Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1846-10-21


The Colonel told them that he had come with
sufficient force to extend our laws over Them.
That he came as their friend. That he came
to give protection alike TO the poor man and the
rich. That although he had the power to do
as he pleased, still his orders to treat all who re-
NAMED at home in the peaceful pursuit of their
business, as friends. But, that all found in arms
against him, the vengeance of his Government
and army would be poured out upon them. lie
told them, not IAN onion or pepper would be
taken from them without full equivalent in
cash." that their persons, property and religion
would be respected. That he would soon be in
Santa Fe, and that he hoped to meet Gov. Ar
milo and shake hands with him as a friend; but
if that were denied him, he had force suffi-
cient to put down all opposition, and that he
would certainly do it. We are encamped at the
Passes; at this place runs small mountain
stream, and near it village containing proba-
bly, one hundred mud-built houses.
There were three hundred mounted men here
yesterday. They have all gone to Santa Fe,
no doubt to Join the main army, which is said to
be $4,000 strong-2, GOO well armed, four pieces
of artillery tone six FOUNDER taken from the San
ia Fe prisoners.) The other 10000 are said to
be armed with bows and arrows, sings and
other Irresponsible Mexican Dragons report
that Captain Cook left Santa Fe with them, but
as they got change of horses, they outrode
him. (1'he Captain had been sent from Bents
Fort by Gen. Kearney with letters to Gov. Ar
mijo.) He will be with US tomorrow. From
white men, who reside here. we learn, that the
Governor exercises the most despotic sway over
the common people, aided by the priests. They
say to such men as we have met, ego on such a
road, ascertain where Cook and his men are,
a., ~ Hhnxrf t,r
ish no man for the performance of the duty, and
give no compensation. Yet no Mexican dare to
refuse, or fail to perform the duty. What a
change will be effected among these people
when they are emancipated. If Gen. Kearney
succeeds in this expedition without inficting
any pain, he will be the greatest man that has
ever been in New-Mexico. There are extern
sive fields of corn near us cultivated by irriga-
ton. After spring sets in there is no rain here
till in August, when they have refreshing show
ers, and the grass begins to grow again. The
rain of this season commenced ten days since,
and grass is more abundant. But for this, it
would be impossible to take our animals to San
ia Fe, probably not beyond this place. Gen..
Kearney's '.good luck'' still attends him. We
have passed within the last two days, cattle and
sheep enough to subsist the army all winter,
and we have no fear of starving.
Saturday, .4ug. 15.-Started at A. NJ.
ard passed through the village. The Colonel
was overtakcn at this place by Major Swords
from Fort Leavenworth who brought him a
commission as Brigadier General.
After having passed through the village the
the troops halted near it, while the Gen. ad-
dressed the Alcalde and other people from the
top of one Of the houses. He told them ''that
he came by order of the Government of the
United States, to take possession of New Mex
leo, and to extend the laws of the U. S. over
them. That he had an ample force with him,
and that another army would soon join them.-
That, in future they were absolved from all al
legiance to the Mexican Government and Gov.
Armijo, and must hold allegiance to the U. S.
and to him as their Governor. That for this al
legiance they would be protected by the u. S.
Government from the Indians, (who are dread
full scourges to them,) and from all their enc
mics. That ne came to protect the poor man
as we'll as the ich man. That if they remain
ed peaceably at home they would be considered
good citizens; but if found fighting against him
they would consider them as traitors and treat
ed accordingly.
He continued the alcade in his Office, and told
him to be governed by the laws of Mexico for
the present.
formed ..that some of the priests had endeavor-
ed to make him to believe that he was coming
to destroy their religion and to inffict grievous
wrongs upon them" This he said was false.
He told them that their persons, property and
religion would not be interfered with. Now,
said he ''uIider these circumstances, are you,
Mr.. Alcalde, and you, two Captains of militia,
willing to take the oath of allegiance to the Uni
ted States" Two of them readily consented,
but one of the Captains evaded the question:
The General demanded categorical answer
The Captain said 'syes" but it was evident it
was with bad grace. They then raised their
hands and made the sign of the cross with the
thumb and finger, all present uncovering their
heads, and the General in solemn manner ad-
ministered the following oath: "You do swear
to hold faithful allegiance to the United States,
and to defend its government and laws against
all its enemies, in the name Of the Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost" or words to that effect. The
Gen. then said, 81 will shake hands with them as
good friends When he came to the Captain
who did not seem to enter fully into the matter,
he took him by the hand, and told the interpre-
ter, "tell the man to look me in the eye." The
General gave him one of his significant smiles
and with his keen eyes fixed firmly on him, see
med to say, know you are rascal,"-(such,
he no doubt was, but the others, | think were
honest. He then told the people, (about two
hundred,) / shake hands with you all through
your Alcalde, and hail you as good citizens of
the United States: upon which they raised
general shout. At this town are extensive fields
of wheat and corn, cultivated by irrigation, from
a beautiful creek. The water is taken out on
each side in canals and spread over the fields.
1t was beautiful sight to see the clear noun
tain water rushing through these canals, and
producing luxuriant fields Of corn and wheat,
where rain so seldom falls.
Gu camp was near these fields, and although
sentinels were place very near together, with
strict orders to keep every animal out OF them,
yet some did get in, and some damage was
done. The Gen. told the Alcalde that he had
used every precaution to prevent ''any interfe-
renee with the crops,' yet 'fhey had sustained
some loss" He told them to examine the fields
and ascertain what the damage was to each
man, to send him statement of it TO Santa Re