Such was the self-established character and consequent political status of this celebrated man. Denied on all sides, his every overture sternly rejected, he now appeared suddenly upon the scene of conflict between two parties, to both of whom he had offered his sword, and by both of whom he had been spurned. His frequent and unblushing apostasy certainly made his ultimate intentions ambiguous, and his popular reputation as a soldier made his presence all the more dangerous.
The "Virginia" went to the inner harbor and anchored, and that same evening General Perez Gomez, a friend and adherent of his, who was in command of the castle of San Juan de Uloa, invited him to come there to remain until proper arrangements could be made for a grand reception in the city. Santa Ana accepted the invitation and repaired to the castle, where the regimental band played a march of welcome, and the garrison shouted, "Viva el general Santa Ana."
Before going, however, he had invited Señor Bureau to a conference on board the "Virginia," which was accepted; and to him and to the general-in-chief, Don Antonio Taboada, who was also present, he put forth the idea of setting up a Republic in place
