In this broadside addressed to the troops under his command, José Maria Yánez, commander of the National Guard in the state of Jalisco, accuses the Polkos rebels of betraying the homeland, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing Santa Anna as the sole legitimate leader of Mexico.
Commander General to the Garrison and National Guard of the Free and Sovereign State of Jalisco
Comrades in arms: Two events of the utmost importance have caught my attention: the insurrection in the capital, and the frightful misery that is afflicting the Army of the North. The cowardice, greed and temptations of the basest passions on one side: the courage and most pure and generous patriotism on the other. Here some corrupt courtiers, fueling discord, and serving as the vile and detestable instruments of the enemy of our liberty and independence: there our brothers, suffering from hunger and thirst, overcoming the most sanguinary sacrifices, spilling their blood, risking their lives and fighting in order to re-conquer the glories of our national name. What a contrast, soldiers! The indignation and horror will torment the breast of any Mexican who contemplates it.
Turning our eyes towards the miserable destiny that oppresses the homeland, it is not possible to be indifferent to the calamities that pursue it; and even more so to the horrifying fate that threatens it, if the unity and patriotism of the Mexicans cannot save it. For them to divert their resources, attention and duties from the battlefields of the North, is to betray the homeland, to drive a dagger disgracefully into its heart, in order to hand it over, lifeless, to a conqueror's claws.
The decision to wage war in the North has already been made politically: to prosecute it, is the duty of every Mexican: the time for talks and peace with a nation well known for its perfidy, has passed: to broker a peace with the Americans it is necessary to go and impose it with the might of our arms on banks of the Sabine: everything else diminishes our honor, surrenders our territory, and leaves the spoils in the hands of thieves.
Deeply convinced of these truths, I would be betraying my responsibilities if I remained a defenseless spectator to the events in the capital, allowing evils that lead to disunity and civil war to befall the homeland. When has discord ever brought joy to nations? For that reason, my friends, last night I gathered you to inform you of the evils that threaten us if we are not poised to prevent them. With the greatest satisfaction I have seen your resolve and enthusiasm, to uphold unto death, the principles adopted by the nation, and recognize as its sole leader His Excellency the General, national hero of the homeland, and interim President, Antonio López de Santa-Anna.
To recognize and support the established authorities, is nothing more than to fulfill our duty. The National Guard and the garrison of Jalisco raise their voices not to incite disorder but rather, rejecting any suggestion otherwise, to swear that they have no other interest than to preserve the peace of the state, repel disunity, prepare for the defense of our coasts, recognize the established authorities, and support the honorable state legislature's decree number 16, which in its third article states:
3rd "Henceforth, the state shall not recognize any authority which arises from any rebellion that tends to destroy the established regime: state sovereignty in such a case shall be reestablished; and [the state] vows not to rejoin Mexico or with any other party that separates itself from these rules, until order has been reestablished."
Guadalajara, March 7 of 1847
José Maria Yáñez
Government of the State Press managed by J. Santos Orosco
