Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1847-05-13
Santa Annals opinion Of the Mex
ican War.
Antonio Lopez Dc Santa ANNA,
President Adj Interim Of the
Mexican Republic to his
COInpatriOts.

Mexicnns: Vera Cruz is already in the
power OF the enemy. Ii is succumbed-nol
under the influence Of American valor, nor
can II even be sud that II has fallen under
the impulses Of their good fortune. To our
shame be It said, we ourselves have pro.
duced this deplorable misfortune by our own
in,erminable discords.
The truth 10 due to you from the govern.
ment-you are the arbners Of the fate OF our
country. II our country is to be defended, !,
will be you who will stop the triumphant
march Of the enemy who now occupies Vera
Crwz. II the enemy advance one step more,
the national independence will be buried in
the abyss Of the past.
/ sm resolved to go out and encounter the
enemy. What is lite worth, ennobled by the
national gratitude, if the country suffers un
der censure the stain OF which will re-
bound upon the forehead Of every Mexican !?
Ny duty is to sacrifice myself, and well
know how TO fulfil Perhaps the Amerl.
can hosts may proudly tread The imperial cap
ital Of Aztech. | will never witness such an
opprobrium, for am decided first to die fight
ing:
The momentous crisis has at length ar
rived TO the Mexican Republic. 1t is as
glorious to die fighting as 1t is Infamous 10
declare ourself conquered toittom a Struggle
and by an enemy whose rapaclty Is as far
removed from valor as from generosity.
Mexicans ! you have a reigion---protect
il! Yon have an honor-ihcn free your
selves from inlamy You love your wives.
your children-then liberate them from A.
merican brutality But it must be by ac-
tion--not by vain entreaty nor barren de.
sires, with which the enemy must be opposed.
The national cause is infinitely just. although
God appears to have deserted us but HIS
ire will be appcased when we present, rs an
expation Of our errors. the sentiments OF true
patriotism and Of a sincere union. Thus the
Almighty will bless our efforts, and we viii
be invincibe for against the decision OF
eight millions OF Mexlcans,of no avni are the
Efforts of ten millions Of Americans, when
opposed by the fiat OF Divine Justice.
Perhaps | speak to you for the last time !!
| pray you listen to me DO not vaclllate
between death end bravery and If the enc
my conquer you, at least they respect the
heroism of your resistance. 1t is now time
thar the common defence should alone occu
by your thoughts The hour Of sacrifice has
sounded it's approach Awaken a tomb
opens at your feet Conquer laurel to re-
The nation has not yet lost i,s vitality
swear to you will answer for the triumph OF
Mexico, IL unanimous and sincere desires on
your par, second my desires. Happy viii
have been, q thousand times happy the uu.
fortunate event at Vera Cruz, II the destruc.
,icn Of iha, city may have served to ih;nse
into the Mexican breast the dignity aud gen.
erous ardor OF true patriotism. Thus VIII
the country have been Individually saved /;
but ifthe country succumb, she will bequeath
her opprobrium and her censurc TO those ego
lists who were not ready TO defend hrr--io
those who iraitorously pursued their private
turmoils to trample upon the national ban
ncr
Mexcans! your fate is the fate Of the ma.
tion Not the Americans, but YoU. will de-
eide her destiny Vera Cruz calls for ven
geance--follo me, aud wash out the stain
of her dishonor.
ANTONIO LopA DE SANTA ANNA.
Mgxicu, March ~, Isi7