Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1842-03-18
Narrative Of Nar. Franklin
Combs,

Indians, arrived at the PaIo Duro, where
being stratened for food, and having
previously sent their guides in odvance.
it was determined to despatch about a
third Of the armed force, and two Of the
commissioners TO procure provisions and
prepare the way for the entrance Of the
expedition into the province of Santa
Fe. The impression at the time was
that the expedition had reached within
ninety miles OF Santa Fe, in conse-
quence Of which belief the advanced di.
vision took with them only three days
ratons Col. Cooke and Mr.. Brenham
were the commissioners accompanying
the advance, and Capt Sutton command
ed the armed escort. The remainder
OF the forces were left at The Palo Duro,
UNDER the command Of Gen. Mcleod =,
surrounded by vast number Of Indians,
who were continually barrassing them
and who had actually killed five oflbem
the day upon which the division sci out
upon its march
The advanced force soon learned that
the expedition had made fearful mis-
take in supposing the PaIo Dnro TO be
within ninety miles of Santa Fe. The
distance was nearly three hundred
miles, and as a consequence, the ratIons
provided for the troops were exhausted
before they accomplished third of the
road to Santa Fe. The division then
resorted to every eXpedient to escape
starvation. They first subsisled upon
such Of the horses as hal broken down,
and wild berries which were occasional
Iy met with in the prairies. When
these resources failed, they were COM
PEELED to live upon snakes, horned frogs
and other reptiles which abound in the
prairies, and which constituted their
principal, and for time, their Only
food. After marching in this way for
TWO weeks or thereabouts, the division
arrived al GalIinas From this place
Van Ness, Lewis, Howard, and Fi,zger
aid, accompanied by Mr.. Kendall, were
seat on to Santa Fe, to hold an inter
view with the Governor, explain the pa
ci6c objects Of the expedition, obtair
stores for the troops, and permit tc
bring the merchandise taken out oy thu
traders within the province.
Two or three hours after these gen
tlemen left the camp at Galinas, a note
was received from Captain Lewis to thc
effect that the country was in arms, bu
that they would proceed on their Jour
ney to Santa Fe They were, however
seized shortly afterwards, (as Captain
Lewis stately bound, and taken out tc
be shot, but that their lives were spareC
through the intercession Of Mexican
officer. who took them to meet Governo
Armiio. 10 the mean while, the Gov
ernor had despatched force of severa
hundred men to intercept the TeXans
The commander OF these troops heIC
several interviews with the commission
ers, and endeavored to get the Texian
to lay down their arms by assuring
them of The friendly disposition Of th,
Governor and the inhabitants. Thi
the Texans would not do. The Me ri
= can officer undertook 10 take care Of tht
lew remaining horses Of the Texans
aud supply the men with food in orde
to ailay all apPrehensions of any hostile
purpose. His next step was to eros
the GaIlinas with his men, with The
t avowed object Of camping the two force
together as further proof Of friendship
, This he did; but, as he drew near III
Texan camp, the disposition Of hi
q lines lett little doubt Of beligerent IN
tentions. The Texans were imme
r diateIy got under arms. About thi
time. also. another party crossed lh
river, and forming junction with tn
first, banished every lingering doubt c
the objects Of the Mexicans, and an en-
, gagement was on the eve Of taking p'ac
b. when Captain Lewis and the nephe'
Y and confidential secretary Of the Cover
Q nor made their appearance.
S When Captain Lewis and the Gov
d ernor's nephew came up, a parIey wa
e had between them and The Texans, tn
e troops upon both sides maintaining thei
: battle array. Captain Lewis represen
n go the Governor as willing to recev
s the Texans on condition that tha
d would lay down their arms in conform
:, ty with a law OF Mexico, which made
n necessary for an armed force enterin
l. the province to give up their weapon
before reaching San Miguel. He re
presented himself and the nephew an
n the secretary of the Governor as en-
IT powered TO stipuIate for tho surrende
II of the implements of war, and negotiat
= for the safe coDduc; Of the troops to tn
Q frontier after they had complied wit
n this stipulation The Governor had en-
v powered hem to bind the authorities
e label he property Of each indivldua
o supply food for the march home, an
# return to every man his proI erty. Thes
= representations were confirmed by III
$ neplew and secretary of Governor A