Page:A series of intercepted letters in Mexico.djvu/41

 elevated points were crowded by numbers of people, who still remained in their positions after witnessing the issue of the combat, their countenances the pictures of consternation.—During the combat some were immoveablyimmovably [sic] transfixed, others were violently startled by cannon; soldiers were seen running without muskets, and Polkas (national guards) wrapped in their blankets, their heads covered with slouched hats. What gave the last sad coloring to this picture was, the retiring of soldiers to their barracks in the evening, about one eighth of their original number, some without cartridge-boxes, some without arms, and all bedaubed with mud from head to foot. The night before, prayers were offered up in behalf of each soldier in particular and for the nation in general; but the following day we witnessed the catastrophe. How painful to say this! what human power can oppose such a plague?

When I saw the Divinity exposed the previous night, I conceived hopes because [ saw we looked to help more powerful than any recourse of the enemy. I have seen the result, and this forces me to believe that it is nothing less than the chastisement of Heaven, and this is my reason for saying, as I have said, that all resistance is useless, although I judge it necessary for the decorum of the nation.

The description which I have attempted to give, though sorrowful in the extreme for a Mexican, is nevertheless exact; and I have given it against my will, for I would have wished to save you pain, but you requested the exact truth, and I will continue to advise you of what may happen. To-day all is tranquil; I hope in God this calm may not be followed by a storm.

Aug. 21, 1847.

* * * * * * I likewise send you a diary of the events from the 19th to this date, by which you will see the pitiable situation in which we are placed, if not by bad faith, at least by the most visible incapacity. Santa Anna is now the object of public execration. The general opinion, is that his enemy, Valencia, is the cause of the death of so many who died by the side of that general, upon whom Santa Anna throws the blame of all, and has even said that whenever he finds him he will have him shot.

Those that were in the camp complain that nothing was done but by order of Santa Anna; that he would not allow the least deliberation, from which it resulted that Bravo would not offer even advice, and gave no orders in the matter, so the disorder became frightful.

Unhappy country! unhappy ourselves! if, in the end, we