The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1842-03-10
AMERICAN, PRISONERS IN MEXICO.

II will be recollected that last fall large number Of
Texans and American citizens started from Houston
(Texas) on an exploring and trading Expedition to
Santa Fe. They were surprised and taken by the Mex
icans and sent as prisonesto Mexico Among them
was young Combs, son Of General Combs of Kentucky,
who was SET at liberty by Santa Ana, and has just ar-
rived at New Orleans The foewing is his narrative:
NARRATIVE oFNiR.. FRANKLIN COMBS, ONE
OFTHE PRISONERS.
"The expedition after about ten weeks march, thro
country infested by Indians arrived at the Pao Duro
where being straghtened for food and having previous
ly sent their guides in advance, it determined to
despatch about third ofthe armed foce and two Of
the commissioners to procure provisions and prepare
the way for the entrance Of the expedition into the pro-
vince ofSanta Fe. The impression at the time was
that the expedition had reached within 80 miles of SAM
ia Fe, in consequence (which belief the advanced d
vision took with them only three days rations Col.
Cooke and Dr.. Brenham were The commissioners
comparing the advance and Capt. Sutton commanded
,he second escort The remainder ofthee forces
left at the Palo Duro under the command of General
Mcleod, surrounded by vast number oflndans, who
were continually harrussing them and who had actual
" killed five of them Tie day upon which the division
set out upon its march.
The advanced orce learned that the expedition
had made fearful mistake in supposng the Pao Duro
10 be within 90 miles of Santa Fe. The distance was
nearly 300 miles and as consequence, the ratonS pros
vded for the troops were exhausted before they
,plshed third ofthe road to Santa Fe. The division
then resored 10 every expeden 10 escape starvation
They first uOsisted upon such OF the horses as had bro
ken down, and wild berries which were occasionally
met within the prairies When these resources alIed,
they were compelled tolive upon snakes, and horned
frogs and other reptiles which abound in the pairles d
which constituted their principal and for time their
only food. After marching in this way for two weeks
or thereabouts the division arrived at Ganas From
this place, Van Ness; Lewis, Howard, and Fitzgerald,
accompanied by Mr.. Kendall were sent OH TO Santa Fe
10 hold aninlerview with the Governor explain the pa
ciHc objects of the expedition, obtain stores for the
troops and permit to bring the merchandise taken out
by the traders within the province
Two or three hours after these gentlemen left the
camp at Galinas note was received from Capt Lew.
is 10 The effect that the country was in arms but that
they would proceed on their journey to Santa Fe They
were, however, seized shortly afterwards, (as Capt
Lewis stately bound and taken out 10 be shot, but that
Aber lives were spared through the nlercession OF
Mexican officer who took themto meet Governor Ar
milo. In the mean while the Governor had despatched
force ofseveral hundred intercept the Texans
The commander of these troops held several interviews
with the Commissioners, and endeavored TO get the
Texans to lay down their arms by assuring them OF
the friendly disposition o(tbe Governor and The hnbl'
ian,s. This the Texans would not do, The Mexican
officer undertook to take care of the few remaining hor
ses Of the Texans aud supply the with food 10 ns
lay all apprehensons ofany hostile purpose His next
step was 10 cross the Gainas with his men with the
avowed object of camping the two forces together as
further proof of friendship. This he did, but as he
drew the Texian camp the disposition ofhs lines
left little doubt ofhis beIligerent Intentions. The Tex
ians were Immediately got under arm S. About this
time also another party crossed the river. and Turning
junction with the FIRST, banshed every lingering doubt
of the objects oil the Mexicans and engagement was
on the eve of taking place VIXEN Capt Lewis and The
nephew and confidential secretary of the Governor
made their appearance.
When Lewis and the Governors nephew came up,
parley was had between them and the Texans, the
troops upon both sides maintaining their battle array
Capt Lewis represented the Governor willing to
ceve the Texans on condition that they would lay
down their arms in conformity with law of Mexico
which made It necessary for armed force entering
the province to give up their weapons before reaching
San Miguel lie represented himself and the nephew
and Secretary ofthe Governor as empeweredto stiPu
late for the surrender oflhe implements Of war and tt
negotiate for the safe conduct oftbe troops to the from
tier after they had CO implied with this stipulation,