That  army  has  not  been  fully  understood,  and  its  prowess  too
lightly  regarded.  It  was  composed  of  the  flower  of  the  Mexican
forces,  had  been  long  and  carefully  drilled  under,  the  personal
inspection  of  the  President  General,  and  was  in  all  respects  better
provided  and  equipped,  and  more  perfectly  prepared,  than  any  that
country  has  before  furnished.  These  documents  show  General  Santa
Anna  to  be  of  a  much  higher  order  of  military  science  and  skill,  than
our  fellow-citizens  generally  accorded  to  him.  That  he  has  had
great  experience,  "we  all  know.  The  physical  courage  and  bravery
of  the  Mexican  troops  cannot  be  doubted,  whatever  .may  be  said  of
their  General-in-chief,  in  this  respect.  This  army  was  officered  by
the  elite  of  the  Mexican  nation,  and  embraced,  as  it  will  be  seen,
twenty-four  general  officers.
When  we  consider  the  vast  odds  against  which  our  brave
countrymen  had  to  contend,  the  immense  loss  in  killed  and  wounded
to  which  they  were  subjected,  the  result  seems  little  less  than
marvellous. — To  have  saved  themselves  from  utter  annihilation,
under  all  circumstances,  would  have  covered  our  arms  with  glory.
But  when  we  look  at  its  results,  and  see  tliat  though  the  Mexican


APPENDIX.  333

array  was  not  captured,  yet  that  it  was  eircctiially  dispersed,  and  in
a  great  measure  disbanded ;  that  the  Mexican  power  was  entirely
subdued,  and  the  undisputed  possession  of  lier  northern  provinces
secured  to  our  arms,  the  recital  must  cause  the  bosom  of  every
American  to  glow  with  patriot  pride.  History  nowhere  records  :i
harder  fought  battle,  nor  a  more  brilliant  victory.  Hereafter  the
highest  aspirations  of  military  fame  will  be  fulfdlcd  when  it  shall  be
said  of  any  fellow-citizen,  he  was  at  Jhicna  Jl.sta.
