Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1843-04-22
PROTECTION OF THE SANTA FE
TRADERS

We understand that letters have been re-
ceived in this city, from Jackson, Mo-,
from respectable men, stating that num-
Der of persons residing on the frontier
desperate characters--had left, as it was
believed, for the boundary line between the
United States and New Mexico. 1t is be-
lieved that these men expect to be Joined
by number of like character from Texas,
and combined they intend to make an at
tack upon the traders and rob them. The
State of affairs between Texas and Mexi-
CO. in the minds of many persons, furnishes
Justification for attacking and robbiug the
Mexican merchants, and it is probable that
in such an attack, neither Mexican nor
American merchants would be spared.
Immediately upon the receipt of the
above intelligence. Col. Kearney, the Com
mander of this Division of the United
States Army, with the promptness which
characteristics his official acts. wrote to the
Secretary of War, urging him to procure
permission from the Mexican Minister, Mr..
Almonte, for the escort of the United
States troops, which he has ordered to &C
company the traders out, and to continue
with them to Santa Fe, or until they may
meet an escort from the Mexican troops
The United States troops on their return
to act as an escort TO all Mexican as we'll as
American traders coming in.
There is time for reply TO this request
of Colonel Kearney's to reach here before
the troops will leave, and we cannot doubt
that the Mexican Minister will readily &C
cede to the request. The fact is, that the
escort of the United States troops can give
but little protection if they are not permit
ted to cross the Mexican line. The danger
will commence at the point where the U.
States troops are compelled to stop. We
doubt whether in the absence Of the troops
ar attempt would be made within the terri
tory of the United States to rob any por-
ton of the traders, for it is well known
that the United States has the means for
swift pursuit and prompt punishment. bBut
within the Mexican territory, the case is
viewed in different light. Menprofessing
TO act under the flag or name of Texas,
will feel justified in attacking the compa-
MES, and robbng at least the Mexican por-
ton of the traders. There are several
Mexican merchants now in this country,
who have purchased large amounts of
goods which they expect to carry out this
splluS' INV idCL lndt lnCg are mere anu
are going out, and that they have goods
they will carry with them, is well known to
most of the dcspcradoes from whom dan
ger is to be apprehended. The assalants
are also appraised that an escort will be fur
nished by the United States to the line be-
tween this and Mexico, and consequently
they will not attempt an attack on this side
of the line.
1t would be highly improper for the U.
S. troops to cross the line without permits
sion, but we cannot see any improperly or
danger in granting the permission to enter
the Mexican territory for this purpose, and
to continue their protection TO Santa Fc,
or at least until they shall be relieved by
the Mexican troops.
Col kearncy deserves commentator
from the community, and especially from
those interested in the Santa Fe trade, for
the zeal and promptness with which he has
acted in the matter. We arc aware that,
so far as il is in his power, in conformity TO
duty and instructions, every protection will
be given to all persons lawfully engaged in
the trade, whether American or Mexican
traders Missouri Republican, l5h.