Narrative of the Texan Santa Fé Expedition

“An account of sufferings…from hostile Indians and final capture of the Texans.” –Times-Picayune, Aug. 15, 1844

“A participant in the in poor health-fated Texan Santa Fe Expedition…Kendall used to be among those captured by the Mexican army.” –Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Sept. 23, 2007

“A young Texas journalist…wrote an enchanting narrative of the Texan Santa Fe Expedition.” –El Paso Times, Dec. 21, 1952

“Kendall…is very much part of the Texas story…joined the Texas Santa Fe Expedition…in seek for adventure.” –Longview News-Journal, Aug. 1, 1971

Did Texas in point of fact invade New Mexico in 1841? Participant George Wilkins Kendall (1809-1867) provides surprising answers in his harrowing account of this adventure in his 1844 book “Narrative of the Texan Santa Fé Expedition.”

In introducing his book, Kendall writes:

“Texas claims…the Rio Grande as her western boundary; yet, so isolated were Santa Fe, and such of the settled portions of New Mexico as were situated on the eastern side of that stream, that the new Republic had never been ready to exercise jurisdiction over a people in point of fact within her limits. The time had now arrived, so thought the rulers of Texas, when rule must be exercised over the length and breadth of her domain when the citizens of her farthest borders must be brought into the common fold and with the full belief in their readiness and willingness for the movement, the Texan Santa Fe Expedition used to be originated….”

George Wilkins Kendall used to be born August 22, 1809, and died October 21, 1867. He used to be a journalist, war correspondent, and pioneer Texas sheepman, referred to as the father of the Texas sheep business. Kendall County, Texas is called for him.