The Minnesotian. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1851-1852, 1851-11-29
New Mexico Letter from Greiner.
SANTA FE, New MEXICO, }
Aug. IT, 1851.


My DEAR SIR: Col. Sumner with
his command Of about 800 men, left
Tor the Navajo country on the 18th
inst. lie intends to establish strong
military post in the heart Of it to keep
these Indians in check, as their depre-
dations upon the citizens Of New Mex
leo have been insufferable.
The Navajos are very formidable
tribe, and it is said can bring into the
field about 1000 warriors. 1t will be
no easy matter to conquer them, as
their homes are high up in the noun
tains, and they can retreat to places
inaccessible to our troops.
Their stock Of animals is the finest
in Mexico, and they raise corn and
wheat equal to any in the States
Their blankets are famed for being
the finest manufactured-if not in the
world, at least in the United States,
and for agriculture and manufactures
are far ahead Of any Of the Indian
tribes. Their country lies about 200
miles southwest from here.
The head qaurtcrs Of the army has
been removed from this place to the
Moro river, 100 miles cast Of Santa Fe,
where Fort Union is now being. erected.
Great complaints have been made by
the citizens at the summary mode
adopted by Col. Sumner in removing
the troops and the military stores from
here. and many apprehend great dan
ger from the unprotected state in which
they have been left.
1t is true that the Governor has pow
er to call out the militia, but if he did
he has no guns to put i'll their hands.
The Eutaws, Apaches and Camanches
remain at peace; but should they unite
with the Nayajos in hostilities- both the
army and the citizens would find active
employment, as they can probably num-
ber about 20, 900 warriors.
Bishop L'Amy arrived here from the
States on Saturday last, and succeeds
the Bishop Of Durango in this Diocese.
His entrance into the city was more
like that Of some victorious general
returning from hard fought battle.
than that Of one who brought peace on
earth and good will to men. Triulnph-
al arches we're spread across the road.
Flags, shawls, rcbosis and looking
glasses, adorned the fronts Of the EOus-
es, and the deep-mouthed cannons bel
lowed forth their laundering welcome.
The whole population poured forth to
meet him, and many Of them knclt and
kissed his hand as he entered the church
where high mass was celebrated in hon
or Of his safe arrival. The Governor
and all civil officers Of the Territory
were in attendance, and after the la
bors Of the day, sat down to the most
sumptuous dinners l have ever seen
spread before hungry men.
The Mcxicans differ with us in eating
their meals, confectionaries Of the fin
est kinds, and in profusion, we're first
brought upon the table, then the cham
pagne and other wines and cordials in
abundance, which, after everybody
drank to their hearts content; (for
nearly everybody drinks here,) was
cleared away, and the meats were
brought on. I thought to remember
the different kinds OF dishes and the
number Of courses, but, after counting
fifteen, l got SO mixed up that all l
could remember was, that I was glad
there was no more-for was full.
The bishop is an accomplished gen
tleman, and his first object will be the
establishment Of good schools all over
the Territory, and he will endeavor to
establish college in Santa Fe. When
you remember that the priests in New
Mexico are the leading politicians, and
that they are only amenable to the
Bishop, you may realize the import
ance Of having the right kind Of man
at the head Of the church. Bishop
L'Amy has been priest in Ohio for
some ten or twelve years past, and of
course you know he must be pretty near
right, Judging from the neighborhood
he comes from.
An expedition under the command
Of Major Kendrick started from here
on the 18th inst, to survey a new route
to California by way of the Colorado
river. 1t is expected that this route
will save about two hundred miles of
travel TO the land of gold.
An expedition under Captain Pope,
Of the Typographical Engineers, has
also started from Fort Union to sur
vey new route to the States across
the plains, by which it is claimed that
they will not only save considerable
distance, but secure grass, wood and
water for every encampment Of Is or
20 miles. You can judge by this that
the army, since the arrival OF Colonel