The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-06-22
Mr.. Mayer TO Mr.. Ellis,
LEGATION OF THE U. S. OF AMERICA,
Mexico, 4th Feb. 1872

Mexico, 4th Feb. 1912.
SIR: Yesterday, IN company with Mr. Black,
visited San Crstobal, village " thin five leagues
of this capital, for the purpose of seeing the
Texan prisoners the second division of whom
halting there for few days, their way To
Perote made this trip for the purpose of seeing
MIR. Kendall in regard to whom you had already, on
the 2nd inst, applied to the Mexican Government;
and also TO learn whether there were not other
American citizens who might justly claim the medi-
alton and protection OF this mission.
requested, Immediately after my arrival at the
quartet In San Crlstoba, where the prisoners
confined, that all those who designed seeking the pro-
lection of the American Government would, at once :
give their Names and state the circumstances
der which they accompanied the Santa Fe expe-
dition In consequence of this CALL six persons
ponded, to wit John c. Howard, George +. How
ard, David Sniyely, John b. Houghtailing, Thomas
S Torrey, and II. h. Buchanan who, IRON their
manners and address, have no doubt are persons of
worth and responsibility.
From the two Towards, who are brothers, Iunder-
stood that they were citizens of the United States
and originally from the nelghborhood of Washington,
Dc that they had to Texas in the fail of lS40
for mercantile purposes alone, never having designed
either prior subsequent to their arrival in that Re-
public, to become citizens of il that they had joined
the expedition in the character Of traders, and did
under the inducement extended to them by the
Texan authorities that they would be perfectly pro-
ected their way through the hostile Indian co,l-
try. They further stated that they had never been
enrolled, under military command; that if bellig-
erent intentions designed by the Texans, they,
at least, entirely unaware of them; and, finally
that altogether peaceful IN their occupations and de-
signs they at no period entertained inmical wishes
or projects against Mexico. They valu the stock in
trade which they had with them, and which was
seized by the authorities of Santa Fe, at from
10000 dollars,
The next person who claimed the protection of this
Legation was Mr. David Snlvely, who came from the
State of Ohio where his family now residesa trader
toTcxas, not long before the expedition started. He
alleges that he joined it under similar inducements,
for similar purposes and with similar dispositions to
Mexico
John B. Houghtailing is young man from New
York, merchant, and situated precisely as Messrs
Towards and Snively.
Thomas S. Torrey is from Hartford, CT He
came TO Texas in Dec. lS4U and being merchant,
joined the expedition trader, seeking the protec-
ton of an escort against Indians and robbers He
his vie to have been the those of the
other traders, and that he designed upon his return
from Santa Fe, establishing regular business for
himself between that place ami the United States.
lie did not intend to return to Texas at all.
Mr.. Buchanan had upon this OCCASION visited Texas
for the first time and arrived at Austin only the day
before the expedition started. II is a merchant,
also and declares that he had idea that the force
despatched from Texas had any political or military
Designs and he, therefore, joined it, as aifordlng
safeguard Tor his goods on their way to market
He expressed himself having been grossly deceived
ny lne PRESIDENT OF Texas lie stated that he had his
own pack mules for provisions and servant.
have thus mad you condensed statement of the
facts gathered from these six persons From their
rankness and candor, and the clcarness and consis-
tency with which they responded to all the questions
put to them for the purpose Of eciting the whole
truth in regard to their cases, | satisfied that
their relation may be relied on, They were ] be-
leve, peaceful traders, who, finding the markets of
Texas dull, tempted by better prospects in Santa
Fe avaed themselves of the escort Of the Texan
party for protection alone And also think they
designed, after thpir merchandise was disposed Of
returning to country without forsakng its allegi-
ance. 10 this effect | also hand you certificate
from Brig Gen. Mcleod, who commanded the expc-
dton. 1t may be proper for me to add that con
versed, in regard to these six persons, with Mr. Ken
dali, who confirms their statements. They all speas
the English language, without the slightest foreign
accent.
In regard to the personal condition of these prisoners
at San Crstobal, it is difficult to give you any better
idea OF it, than by saying they precisely resemble the
hundreds of Mexican convicts we see daily aboring
on the streets of this capital in rags and covered
with Nth and vermin. They are not, however, in
chains, and the officers seem to be more comfortable
IN clothing and quarters thfn the men. Among all
OF them much sickness prevails, and chiefly Gas il
loid.
| have the honor to be- sir
Your obedient servant,
BRANTZ MAYER.
Secretary of Legation