Letter: June 18, 1846
War Department,
Washington, June 18, 1846.
Sir:
At the request of the President I commend to your favorable consideration
the bearer hereof, Colonel James W. Magoffin. Mr. M. is now and had been
for some years a resident of Chihuahua and extensively engaged in trade in
that and other settlements of Mexico. He is well acquainted with the
people of Chihuahua, Santa Fe and intermediate country. He was introduced
to the President by Col. Benton as a gentleman of intelligence and most
respectable character. The President had had several interviews with him
and is favorably impressed with his character, intelligence and
disposition to the cause of the United States. His knowledge of the
country and the people is such as induces the President to believe he may
render important services to you in regard to your military movements in
New Mexico. He will leave here for Santa Fe immediately and will probably
overtake you before you arrive at that place. Considering his
intelligence, his credit with the people and his business capacity it is
believed he will give important information and make arrangements to
furnish your troops with abundant supplies in New Mexico. Should you
apprehend difficulties of this nature it is recommended to you to avail
yourself in this respect and others of his services for which he will as a
matter of course be entitled to a fair consideration.
Very respectfully,
Your Obt. serv.,
W. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.
Colonel S. W. Kearney.
