What hardships did Texans face during the Santa Fe Expedition?
1 Answer
The Santa Fe Expedition faced Texans against a myriad of hardships, mostly self-inflicted as a result of poor planning, supplies, and a lack of geopolitical understanding.
Explanation:
The journey to New Mexico during the summer was onset by poor preparation and planning, as well as sporadic Indian [Native American] attacks, and a gross lack of supplies in terms of both food and fresh water. Partway through the group lost their Mexican guide, resulting in no one understanding how far exactly Santa Fe was. Eventually, after McLeod ordered his forces to split and an advanced guard to find another route, the group finally arrived in New Mexico some time in September during the year 1841.
Despite the warm reception the Texans expected, they were met by over 1,500 men comprising a detachment of the Mexican army. Unfortunately, though a parley was reached, the Mexican troops would end up binding and dragging the Texans away harshly, with their leader, Governor Manuel Armijo, leaving it up to his officers whether the Texans would be executed or not. The Texans managed to be spared by a single vote. After this, the Texans were forced to walk 2,000+ miles from Santa Fe to Mexico City.
They would remain prisoners at the Perote Prison in the state of Veracruz over the winter of 1841-1842, when diplomatic endeavors by the US would secure their release. The surviving Texans would see freedom come June of 1841, where some of their remaining ranks would head toward New Orleans via various ships.
