Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1846-10-03
THE ARMY OF THE WEST.
From an C0fcer Of the Army 10 The Editors.
SANTA FE, AueusT 25, 1916.

instant we left Bents Fort, and, in thirteen days
arrived at the first Mexican settlements. Our march
Tor the first ten days was very latgung to the men
and destructive to the horses. For several days
marched over country which may with propriety
be called desert. Not green blade Of grass did
we see for more than fifty miles, and part of the
distance none but brackish water. 1t was not until
we crossed the first mountain, 1.-THE Rattone,) and
struck the head-waters of the Canadian, that we
could see our way clearly before us. Here we
found good water, and tolerable grass. We heard
very little OF the intentions of the Mexicans, wheth-
er Tor 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. KEARNEY that Gov ARMIJo was at the head
of twelve thousand men, and would march in few
days to meet him. The same day we met lieu
tenant and three men, bearing letters from Governor
ARMJo to Gen. KEARNEY, politely requesting the
General not TO advance so rapidly but TO wait some
time at the " Moro" To this polite request the
General returned for that, in four days, he
would be in Santa Fe and that he hoped the Gov
ernor and himself would meet as friends At night
we encamped at the village of Vegas-a village con-
tanning about five hundred inhabitants. They did
not seem at all surprised at arrival, but came
to meet US, the Alcade remarking to the General,
+" am glad to see some one in the country capable
of governing it," After we encamped, they brought
US such marketing as the country afforded. From
the appearance of the people and the cordial recep-
ton they gave us, many were induced to believe
that there would be no fighting. Their notions
were changed IN the morning for at night i'll
had been reported to the General that the Mexi-
cans were occupying " mountain pass " two miles
III our front. OF course, all preparations were
made for battle. About 9 0 'clock we reached the
mouth of the g pass" which was so narrow as to
admit us only four abreast. The signal to "rot y
was sounded, and on dashed in the most enthu-
siastic manner. Alas disappointment awaited US,
for not sign of the enemy was visible.
Our march for ten miles further was over Just
such country as our enemy should have chosen
to meet us ina country heavily timbered with
scrubby pines, and through two passes = beauti-
fully adapted for defence. We kept in high spirits,
in anticipation of fight, until within day and a
half of Santa Fe Here we met some Mexcans,
bringing the news of Governor ARMIJo's retreat to
the south, with all the regulars and ordnance. 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 land it was sign only was
a barrier across the road in canon, 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
this road.
We reached the city in the afternoon The
General Immediately established himself in the
Governors house, and hoisted our flag, amidst the
salute Of the artillery and the cheers of the troops
On the following morning Gen. KEARNEY assem-
bled the citizens in front of his house, and address
ed them to the effect that 9 he had been ordered
amongst them by his Government, to take posses
sion Of the Province of New Mexico, and that, be-
=. ~ - &c. m
now proclaimed all that portion of country east of
the Rio Grande part of the United States, and
that all persons within these limits would be consd-
cred citizens of the United States that those who
did not wish to remain under our laws could go
where they pleased-the road was free for them"
He further told them he would protect all good citi-
zens in their persons, property, and religion dwell
ling long time the subject of their religion, as
surfing them that our laws allowed every 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 Alcades of the city,
and asked them if they were willing to take the
oath of allegiance. They answered in the afirma-
tive. After administering the oath, he told them 10
continue i'll the exercise of all their duties as be-
fore. In conclusion, he advised the citizens to go
10 their homes, and continue their usual pursuits,
assuring protection to all who followed this advice
Gen. KEARNEY, in his management of the impor-
tant commission entrusted to him. has proved him.
self to be not only an accomplished soldier but
thorough politician. OF him the country may well
be proud.
As we may now call this country part of the
United States it may be well to inquire what adj
vantage is likely to accrue to the United States. If
any advantage, il is not revealed to short-sighted
mortals now in the country for, of all the country
we have passed over, there is not one acre in mil
lion susceptible of cultivation. Only the narrow
strips Of land in the river bottoms can be cultivated
and these only by irrigation. The country can
scarcely be made to produce enough for the sub
sstence of its inhabitants. As horses they have
to depend entirely upon pasturage. We have not
been able TO get one grain of corn for our horses
The whole province could not turn out hundred
bushels at this time. The Mexicans have an i'm
mense number of sheep and goats, and these hocks
constitute their whole wealth, and on them they
chiefly depend for subsistence. The people are
about far advanced in civilization as the Chero-
KEGS perhaps the proportion who can read and
write is not so great
We found here nine pieces of cannon, and among
them the piece taken from the Texans, under Col.
Mcleod.
Gen. KEARNEy, with 500 men, will march the
last OF this week into the southern part Of the pro-
vince. After his return he will commence fitting
out his expedition for California. The number Of
men he will take with him is not known. The
march to California will be as arduous a one as was
ever undertaken. You can Judge, when there is
one reach of ninety miles without grass or water.
II II can be done, Gen. KEARNEY is the man. of all
others, who can do it. Yours, in haste
SICKNESS OF THE SEASON.