farther evils from his country, by terminating :tn expensive and useless war. But that nothing could h~ve convinced him but Experience and personal observation, and that nothing but his own statements and infJucnce in the congress and Cabinet of l\lexico can or will convince them- That such statements will be unavailing if made from here during his captivity, for the reason of his being a captive, for want of minute explanations which cannot be given in written communications, and also owing lo the intrigues and slanders of his enemies, and of party spirit, who would endeavor to mislea cl puhlic opinion, Excite national pride, and prejudice, and perhaps attempt lo impugn the purity of his motives etc. He also says that it may Embarrass the great and maganimous ohject he has in view, (I use his own words) which~is a recognition of Texian independence, and lo build up a new nation here, with the cooperation of the U. S. Covt, if the contents of the secret treaty of 14 May or of his leller to you of this date should be published and reach Mexico before lie does, in as much as it might be used by political parlics to mislead public opinion, shake public confidence in him or create erronious impressions~ He also says that the Elections for- President of Mexico come on in seplemher next, and that Genl Dravo probably may be elected, if he, Sanla Anna, is detained here, that in this evcnl there would be but liltle probability of accomadaling the affairs of Texas, for the reasons that the new President would probably consider il necessary lo keep up the national Excitement on this subject by appealing lo nationaJ pride, and doing all he could to discredit his political enemy Santa Anna etc These in substance are the views taken by Genl Santa Anna on this subject I-le entered into lengthy details to Explain his reasons for being in favor of acknowledging the Independence of Texas, and the advantages that would result lo Mexico and to the U.S. from a termination of the war etc. It would be extending this letter very much to repeal them all. They are based (as I think) on a full knowledge of Lhe subject, and an ardent and patriotic desire to serve the true interest of Mexico, and the cause of lmmanilv bv , . terminating an Expensive and useless war, His m;1nncr, and his reasoning, evinced frankness, sincerity, ancl l\fagnanimily,- He drew a very striking comparison between the obstinate $illy, and impolitic cours(: pursued by Spain in refusing lo acknowlt'<lgc the
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