Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/222

202 for provisional president during his absence the maimed hero of Vera Cruz.

The prospect of again figuring as ruler at the capital, from which he had so long been kept an exile by the fiasco at San Jacinto, did more than all the doctors toward the convalescence of Santa Anna. He transferred the command of the coast to ex-president Victoria and hastened to Mexico, receiving there, on February 17, 1839, an ovation that must have equalled even his egoistic expectations. The most consoling feature was undoubtedly the triumph achieved over the many bitter opponents who had for over two years showered unopposed their abuse and ridicule. The decoration now publicly conferred upon him for driving the French into the sea silenced them for a time at least. Bustamante was wholly eclipsed. He felt not only mortified, but afraid that his ambitious substitute would retain the presidential chair if he once obtained possession; and so he delayed his departure under pretence of perfecting preparations against the French as well as the federalists. Santa Anna fully understood feelings so readily suggested by his own scheming nature, and thought it necessary to assure him that he had no designs on the chair. "March at once against the rebels," he added, "or I shall have to go."

The French question had now assumed another phase. The blockade and other disorders attending it were felt especially by the English, and Minister