Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/346

296 had passed a decree declaring it to be treason for any public functionary to entertain a proposition of peace. The tone of the government and of the people was bold and warlike. The star of Santa Anna was still in the ascendant; his enemies were silenced for the time; but when the particulars of the battle of Cerro Gordo were made public, they were loud in his condemnation. The new constitution adopted by Congress was inaugurated, and on the 15th of May the regular election for President took place. The result was supposed to be in favor of Herrera, then generally regarded as the peace candidate, but his opponents were strong enough to cause the canvass of the vote to be postponed till the 15th of January, 1848, — thus continuing the office of provisional president; In the midst of the excitement, Santa Anna approached the capital. From Ayotla he addressed a letter to the President substitute, General Anaya, expressing his views in relation to the further conduct of the war and the defence of the city, and intimating his intention to resign unless they were adopted.

The citizens of Mexico were exceedingly averse to bringing the war any nearer to their Vicinity, and on the appearance of the General-in-chief of their armies, they heaped upon him every epithet of scorn and opprobrium. The "Bulletin of Democracy" charged him with cowardice and incapacity as an officer, and for a few days it was very uncertain whether he would be able to maintain himself in authority. A vindication of his conduct, prepared by Manuel Maria Jimen, was published in the "Diario del Gobierno," and both that journal and the "Republicano" engaged warmly in his defence. Again he triumphed over his opponents, and assumed the supreme authority. Collecting together a