Maggs Bros.

Rare and important: signed by the Minister of Internal and Foreign Affairs on behalf of acting President of Mexico, Pedro Maria Anaya, this decree grants the Mexican government emergency powers in the wake of General Winfield Scott’s capture of Veracruz.

The eight articles confirm that the government is empowered to continue the war and defend the Mexican Republic [“para dictar las providencias necesarias a fine de llever adelante la guerra, defender la nacionalidad de la Republica y salvar la forma de gobierno republicano, popular federal, bajo lo cual esta constituida la nacion”]. Article 2 prohibits it from making peace or negotiating with the United States. Furthermore, any treaty which subverts the status quo will be considered null and void; and anyone seeking to enter into the same will be considered a traitor. Article 6 provides contingencies for a provisional government with election procedures. Finally, these powers will cease at the conclusion of the war.

The Mexican-American War was a direct byproduct of the United States’ annexation of Texas. Refusing to recognise the treaty signed by (then imprisoned) General Antonio López de Santa Anna, Mexico still considered Texas to be part of its Republic. Anaya was elected president on 13 November, 1847 and served very briefly until 8 January 1848.

Not in OCLC.