The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-06-21

you in the Office o. this Ministry, on Monday evening
next, at SIX o'clock.
have the honor to recprocate your favorable sem
timents Of this date, and subscribe myself,
our obedient servant,
JOSE MARIA TORNEL.
True translation from the original in the Office of
this Legation.
BRANTZ MAYER
Secretary of Legation
SUBSTANCE OF AN INTERVIEW BETWEEN MR. ELLIS
AND GENERAL ToRNEL, MINISTER OF WAR AND
MARINE, IN RELATION TO MR.. COMBS, ONE OF
THE PERSONS MADE PRISONER, DURING THE
LATE EXPEDITION FROM SANTA FEE TO TEXAS.
Mexico, January II, 1912
Mr.. Ellis stated that he called on General Torne
to see what could be done for Mr. Combs, whose sit
uaton he believed indeed deplorable; that for
time past he had been in exceedingly delicate
health, and was now according to the report of the
United States Consul, Mr.. Black, who had visited
him this afternoon, dangerously unwell. He trusted
that something might speedily be done to relieve him.
For himself (Elis he disavowed any beliefth this
young gentleman had visited Mexico with hostile in
tentions but that he only as the guest of the
others, and seeking restoration of health. If he
(Mr. Ed thought otherwise he would be the last per-
to interpose in his behalf as he had done.
General Torne replied that, if Mr.. Combs was
ILL., something ought certainly be done for him he
pita. The Government found this matter very diff
cult indeed. There were now one hundred and thir-
ty more prisoners on their way here. Their expedi
ton sort of crusade. He intended to send
those who will shortly arrive here to PeIote that is
merely place of security, where there are no pub
lie works.
Mr.. Ellis replied that he hoped Mr.. Combs case
would be quickly considered, he had the opinion of
two physicians that Mr.. Combs was very pre-
carious and that he was suffering from exposure and
Iyan .l,.,aIt he, 1f Mr.
Combs extreme youth that he was but nineteen
years of age and beardIess boy; that he had only
joined the expedition traveller, seeking health by
exercise and change of scene that he carried
arms, was soldier, or was enrolled in this expedi-
ton, under the orders of its officers and finally
tina, he felt confident his imprudent act was the result
of inexperience, and not of hostili to Mexico.
General Tornel said that he was still retained as
prisoner of this expedition by the General who cap
tured it.
Mr. Ellis replied that he probably was returned as
prisoner, because the list was made by person who
did not discriminate in regard to each case, but find
ing Mr.. Combs with the expedition, concluded that
he belIigerant, without further inquiry
General Torncl inquired whether Mr. Ellis or Mr..
Combs had papers, proofs, some documents to
show that such was his situation. He desired to
know whether he citizen of the United States
MIR. Ellis replied that he was citizen of the United
States, and that he had claimed him from this Co
vernment in his note to Mr. Bocanegra. Mr.. Combs
sldlculCut W Il WAS luly COHlHlucu ny tnt
declarations and letters of the officers who command
ed the party and by letters which he (Mr Ed had
received from the United States.
Gen. Tornel said that he would see Mr. Bocanegra
tomorrow morning early. That there might be eX-
changes of prisoners, as there are upwards of one
hundred Mexcans in Texas in the mines. Mr..
Coomb's is certainly particular one, different
from the others
Mr.. Ellis replied that it certainly was. Gen. Tor
mel would observe when he read the note to Mr. Be-
canegra demanding Combs release, that the certf-
Gates he (Mr. Ed had alluded to regarding Combs
health, were enclosed. From them General Torne
would at once see how necessary it was that he
should be speedily relieved. He said that he would
not be at all surprised, if his confinement continued
much longer that he would lose his life.
He requested to be allowed to propose to General
Tornel that Mr. Coombs should be released and deli
,ered to him (Mr E. until the question to
his Imprisonment or liberation should be finally set
tied by the Mexican Government. He offered to be
responsible himself that, if released, Mr., Coombs
should not leave the city of Mexico without the per-
mission of this Government
Gen. Tornel said that he would consult with Mr..
de Bocanegra early tomorrow the subject, and
that if it depended on him Gen. TorneD alone, it
would please him exceedingly to crafty Mr.. Ellis's
request
Mr.. Ellis begged that Gen. Tornel would notify
him in the of tomorrow OF the result of his
| interview with Mr.. Bocanegra.
Gen. Tornel promised that he would do so, and
that he would see what could be done either to eff
feet his entire liberation TO place him under Mr.
Reduced to writing by me on the same evening at
| 8 O'Clock.
BRANTZ MAYER,
! Secretary of Legation.