see it clearly
Lesson 53: The Texas Santa Fe Expedition - Part VII
El Paso del Norte will be held in pleasing remembrance in the hearts of all the Texan prisoners.
Both parties had hardly been transferred from the command of Salezar to a new guard, when some were conducted to the house of the commandant of the place, General Elias Gonzalez, while others, in squads from four to eight, were billeted on the different houses of the inhabitants, where they were served with the choicest provisions, fruits, and even wines. At the departure of Gen. McLeod's party, the commandant ordered two or three cart loads of excellent bread for the use of the prisoners on the road, and sent his own teams to transport it. He also sent his private carriage for the accommodation of Gen. McLeod, with three others, as far as Chihuahua.
On the road below that city, they were conveyed through several cities and towns on a different route than that traveled by Col. Cooke's party. With the exception of the sick left on the way, out of whom eight died, they were taken to Puebla, where one portion were left, and the other sent to the fortress Perote. Both parties, however, after having witnessed the brutality of Armijo, Salezar, and their hirelings, felt grateful for the munificent acts of kindness shown them, especially by the women. From San Miguel throughout their whole route to Vera Cruz, they were alike characterized by acts of benevolence and mercy. The English at the mines through which they passed, as also the Americans, cheerfully contributed to their relief.
Those at Puebla and Perote suffered similar treatment to those in the City of Mexico. At Perote several succeeded in effecting their escape; and at Puebla, Major Howard and Captain Hudson, both afterwards in disguise, visited the most public places in the City of Mexico, and at a time when a heavy reward was offered for their apprehension.
At the time they were nearing the coast, the yellow fever was prevalent. Two died from it at Puenta Nacional, and at Vera Cruz, two, besides three of the Nueces party. On the 27th of July, with the exception of about thirty who remained in the country, the balance went on a Mexican vessel, chartered to take them to New Orleans. When ready for sailing, a courier arrived from the City of Mexico, and immediately an embargo was placed upon the port, where they remained until the 12th of August, when they took their departure from Vera Cruz.
The vessel was bound for New Orleans, but on the 21st they were off Galveston, and the officers gave the Captain of the vessel a written certificate that he was compelled to land his passengers at that port. The next day they landed, and were welcomed home, after their eventful journeys and imprisonments of nearly seventeen months.