424 ANAYA PRESIDENT PEACE NEGOTIATIONS SCOTt's 



intrigues of Santa Anna. Anaya's election was a triumph of the 

 Moderados. 



Congress broke up after a few day's session, having provided 

 for the assemblage of a new one on the 1st of January, 1848; but, 

 unfortunately most of the leaders did not depart from Queretaro 

 which was henceforth for many months converted into a political 

 battle field for the benefit or disgrace of the military partizans. 

 The Puros, led by Gomez Farias, were joined by the disaffected 

 officers of the army ready for revolution, pronunciamientos, or any 

 thing that might prolong the war with the same ultimate views that 

 animated them during the armistice in August. But Pena-y-Pena 

 and Anaya were both firm, discreet and consistent in their resis- 

 tance. The assembled Governors of States resolved to support 

 the President, his opinions, and acts, with their influence and means, 

 while the mass of substantial citizens and men of property through- 

 out the republic joined in an earnest expression of anxiety for 

 peace. Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, and Jalisco, under the lead 

 of Santannistas and Puros who mutually hated each other, alone 

 continued hostile to a treaty. 



Mr. Trist, soon after the capture of Mexico, had sounded Pena- 

 y-Pena in relation to the renewal of negotiations ; but it was not until 

 the end of October that the prudent President thought himself jus- 

 tified in expressing, through his minister, Don Luis de la Rosa, a sim- 

 ple but ardent wish for the cessation of war. When Anaya assumed 

 the presidency, a few days afterwards, Pena-y-Pena did not disdain 

 to enter his cabinet as minister, and, on the 22d of November, 

 offered to our envoy the appointment of commissioners. But in 

 the meanwhile our government at home believing that the continu- 

 ance of Mr. Trist in Mexico was useless, and probably discontented 

 with his conduct, had recalled him from the theatre of action. The 

 American commissioner hastened, therefore, to decline the ne- 

 gotiation and apprised the Mexicans of his position. But, mature 

 reflection upon the political state of Mexico, as well as upon the 

 real desires of his government and people, induced Mr. Trist to 

 change his views, and accordingly he notified the Mexican cabinet 

 that, in spite of his recall, he would assume the responsibility of a 

 final effort to close the war. Good judgment at the moment, and 

 subsequent events, fully justified our envoy's diplomatic resolve. 

 Commissioners were at once appointed to meet him, and negotia- 

 tions were speedily commenced in a spirit of sincerity and peace. 

 General Scott, nevertheless, though equally anxious to terminate 

 the conflict, did not for a moment intermit his military vigilance. 



