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PAPERS oF MmABEAU BooNAPARTE LA:\-IAR
example. They saw that the Royal power was about to fall and they thought it wise to look after themselves by embracing a seasonable change. These were unmistakable indications that the final triumph of the cause of independence was approaching. Everybody recognized it as such, and the nation rejoiced in the hope of seeing their most cherished hopes realized. During this interesting crisis the Viceroy Odonoju, sent' to 'replace Apodaca, arrived in 'the country. He landed at Veracruz in July 182L In a moment he saw the real condition of the country; he knew that the colonial chains had been broken forever. The authority of the insur- gents had been recognized everywhere except in the Capital, and it was obvious that in a short time, this city would be compelled to yield before the powerful force of circumstances. It would be vain for Odonoj(1 to struggle against fate. Nothing could be done. He had neither forces nor money. The only alternative was to return to Spain or to treat with Iturbide. He decided upon the latter course, co-oper- ated with the liberator in consummating the independence of the coun- try. With this purpose in view a treaty was made at Cordova in August, which was somewhat similar to the plan of Iguala. · Iturbide advanced toward the Capital immediately, and after a period of about four days, through the influence of Odonoju, the Army of the Three Guarantees entered the Capital without resistance on the 27th of S~p- tember, 1821. Thus the independence of Mexico was brought about by a sudden revolution in which scarcely any blood was spilled. Having extended our historical introduction farther than was our first intention and farther, perhaps, than that of the reader, it seems proper that we should introduce our hero into· the scene without fur- ther delay. This we shall do in the next chapter. CHAP11ER IV. Birth and education of Santa Anna. He enters the army. He figures in Arredondo's expedition against Texas in 18m. He forges a check on the Treas- ury in San Antonio. He is placed _in prison in Monterrey. Arredondo pardons him. He commits a second forgery and escapes again. He is commissioned to recruit soldiers. He is held in Vera Cruz for his bad conduct. Garza with- draws his proofs of Santa Anna's forgery. Anecdote. Santa Anna leaves Vera Cruz for the Capital. He is appointed Field-Aide to the Viceroy. Shortly after- wards he is promoted to a Captaincy. Iturbide's battle cry. Santa Anna marches against the Independents in Orizaba. He betrays Miranda. He de- ceh'es Joaquin Herrera. He declares in favor of independence. The following day he receives his appointment as Lt.-Colonel from the Viceroy. He enters. the Independent army with that rank. He figures in the surrender of Alvarado, Jalapa and Perote. He appoints himself Commander-in-Chief of the Province of Vera Cruz. He repels an assault on the city. Second assault. Third assault. Surrender of Vera Cruz. Rincon is appointed Governor of the city, and Santa Anna leaves for Mexico. CHAPTER IV Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was born in Veracruz on the 21st of February, 1796, of a family of the middle class. His father, a notary public in that city, was in such poor circumstances that he was unable to afford his son any higher education than that acquired in the pri- mary schools-that is, to learn to read and write and count, but with- out obtaining any knowledge of grammar. For this reason he made a great many errors in conversation, a fault which he has not yet over-
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