Letter: 26 August 1846
Saxtafe, August 26,
1846.
Hon. W. L. Marey, Secretary of War,
Washington City.
Sir:
I arrived at Bent's Fort on 26 July, where I found Genl. Kearney,
presented the letter I received from your hands, and was well received.
The Genl. on the 1st day of August dispatched Capt. Cook with 12 Dragoons
accompanied by myself, with a letter to Governor Armijo which was
delivered on 12th inst. 10 P. M. We were well received, and dined with his
excellency, had a long conversation with him and proved to him from Genl.
K. letter that the troops then entering the Department were only to give
peace and protection to the inhabitants and assured him that I had been
dispatched by the President of the United States in order to inform him
and the rest of the good people of New Mexico with whom I was acquainted
that this was the only object of our Govmt. I found many of the rich of
the Department here, also the militia officers, with whom I had ample
intercourse. I assured them the only object of our Govmt, was to take
possession of New Mexico as being a part of the territory annexed to the
U. S. by Texas and to give peace and quietude to the good people of the
country which gave them entire satisfaction. Was then assured by Col.
Archulette, 2nd in Command, that he would not oppose Genl. K's entrance,
etc. Genl. Armijo on the 15th ordered his troops say 3,000 in number to be
placed between two mountains with four pieces of artillery on the road by
which our army had to pass, having promised Genl. K. to have an interview
with him in his note borne by Capt. Cook 14th inst. Say some 50 miles
dist, at a place called the Vegas, Armijo left this place early on the
16th with 150 Dragoons and joined his army, called his officers together
and wished to know if they were prepared to defend the territory. They
answered they were not, that they were convinced by the proclamation they
had seen from Genl. K. that the U. S. had no intention to wage war with
New Mexico, on the contrary promised them all protection in their property
person and religion. Armijo, apparently appeared very much exasperated,
gave orders for the troops to be dispersed and in 48 hours they were all
at their homes, he himself leaving for the state of Chihuahua, with say
100 dragoons, maltreating all good citizens on his route, and pressing
their animals. Genl. Kearney entered this city on the 18th 5:00 o'clock P.
M., the authorities and people of the place being ready to give him a
hearty welcome, marched up to the Palace, entered the apartment prepared
for him and his servt., made an handsome and appropriate speech to the
authorities after which they all swore allegiance to the United States.
The palace was crowded and many bottles of generous wine was drank being
prepared for the occasion by the acting Governor. The next day by request
of the Genl. the people were assembled in the public square where he
addressed them in a very handsome manner, after which the people shouted
long live our General and the United States.
The clergy of the province have all called on the Genl, since his arrival
and have returned to their homes perfectly satisfied. I had the honor of
accompanying the Genl. and the staff to high mass last Sunday. The church
was filled with natural and adopted sons of the United States and all
passed off in the most perfect order. The Genl. gave on yesterday a
splendid ball at the Palace, which was universally attended by all the
respectable citizens of the city, and passed off in handsome style. The
fact is to make a long story short.
Genl. Kearney by his mild and persuasive manners had induced the good
people of New Mexico to believe that they now belong to the greatest
nation on earth, and that the stars and stripes which are now so gallantly
waving over the capitol of this City will always give them ample
protection from foreign foes. The Genl. will leave this on a visit to some
of the principal towns on the Rio Grande and I will leave with him and
proceed to Cha. with all possible speed. Will give you all the news from
there as soon as practicable after the arrival of General Wool.
My respects to the President, and believe me to be Yours truly,
J. W. Magoffin.
