The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-02-14
From the Nelo Orleans Bte, Feb g
FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE CAPTURE
OF THE SANTA FE EXPEDITION

From an official document we have been favored
with the perusa of, give further particulars
of the capture of the Santa Fe Expedition. After
encountering innumerable hardships and prvations,
the expedition reached Palo Duro tributary of the
Red River, on the goth of August. AT this time
there only five days rations of beef alone in the
camp, the other provisions having been exhausted.
The country beyond seemed to be impossible for
wagons. Indians in large parties were towering
around the camp. Under these circumstances it was
agreed that Col. Cooke and Mr. Brennan, two of
the commissioners, should go in advance with a
third of the military escort to procure supplies and
guide for the expedtion-the Mexican guide hay
ing deserted them few days before, in company
with an Indian, named Brignoli. On the 3lst Au-
gust this expedition left the camp, the military escort
was under the command of Captain Sutton. 1t con-
sisted of seventy-f,c men, which together with the
traders and guests accompanying 1t, amounted to
ninety-seven souls.
The division marched forward to the Moro, an
other branch Of Red River, without meeting human
being, or seeing any signs of settlement At the
Moro they fell in with party of Mexican traders
who informed them that they were within eighty
miles Of San Miguel After despatching two messen-
gers to General Mcleod who in command of
the remaining forces to destroy the baggage wagons
and follow with all possible haste, the advanced
party pursued their journey, and reached Ranch
called Las Galenas, on the 18th of September.
The next day Mr.. Vanness, the Secretary of the
Commissioners sent on to San Miguel, accom-
panied by Major Howard, Captain Lewis, Mr..
Fitzgerald, and George w. Kendall. On the 18th
the division arrived at Ranch the Pecos, twenty
miles distant from San Miguel, Shortly after they
reached this place, they were waited upon by Mex
lean officer, who with seventy armed men had
pied Ranch on the opposite side of the river. He
informed them that the Governor was approaching
with large force, and that he had been despatched
to ascertain their purpose intercept their march, and
require them to lay down their arms The Commits
sioners assured him of the pacific intentions of the
expedition, but refused to surrender their arms.
They consented, however, to remain where they
were, until intelligence was received from MIR. Van
ness.
On the 18th another interview was had with the
officer, who was informed that unless some ntelli-
gence was received from Mr.. Vanness, the division
would proceed to San Miguel the next morning The
officer said that he would send courier to have Mr.
Vanness brought to the camp, and that next day he
would cross the river with his men, and camp in the
ncighborhood of the Texans, evidence that he
was friendly disposed to,cards them.
Up to this period the Texans had treated every
Mexican whom they met with every cvility, paying
for what procured for the expedition at double
prices.
On the 18th, the same officer called upon the COM
missioner, accompanied by express who request
ed them to remain where they were until the arrival
of the Governor, who would arrive within the day
with several thousand men. At o'clock the
officer commenced crossing the river with his men,
about half a mile below the Texans His com
mand consisting of three hundred men, took up
position in the front and left flank of the Texans
About an hour afterwards another body Of Mexicans
crossed the river above and formed junction with
the first force There was then no doubt of the pur-
poses of the Mexicans The Texans occupied |
strong position, where they could have defended I
themselves from thousand men and an engagement |
would have occurred in ten minutes had not the ar
rival of Captain Lewis with Don Manual Chavs,
xinsman and confidential agent Of Governor Armigo /
prevented 1t.
Mr. Chavis demanded the surrender Of the Tex.
ans in the name of the Governor and by his autho-
,ity on the terms
"That the Texans should Immediately give up
heir arms and remain where they were as prisoners
IN parole, until such time supplies could be OBJ
aimed sufficient for the subsistence of the troops in
eturning TO Texas
" The arms and private property should be pro-
,erly labelled with the names of the owners, and
eturned to them upon their arrival on the frontier
These terms offered with the most solemn as
urance Of their being fulfilled Captain Lewis then
informed the Texans that the party accompanying Mr.
led and would have been shot but for some explana
ions made by him. They were taken to the Cover
or who had sent all of them but himself to Santa
e. He magned the military force and discipline
f the Mexcans, and assured the Texans that UNI
ess they Immediately surrendered, they would be
urrounded by well armed and disciplined force of
900 men. These representations, so lar as the mil
Lary preparations OF the country concerned,
roved to be false and the document observes that
,aptain Lewis obtained his liberty and the privilege
f importing goods duty free into New Mexico, as
eward for his treachery.
Under these circumstances, with an enemy of more
han five times the number of Texans before
hem, and an immense force expected to arrive hour