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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
His great object and design was to destroy the authority of the States, and erect upon its ruins, a Central government,_ and for himself to be at the Head of it. He wished to be crowned like Iturbide; and he hoped to escape the destiny of that aspirant. All the other States had submitted to his dictatorship, except Zaccateccas and Texas.- These still resisted his usurpations. Zaccateccas finally became the victim of his vengeance; and Texas, then, remained the sole obstacle to securing his desires. 'I'he destruction of that State was indispensable to his views; and he lost no time in organizing a formidable army for invad- ing it.- In this critical moment Santa Anna proposed, that if Texas delivereJ Senor iavala to him, he would abandon the war against the country. The infamous proposition was made by General Martin Per- fecto Je Cos under the instructions of his master. At this time, Zavala did not understand well the character of the Americans, and had some fear that they might wish to buy peace on the condition proposed, the price being so small. Under such apprehensions he spoke to them to this effect- "Fellow-citizens, if I know that my death would assure the liberties of this country I woulJ not live another hour; but I am certain that it is not myself alone, hut my republican views, that the tyrant desires to kill; and if you should sacrifice me to his vengeance, the soil shall not drink my blood, before the same sword that takes my life will strike against you."- This demand for the head of Zavala, was made in the spirit of barbarity which belonged to Mexico; but such proposal, so detestible, could not inspire any sentiments except disgust and indignation; and so far from delivering Zavala to his enemies, the people, on the contrary, raised him to a high and honor- able position; because Texas, on organizing its government anew, made Senor Zavala Vice President of the nation; an office that he held until his death, fulfilling his duties with satisfaction to the country, and with honor to himself.- The Usurper who had such thirst for the blood of Zavala finally was obliged to beg tiie clemency anu pardon which he had never shown to others. The Battle of Sanjacinto took place facing and near the house of Zavala; and when Santa Anna was made prisoner, he threw himself into the arms of Zavala, begging him not to take his life. With his natural generosity Zavala effaced from his memory the injuries which he had received from this man, and relieved his necessit~es. Santa Anna was put at liberty by Texas; and about thi~ time, Senor Zavala died in the midst of his activity and usefulness, lamented by all the Americans. Texas has honored his memory, by naming one of its coun- ties -"Zavala." Zavala died in October 1836; his age was not known. He had a son and a daughter by his first wife in Yucatan. His daughter married well,-an official of the army; his son was at the Battle of Sanjacinto; and within a short time after the death of his father he went to Yucatan where he still resides. The second wife of Zavala was an American lady of beauty, talent and virtue, by whom he had two or three children.- Lorenzo de Zavala was a little below the average height; well made, full face, beautiful features and of an open countenance. He was dignified in his bearing, courteous in his manners and temperate in his habits. In a word, he was all that a gentleman should be. His head
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