Lot 552
Santa Anna, Antonio Lopez de (1794-1876) Five-time president of Mexico, best known for his role at the Alamo. Manuscript Letter Signed "Anto. Lopez/Santa Anna" as General in Chief, 2pp, 9¾ x 7½ in., recto/verso, in Spanish, Headquarters of the East, Encero, 6 April 1847. With 13 words in his hand! just eight days after the loss of Vera Cruz to U.S. forces led by Gen. Winfied Scott, Santa Anna writes to the Commandante of Jalapa. General Santa Anna ordering "Brig Genrl D. Juan Morales, and generals D. Jose Juan Landero and D. José Duran [to] march immediately to Perote" where they will remain "confined" (Santa Anna had originally written "preso" imprisoned), "as a consequence of the surrender and departure from Veracruz and the Fort of Ulúa to the troops of the United States to the north, surrendering other places." Gen. Juan Morales was the Commandant General of Vera Cruz. Gen. Juan José Landero was his second-in-command. Fort San Juan de Ulúa, the largest fortress guarding the city, was under the command of Gen. Jose Durán.
On 9 March 1847, Gen. Winfield Scott invaded Mexico with 10,000 soldiers, coming ashore just south of Vera Cruz. By the end of the 20-day siege, only 13 American soldiers were reported killed. It remained the largest amphibious landing in U.S. history for almost 100 years. Gen. Morales refused to surrender the city to Gen. Scott and, after assessing the situation, turned the command over to Gen. Landero, ordered Gen. Duran not to fight once U.S. troops occupied Vera Cruz, then left the city by boat the night of 25-26 March 1847. Now in command, Gen. Landero, called for a truce. After three days of negotiations, on 29 March 1847, the Mexicans officially surrendered their garrisons in Vera Cruz and Fort Ulúa. Generals Morales, Landero, and Duran were freed two weeks after being sent to prison by Santa Anna when Gen. William J. Worth occupied the castle and town of Perote and released those in the prison, including some Americans. A remarkable letter revealing Santa Anna's mindset after the loss of Vera Cruz. Glassine repair mostly in blank area on second page. Fine condition.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
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