Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1849-09-12


We had the ratification Of few
moments conversation last evening,
with Mr.. VIM. Mitchell, who had
just arrived from Santa Fe.
Mr.. Mitchell, who is here for the
purpose of purchasing goods from the
Santa Re trade, informs us that busi-
ness in that city is unusually dull at
present, and this we would infer from
the fact that the publication of the
Santa Fe Republican had been sus-
lpended about ten days when Mr. M.
left.
Much greater harmony appears to
prevail between the American and
the Mexican inhabitants of Santa Fe,
than was anticipated, and the Mex
leans are far better satisfied with
their transfer from the Mexican to
the American republic, than was
supposed would be the case.
Mr.. Mitchell left Santa Fe in
company with Mr.. Aubry's train,
consisting of thirteen Americans,
seven Mexicans, l2O mules, and a
number of Wagons on the 2lst of
Ju y, and arrived at independence
on Thursday last.
Not withstanding the proper season
of the year for commencing journey
over the Plains, has long since pas
sed, Mr.. M. informs us that the road
from independence to Santa Fe, is
thronged with California emigrants,
who are pressing forward with ease
and rapidity, the grass being more
abundant and of better quality than
for years past, and water in profusion.
A large number of emigrants had
assembled at Santa Fe before Mr.. M.
left, many of whom had given way
to gambling, been heeced of their
funds, and were suffering intensely in
their Impoverished circumstances.
SO poor were many that they were
reduced to the necessity of selling.
. their clothing, and even the like
nesses offriends, which some of them
had with them. The number of
persons assembled was so great, and
the demand for articles of food so
extensive that the most exorbitant
prices were demanded for the COM
mon necessities of life-corn was
selling at 50 20 per bushel.
Col. Collier, the newly appointed
collector for California, who was at
Santa Fe with hundred men when
Mr.. Mitchell left, was about starting
for California, under the guidance
of the experienced Hatcher. Hatch
err receives $1,000, three mules, and
all necessary supplies, for his services
in plotting the Col. through to San
Francisco.
The rout the Col. intends pursuing,
lies near that taken by Col. Fremont
down the river ella.
The old traders and trappers an
ticipated unheard of suffering and
innumerable deaths from starvation
among the emigrants, in the Noun
tains and in California, this winter.
They say that the emigrants are
headstrong and will not be counsel
led or inhunced by more experienced
persons, and that they are fast reaping
the consequences.
The emigrants have principally
taken three routes, the largest body
by far, going the northern route, by
way of Fort Laramie. Beyond this
Fort grass and water are said to be
very scarce, and there the greatest
amount of suffering is anticipated.
The middle or old spanish trail-the
most direct route from Santa Fe to
California, and the southern or Col.
Cooks route, south of the ella, are
being travelled by pretty large bo-
dies of gold hunters.
Many of the emigrants have de-
termined to stop and work the mines
in the vicinity of Santa Fe, and be-
fore Mr.. Mitchell left, one man had
succeeded in sinking shaft, and for
his first days labor he obtained
SIG.
Mr.. NJ: says the opinion prevalent
at Santa Fe is, that these mines are
very rich, and that they have only
been specifically worked by the
Mexicans.
Mr.. Aubry's train met the U S.
Troops at San Miguel, about fifty
miles this side of Santa Fe. They
were getting along finely and enjoy
ing fine health.
MIR. Aubry's train was attacked
by the Pawnee Indians about eight
o'clock at night, at the crossing of
Ash Creek. The Pawnees continu-
ed firing at intervals for about two
hours, with out doing any other
damage than wounding two mules,
and Kidding several wagons and
wagon covers.
Six of the seven Mexicans fled at
the first fire, and were not seen again
until all danger was over. The sew
enth, brave man, known as Old
John, continued with the Americans