USA > Kansas > A standard history of Kansas and Kansans, Volume I > Part 22
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It further appears that Mr. Magoffin joined Genl. Kearney at Bent's Fort, on the 26th of July, 1846, and at the instance of that General, accompanied Capt. Cooke with a flag and letter to Governor Armijo, at Santa Fe, where by his influence and address. he was instrumental in neutralizing the hostile feelings of the Mexican authorities in that quarter, and in obtaining for our troops the peaceful possession of that place. That after this was effected, he proceeded with General Kearney on a visit to some of the principal towns on the Rio Grande, where he left that officer, and continued his route to Chihuaha, near which place, in the fall of 1846, he was taken prisoner by the Mexican authorities, and afterwards sent to Durango, where he remained in confinement until released, the date of which release is not stated, although he is said to have been in confinement nine months.
For the services rendered by him. the expenses incurred in rendering them, and the losses he sustained by reason of his capture, etc., Mr. Magoffin presents the following claim, amounting in all to $37.780.96.
1. For his time, being a merchant in business which he had to neglect for two years and 8 months, at $300.00 per month. . $9,600 Remark. If this amount is intended as an equivalent for the services he is supposed to have rendered, con- sidering their importance, and the risk he incurred it may not be deemed too high, being at the rate of only $3,600 a year.
2. For expenses between Washington City and El Paso, including an eseort of six men, after leaving Genl. Kearney.
Remark. The items in this charge appear reasonable, with the exception of $160, paid for a pair of mules, which is considered high.
3. For amount expended in bribes in Chihuaha, in order to obtain possession of Genl. Kearney's statement of his serv-
$670
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ices in Santa Fe, then in the hands of the military Judge and which, if not destroyed, would have placed his life in jeopardy $3,800
Remark. There is no evidence but the declaration of Mr. Magoffin that the money was so expended. It is pre- sumed from the transpiring circumstances that these bribes were actually paid, and that they were the means of re- leasing him from the fate which appears to have awaited him, on account of the important secret services he ren- dered in obtaining peaceable possession of Santa Fe, and I should think he ought in justice to be remunerated. It is not an unusual thing for Governments to seek, even at con- siderable eost, to obtain the release of their secret agents, taken by the enemy as spies, the efforts on the part of the British authorities in respect to the capture of Andre may be suggested as a case in point. Had the papers in the case of Magoffin been preserved it would have been the means of convicting him as a spy.
4. For money paid by him to the authorities in Durango for his release from imprisonment $1,100 And for money given to a Mexican friend for making ar- rangements for that relcase. $500
Remark. There is no evidence to support these charges, which rest upon the mere declaration of Mr. Magoffin. The letter of Mr. Baldwin referred to by the elaimant, in proof, merely mentions the return to Magoffin of his acceptance for $1,100, in favor of the former, but the object for which the money was expended does not appear.
5. For entertainment to officers, military and civil, and to in- fluential citizens of Santa Fe, Chihuaha and Durango, to accomplish the object of promoting the interests of the United States $2,000
Remark. If this item had been confined to entertain- ments given in Santa Fe, it would have been better under- stood, and perhaps might not be deemed too high a charge, considering the importance of the object obtained by them. But how entertainment in Chihuaha and Durango could have promoted the interests of the United States, while the claimant was a prisoner in those cities, or even after his release, when he was compelled to act with great eireum- spection, is not sufficiently clear. This would seem to re- quire some explanation.
6. For subsistence for himself, horses and servants, wages and elothing charged as a Colonel of Cavalry
$3,792
Remark. In admitting the reasonableness of the charge in the 1st item of the claim for time and services rendered at the rate of $3,600 per annum, it was intended to include subsistence, forage, servants, and clothing. As Mr. Ma- goffin has charged these items separately and at the rate allowed to a Colonel of Cavalry, there is a propriety in paying for his services at the same rate. The pay and emoluments of a Colonel of Cavalry, including sueh items as these, do not exeeed $3,600 per annum. I think there- fore they should not be allowed, if the 1st item of the elaim is admitted.
7. For losses sustained in consequence of an attack made by the Apache Indians, while travelling from Santa Fe to Chi-
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huaha, consisting of a wagon, (before charged) trunks, clothing and money
$350
Remark. This item is inadmissible. The government eannot be held to pay for the loss of the private effects of its agents. Besides, the charge for the loss of the wagon, if admitted, would be equivalent to paying twice for the same article, the wagon being already charged in 2nd item of the claim under expenses from Washington to El Paso. 8. For loss sustained at Chihnaha during his confinement, in consequence of dufies levied upon his goods, after Doni- phan's departure from that place. .$15,968.96
Remarks. The evidence in support of this item is the certificate of Mr. Jno. Potts, which goes to show that he purchased from Mr. Saml. Magoffin 311 bales of merchan- dise belonging to Mr. James Magoffin then a prisoner in Durango-that the merchandise was purchased on time, and at an amount equal to its original cost, and an ang- mentation of 50 per cent of the expenses thereon to the city of Chihuaha, with a guarantee that the purchaser should not be responsible for the duties of any kind what- soever. The certificate further states that this property would not have been disposed of by Mr. Saml. Magoffin at a rate so ruinous to his brother's interest, but for the utter impossibility of removing it from Chihnaha and the fear of its being seized by the authorities of Mexico, to which danger it was exposed from the retirement of Col. Doniphan from that city, who had no sooner withdrawn his forces than the Mexican Governor levied duties upon this merchandise to the amount of $15,968.96, which amount was paid by Mr. Potts and afterwards refunded by Mr. James Magoffin.
Admitting that this is a correct statement of the trans- action-that the goods were sold at the sacrifice, as stated, and that the amount of duties levied upon them by the Mexiean Governor, was at the cost of Mr. Magoffin, it does not necessarily follow, that the losses he thus inenrred are a fair charge against the United States, growing out of his secret services. The same exaction on the part of the Mexican Government, would, in all probabilities have been made, had Mr. Magoffin been in the exercise of his privileges as an American Merchant, residing in Chihnaha, and he can have no greater claim to indemnification than any other American merchant, then residing in that city and who sustained similar losses.
From an examination of all the papers in support of the account presented by Mr. Magoffin, and admitting that the services rendered by him were important, and were justified by the authority given for his employment as special agent. the following items in that account may be considered a fair charge against the United States, to wit :
1. For his time and services. $ 9,600
2. For his expenses from Washington to El Paso 670
3. For amount paid as bribes for his safety 3,800
4. For amount paid to affect his release from prison. 1.600
5. For expenses of entertainments given by him. 2,000
$17,670
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The items rejected for reasons given are :
6. For subsistence for himself, horses, servants, etc .. ... ... $ 3,792
7. For loss of private baggage captured by Indians. 350
8. For loss by duties, levied upon his merchandise. 15,986.96
$20,128.96
In consideration however of the important services rendered by. Mr. Magoffin in aiding to overcome resistance on the part of the Mexican authorities, in the conquest of New Mexico as shown by the letters of Lt. Col. Cooke and Maj. Turner of the Army, and the heavy losses he has sustained during the late war with Mexico, as well as his suffering while a prisoner in the enemy's hands, I recommend that he be allowed the sum of $30,000.00 in full of all demends against the United States.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. W. CRAWFORD, Secretary of War.
April 1, 1849. To the President.
HARRODSBURGH, Ky., JUNE 22, 1847.
My dear Sir: .
Permit me to call to your attention, and that of the President, the situation of Mr. Jas. Magoffin, whose widowed mother and numerous relatives of whom I am one, all reside in this place and vicinity, con- sisting of half of this county, (Mercer, Ky.). Ile was taken prisoner near Chihuahua last fall and condemned to be shot as a Mexican traitor having lived in that place as a merchant and was returning to Chihuahua to look after his affairs from Santa Fe, having been of essential service to Genl. Kearney was in advance of him on his march to California. Ilis sentence was suspended at the request of Governor Amijo, his wife being a relation, Mr. Magoffin never became a eitizen of Mexico, altho authorized to be so, always deelined. His wife is dead and his children are at school in this state and Missouri, when Col. Donaphan approached Chihuahua he was sent off a prisoner to Durango where I understand he is now detained, still subject to his original sentenee. Will you be so good as to request General Taylor to take immediate steps for his safety and release. Mr. Magoffin was born in this place and his friends take a deep interest in his release.
I hope you will indulge me in saying a few words about the Mexican War, which has been eondueted so far with an energy highly honorable to the President and yourself, in the face of an opposition dishonorable to the Leading Whigs whose hypocrisy is only equaled by their impu- dence, many of them would disgrace their country to injure the Presi- dent. I hope yon will go straight ahead without regarding their elamors. The people are getting right in this State, and if we do not elect some three or four Democrats, it will not be for want of trying. In this District Mr. Charles A. Wickliffe is making a strong impression. His opponent is compelled to say he will vote men and money for the war, altho he is foolish enough to say that the President blundered into the war and that Texas is not worth having or California either, and this has weakened him with honest Whigs. There seems to be some un- easiness as to what we are to do if Mexico still refuses to treat. For my part I think our course is a plain one. I know something of the Spanish character. They are a proud, haughty people and kindness and forbearance is lost upon them. Gratitude is not one of their virtues, and coneiliation can only be made through their fears. The masses are ignorant and under the absolute control of their priests, who are venal
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and corrupt. Touch their money and you reach their hearts. Make it their interest to have peace and we will soon have it. They care not for the common people and it is only when they are made to feel [fear] that they become humble as spaniels. When Genl. Scott reaches the city of Mexico his first duty will be to unite with one of their parties, the priests ineluded, and have a government organized to suit the times. Capture St. Ana Alamonts, Salas, and others or drive them out of the country. If any more of their generals, colonels, etc., are taken send them all to New Orleans, release none of them. They will promise anything when in our power, and the next moment betray and cut our throats, and if nothing else will do separate the northern provinces from Mexico, as Yucatan now is, but we will have to protect any party we may side with for some time. There is too much ignorance to under- stand at present a federal Government, and a central government never can control the whole. We must have California and New Mexico, at least by way of indemnity, and then there the Rio Del Norte may be the line to a line running west of the Gila River. England may be induced to agree to this by paying the purchase money to her ereditors, but it is true that England and France have heretofore by their intrigues created all this hostile feeling in Mexico against the United States. It is now their interest to have peace. I know that England for years kept the feelings of all the South American Republics jealous of us and at this moment they can do much for peace if they chose. Our Whig papers and speeches in Congress have done more to keep up this war than anything else. General Scott should be instructed to embargo all newspaper going to the city of Mexico or suspicious letters, as they have their spies and partisans at Washington City and at New Orleans-stop this channel of communication, and you stop all the fuel to this war. Cut it up root and branch and let martial law prevail in the city of Mexico and Vera Cruz. If General Scott and Taylor will do this we will not hear any more Corwin's speeches or "our Friend" in the United States. It is not generally known what immense number of our papers are sent to all those South American Republics and to Mexico. When at Bagota from 1833 to 1837 I could always find the National Intelligencer and other Whig papers. abusing our Government when mine were left behind.
Yours truly with high respect, ROBERT B. MCAFEE.
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 Gov-
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ernor 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. Archnlette being second in command gave as his opinion that it was unnecessary to make a defenee. 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,
DR. HENRY CONNELLY
[From Photograph Owned by William E. Connelley ]
Mexicans of the first standing in this eity 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 eity and reported to the Governor that J. W. Magoffin had heen the cause of non resistance and that he had bought over Genl. Armijo and Col. Arehulette 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. After- wards I brought down in Company with Magoffin to this city in October.
This is in substance what occurred under my knowledge. Chihuhua, Sept. 20th, 1848.
HENRY CONNELLY.
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Commercial Agency of the United States,
CHIHUAHUA, SEPT. 20, 1848.
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 has 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.
To J. W. Magoffin, Esq.
Dear Sir :
If the following statement of such of your important services as came to my personal knowledge during the invasion of New Mexico can serve to elucidate your sacrifices and risks during the War, it gives me pleasure to make it.
I shall not easily forget the pleasure which your company give me when I preceded the army with a flag, from Bent's Fort to Santa Fe, nor the advantages of your knowledge of the country and its language.
I am strongly impressed with the skill you exhibited not to com- promise your old influence over the Mexican General, by an appearance of your real connextion with myself. (even furnishing an interpreter, rather than appear on the official occasion;) At night, however, you accompanied Genl. Armijo to my quarters, when, by your aid, we had a secret conference. I then understood the Mexican Governor's real disinclination to actual resistance, to which, I believe, according to our instructions, you gave important encouragement particularly in neutral- izing the contrary influence of young Colonel Archulette, by suggesting to his ambition the part of bringing about a pronunciamento of Western New Mexico in favour of annexation; (Genl. Kearney's first proclama- tion elaiming only to the Rio Grande.)
I had personal knowledge of the high opinion which that General entertained of your discretion and services; and, that it may well be considered a piece of good fortune. that at the expense of a large bribe, you were suffered to destroy the General's own written statement of them, only shows how narrowly you escaped with your life, in your further efforts to serve our Government in Chihuahua.
With high respect. sir. I remain.
Your ob. Servant, P. ST. GEO. COOKE, Major. 2 Drags.
WASHINGTON, MARCH 23, 1849.
The Honorable Mr. Crawford.
Secretary of War.
Sir :
In a conversation with the late President of the United States, Mr. Polk, he informed that Co. Megoffin was introduced to him by my colleague Col. Thomas H. Benton, and from Col. Megoffins intimate knowledge of the Mexican affairs and his intimate acquaintance with the leading men in New Mexico and Chihuahua, he deemed it important
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to secure his services for the government of the United States in that quarters during the war and engaged his serviees accordingly.
Ile further said that he was reddy and willing to make a just allowanees for such services, but that there was no appropriation of money for that purpose.
An appropriation was made at the last session for such services grow- ing out of this claim.
Your obt. Servt., DAVID R. ATCHISON.
I hereby certify that in the month of April, in the year 1847, Mr. Samuel Magoffin sold some three hundred and eleven bales of merehan- dise which he stated to be the property of his brother. Mr. JJames Magoffin, then a prisoner of war in the state of Durango, said three hundred and eleven bales I purchased on time at a cost of an amount equal to their original cost and an augmentation of 50 per cent of the expenses thereon to this eity, with a guarantee that I should not be responsible for duties of any kind whatsoever.
I further certify that Mr. Samnel Magoffin would not have disposed of this property at a rate so ruinous to his brother's interest, but for the utter impossibility of removing it from Chihuahua and the fear of its being seized by the authorities of Mexico, to which danger he was much exposed from the precipitate retirement of Col. Donaphan from this eity, who had no sooner withdrawn his forees than the Mexican government ealled on me to pay duties on the same which amounted to fifteen thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight dollars 96c, $15,968.96, which I was compelled to satisfy and which sum has been refunded to me lately by Mr. James Magoffin.
Chihuahua, Mint.
MEXICO, 1ST OCT. 1848.
JOHN POTTS. Commercial Agency of the United States, CHIHUAHUA, OCTOBER 1ST, 1848.
I, Alfonso C. Anderson, Vice-Commercial Agent of the United States, for the city of Chihuahua certify that this day personally appeared before me John Potts, a subject of Great Britain, who is personally known to me and is a gentleman of high standing and character in this vity, who being duly sworn, made oath and declared that the foregoing document to which this is connected and to which he has signed his name is true in every respeet. Further 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.
GILPIN'S SANTA FE TRAIL EXPEDITION
After the return of Colonel Doniphan's Expedition to Missouri the Indians became troublesome along the Santa Fe Trail. The foree raised by the Government to protect travel and trade on the Plains was organ- ized by Major William Gilpin. It was also commanded by him in its remarkable campaign along the Santa Fe Trail. Here is the account of its organization and services :
Gilpin's Santa Fe Battalion, Missouri Mounted Volunteers, Mexican War.
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This battalion was also known as "Gilpin's Battalion Mounted Volun- teers," "Indian Battalion Missouri Volunteers," and "Battalion Mis- souri Volunteers for the Plains."
The battalion consisted of Companies, A, B, C, D. E. Company C was Captain William Pelzer's Artillery Company.
Mounted Companies A and B
Artillery .C
Not Mounted. D and E
Roster of Company C shows 20 officers and 84 privates.
Roster of Company D shows 17 officers and 63 privates.
Roster of Company E shows 17 officers and 69 privates.
Rosters of Companies A and B not found in the office of the Adju- tant-General, State of Missouri.
Field and Staff
Field and Staff, Santa Fe Trace Battalion, Missouri Mounted Volun- teers, Mexican War.
Muster Roll for September 18, 1847, to April 30, 1848, shows station at Fort Mann, Middle Arkansas River [in what is now the State of Kan- sas]. This Roll bears date, June 25, for April 30,-"nune pro tunc." Reason, "absence of myself and three Companies in the Comanche Coun- try." W. Gilpin, Lt. Col. Commanding.
Roll signed : W. Gilpin, Lt. Col.
Muster Roll, April 30, to October 3, 1848, shows Company at Inde- pendence, Missouri. Roll signed : W. Gilpin, Lt. Col.
Field and Staff mustered for discharge at Independence, Missouri, October 3, 1848, and honorably discharged by E. A. Hitchcock, B. Col., U. S. A .. Mustering Officer.
Roster of Field and Staff, Colonel W. Gilpin's Battalion of Missouri Volunteers, Mexican War.
Roster
1. William Gilpin, Lt. Col.
1. Henry L. Routt, Adjutant.
1. Ephraim P. January, Asst. Surgeon.
1. Ashley G. Gulley, 2nd Lieut.
1. Edward Colston, 2nd Lieut.
1. Jacob T. Tindall, Sgt. Major.
1. Adam Krafft, Chief Bugler.
1. Benjamin S. Long, Asst. Surgeon.
1. William Kuhlan, Q. M. Sgt.
Company A
Captain John D. Griffith's Company A, Mounted Santa Fe Trace Battalion, Missouri Mounted Volunteers, Mexican War.
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Muster-in Roll dated September 3, 1847, shows station of company at Fort Leavenworth.
Company arrived at Fort Leavenworth, Missouri, place of general rendezvons, September 1, 1847.
Company accepted into the service of the United States for term of "During the War with Mexico" from September 3, 1847, by C. Wharton, Lieut .- Colonel First Dragoons, Mustering Officer.
Muster Roll, September 3, 1847, to April 30, 1848, shows station of company at Fort Mann, Middle Arkansas.
The company had been encamped and on the march in the Indian country since the middle of September, 1847, and during Mareh, April, and May, in the center of the Comanehe country. This Muster Roll is therefore made at this date-"'nune pro tunc." Roll dated June 24, 1848.
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