The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-11-12
Affairs OF santa Fe.
INDEPENDEscE, Missouri,


October 49, 1851.
TO the Republic. Washington, ID. &.
have just arrived from Santa Fe, New Mexico,
which place left on the Sd instant Much excite
ment prevails there in regard to the murder of two
Americans at Los Ranches, near Albuquerque
namely. Edward Burtinett and William q. Skim
ner. Burtinett was killed in affray which took
place on the LIST ult.; William G. Skinner was
killed near the store of Juan C. Armga by the lat
ter person. 1t appears that Skinner went to Los
Ranches for the purpose of cowhiding some per-
son, and that he went to the store OF Armiga and
threatened him, which led to his death. The evil
dence in SINNERS case has been published in the
independence Messenger, by Judge Baker, for the
information of the public, who may be wrongly m-
formed.
That these murders were foul deeds, and that the
perpetrators should be severely dealt with, no one
will deny; but that the Executive OF the Territory
should be charged with these murders for political
purposes, is at once absurd and ridiculous, and
should, and will, meet with condemnation from
every honorable mind. II seems that certain par
ties in New Mexico are disappointed and dissatis'
fed because certain men not appointed to of.
flee; and IL seems also that they did not find James
8. Calhoun as pliable they expected, and conse-
quently strong disposition has been shown TO an
noy and thwar the Governor in his efforts for the
amchoration of the people Of the Territory.
Immediately upon the reception of the news OF
SINNERS death, meeting was called, and a &C.
ries of resolutions passed, animadverting on the
Governor, and making particular mention that he,
the Governor, was found playing game at whist
when called upon by a committee in reference to
SINNERS death, and which seemed to be offence
in the eyes of said committee, every one OF whom
gamble and buck at "monte," to use the vulgar
pariance of the city of Holy Faith. petition was
got up at the same time to the President for the re-
call of the Governor.
Having already forwarded TO paper in New
York the full particulars of these murders, have
deemed il unnecessary to go into details. However
cannot help saying that undue excitement pre-
walls in Santa Fe. That excitementhas been created
and fostered by discontended persons, whose sole
ambition is political power in the Territory, Of
which they are entirely unworthy. My knowledge
of people in New Mexico is such that can say &c
without fear of contradiction.
have no doubt that in a short space of time the
Executive Of New Mexico will place before the
proper department such facts will exonerate the
officers of the Territory from all charges that may
be made against them in connexion with the death
oil Burtinett and skinner.
I ana Of no party. bat deep knowledge OF things
ia New Mexico induces me thus to address you fo
the information of the public. and as ON act of jus
tice to the Executive of New Mexico.
The slavery question has its agtators there. The
correspondent of the Era supplies thai paper will
fresh, but false news, and then, on the subject
In one instance il ia said that Judge Baker brought
all hfs negroes to New Mexico. The Judge sayi
himself that they all at home in Mississippi. Il
is said that all the oficeholders from slave
States, which is not the case. Judge Baker ant
the Governor from slave States; the two asso
ciate Judges are from free States; the Attorney
General, Marshal, and one Indian Agent, are iron
the Territory; two Indian Agents are from FREE
States--namely, Greiner and Wooley; Major Wing
field, Indian Agent, is from slave State. Thus i
will be seen that fair division has been made
There il no ground whatever for slavery agitation
there. Shareholders never can be induced to fax
shsir slaves TO that barren country.
/ learn that the Governor OF New Mexico has
ccivcd orders for the disbursement of tho appropri
alton for the Navajoes and Utahs; but he will no
do any thing in the matter till he ia supplied with
proper escorts to protect the agents while on then
mission. Escorts refused by Colonel Sum
ncr when called for by the Governor, although
Sumner had orders from Washington to harmo
nize with the civil authorities. Major Wingheld
against whom an outcry may be raised for having
deserted his post, is his way to Washing.
ton to represent the state of aaire, and his entire
inability to do any thing without the entire CO
operation of the commanding officer Major
wingfeld will lay before the proper department
all the information he could collect in regard tc
these Indians, and the most suitable articles
sary for their wants.
Yours, &c, MACK.