The Flight of Santa Anna

When the Americans broke through the Mexican defenses at Cerro Gordo, Santa Anna was forced to make a hasty escape aboard a mule. He left behind his private carriage and a table set for dinner. The soup was still warm when the Americans arrived on the scene. They also discovered additional loot in the form of the presidente’s fighting cock and his artificial cork leg. This scene inspired numerous American prints ridiculing the Mexican leader. Three are shown below. Click on each to enlarge.