The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-04-03
From the Cincinnati Enquirer.
The Santa Fe Expedition.

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From the Cincinnati Enquirer.
The Santa Fe Expedition
We see in the St. Louis Republican,
of the 18th, letters from Santa Fe, Of
the 18th Of January; but the news Of
the massacre Of Gov. Bent and the A.
mericans at Taos is later, being to the
10Th.
We entertain fears for the fate Of
Col. Doniphan's command, founded up
on the state Of things put in one OF
these letters. The writer says.
We further learn that Gen. Wool
had taken a town near Chihuahua, and
that he would soon be in the latter
place, but this is not authentic--it is
Mexican news. Major Clark's artille-
ry have left here, but Col. Doniphan is
proceeding south without him.
Gen. Wool, as cur readers know, had
taken Monclova, but had gone no near
er Chihuahua. If Donlphan goes for
ward unaccompanied by artillery, and
anticipating to unite with Wool at Chi
huahua, he may find insurmountable
and perhaps fatal difficulties. Clark's
artillery may have joined him at Ell
Passo, but we question the strength OF
the entire force to reduce Chihuahua, if
defended with any vigor by the enc
my.
OF the soil and productiveness of
New Mexico, the writer says:
Some Of the letter writers are Civ.
ing untrue statements Of the value of
this country. So far from being bar.
rem waste, as has been represented,
the soil is decidedly rich, and needs on
ly water to make it highly productive.
The crops of wheat in this neighbor-
hood, which were standing when Gen.
Kearney arrived, were good, and |
think it better wheat country than
Missouri. 1t will not yield as much
corn to the acre as can be raised In
Missouri, but its greater value more
than counterbalances the deficiency
AS proof Of the fertility OF the soil, |
will inform you that the onions are
generally as large as saucers, and ma
ny Of them much larger, and every
gardener knows that onions will not
grow in a barren soil.
Itis unquestionably one Of the best
sheep-raising countries on the earth,
and the dry uplands, which 10 a Mis-
sourian appear SO worthless, produces
a rich pasturage, from the melting
of the snow, in the spring, and occa-
showers, which feed thousands |
of sheep, and which an enterprizing
population will at some future day in
crease to millions.
There are immense tracts of land on
The streams which issue from the noun
aims, ofa superior quality, which the
Mexicans have never dared to settle,
IN account of the Indians, who have
lere tofore been the terror of these peo-
lie. American backwoodsmen have
10 such tear, and unless | have mista-
en their characters, they will soon
ind where those beautiful valleys are.
even at this time, there is an indica.
ion of move towards these choice
pots, from Santa Fe. The mineral
wealth Of this country has been but
artially developed; the mines are bad.
Y worked for want of means and enter
rise. Gold is found in many places
where Mexicans dare not go; and re-
emily, grazing party has discovered
nat metal in mountain two hundred
nd fifty miles nearer the United States
nan Santa Fe is, and it is said the I;
is very flatterlng. Ihave no s
rivate motives in making these state t
rents, for expect to leave it by next
lmmer, and hope to spend the remain
or ofmy days in Missouri-but | ex- c
ress my honest opinion, when / say q
lat New Mexico will be very valua- I
Ie addition to the United States, when 9
.merican capital and industry is !
rought into it. ~ teaa Il