Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/300

280 This termination was probably the best; for with the growing agitation in their party, the influence and obstacles brought to bear on the process, and the difficulties enveloping the new administration, a fresh revolution might come at any time to release the culprits. Some of them accepted the offer at once, including Santa Anna, who embarked with his young wife and a few adherents on June 3d for Habana. Before leaving he issued one of those well studied appeals wherewith he had more than once touched the ready sympathies of his countrymen. He begged them to forgive the unintentional errors of a man mutilated in defence of his country, and who now in his old age was seeking a refuge among strangers. He would ever, to his last breath, offer up his humble prayers to the eternal one for their prosperity so that they might rank among the foremost and happiest of nations. He knew well that a flourish of his severed limb could not fail to impress compassionate hero-worshippers, while an array of his 'innocent children,' with a glimpse of his locks turning gray on a distant shore, must stir the tender heart of a people so filial and patriotic.

At Habana he received a merited rebuke in meeting his illustrious predecessor, Bustamante, exiled by him and now on the way home from Europe. Juicios de Dios! The new administration sought also to