A Guide to the Santa Fe Expedition Orders, 1838-1855

Historical Note

Setting out on June 19, 1841, the Texan Santa Fe Expedition, initiated by then President of the Republic, Mirabeau B. Lamar, sought to acquire possession of the Santa Fe region and seize control of the profitable Santa Fe Trail. The party, formerly called the Santa Fe Pioneers, was comprised of volunteers and accompanied by an army led by Colonel Hugh McLeod. As a result of inadequate planning, lack of supplies, and unexpected Indian attacks, the expedition was unsuccessful, leading to the party’s capture and imprisonment in New Mexico City at the order of then New Mexican Governor Manuel Armijo. In April 1842, most prisoners were released after heated political debates between the United States and Mexico.

Source:

Carroll, H. Bailey. “Texan Santa Fe Expedition,” Handbook of Texas Online. Accessed October 9, 2012. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/qyt03.

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Scope and Contents

Commonplace and order books comprise the Santa Fe Expedition Orders, 1838-1855, relating to Colonel Hugh McLeod’s command of the Texan Santa Fe Expedition and accounts by storekeepers. Volumes include records for orders of clothing, supplies and food for troops A, B, and C of the 1st Regiment Cavalry in addition to general orders by McLeod. Also included are business accounts by shop owners, who later obtained the books, and two signatures of Manuel Armijo.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research use.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Santa Fe Expedition Orders, 1838-1855, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.

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Detailed Description of the Papers

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