Publication: Santiago Perez, March 10, 1847, Mexico City
First edition. 41.7 x 31 cm. [16 1/2" x 12 1/8"] broadside, printed on woven paper. This is essentially a letter calling for the interim President of the Republic, General D. Antonio Lopez de Santa-Anna to come immediately to take charge of the executive power of the union. After reviewing the current circumstances of the war the signers urge the General to unite and direct the country. The appeal is made against the U. S. assault on Veracruz, which had begun the previous day. The entire text is an interesting documentation of the political disintegration of Mexico during the war. The entire English translation is as follows: THE DEPUTIES WHO SUBSCRIBE TO THEIR PRINCIPALS. The sad situation of the republic could not have been indifferent to the majority of the deputies who reside in the capital. Witnesses of the horrors of the civil war, in the midst of this impious struggle, they learned with horror that the enemy was threatening Veracruz and was preparing to invade us from the East: the fate of those who without aid and without resources will have to fight for the sacred cause of the country, the danger of independence occupy their attention. For several days they have attended the place of the sessions, by all possible means they have endeavored to complete the necessary number so that the congress could meet, take cognizance of the events that so quickly present themselves, examine the situation of business and dictate the measures that their patriotism and their wisdom will inspire them as most worthy and convenient to save the fate of the country that entrusted its destinies to it. Their effort has been useless: the lack of attendance of a minority, has made the congress disappear in these moments of anguish and danger; and it leaves us with nothing but the lamentable arbitrariness of appealing to the nation so that the responsibility for the events does not fall on us. Those who subscribe to this manifestation, reprove, with the loyalty of their character, that in these circumstances the civil will has been inflamed, and desirous of preserving inviolable respect for laws and institutions, no less than the necessity of a strong and united Mexico resisting the foreigner, they were determined to propose the only legal means that reconciles everything, the appeal of the President of the Republic to take his place. If the meeting of the congress had been possible, we understand that this measure, advised by public opinion and demanded by the sacred interest of the country, raised into law, would have announced that peace would soon be restored and national defense organized. It would become impossible if the bitter struggles that unfortunately devour us continue, if division and distrust obstruct all resources, if civil war is to be our disastrous destiny any longer. However terrible the circumstances may be, the restoration of peace and the action of a power unanimously respected, aided by the wisdom of Congress and the patriotism of all Mexicans, could still make the hopes of the people effective; the punishment of the wicked invader; the solid establishment of the Republic and the federation, the development of just, intelligent and organizing democracy. In the name, therefore, of the Republic, whose independence is in danger, and in accordance with the national confidence of the only way we can do so, we hereby summon the interim President of the Republic, General D. Antonio López de Santa-Anna, to come immediately to take charge of the executive power of the union. This is the legal remedy for the situation whose evils and dangers grow from hour to hour: by invoking it, we hope to save our country: in any case we have fulfilled our duties, and not a tear, not the least misfortune will weigh upon us. Signed: Mexico, March 10, 1847. A few old folds and minor wrinkles else near fine. This item is also suitable for framing.
Inventory Number: 52826