Proclamation of General Altatorre., November 23, 1871

Proclamation of General Altatorre.

The general of division, Ignacio B. Alatorre, to his subordinates:

Companions: General Porfirio Diaz has thrown down the glove, trampling under foot the titles with which you have honored him, despising the distinctions which the nation awarded him for the loyal and patriotic conduct that was supposed of him. He has raised the standard of rebellion, to drive us anew into parricidal struggles. What cause, what principles does he invoke? What great interest leads him to this criminal act? The nation and yourselves know very well! General Diaz rebels because he has not been elected president of the republic, and pretends to seize by violence that which the popular vote of his fellow-citizens has denied to him. This, companions, is the sad reality, notwithstanding that insidious proclamations and false acts invent distinct causes; men of heart will not see anything in them but stupid pretexts.

Behold, then, the Mexican Cincinnati parodying the celebrated Santa Anna.

Comrades! the troops and the nation, anxious for the indispensable peace, in order to arrive at the progress that the supreme government aims at, are duelling in a terrible contest. Let us accept it, then, for it is our duty, and because far above us weighs the sacred obligation to sustain, at the cost of our blood, the rights of the people, the law, and the national government.

Let us march tranquilly to the battle-field; we shall not be responsible for the desolation of our soil; we shall not have to reproach ourselves with the tears that will flow, with the blood shed, nor with the national ruin; these horrors will fall back upon those who promote the tumult and mutiny, and who have caused so many evils to the republic.

My friends, you will soon go and fight. I have nothing to recommend to you, because I know that discipline, valor, and honor are gifts which shine in you. I know that you fulfill your duties, performing your noble mission as warriors without hate or rancor. The fatherland already considers you as its best sons, and you know how to answer to it with dignity.

Forward, comrades! remember that the nation is leaning on you, and that its tranquillity and progress, yet once again, depends upon your valor and intrepidity.

Forward! in whatsoever situation you may find yourselves, there will be always at your side your friend and companion.