362 



HIS VIEWS OF THE WAR REFUSES THE 



services at so important a period. Hence I have come, without 

 hesitation or delay, to place myself in subjection to her will ; and, 

 desirous to be perfectly understood, upon reaching my native soil, 

 I gave a full and public expression of my sentiments and principles. 

 The reception which they met convinced me that I had not de- 

 ceived myself, and I am now the more confirmed in them, not from 

 having given them more consideration, but because they have found 

 a general echo in the hearts of my fellow-citizens. 



I come, then, to carry my views into operation, and in compli- 

 ance with the mandate of my country. She calls me as comman- 

 der-in-chief of the army, and in that capacity I stand ready to 

 serve. The enemy occupies our harbors — he is despoiling us of 

 the richest of our territories, and threatens us with his domination ! 

 I go, then, to the head of the Mexican army — an army the off- 

 spring of a free people — and joined with it, I will fulfil my utmost 

 duty in opposing the enemies of my country. I will die fighting, 

 or lead the valiant Mexicans to the enjoyment of a triumph to 

 which they are alike entitled by justice, by their warlike character, 

 and by the dignity and enthusiasm which they have preserved, of a 

 free nation. The war is a necessity of immediate importance ; 

 every day's delay is an age of infamy ; I cannot recede from the 

 position which the nation has assigned me ; I must go forward, 

 unless I would draw upon myself the censure due to ingratitude for 

 the favors with which I have been overwhelmed by my fellow- 

 citizens ; or, unless I would behold her humbled and suffering 

 under a perpetuation of her misfortunes. 



Your excellency will at once perceive how great an error I 

 should commit in assuming the supreme magistracy, when my duty 

 calls me to the field, to fight against the enemies of the republic. 

 I should disgrace myself, if, when called to the point of danger, I 

 should spring to that of power ! Neither my loyalty norjny honor 

 requires the abandonment of interests so dear to me. The single 

 motive of my heart is to offer my compatriots the sacrifice of that 

 blood which yet runs in my veins. I wish them to know that I 

 consecrate myself entirely to their service, as a soldier ought to do, * 

 and am only desirous further to be permitted to point out the course 

 by which Mexico may attain the rank to which her destinies call her. 



In marching against the enemy, and declining to accept pow- 

 er, T give a proof of the sincerity of my sentiments ; leaving the 

 nation her own mistress, at liberty *to dispose of herself as she 

 sees fit. The elections for members of a congress to form the con- 

 stitution which the people wish to adopt, are proceeding. That 



