Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-03-22
r T. V | f w q.
KENpAL1's SANTA FE EXPEDITIONS

very sure will be satisfied at the same time tina
it is increased, by the book itself, was published
yesterday morning. We do not know when
or where we have met with more Interesting
book of travels, or one that combines in great
er degree all the characteristics which recon-
mend works of this class to permanent popu-
larity. Were it only for the piquant and racy
style Ct the mere personal narrative, this book
would be certain TO become favore with the
public: and perhaps to the great majority o
readers its chief attraction will he the unfailing
richness, the mingled humor and grief, which
this portion of it every where exhibits. The
author, amidst all the scenes through which he
passed -on the wide, unknown pralries, in the
midst Of savage enemies, with death before
him, in the depth; Of suif,ca,ing dungeons, and
amongst the leprous inmates of Mexican
Hospiiol-nevcr loses his courage or his keen
reli.i for whatever is amusing and humorous.
Through all the vicissltuI5s OF his strange en-
pericnce his heart is light and his temper
cheerful This is kind OF superiority more
rare than that which Is oitca much better vaun-
ted; and we at once contract feeling Of re-
spect and esteem for our author which never
leaves Us, and which imDarts to al, he does or
says-tc every circumstance by which he is
surrounded-sn interest seldom felt except for
those in whom We have a deep and personal
concern. This is emi1cn'lv the qu.ity of the
Author as we'll as Of his Book. No man ever
was in the company Of George wilkins Ken
dali half an hour without nY0luntarily enter
taans for him sentiment O. respect and
friendship, and no one has ever known him
long without feeling that sentiment expand as
the intimacy rpened.
But TO the more thorough class of readers
the look We are Noticing possesses invaluable
attractions. Written in that frank, manly and
independent style so peculiarly Characteristic
Of its author, it emb matters of informa-
tion regarding the cEorogrsphy and the physl.
cal history of the Republic OF the Lone Star,
the character and HABITS of its population, and
its prossbe destiny in tie future, which render
IT one OF the most valuable acce.sions to our
Literature that has for q long titae been made
There are sar,s of tie bon!, TIA, no American
can read without feHling of shame --,hoee
where the Hardness with witch the American
protection is extended TO American ci'izeis
abroad lie contras;ed with the prompt and deci-
sse NEARER 10 which British SUI ect is res
cucd by his natl"n fron insult and injury and
we Trust that the statements and reflections in
this portion OF the wo,l, .yi produce their prop
er effect in the quarter whence reform in this
particular is 10 be locked tor.
In regard TO III. objects OF the Santa re Ey
pedj'on We learn nov for the first time, from
Mr.. keud:l!'s book, that the rial purpose of
Pres dc ut Lamar was, under cover Of dlvertinn
the Santa Fe trade, by nearer route from the
great Missouri trail, to bring :" 81 mich of the
"Province Of New Mexico as lies upon the
"Eas'ern or Texan side of the RIO Crande
"undcr the protection of the Texan Govern.
"ment." OF this design, however, NIr. Ken.
dali was lgnorant until he WAS on the march to
Santa le. jtts objects were merely the leri'i.
mate ones of sport, travel aud adventure and
he states that his intentions were, on joining
the Expedition. "to leave It before it should
"reach Santa Fe, SO as in ia way to commit
"mysef; and then to make the entire tour If
Mexco--ysI'ing the cities of chihuahua,
"Durango, Il lca'ecas, San LUIS potos Guiana.
"Juato, aud others on the route 10 the Capiial"
"These intentions CONTINUES Mr.. X I made
known 10 all my friends IN New Orlcans not one OF
whom thought should IN any way compromise nv
sell as an american citizen, forfeit NV tirht 10
protection by the route proposed rsuinp Bv n
law OF Mexico-a law of which | must confess NV
sell at the time ignoran-a foreigner is prohibited
from entering that country through the territory of
Texas; but the only punishment for the offence is
beng ordered out of Mexico Icy the nearest road n
penalty which would have been vsry willingly sub |
united to by me at any moment whhJI was in that
country
Having made every other preparation for my tour
through Texas and Mexico went ON the morning
of the 18th of May, l5iI, in company with James
II. Brewer, ESD TO the oilre of the then Mexican
vice-consul al NewOrrans and ohrane from hin, |
passport, which gave me permission enter, as an
American citizen, any place in the s,called Republic
OF Mexico. Thus fortified and with Intentions the |
most pacific towards both the countries through |
which | was TO pass, on the l7lh of MAY sailed
nom my native land in the steam ship New York
Captain Wright for Galveston. On bidding ad eu %
my friends, | anticipated exciting and interesting
tour OF some four months duaon, and expected to
meet with the usual dang and parclpat e in the
usual sports 10 be met with the borders and prai-
ries-noihing more"
we have made this extract for the purpose of
DONG simple act of justice to Mr.. Kendall,
whose prudence, if not whose motives, have
been assaIled with sneers and reproaches by
those who knoS nothing of the Expedition or u,
it's objects or history, but who from an unworthy
instinct, love better to censure than applaud
their fellow men--especialy in cases where
their supcrors have been made the victims OF
misfortune or oppression. We deem it rich,
that the public mind should be set right as fast
as possible in all such cases and in the presen,
instance it is especially desirable that the base
and barbarous conduct of the Mexican Govern.
ment, together with the criminal pusillanimiiv
of our own, towards American citizens held
. without cause or offence in chains and incarce.
rated in loathsome dungeons-bound with iron
letters in pairs and gangs and set to sweep the
streets of miserable and sem-savage Mexican
villages, or thrust into dea'h-engendering Hos
pitfalls among the victims of foul and infectious
diseases-should be broadly seen and deeply !
abhorred. Much suggests itself in connection
with this humilia,ing subject which to-day we
have no leisure for pursuing
We had hoped to have enriched our notice Of