Letter: September 20, 1848

I do hereby certify that being in Santafe, N. Mexico in August, 1846, before the arrival of Genl. Kearney, and being intimately acquainted with Col. Diego Archulette and having an opportunity of conversing with him particularly on the subject of impeding the entrance of the U. S. forces into that City.

Always found him determined to make all possible resistance having in his Command 1000 soldiers, the best New Mexico could produce. On the arrival of Capt. Cook and J. W. Magoffin August 13 was requested by Mr. M. to give him my opinion respecting the intentions of Genl Armijo, and particularly that of Col. Archulette, which I did, informing him that the Genl. was not determined but the Col. was decided in making all possible defence and his opinion would be adhered to by a majority of the officers. I then left Santafe with many other Americans by permit of Genl. Armijo, believing it would be unsafe to remain in the City, leaving behind Magoffin who remained for what purpose I knew not believing a strong resistance would be made a few miles from the city must say that I was much astonished as well as gratified to find that Genl. K. met with no opposition on his entry into Santafe. On the contrary was received with much courtesy, by the acting Governor of the city and the rest of the authorities, Mr. Magoffin being one of the number on his reception at the Palace. The day before Genl. K. entrance, some few leagues distant, Genl. A. called his officers around him in order to consult what would be the best measure to adopt. Col. Archulette being second in command gave as his opinion that it was unnecessary to make a defence. This was adopted by all. The troops were then disbanded and Genl. A. retreated with a Company of Dragoons to Chiha. Col. Archulette retired to his country residence. The opinion of Col. Archulette was surprising to many; knowing his previous determination was entirely contrary, Mr. Manos and Palacios, Mexicans of the first standing in this city being in New Mexico before and on the arrival of Genl. K. and knowing the positive intention of Genl. Armijo and particularly of Col. Archulette was to defend the place, retired immediately to this city and reported to the Governor that J. W. Magoffin had been the cause of non resistance and that he had bought over Genl. Armijo and Col. Archulette this information with others led to the imprisonment of Magoffin on his arrival at el Paso. I was also imprisoned on my arrival there a few days. Afterwards I brought down in Company with Magoffin to this city in October.

Dr. Henry Connelly
[From Photograph Owned by William E. Connelley]

This is in substance what occurred under my knowledge.
Chihuhua, Sept. 20th, 1848.
Henry Connelly.

I, Alfonso C. Anderson, Vice-commercial Agent of the United States for the City of Chihuahua, certify that this day personally appeared before me Henry Connelley, a gentleman of high standing and character in this City, who being duly shown made oath and declared that the foregoing document to which this is connected, and to which he had signed his name is true in every respect, and that his signature thereto is genuine and deserving full faith and credit.

(Seal) In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal, the day and date above written.

Alfonso C. Anderson,
Vice-Comml. Agt. c.
Philadelphia, February 21, 1849.

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