UNWORTHY EXPEDIENTS FOR FACILITATING CONQUESTS.
General Santa Anna had been one of the ablest and most popular of the Mexican chieftains. A political revolution had deprived him of power, and driven him into exile—and he had taken refuge in Havana. Shortly before the commencement of hostihties, an officer of the United States navy was despatched to that city. The object of his mission has not been officially disclosed ; but it was asserted in the newspapers, and generally beheved, that it was to confer with the Mexican General. An American squadron, in antici2Mtion of the war, had for some time been stationed off Vera Cruz, and the very day war tvas declared, " private and confidential"* orders were sent to the commander not to obstruct the return of Santa Anna to Mexico. The distinguished exile, it was well-known, had wrongs to resent ; and it was no doubt taken for granted, and perhaps expressly stipulated, that, being indebted to Mr. Polk for the opportunity of wreaking his vengeance, he would foment an insurrection, kindle the flames of civil war, recover his former power, and exercise it in concluding a peace with the United States, * " United States Navy Department, Maij 13th, 1846. " Commodore.—If Santa Anna endeavors to enter the Mexican ports, you will allow him to pass freely.
" Respectfully yours, " GEORGE BANCROFT." *• Commodore David Conner, Commanding Home Squadron."
by the cession of California. He did return through favor of Mr. Polk's order,* and, as was expected, effected a revolution, and assumed the reins of Government ; and, by his wonderful energy and perseverance in behalf of his country, rebuked the artifice of the American Presi- dent.
To aid in fomenting the civil dissensions which, it was hoped, would result from Santa Anna's sudden appearance in Mexico, General Taylor