Sold – Santa Anna Recommends a Promotion in the Elite Grenadiers

In 1810, the same year that Mexico declared its independence from Spain, the sixteen-year-old Santa Anna joined the colonial Spanish Army. In 1821, however, he changed sides and declared his loyalty for "El Libertador": the future Emperor of Mexico, Agustín de Iturbide. He rose to prominence by quickly driving the Spanish forces out of the vital port city of Vera Cruz that same year.  In 1823 Santa Anna was among the military leaders who supported the successful Plan de Casa Mata to overthrow Iturbide and declare Mexico a republic. In 1824, Guadalupe Victoria became the first President of Mexico and Santa Anna was appointed Governor of the state of Yucatán.

Document Signed by an Ynacio Rubio, Merida, February 28, 1825, to Victoria, whom he addresses as "Hon. Mr. President." "With the promotion of Captain Don Arcadio de Cicero, finding vacant the lieutenant of Grenadiers in the provincial batallion of this capital, a person who would serve you and adequately fill it with honorable conduct and application, I propose to you by the authority conceded to me: Firstly – Don Tomas Heredia, Cadet of the 3rd company with service of one year and 11 months and 12 days.  Secondly – Don Joaquin Santiago, Colonel Cadet of the 3rd company with service of one year and 11 months and 10 days. Thirdly – Don Francisco Saens, Cadet of the 4th company with service of one year and 11 months and 7 days.   All three are of good merit to be considered, but particularly Don Tomas Heredia, listed first by virtue of his age."  Scarce early Endorsement Signed as Governor, Campeche, March 16, 1825, agreeing with the recommendation. "The Tomas Heredia listed in preference in this proposal is the most deserving to be the lieutenant in the Grenadier battalion in which he serves.  Perhaps in you view this will resolve what you would find worthy to do." Signed in full with paraph. Grenadiers formed an elite portion of the Mexican Army, one in which Santa Anna had himself served.

Santa Anna's career would be long and turbulent. He was elected president of Mexico as a liberal in 1833, but in 1834 he stated that Mexico was not ready for democracy and emerged as an autocratic centrist. In December 1835 he organized an army to crush the rebellion of Americanos in Texas, and in 1836 arrived in San Antonio where he took the Alamo (but famously took no prisoners). After his capture by Sam Houston's army, he was sent to Washington, D.C., whence he returned to Mexico. He was acting president in 1839, helped overthrow the government of Anastasio Bustamante in 1841, and was dictator from 1841 to 1845. Excesses led to his overthrow and exile to Havana.

Before the beginning of the Mexican War, Santa Anna entered into negotiations with President James K. Polk with an eye to the settlement of American claims. When war came, he rallied resistance to the foreign invaders. As commanding officer in the northern campaign he lost the battle of Buena Vista in February 1847, returned to Mexico City, reorganized the demoralized government, and turned east to be defeated by Winfield S. Scott's forces at Cerro Gordo. Secret negotiations with Scott failed, and when Mexico City was captured, Santa Anna retired to exile.