Sketches of the campaign in northern Mexico : in eighteen hundred forty-six and seven / by an officer of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers.

216 SANTA ANNAlS VEXATION.
That farrago of vanity, deceit, sycophancy, bombast, and
falsehood, does not accord very well with his actions during
the battle, or his words at the subsequent conference. The
reader will not fail to remark how lightly the veracious
Pedro treats his recent defeat, and how obsequiously he
endeavors to propitiate "the worthy and most excellent
Senor, Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna," whom the revolution of August had recently recalled from exile, and
re-established in power. That distinguished Mexican, disappointing the hopes of those who permitted him to land al
Vera Cruz, had placed himself at the head of the war party.
and was then engaged in organizing a grand army at Sar
Louis Potosi, which he proposed marching to the north.
We are informed that, "irritated by the news of the fall o:
to the charge. Unfbrtunately, two pieces of cannon and a mortar, which defended
the position, got out of order, and became useless, and although as soon as advise(
of it, I sent a reinfobrcement, it reached the hill too late; the enemy had alread3
succeeded in obtaining possession of the castle. This accident compelled me t(
concentrate my force in the Plaza, in order to present to the foe a more vigorou:
defense, and to repel on the 22d, as was done, the assaults made by them througl
the streets and houses of the city. But, as under the circumstances, I suffere(
great scarcity of ammunition, and in spite of the ardor with which the entire army
both regulars and auxiliaries, were animated, I proposed to the American Genera
a parley, which resulted in an understanding by which the honor of the nation amn
the army, the personnel, aims, and equipments were preserved.
This is a true statement of the operations of the campaign up to the 24th inst
and if an inadequate supply of means, and other circumstances, have led to thi
result, we have not yet cause for a moment's dismay, for the Republic will now pu
forward all her elements of greatness, and with one single victory, which we may
shall, and must obtain, will solve the problem definitely in favor of our arms.
People of the east! the event which occurred at Monterey, is of' little moment
The favorite general of the Mexicans, the worthy and most excellent Senor, Dot
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, will promptly take charge in person of the direction
of the campaign. Let the sacred fire of patriotism continue to burn in your bo
somns, and without fail we will triumph over our enemies.
PEDRO DE AMPUDIA.
Head-Quarters, Saltillo, September 29, 1846.