Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-05-21
ADDRESS

lOl W. W bNS ''
ADDRESS
Submitted 10 The Supreme Constituent Congress
by His EIcsllency, the President Of the Uni
ted States Of Mcrico:
EXCELLENT SlRs-Abscnt from my country
the first tidngs Of the reverses Of our country in
the war with the United States Of America reach
ed me, and ut once felt n strong desire TO re-
turn to tho republic TO comply With the duties
which were due by me, as n Mexican and sol.
der. The errors Of on iIl-omened Adminisra'
ton caused its fall; the revolution which caused
it turned It's eyes towards the exile, opened TO him
the door Of his native soil, and implored his as.
sistance. That voice reached my retrcat-it
made my heart exult, as only belong 10 my M
tive country. FASTENED my departure; res
ponded 10 the call that had been made upon me,
and kissed the shores Of Mexico with the en-.
lhusnsm Of devoted son who returns 10 the
embraces of his mother.
On my landing at Vera Cruz addressed my
fellow.citizens, stating to them the conduct in
tended TO pursue. ! assured them that the oh.
| iecl of my return was not to seek power; thnt
merely wished 10 combat internal foes; and that,
! FREQ from ambition, did not return TO live in ease
and pleasure, but TO submit to all tho rgors OF
war. MY actions have borne out my assertions.
| refused tho Presidency, which was repeatedly
offered to me. Without losing q moment
marched TO San Luis tn prepare everything for
the conflict which was about 10 tako place
and which expected would humilale tho pride
of the invaders.
In that city established my headquarters.
worked without rest in order 10 unite the elements
necessary for the prosecution Of the war, but
this demanded time; every thing was to be done
every thing was to be created, and even the most
trihing wants were opposed by every possible OBJ.
slaclc. Notwithstanding, tho months which
passed at San Luis were not lost. raised as by
enchanment a brilliant and numerous army
such as had not been seen since the days OF oul
glorious independence. The troops were in
structcd and manGuvred daily; Il plan ofthe cam
Ipaign was projected showing every probability
of our ultimate triumph; the soldiers were insplr
ed with spirit of enthusiasm which, far from
fearing the moment of danger were anxious iol
the encounter with the enemy, sure TO teach him
TO respect and fear us. lf under these circum'
stances we could have relied upon tho necessary
f supplies, the advantages Of our position werC
f such as TO give us certainty OF success, but
f am sorry TO confess it, we were in want OF thu
first necessaries of life. Willingly would avoiC
blaming the Government of the time being, ol
whom must fall the responsibility of tho past, d
not imperious necessity obligo me TO touch upo
so delicate subject.
The situation in which was placed was ex
trcmoly critical. 1t was rendered indispensable
that the army which | commanded should NEE
tho enemy, aud the complete desIllulon unde
which suffered offered insuperablo difficulties
, Ii is notorious to the nation what means ! use
, 10 obtain some money, and the exIraordlnnr
efforts TO which was forced to have recourse
0 in order to save from starvation and nakedne'
S The brave men who obeyed my command. II
naucring consolation TO my heart that at hi
/. critical moment had to pledge my fortune an
q tha. of my family, But what matters The los
r of either iflhe nation was rescued by lis uso!-
r These considerations induced me TO go TO battle
: which will not call sacrifice, as know n
n sacrifice when my country is concerned, bl
merely to prove that am always prepared I
h expose in lis defence whatever belongs to me-
o my quiet, my health, aud my earthly posse
O hsions.
!. Having finally furnished all the troops vii
!. provisions for twelve days, Il started from 81
!. Luis to meet the enemy at The head OF valIla
!. lroops, in search Of death or victory, and IN Il
10 I,mdslof the mos, frightful misery, which fail'
lio disheautn them or shake their discipline