The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-29

7 II E R E ? u BLIC,
From The baltimore american.

History OF the Buena Vista Flag OF Truce
| Among the really valuable addresses delivered
on the occasion of the death of the late President
Taylor, ls one pronounced at Salem, Mass, on the
18th instant, by the Hon. {. w. Upham. IL con-
tains an account of the celebrated flag of truce
which, during the battle of Buena Vista was sent
from Santa Anna TO Gen. Taylor; and as this ac.
count was derived from the lips of the late Pres-
dent, ii Is yeracious in every respect, and will
hereafter pass into history. The passage is fol-
lows
secret history of the is fully revealed, be
found to shed light upon it, will here record the
facts related to me by Gen. Taylor himself Dur
ing the height OF the conflict flag ap-
preaching. The emergencies OF the day bad SO
stript him of his sta, that, having no one to send
he went himself TO meet it, As the young officer
who bore 1t could not speak English, nor he Span
ish, the conference took place in French The
communication was this: "Gen. Santa Anna de-
srcs to know what General Taylor ,cants?' Feel
ing somewhat indignant that a message go appar-
emily impcrtinent should have been sent at such a
moment, and regarding II as perhaps device
merely to gain time some other illcgitimate ad
vantage or at best species of trfiing. he gave an
| answer dictated by the feeling of the moment
"What General Tay or Wants is Gen. Santa Annals
| army"
Here the conference closed, and the Mexican
officer withdrew. Upon moments reflection,
| he regretted that he had given an answer so un-
diplomatic, and having much the air of a e.
partee. He called to mind the fact that his gov
ernment had advised him that they had favored the
return of Santa Anna to Mexico from belief that
he was disposed to promote, and might have intlu-
ence enough with his countrymen to effect ter
mnaton of the war, and, it occurred to him. really
designed to open the way for negotiation, and per
haps a pacidcation--an object very near to his
heart. He rode the fields in search of General
Wool, made known the circumstances to him, and
suggested, If not too great personal exposure the
expediency OF his carrying a flag OF truce to the
Mexican lines to ask an explanation OF the mes
sage.
To send an officer of his rank character and DO
sition, would remove the indgnity, if it should be
so regarded, of his blunt and summary answer.
General Wool readily and gallantly undertook the
service and rode forth 10 execute It, but the fire of
the Mexican batteries could not again be stopped,
and no further parey took place. The next morn
ing, when Colonel Bliss sent with flag to the
Mexican head quarters he was requested to asccr-
tain what had been intended by the message of the
previous day but he found the state of things such
as TO render 1t vain 10 enter upon the subject The
import OF the message remains unriddled to this
day. Santa Anna can undoubtedly solve the enig
ma.
Mr.. Upham, in the course Of his address gives
numerous anecdotes, exhibiting the late Presidents
courage and generosity. Among other instances
of the display OF these qualities the part of the
deceased hero, he gives the following:
In the conversation from which | derived these
interesting items of information, General Taylor
described TO me the anxious consultations of the
second night OF the battle. His officers to
him, one after another, expressing decided opn
ion that his army was too much broken TO be
brought up TO the struggle another day. lie de-
clared to them his belief that, dreadfuly as his
forces had suffered, the enemy had suffered worse
that retreat any other alternative entirely
out oi the question; that he had made his arrange
mcnts TO present still formidable front To the foe,
aud all that remained for them 10 make up
their minds to conquer die together, if the
sault upon their position should be renewed with
the returning light. "But," said he, "gentlemen,
it will not be renewed. l surveyed the whole field
as the sun went down, and believe we have beaten
/ the enemy"
! When the third day dawned, il was discovered
4 that Santa Anna had fled from the ground Gene
/ raj Taylor instantly ordered a train of wagons
provided with medical and other means of relief,
accompanied by surgeons from his army, 10
follow the track of the Mexicans and administer
To the wants of the wounded and disabled whom
they had abandoned on their retreat. Upon some
once expressing a doubt whether such n of the
public stores and wagons, for the benefit Of the
emy, would be allowed by the department, Taylor
cut the difficulty short, at once, by saying, "1hen
will pay the bill-and TO provide for the contin-
gency, he directed separate account 10 be kept OF
all that was extended for the purpose.