Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-06-12
STATE OF AFFAIRS IN NEW MEXICO


The following Letter furnishes information of
painful interest," such as ought to secure IMMEDIATE
action by Congress and the Executive to Uphold
and secure the authority of Civil Government in
the United States Territory Of New Mexico:
coRREsPoSpEscE OF THE LOUIS REPUBLICAN a
SANTA FL, New MEXICO APRIL %, 1852.
The tale is told, the secret is solved. The great
effort to make free American citizens of the Next
cans has exploded. The civil government is 1t an
end, and but for the military force stationed here
all would be anarchy. Previous to the arrival of
Col. SUMNER, the military commandment Of this de-
partment as you are aware, the troops were sta
toned within the towns, and up to that time no
considerable demonstration since the war had been
made against the civil government. COL Sumner, in
cordance with the views Of the Administration and bet
ter to the country from Indian depredatons,
changed the posts and placed large portion of the troops
in the Indian country. This seized by the Mexi
cans as fit time to disregard the civil authorities and
put at nought all law and order Disafecton and de-
termination to resist every thing American became appa
rent. The American citizen became alarmed, and the
greatest excitement prevailed particularly at this place
In this condition Of things Gov CALHOUN properly feel
ing himself wholly unable to administer the government
without military aid called COL SUMNER who prompt
repaired to this city, and finding entire abandon
ment Of all law and order and dangerous disregard by
many of the inhabitants of all principles Of right and
inability of the civil authorities maintain the peace
dered in strong company Of infantry in addition to the
company Of artillery then here established effective
military police to aid the civil authorities and placed out
strong guards which have for the tmebeing restored
quiet and to extent confidence that with this aid
the civil government may be maintained. Enclosed
send you card signed by Gov. Calhoun and Col Sum-
which possibly indicates the necessary be
pursued by Col Sumner hereafter. His alacrty in
pairing to this place. the request Of the Governor and
the prompness and success of his measure in securing
quiet and safety to the people deeply felt by Ame
rican inhabitants Some may suppose that this condition
has been brought about by actual supposed mall
administration of the government and that in dscon
tents in the States little time anda proper in those
who administer the civil government will restore pro-
per condition of things To those who may thus think it
is time that they mistaken All that has been done
here in arresng the operations of the civil
justly attributable to the enmity and prejudice of the
Mexicans against us and firm determination their
part to throw off Since the establish
ment Of territorial government for New Mexico every
Mexican influence has been against its successful
operations Murders have been committed American
citizens and the grand jury has failed present indict-
ments. The last Legislature wholly failed to authorize
tax sufficient to prosecute criminals and Gov Calhoun
compelled to turn at large forty thieves, cut
throats and robbers from the Jail in this place. for the
want of means to support them in prison. In word,
Congress must fshe would sustain her dignity and pro-
tect American citizens, adopt other system for gov
ernng this country The territorial scheme has empha
tically failed and win continue to do until the Next
cans shall have become learned and civilized
people.