The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-10-13

have few oil the facts IN relation TO our
operations. On the ID instant we left
I5ent's For, and, in thirteen days arrived
at the first Mexican settlements. Our
march for the first ten days was very
latieuing to the men and destructive 10
the horses. For several days we march
ed over country which may propriety
be called desert. Not green blade OF
grass did we see for more than fifty miles,
and part of the distance none but brack-
ish water Ii was not until we crossed
the first mountain, (the Rattone,) and
struck the head-waters of the Canadian,
that we could see our way clearly before
US. Here we found good waters, and
tolerabIe grass. We heard very little OF
the intentions of the Mexicans. whether
for peace or war, until we reached the
"Moro. . At this place an American met
us, who had been sent by some traders
living IN Santa Fe to inform Gen. Kear-
ney that Gov. Armijo was at the head OF
twelve thousand men, and would march
in a few days to meet him. The same
day we met lieutenant and three men,
bearing letters from Governor Armiia to
Gen. Kearney, politely requesting the
General not to advance so rapidly, but to
wait some time at the ''Moro." 10 this
polite request the General returned all
answer that in fcur days he would be i'll
Santa Fe, and that he hoped the Govern
or and himself would meet as friends.-
At night we encamped at the village OF
Fegas--a village containing about five
hundred inhabitants. They did not seem
atall surprised al our arrival, but came to
meet us, the Alcalde remarking to the
General, Il am glad to see some in the
country capable of governing it," After
we encamped, they brought us such
marketing as the country afforded. From
the appearance ofthe people and the cor
dial reception they gave us, nany were
induced TO believe there would be no
fighting. Their notions were changed
in the morning; for at night it had been
reported to the General that the Mexicans
were occupying 'smountain pass" two
miles in our front. OF course, all pre-
parations were made for a battle. About
9 o'clock we reached the mouth Of the
"pass," which was so narrow as to adj
init US only four abreast. The signal to
.'trot'' was sounded, and on we dashed in
the most enthusiastic manner. Alas! dis
appointment awaited US, for not sign of
the enemy was visable.
Our march for ten miles further was
over just such country as our enemy
should have chosen to meet US in-a
country heavily timbered with scru5bv
pinccs, and through two ''passes" beauti-
fully adapted for defence. We kept in
high spirits, in anticipation Of fight,
until within a day and half OF Santa Fe.
Here we met some Mexicans, bringing
the news of Governor Armiios retreat TO
the south, with all the regulars and ord
nance. 1t was now clear that we had
nothing TO do but march into Santa Fe
and take possession. The only sign we
saw of resistance (and il was sign only
was a barrier across the road in cannon,
between our camp, on the '.Rio Pecos,"
and Santa Fe. This slight barrier was
formed by placing some trees in the road.
The natural advantages of the ground at
this place could not be surpassed, and,
had they had five hundred well-armed and
determined men, they could have prevent
cd our approach to Santa Fe by this
road.
We reached the city in the afternoon.
The General Immediately established
himself in the Governors house, and
hoisted Onr flag, amidst the salute of the
artillery and the cheers Of the troops. On
the following morning Gen. Kearney as
sembled The citizens in front of his house
and addressed them to the effect that "he
had been Lordered amongst them By his
Governmet, to take possession Of the
capital Of the Province, he now proclaim
edsall that portion of country east of the
kio Grande part of the Uuited States,
and that all persons within these limits
would be considered citizens of the u
ulted States; that those who did not wish
to remain under our laws could 90 where
they pleased-the road was free for
them" He further told them he would
protect all good citizens in their persons,
property and religion; dwelling
long time on the subject Of their religion
assuring them that our laws allowed eve-
ry man to worship God according TO the
dictates of his own conscience. He
then turned to the acting Governor Of the
Province and the three Alcaldes of the
city, and asked them if they were willing
to take the oath of allegiance. They an
swered IN the affirmative. After admins
terlng the oath. he told them to continue
in all the exercise Of their duties as be-
fore. In conclusion, he advised the citi.
zens TO go to their homes, and continue