impaired, the coffee-house keepers were forbidden to sell liquor to the American soldiers, and gaming of every kind was prohibited.[1] Order and quiet were established, and every thing wore a peaceful and contented aspect.
Early in September General Kearny made a, reconnaissance down the valley of the Rio Grande. accompanied by 750 men. He passed through San Domingo, Albuquerque and Valencia, as far as Tomae, about one hundred miles below Santa. Fé, from whence he returned, without discovering any evidences of a desire to resist his authority. A party of fifty men were soon after sent to the north to bring in some Apache chiefs, with whom a treaty was formed on favorable terms. The conquest of the province having been effected, and tranquillity perfectly restored, General Kearny appointed Charles Bent governor of the territory, and departed for California on the 25th of September, attended by Major Sumner with 300 of the 1st dragoons. Proceeding down the river to Albuquerque he crossed over to the right bank, and continued his way south until the 5th of October, when he met an express sent by Commodore Stockton and Lieutenant Colonel Frémont, who reported that they were already in possession of the Californias, and that the war was ended in that quarter. On receiving this welcome intelligence he directed Major Sumner to return with 200 of the dragoons, reserving the remainder as an escort for him-
- ↑ The inhabitants of New Mexico are inveterate gamesters, and passionately devoted to their favorite "monte." As in California, the great majority are the descendants of the ancient Aztec tribes. Those of Spanish descent are comparatively few, yet they treat the Indian population, though more numerous than themselves, rather like serfs than fellow-citizens.
