Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/470

450 alarm, it being confidently expected that the place would be able to hold out for a considerable time. When, however, the news of its fall arrived on the 30th, this illusion gave place to great sensation. A large body of troops had been despatched from the capital the day before to the aid of Vera Cruz, and the troops that had been left at San Luis Potosí were also on the march in the same direction. Every exertion was now made by Santa Anna to concentrate forces to oppose the advance of the Americans. A decree was passed April 1st empowering him to take command of the army in person, and providing for the appointment of a substitute as president in his stead. Having issued one of his usual spirit-stirring proclamations, in which he spoke with confidence of the ultimate triumph of the Mexican arms, and his own determination to die in the cause, he left the capital April 2d, and arrived on the 4th at his hacienda of Encero, about three leagues distant from Jalapa on the road to Vera Cruz. Within a few days the troops from the capital and San Luis Potosí successively arrived, as well as others from different parts. In the movements and concentration of these forces the greatest activity was displayed. The troops stationed at the Puente Nacional having been unwisely withdrawn, and the road to the village of Plan del Rio left open to the enemy, Santa Anna decided to take up a position at the pass of Cerro Gordo.

Santa Anna encountered great difficulties in making