The national whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1847, 1847-05-15

whole world, as well as his own nation. II
that he had some great scheme in view, some
herculean task. by which he hoped by single
blow to regain all that Mexico had lost, and at
the same time compel mankind to acknowledge
him one Of the first military chiefiains of the
age. think shall be able 10 show that this
was his plan; and if succeed, shall claim
no credit TO myself; for, as | said before, on
ly intend TO state few facts.
Many things occurred as early as the 25th Of
November last to prove to my mind that some
thing of the kind (above alluded TOY was on
foot as early as that period. limitations to iha,
effect were made to me by friendly Mexicans'
of standing and responsibility. AT the same
lime they said, if they should go into detail and
tell all they knew, they would endanger their
own necks. Since the defeat of Santa Ana at
Buena Vista, and the consequent failure of his
(Which was for the recovery Of the
Valley Of the Rio del Norte and the total ex-
termination of everything American from this
part of Mexico), these men speak out fearless
ly; for, notwithstanding they love their coun-
try, they despise their rulers.
As early as the 25th of November, ! say San
ia Ana commenced his operations; 10 show that
am not far from correct, beg leave to refer
to the letter Of Lieut.. Albert, Typographical
Engineer, to show that Santa Fe was included,
as well as the lower part Of the Rio Grande:
that Notwithstanding there seems to have been
a screw loose as regards the low country, yet
the Santa Feans played their part, and CON-
menced operations on the day appointed
Santa Ana's troops were 10 be employed in
this way:-A portion Of them were to occupy
Victoria, to form nucleus around which the
militia Of the country in that vicinity and
Matamoros might rally. Another force was
TO occupy Cadareita and China, to form an
other nucleus for the Rancheros between Ca
MARCO, Loredo, and the mountains. Secret
circulars were sent to the Alcades Of the differ
ent towns, calling on them Tor every man that
could possibly be spared, with instructions 10
equip them as well as he could, stating at the
same time that if they had not fire arms, they
must arm them with long knives, spears, and
every war like weapon their imaginations could
devise. Santa Anna was to advance from San
Luis and attack the Americans al their most
advanced position, with force that could moi
be resisted; was to drive them or compel them
to surrender, and if they attempted 10 retreat,
his reserve force stationed as above described)
was to fall upon and cut them to pieces in their
fight. The 25th Of December was the great
day appointed! As that was the birth day Of
the Saviour Of mankind, Santa Ana selected it
as the day on which he would redeem Mexico;
and shake off the chains and letters already
fastened upon them, and about to be riveted,
by the :" North American usurpers." All the
powers of the church were called into requisi-
ton 10 aid in the laudabIe and patriotic enter
prise. Masses were said in the churches, the
aid Of Divine Providence was invoked, and all
The sinews Of the nation were to be put forth
for the rescue of their beloved country! From
all these causes, success was looked upon as
certain. But when the people reflected that
the Great Santa Ana" was at the helm, they
looked upon defeat as matter Of total impossi-
Liity.
The only reason have heard assigned for
Santa Annals not carrying out his plan on the
day appointed, is the one assigned by Mexi
can captain, taken prisoner at Buena Vista,
viz: chat Gen. Taylor had all his veteran
regulars within striking distance Of Sal,illo !"
that Gen. Santa Ana did not consider himself
equal to the task, Notwithstanding the author.
tiles al The city Of Mexico were goad,ng him
on; and some of his officers, who had not yet
seen the American Elephant, actually charged
him with s'cowardice" | have not the least
doubt that this was the real cause fer his not
advancing al the time specified. But what
must have been his delight and agreeable sur
prise, when the withdrawal of nearly all Of
Gen. Taylor's regulars, with two or three bat
teres Of artillery was announced TO him at
San Luis! Well may he have said, sit is
not true''-it cannot be possible! there must
be some mistake And mol until he was of
6cially notified by the Mexican authorities at
Saltillo, would he believe word Of it. Fresh
couriers were sent in all directions through the
valley Of the Rio Grande, announcing to the
ignorant people this ridiculous story, that. the
"American General had become alarmed at
hearing that there were thirty thousand troops
at San Luis. and had consequently drawn of
all the regulars, and had left the volunteers, on
account Of their barbarity 10 the inhabitants,
10 be sacrificed" You will be surprised when
/ tell you that even this story was believed by