September with Luis de la Rosa heading all four portfolios. He published a manifesto on 13 October 1847, explaining that in spite of his poor health and lack of forces, he was fulfilling a duty prescribed by the constitution, and he assured that he would only be in power shortly, and expounded his principles and sentiments and the conduct he planned to pursue to conclude his presidency with honor and a satisfied conscience. He pleaded with the states to maintain loyalty to the central government and provide arms and funds for the war effort. He promised to protect the public interest, the rights of all classes, and to respect and protect the Catholic religion. Congress meanwhile joined him at Querétaro. President Peña y Peña was convinced that the war could not be continued due to a lack of funds, and was now intent on pursuing a policy of peace. He released all American prisoners of war, and took measures against corruption and unauthorized guerilla units. On 9 November, congress elected Pedro Maria Anaya as interim president, with the caveat that his term would expire on 8 January 1848, and that if congress was then not in session, the presidency should pass according to the constitutional order of succession. President Peña y Peña stepped down on 12 November 1847, though he remained in the government as Minister of Relations. Second Presidency When Anaya's interim term expired on 8 January 1848, congress was not in session, and Peña y Peña being next in the line of succession assumed the presidency again. He published a manifesto expounding upon his hopes that congress could meet and urged the state governors to cooperate and help in the matter, and he resolved to prevent the remaining unoccupied state capitals from falling into enemy hands. Luis de La Rosa holding the dual portfolios of Finance and Relations also made efforts to arrange a session of congress. The Peña y Peña administration was hoping that a reunion of congress would stymie the separatist movements that were beginning to flare up throughout the country. The legislature of San Luis Potosí proposed to stop recognizing the federal government at Querétaro over disagreements regarding its peace efforts. Insurrections were also found in the states of the north, in the state of Mexico. President Peña y Peña recognizing that a large part of the agitation was due to the extraordinary abundance of