Narrative of the Texan Santa Fe Expedition [with] Texas and Part of Mexico & the United States

An exhilarating account of a mid-19th century journey through Texas and Mexico.

In 1841, an expedition comprised of approximately 20 wagons and 350 men set forth from Kinney’s Fort, near modern-day Austin, Texas to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their goal was to extend the territorial claims and economic sphere of influence of the fledgling Republic of Texas. Rumors of impending annexation to the United States encouraged Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar to support the efforts, which would help to increase the population, size, and prosperity of the republic.

The journey was a debacle. Poor organization and inexperienced guides resulted in the party becoming lost and suffering from inadequate supplies and occasional attacks from Native Americans. After several scouts were captured, the Mexican Army sent a party of over 1,200 men to capture the ragtag band of merchants and soldiers. They were forced to march nearly 2,000 miles to Mexico City, where they would remain prisoners for nearly a year.

One of the survivors of the ordeal, George Wilkins Kendall, wrote a popular account of his experience. This is a nice example of the first volume (only) of the first edition, published in New York by Harper and Brothers in 1844. Kendall worked as a journalist prior to embarking on the expedition and his book, based on letters he wrote afterward, is an exciting and readable narrative. It includes the folding map showing the Republic of Texas and Mexico, with the route of what would be called the Texan Santa Fe Expedition noted.

Source: Baylor Texas Collection