Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/486

432 War. Accompanied by about 2,500 cavalry, Santa Anna then proceeded to Puebla, to harass the communications of General Scott, and to do every thing, in his power, essential to "the defence of the independence of his country,"

Under the provisions of the Mexican Constitution, the office of Provisional President devolved on Pena y Pena, by virtue of his position as the presiding officer of the Supreme Court, and he immediately entered on the discharge of his duties; refusing, however, to recognize the persons associated with him in the decrees of Santa Anna. This was most probably done with their consent, as they made no attempt to assert their claims, if any they may have had. The acting Provisional President, and most of the leading men of Mexico and the adjoining states, repaired to Queretaro, where the National Congress was ordered to assemble, early in October, to take into consideration the deplorable state of the country. Several of the members passed through the city of Mexico, under a safe conduct from General Scott.