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

COuntrymen - Faithful TO the solemn promises
which made my return to this country in August
last, and determined to respect the national will,
whatever it should be, have directed all my atten-
ton to the defence of the country, to the sustaining
of her threatened liberties restore their
old brllliancy (Which had been furnished in the late
confiIcts,) and to rout the enemy who attempts to
blot out Mexico from the catalogue of nations Fully
satisfied with the honor if exposing my life for the
good OF my country and perhaps, not without hopes
OF acquiring an immortal name, by securing her
glory forever. by placing her in that pre-eminent po-
stion which she ought to occupy amongst the civil
lied nations of this part of the gobe) came to take
command of the army. | knew very well how dan
gerous the enterprise was; l knew the risks and
compromises | would have to incur; knew that the
army was very small, and disorganzed in conse-
quence of the late discords and that there were few
of the corps who retained rects of instruction and
discipline | knew that the exchequer of tie nation
was exhausted; that public spirit was broken down.
and that all tired of the repeated revolutions
which have been taking place constantly during the
long period of more than twenty-five years; but l
was determined to sacrifice myself for my country,
and without hesitation instantly took the immense
responsibility on my shoulders.
surrounded by difficulties and thousands of obsta-
Giles, which had tOreseen without being able to sur
mount, and to do all which, as a Mexican and as a
General who loves his country and his honor, might
think expedlent and necessary felt very much af-
considering myself great centre OF all
hopes, and trembled contemplating how closely
eagued are my destnes with those Of this country,
which Is so beloved by me. single fault my
part could have submerged her forever in an abyss of
gnomny; and that it was easy to do but difficult to
mend
The Supreme Government knew all my Affections
and fears, took care of advising it of ALL placing
constantly before it the doleul picture of the suffer-
ngs which the army was enduring And | continu-
ally requested him to send resources to cover the
great and urgent necessities with which l was sur
rounded; but did not wish e publish my frequent
and nearly daily commu' MS fearing that my
letters might be badly int ed, and also that the
enemy would be made acquainted by them of our
painful and dific ult situation, and would have
cred more courage, and probably have undertaken
larger enterprises.
thought of deserving by such noble conduct, the
esteem of all my fellow citizens, who certainly, being
of the facts could not do less than appreciate
in all that should be considered noble and great
But, unfortunately, that mistaken, and
that far from granting to me their sympathy if not
praise, they heap upon me afronts and vtuperatlon
am accused of apathy and naction. 1t is supposed
that see with cool Indifference, the ills of the
try, and some Of them have gone far to present
me, IN the eyes of the world, traitor.
Why then this detention in San Luis says the
hostile party Of the press. Why, when the General
OF the enemy freely and with small body of troops
explores the States of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and
Tamaulipas, do they not 60 out and meet him! Why
does not the Commander-in-chief advance into the
country! Why does he not fight him and drive him
out of the countryi Mexcans, hear me, and believe
that no one wishes than myself that the day of
glory for the country, the day of confusion and horror
to the unjust enemy should shine but unfortunately
holy my wishes are the difficulties great with
which am beset
On my arrival at the capitol, the army was not
what 1t is to-day, you will easily by my
tlon Since that time, it has been increased three
fourths of its original force did not find here, nor
was there any in any other place, deposit CT men.
horses, or equipments. | was compelled first to send
for the men to all the States to fill up the regiments
A soldier cannot be made at once, and the whole
world knows that the ordinance requires four months
at least of instruction. for the purpose of being able
to do duty in time of peace Would it have been
prudent, then, wishing to escape from the note of in
action. to take the initiative and to present myself to
the field with an army of novices, composed of men
taken up in the moment from their domestic occupa-
tons! Would the people not accuse me then, and
with more reason, of having exposed to evident
danger, the honor of our and the liberty Of our
country, having committed the irnprudence of operat
ing with men ard not with soldiers! Was it pot my