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

LEGATION OF THE u S. OF AMERICA,
Mexico, l7th February, 1912.
Sir Long prior to the arrival of Messrs. McRae
and Lawrence, who reached this city on the I'd of
February bearers of dispatches, the subject of the
Santa Fe expedition and the Texan prisoners had al
ready greatly engaged my attention. had used all
proper exeons to obtain correct information In re-
gard to the circumstances and state OF those men,
from the time of their capure,-and seems, from the
best information GET that they were induced by
the false OF their own party to sur
render their arms upon assurance by the authorities
of New Mexico that they would be permitted to re-
turn to Texas without further molestation. Shortly
after surrender, they were seized and bound and at
ter the expiration OF brief PERIOD not precisely
known to me, we've marched as prisoners to this
capital From the representations of Messrs. Falco-
ner and Van Ness, two Of the prisoners who have
been released it appears that they were treated with
great cruel VI that three were killed on the route and
two died from exhaustion and suffering
The first division of these prisoners arrived here in
the latter part of December, lS4l, and the
confined in the convent Of Santiago, chained, and
forced to work daily the public roads. The second
DIVISION reached San Cristobal, about four leagues
hence in the last week of January, and it mme-
diateIy discovered that they afflicted with small
pox The sick however separated from
the healthy and were bought to the hospital of San
Lazaro in THIS place, whilst the Others were marched
on the road to Perote. In addition to their sutferngs
from fatigue and disease they destitute of cloth
,ny and all other personal comforts and Decessaries
Ii u.s. however due to the subaltern officers who had
charge Of these unfortunate men in this capital and
at Cristoba to state that they have treated them
with as much enity and kindness they could, con-
sstenty with their duty. On the arrival Of the first
division here the foreigners, Consisting chiefly of
Americans and Englishmen, subscribed literally both
in money and clothing, and thus re eved the press
ing wants Of that body of men during the coolest part
of our winter. (See Doc. No.
AS soon as | possessed myself of all the facts in
re.ard to the connection of young Franklin Combs,
with The Santa Fe expedition-hls and imprs-
onment-I was satisfied that he had not accompanied
the Texans military character, and had not con-
Quoted himself in such a manner as to forfeit his
ryht 10 the protection of our Government. there
fore Immediately represented all the facts to the M IN
Ister of Foreign Relations, and demanded his liberia
ton as citizen of the United States. | am pleased
to have it In my power in you that the most
Excellent the Provisional President General Santa
Anna examined personally into the facts of Mr..
Comb CASE and att having satisfied himself that he
had not violated any existing law of the Republic,
ordered him to be forthwith discharged and sent him,
accompanied by OF his aid decamps, TO this Lee
cation in his private carriage. The of his re.
lease had made known to you in my last despatch
ana now have the honor to transmit you all the do
cumen,s in regard to his (See Dec. No. 81
Mr. George Van Mes has also, been ree ised by
the order Of his Exceency the President though hl,
beraion was chiefly effected through the kind agency
ofGenersl Tornel Minister of w ar and Marine, who
had know his father and family during his Residence
in the United States Munster from Mexico
| had not applied for his release, nor had Mr.
Van Ness requested that | should do so, and tn.
freedom of thus young gentleman is, consequently
owing to the voluntary and generous act of the Gov
ernuent. (See Doc. No
Previous the arrival of Mr.. McRa with your in
sruclops, l had demanded the Liberation of Mr..
Kendall, as a citizen of the United States, who had
associated himself with the Santa Fe expedition in
Other way than as private tourist, travelling as
citizen of the United States, desiring to the
tyv aud protected by Mexican passport granted by
he Consul at New Orleans. Upon this demand for
the release of MIR. Kendall, a correspondence took
lace betw my ell and the Minister of Foreign Re-
iatwns in reference to the true attitude in which Mr..
Kendall stood to that expedition. regret to inform
- H., Mr. Kendall is still prisoner, and am
y,ho,Iv unable to say when bis case will btfnaIly de-
wn ,nhouqh have detained my messenger five
DAYS IN order to receive an answer from Mr. de Bo-
canee.a to the other prisoners, who claim the pro