothing nothing the
world difficult to me.
will retire if it is thought useful, not to take the
power which was conferred upon me few days ago
because have already said more than once, that do
not wish any more employment nor other honor than
that of saving my country, in the present war with
the United States and it has been done,
shall retire to my domestic hearth. and no human
power will be able to take me from thence to public
ife And if still my self-denial is not judged sufi-
cient-if my presence is thought dangerous on the
soil which | was born, | shall seek in foreign
country asylum for my last days, in which shall
pray constantly for the prosperity and increase of my
country. Far, very far am from having an ambition
less noble praseworthy; because, Undeceved of
the value of power and Distinction there only remains
to true pleasure, which is to deserve and
Joy the applause and esteem of my fellow-citzens
ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA
\ Head quarters, San Luis PotoSi,
January 26th, lS47.
4 Later from TampicO.