Letter: September 20, 1848
I do hereby
certify that being in Santafe, N. Mexico in August, 1846, before the
arrival of Genl. Kearney, and being intimately acquainted with Col. Diego
Archulette and having an opportunity of conversing with him particularly
on the subject of impeding the entrance of the U. S. forces into that
City.
Always found him determined to make all possible resistance having in his
Command 1000 soldiers, the best New Mexico could produce. On the arrival
of Capt. Cook and J. W. Magoffin August 13 was requested by Mr. M. to give
him my opinion respecting the intentions of Genl Armijo, and particularly
that of Col. Archulette, which I did, informing him that the Genl. was not
determined but the Col. was decided in making all possible defence and his
opinion would be adhered to by a majority of the officers. I then left
Santafe with many other Americans by permit of Genl. Armijo, believing it
would be unsafe to remain in the City, leaving behind Magoffin who
remained for what purpose I knew not believing a strong resistance would
be made a few miles from the city must say that I was much astonished as
well as gratified to find that Genl. K. met with no opposition on his
entry into Santafe. On the contrary was received with much courtesy, by
the acting Governor of the city and the rest of the authorities, Mr.
Magoffin being one of the number on his reception at the Palace. The day
before Genl. K. entrance, some few leagues distant, Genl. A. called his
officers around him in order to consult what would be the best measure to
adopt. Col. Archulette being second in command gave as his opinion that it
was unnecessary to make a defence. This was adopted by all. The troops
were then disbanded and Genl. A. retreated with a Company of Dragoons to
Chiha. Col. Archulette retired to his country residence. The opinion of
Col. Archulette was surprising to many; knowing his previous determination
was entirely contrary, Mr. Manos and Palacios, Mexicans of the first
standing in this city being in New Mexico before and on the arrival of
Genl. K. and knowing the positive intention of Genl. Armijo and
particularly of Col. Archulette was to defend the place, retired
immediately to this city and reported to the Governor that J. W. Magoffin
had been the cause of non resistance and that he had bought over Genl.
Armijo and Col. Archulette this information with others led to the
imprisonment of Magoffin on his arrival at el Paso. I was also imprisoned
on my arrival there a few days. Afterwards I brought down in Company with
Magoffin to this city in October.
Dr. Henry Connelly
[From Photograph Owned by William E. Connelley]
This is in substance what occurred under my knowledge.
Chihuhua, Sept. 20th, 1848.
Henry Connelly.
I, Alfonso C. Anderson, Vice-commercial Agent of the United States for
the City of Chihuahua, certify that this day personally appeared before me
Henry Connelley, a gentleman of high standing and character in this City,
who being duly shown made oath and declared that the foregoing document to
which this is connected, and to which he had signed his name is true in
every respect, and that his signature thereto is genuine and deserving
full faith and credit.
(Seal) In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my
official seal, the day and date above written.
Alfonso C. Anderson,
Vice-Comml. Agt. c.
Philadelphia, February 21, 1849.
