The streets were like a fair. Of course,
I caught the enthusiasm. It was the Santa Fe expedition, and I threw
myself into it heart and soul. I was going as a trader, and I hastened
forward, with others similarly disposed, to Austin, loaded two wagons
with merchandise of every description, and left with the expedition
in June.
"'You know what a disastrous failure it was. We fell into the hands
of the Mexicans by the blackest villainy; through the treachery of
a companion in whom we all put perfect trust, and who had pledged us
his Masonic faith that if we gave up our arms we should be allowed
eight days to trade, and then have them returned, with permission to
go back to Austin in peace. But once disarmed, our wagons and goods
were seized, we were stripped of every thing, tied six or eight in
a lariat, and sent, with a strong military escort to Mexico.
"'Try to imagine, Richard, what we felt in prospect of this walk of
two thousand miles, through deserts, and over mountains, driven, like
cattle, with a pint of meal each night for food, and a single blanket
to cover us in the bitterest cold. Strong men fell down dead at my
side, or, being too exhausted to move, were shot and left to the wolves
and carrion; our guard merely cutting off the poor fellows' ears, as
evidence that they had not escaped.
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