USA > California > The conquest of California and New Mexico, by the forces of the United States, in the years 1846 & 1847 > Part 19
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My whole force now comprised 479 rank and file. On the 29th I marched to La Joya, where I learned that a party of sixty or eighty of the enemy had posted themselves on the steep slopes of the mountains which rise on each side of the cañon or gorge, which leads to Embudo. Finding the road by Embudo imprac- ticable for artillery or wagons, I detached Capt. Burgwin, in that direction, with his own company of dragoons and the companies commanded by Capt. St. Vrain, and Lieut White. This detach- ment comprised 180 rank and file.
By my permission, Adjutant R. Walker, Second regiment Mis- souri mounted Volunteers, accompanied Capt. Burgwin. Lieut. Wilson, First Dragoons, also volunteered his services as a private in Capt. St. Vrain's company.
Capt. Burgwin, pushing forward, discovered the enemy, to the number of between six and seven hundred, posted on the sides of the mountains, just where the gorge becomes so contracted as scarcely to admit of the passage of three men marching abreast.
The rapid slopes of the mountains rendered the enemy's posi- tion very strong, and its strength was increased by the dense masses of cedar and large fragments of rock which everywhere offered them shelter. The action was commenced by Capt. St. Vrain, who, dismounting his men, ascended the mountain on the left,
1 228
SKIRMISH AT EMBUDO.
doing much execution. Flanking parties were thrown out on either side, commanded respectively by Lieut. White, Second regi- ment Missouri mounted Volunteers, and by Lieut. McIlvaine and Taylor, First Dragoons. These parties ascended the hills rapidly, and the enemy soon began to retire in the direction of Embudo, bounding along the steep and rugged sides of the mountains with a speed that defied pursuit. The firing at the pass of Embudo had been heard at La Joya, and Capt. Slack, with twenty-five mounted men, had been immediately despatched thither. He now arrived and rendered excellent service by relieving Lieut. White, whose men were much fatigued. Lieuts. McIlvaine and Taylor were also recalled ; and Lieut. Ingalls was directed to lead a flank- ing party on the right slope, while Capt. Slack performed the same duty on the left. The enemy having by this time retreated beyond our reach, Capt. Burgwin marched through the defile, and debouching into the open valley in which Embudo is situated, re- called the flanking parties, and entered that town without opposi- tion, several persons meeting him with a white flag.
Our loss in this action was one man killed, and one severely wounded, both belonging to Capt. St. Vrain's company. The loss of the enemy was about twenty killed, and sixty wounded.
Thus ended the battle of the pass of Embudo.
On the 30th, Capt. Burgwin marched to Trampas, where he was directed to await the arrival of the main body, which, on ac- count of the artillery and wagons, was forced to pursue a more southern route. On the 31st, I reached Trampas ; and being joined by Capt. Burgwin, marched on to Chamisal with the whole com- mand. On the 1st of February, we reached the summit of the Taos mountain, which was covered with snow to the depth of two feet ; and on the 2d, quartered at a small village called Rio Chicito, in the entrance of the valley of Taos. The marches of the 1st and 2d were through deep snow. Many of the men were frost- bitten, and all were very much jaded with the exertions necessary to travel over unbeaten roads, being marched in front of the artillery and wagons, in order to break a road through the snow. The con- stancy and patience with which the troops bore these hardships,
229
BATTLE OF PUEBLO DE TAOS.
deserve all commendation, and cannot be excelled by the most veteran soldiers. On the 3d, I marched through Don Fernando de Taos, and finding that the enemy had fortified themselves in the Pueblo de Taos, proceeded to that place. I found it a place of great strength, being surrounded by adobe walls and strong pickets. Within the enclosure and near the northern and southern walls, arose two large buildings of irregular pyramidal form to the height of seven or eight stories. Each of these buildings was capable of sheltering five or six hundred men. Besides these, there were many smaller buildings, and the large church of the town was situated in the north-western angle, a small passage being left be- tween it and the outer wall. The exterior wall and all the en- closed buildings were pierced for rifles. The town was admirably calculated for defence, every point of the exterior walls and pickets being flanked by some projecting building, as will be seen from the enclosed drawing.
After having reconnoitered the town, I selected the western flank of the church as the point of attack ; and about 2 o'clock, P. M., Lieut. Dyer was ordered to open his battery at the distance of about 250 yards. A fire was kept up by the six-pounder and the howitzers, for about two hours and a half, when, as the am- munition wagon had not yet come up, and the troops were suffer- ing from cold and fatigue, I returned to Don Fernando. Early on the morning of the 4th, I again advanced upon Pueblo. Posting the dragoons under Capt. Burgwin, about 260 yards from the western flank of the church, I ordered the mounted men under Capts. St. Vrain and Slack, to a position on the opposite side of the town, whence they could discover and intercept any fugitives who might attempt to escape towards the mountains, or in the direction of Don Fernando. The residue of the troops took ground about 300 yards from the northern wall. Here, too, Lieut. Dyer established himself with the six-pounder and two howitzers, while Lieut. Hassendeubel, of Major Clark's battalion light artillery, remained with Capt. Burgwin, in command of two howitzers. By this arrangement a cross-fire was obtained, sweeping the front and eastern flank of the church.
230
BATTLE OF PUEBLO DE TAOS.
All these arrangements having been made, the batteries opened upon the town at 9 o'clock, A. M. At 11 o'clock, finding it im- possible to breach the walls of the church with the six-pounder and howitzers, I determined to storm that building. At a signal, Capt. Burgwin, (First regiment United States Dragoons,) at the head of his own company, and that of Capt. McMillin, (of the volunteers,) charged the western flank of the church, while Capt. Angney, Infantry battalion, and Capt. Barber, and Lieut. Boon, Second regiment Missouri mounted Volunteers, charged the north- ern wall. As soon as the troops above mentioned had established themselves under the western wall of the church, axes were used in the attempt to breach it ; and, a temporary ladder having been made, the roof was fired. About this time, Capt. Burgwin, at the head of a small party, left the cover afforded by the flank of the church, and penetrating into the corral in front of that building, endeavoured to force the door. In this exposed situation, Capt. Burgwin received a severe wound which deprived me of his valuable services, and of which he died on the 7th instant. Lieuts. McIlvaine, First United States Dragoons, and Royall and Lack- land, Second regiment mounted Volunteers, accompanied Capt. Burgwin into the corral ; but the attempt on the church door proved fruitless, and they were compelled to retire behind the wall. In the mean time, small holes had been cut into the western wall, and shells were thrown in by hand, doing good execution. The six-pounder was now brought around by Lieut. Wilson, who at the distance of two hundred yards, poured a heavy fire of grape into the town. The enemy during all this time kept up a destruc-
tive fire upon our troops .. About half-past 3 o'clock, the six- pounder was run up within sixty yards of the church, and after ten rounds, one of the holes which had been cut with the axes was widened into a practicable breach. The gun was now run up within ten yards of the wall-a shell was thrown in-three rounds of grape were poured into the breach. The storming party -among whom were Lieut. Dyer, of the ordnance, and Lieuts. Wilson and Taylor, First Dragoons, entered and took possession of the church without opposition. The interior was filled with
231
BATTLE OF PUEBLO DE TAOS.
dense smoke, but for which circumstance our storming party would have suffered great loss. A few of the enemy were seen in the gallery, where an open door admitted the air, but they retired without firing a gun. The troops left to support the battery on the north, were now ordered to charge on that side. The enemy abandoned the western part of the town. Many took refuge in the large houses on the east, while others endeavoured to escape toward the mountains. These latter were pursued by the mounted men under Capts. Slack and St. Vrain, who killed fifty-one of them, only two or three men escaping. It was now night, and our troops were quietly quartered in the houses which the enemy had abandoned. On the next morning, the enemy sued for peace, and thinking the severe loss they had sustained would prove a salutary lesson, I granted their supplication, on the condition that they should deliver up to me Tomas-one of their principal men, who had insti- gated and been actively engaged in the murder of Gov. Bent and others. The number of the enemy at the battle of Pueblo de Taos was between six and seven hundred. Of these, about one hundred and fifty were killed-wounded not known. Our own loss was seven kill- ed, and forty-five wounded. Many of the wounded have since died.
The principal leaders in this insurrection were Tafoya, Pablo Chavis, Pablo Montoya, Cortez, and Tomas, a Pueblo Indian. Of these, Tafoya was killed at Cañada; Chavis was killed at Pueblo; Montoya was hanged at Don Fernando on the 7th instant, and Tomas was shot by a private while in the guard room at the latter town. Cortez is still at large. This person was at the head of the rebels in the valley of the Mora.
In the battles of Canada, Embudo, and Pueblo de Taos, the officers and men behaved admirably. Where all conducted them- selves gallantly, I consider it improper to distinguish individuals, as such discrimination might operate prejudicially against the just claims of others.
I have the honour to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STERLING PRICE,
Col. commanding the army in New Mexico.
The ADJUTANT-GENERAL of the Army, Washington, D. C.
233
FUNERALS OF BENT AND BURGWIN.
Early in the morning of the 5th, the women had come in crowds to the victors, on their knees, with white flags, crosses, images, &c., begging for mercy ; and very soon the men followed them. Col. Price listened to their supplications. They brought forward much of the property that had been taken from the American citizens whom they had murdered. This was restored to their relatives.
This campaign of nineteen days was made without tents, and with marches through, and nights spent in snow from two to three feet deep, and here it may be mentioned that this winter was deemed the most severe that had occurred in New Mexico for many years.
Missouri had abundant cause of gratulation in the gallantry of her citizen soldiery, for this was a contest not alone against Mexi- cans, but against the most warlike tribe of Indians, and a fastness the strongest in New Mexico, and by them regarded as impreg- nable. The chivalry and daring of the attack and capture of the church at Pueblo could scarce atone in its confessedly glorious results for the loss of the gallant Burgwin and his comrades. The heroic conduct of the United States Dragoons was well attested by their loss in killed and wounded, as it was by their efficiency.
At Santa Fé, the 13th was a day of mourning. In the morning, the funeral of Burgwin, than whom the army did not furnish a better specimen of the combination of the gentleman with the officer, took place with all the honours due to his rank, and more to his merits. In the afternoon, the mangled remains of the lamented Governor Bent were buried by the Masonic fraternity, assisted by all the military of the place. At least 1300 Americans were present, and a vast concourse of Mexicans, at a funeral pageant such as was never witnessed before in that country.
Their graves are,on a little knoll, just under the western angle of Fort Marcy.
As soon as Col. Price received the first intimation of the murder at Taos of Gov. Bent and others, and of insurrectionary move- ments at St. Miguel, he sent an order to Capt. Henley, who had
233
BURNING OF MORO.
been stationed in that neighbourhood, as well to take charge of the grazing parties as to protect Capt. Murphy, who had been sent to St. Louis and was daily expected back with United States funds for the troops, to collect all his forces, and to put down any attempt at a revolution, and to give convoy to Capt. Murphy's small train.
Anonymous letters had, immediately on the outbreak at Taos, been sent to all the surrounding settlements, urging the people to rise and massacre the Americans. One of these was received at Moro, a town on the east side of the mountains. On the 19th, eight Americans were at that place, and they were immediately killed. Among them were L. L. Waldo, and Benjamin Prewitt, both old traders. At the date of these massacres, Capt. Henley, with his grazing party of 90 men, was near Moro. The insurgents soon became formidable and fortified the town. Capt. Henley determined to attack in this position, and fought them for several hours, killing fifteen and wounding many, with eighteen prisoners, who were subsequently sent to Santa Fé. In the engagement, Henley was killed, when, finding that the insurgents could not be driven from their position, the first lieutenant withdrew for rein- forcements, which arrived at Vegas about the 28th of January, under Capt. Morin. The party then proceeded to Moro, but on its approach the inhabitants of the place fled. Moro had a popu- lation of about 2000, nearly all of whom took to the mountains. Capt. Morin then destroyed the place, with the exception of three houses, occupied by invalids, as also a large quantity of grain, then much wanted by the army in New Mexico, thus, unfortunately causing some of the horrors of war to be felt as well by the victors as by the enemy.
Besides the prisoners sent to Santa Fé from Moro town, Col. Price brought with him the father-in-law of Archuleta, who fought him at Cañada. He took both these persons on his way to Taos, carried them to that place, and finally turned them over to the civil authority of Santa Fé. The father-in-law was a venerable looking old man of. about sixty-five, and suffered much while crossing the high mountains through deep snow, in mid-winter. There was no doubt of his having participated largely in the
234
REBELS EXECUTED.
revolution. He was wealthy, and lived in good style. An interesting interview took place on the return, between Col. Price and the mother of Archuleta. She called on him and begged her son's release, and, with streaming eyes, told him he was her only comfort-that her other son had fled, and that she was alone in the world. Col. Price told her it was painful to him to be the cause of any sorrow to her, but that his duty to his country would not allow him to liberate her son. She replied that she would pledge all she was worth, if he would release him, that he would never engage in another revolution. Col. Price could not listen to' her proposal. She then offered to bail him in any amount, to which it was replied that the civil authority alone could decide on that matter. - Subsequently tried and condemned, they were humanely ordered to be pardoned by the President of the United States as soon as he came to a knowledge of the case.
After the fight at Taos, the Pueblo Indians, the late allies of the Mexicans, delivered up to Col. Price the ringleaders in the assas- sination and rebellion, and professed a wish to be friendly with the Americans, declaring they had been deceived by false representa- tions of the Mexicans, and of plunder largely held out to them.
After these events, the Mexicans were, as far as possible, dis- armed and deprived of their ammunition. The civil government resumed its functions under the secretary of state, acting as gover- nor, and the trials of the rebels took place, and resulted in the condemnation of many who were engaged in the revolt. Their execution then took place. Early in April, Col. Price occupied Santa Fé, with about 450 troops. The remainder of his forces were stationed through the country, some guarding the horses and stock, and others garrisoning posts, as was the position of affairs previous to the insurrection.
The execution of the sentences of the courts on the criminals much excited the Mexicans, still at this time all was quiet, but it was believed to be that stubborn and sullen quiet which superior force alone compels.
In this state of affairs-in a country greatly exhausted of its resources-and, at any time, deficient in means to sustain a large
235
ROUTE TO SANTA FE.
mounted force, especially around Santa Fé, with reinforcements to be brought above one thousand miles, over the trackless and desert plains of the far west, and through hostile or thieving Indians, it was apparent that the troops at Santa Fé, and in New Mexico, would be required to exercise the greatest vigilance, in order to retain the conquered territory.
Nor was it long before the inimical spirit of the population gave occasion for activity, though not in any attempt at wide-spread in- surrection, but in such isolated acts of hostility as, if successful to any extent, might have lead to a general revolt.
Reports came of parties of Mexicans having gone from the fron- tiers to rob on the plains, and of their allying themselves with the Chasjeune Indians, and some other savage tribes ; that Cortes, a Mexican outlaw, had enlisted the Cumanches, and threatened the eastern frontier, as well as all Americans on the Santa Fé trail to the United States, &c. Over this trail, it had for some time be- fore required an efficient party to check the attacks or depreda- tions of the savages who infested it, lured thither by the hope of plunder. With these Indians, Mexicans were found united. The Arrapohoes and Pawnees also, infested the route, so that a small government train with stores for the use of the troops at Santa Fé, had been cut off and the teamsters murdered, and that several other lives and much property had been lost.
At this time, whatever small party ventured to traverse the long and difficult route to or from Santa Fé and Fort Leavenworth, en- countered with great certainty many adventures, as well as immi- nent risks of their lives. Lieuts. Abert and Peck, of the Topo- graphical Engineers, had gone out with Gen. Kearny. They had remained at Santa Fé, when Gen. Kearny departed for California, and, subsequently, made under orders left for them,* an examina- tion and survey of New Mexico, which, when published, must be
* Lieut. Emory, chief of the Engineer staff of Gen. Kearny, left these orders, and accompanied the general to California. No opportunity was neglected by this officer to take astronomical observations, as well as to make topographical reconnoissances. In these he was most ably seconded by Lieut. William H. Warner, both of the Topographical Engineer corps.
236
INCIDENTS OF THE DESERT.
of exceeding interest, from their known ability. Lieut. Abert re- turned from New Mexico, in December, and January, 1847, over the plains. His journal of this trip has been published, and vividly details the hardships and dangers of the enterprise. Lieut. Peck, with Messrs. Woods and Sanford, left Santa Fé soon after the Taos insurrection, and when the insurgents were being brought to punishment. His party was small, and, after they had been out a few days, they were attacked by greatly superior numbers of Cumanches, who, though driven off for the time, succeeded in stealing ten of their mules and horses. This they effected by en- gaging and drawing off the men from their pack animals, or in a variety of ways common to Indian strategy-in fact, both as war- riors and strategists, the Cumanches were generally found to be more warlike and skilful than the Mexicans. On the second day, the Indians in greater numbers renewed the fight, and succeeded in running off thirty-five of the horses and mules, but not without heavy loss to themselves. All of the small party displayed the utmost intrepidity in facing the enemy. A musket-ball struck the pistol of Lieut. Peck, and took the impression of the manufac- turer's name, plain as if purposely made upon it, while his clothes were lanced through, and a man wounded by his side. Others were equally warmly engaged, and had a long and protracted struggle before they were able to drive the "Arabs of the Desert" (as they have been appropriately called) off from their prey. That night they were joined by Mr. McKnight, from Chihuahua, passed Midshipman E. Beale, of the United States navy, C. Toplin, Christopher Carson, Theodore Talbot, of the army, Robert E. Russell, and others from the Pacific coast. The names given are connected with principal events sketched in this work ; and it was a singular incident that the far distant and widely separated branches of the "Army of the West"-Chihuahua-Santa Fé- and California-as well as the naval co-operation, should here be represented, and have to tell their adventures at a camp in the desert, and while yet in danger from the Cumanches, out of a contest with whom they had just emerged, and knew not at what moment they might have to renew, and here to listen to news of
237
SKIRMISHES WITH THE INDIANS.
their companions in arms, and of distant achievements before un- known to each other.
At the bend of the Arkansas, the party thus reinforced had their camp attacked by another tribe of Indians, Pawnees, who fired many arrows into it, and attempted to excite a stampede among the horses, but as the Indians appeared with but one gun, they were more easily driven off. These gentlemen arrived, finally, at the settlements without further loss. They reported the Indians as very hostile, and as intending to attack every party which they might think themselves strong enough to contend with. In fact, these dangers and difficulties were encountered by all small parties who attempted the route between Santa Fé and the American settlements ; some of them in a more eminent degree. It is now known that a force has been sent out, under Col. Gilpin, to punish the Indians, and protect the route.
In New Mexico, the Apache Indians had now become trouble- some. Despite their treaty with Col. Doniphan, they had suffered themselves to be excited to hostilities against the Americans by some of the leading insurrectionists who had escaped, and pene- trated their country.
Forces were detached against them. Bancroft "On the 29th of May, 1847, an engagement took place at the Red River cañon, about one hundred and fifty miles south-east of Santa Fé, between a detachment of about 175 men under Major Edmonson, and a band of Mexicans and Apaches numbering four hundred. These had combined to commit depredations on American property, and a few days previous succeeded in stealing 150 horses from traders and others. Major Edmonson was crossing a slough at the mouth of the cañon, which was very miry, and many of his horses being in weak condition, were unable to get through the morass. Here he suddenly came upon the enemy, and engaged the Mexicans and Indians for about two hours on foot, when he was compelled to retreat. Lieut. Elliott, in command of 27 men, principally Laclede Rangers, gallantly posted his men on a point of rocks and kept the enemy from advancing upon the retiring forces until they
238
SERVICES OF MAJOR EDMONSON.
got out of their difficult position. All the horses were either shot down or captured.
Lieutenant-colonel Willock was ordered, early in June, from Taos to Santa Fé, the terms of service of most of his men being at this time about to expire. In fact, the terms of the whole volunteer force then in New Mexico were near expiration.
A small detached party under Lieut. Brown were surprised, and all killed by the Mexicans about this time.
Major Edmonson had again encountered the enemy with artillery, and had captured, with considerable loss on the part of the Mexi- cans, the town of Los Pias, and was in July following up his suc- cesses-here the narrative of one of his officers must serve for our sketches.
The insurrectionists under their leaders, Gen. Gonsales and the outlaw Cortes, surprised and dispersed, and the recapture of a great number of American horses by our troops.
SANTA FE, August 4, 1847.
MESSRS. EDITORS : At the destruction of the town of Los Pias, on the 6th of July last, by the troops under the command of Major Edmonson, we found upon the prisoners then taken, letters written by one Gonsales and others, leaders of the late projected insurrec- tion, giving a plan of their intended operations, and asking the citizens to be in readiness for action at a moment's warning ; stating, also, that the Americans were already weakened by the departure to the States of a number of troops : that others were to start in a few days, and amongst them the company of artillerists, Capt. Fischer's ; and that spies would be kept constantly on the road to give information of their (the artillerists') departure, at which time they entertained no doubt of being able to strike a final and decisive blow. The prisoners also stated that many of their men, with their arms, had gone to the town of Loquesta, to join their leader, Gen. Gonsales.
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