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70 patriotism, they would repeat that he has violated before all his oaths, and that he has broken before his most solemn engagements.

"In order not to believe his new protests of loyalty to the Republic, they would repeat the charges that have been made, that as an officer he has been disloyal to all the governments that have employed him; that as the head of the government he has been disloyal to all the parties who have aided him to power; and that as a Mexican he has lately been disloyal to the cause of his country.

"For these considerations the President of the Republic does not believe it compatible with his duty to admit the offer which Mr. Santa Ana has now sought to make of his services. Nor does he believe that his manifestations and protests of patriotism can be in any manner considered as sufficient to relieve him from the very grave charges which exist against him.

"Señor Santa Ana having asked you to transmit to the government his communication, you will be pleased to transmit to him this reply."

Still unabashed, this political mountebank then, in August, 1866, addressed himself to the United States government, saying that the crisis in Mexico had arrived at a climax, and that he could no longer remain inactive, and not endeavor to contribute towards the salvation of his country. In a letter to