On an examination of the papers presented in this case, the following facts
appear.
That on the 18th of June, 1846, at the instance of the President, Mr. Magoffin
was commended by the War Department to a favorable consideration of General
Kearney, then in command of a military expedition to Santa Fe, and to the
Commanding officer of the expedition to Chihuahua, as a person who then was, and
had been for some years a resident of Chihuaha, and extensively engaged in trade
in that and other settlements of Mexico, that he was introduced to the President
by Col. Benton, as a gentleman of intelligence and most respectable character,
that the President being favorably impressed with his character, intelligence,
and disposition to the cause of the United States, believed he might render
important services to both those military movements, to the extent needed, and
that his credit with the people and his business capacity would enable him to
give important information and make arrangements to furnish the troops with
abundant supplies, that he was therefore recommended to these respective
commanders, who were requested in case they should apprehend difficulties of
this nature, to avail themselves, in this respect, and others, of his services,
for which he would as a matter of course, be entitled to a fair consideration.
It further appears that Mr. Magoffin joined Genl. Kearney at Bent's Fort, on the
26th of July, 1846, and at the instance of that General, accompanied Capt. Cooke
with a flag and letter to Governor Armijo, at Santa Fe, where by his influence
and address, he was instrumental in neutralizing the hostile feelings of the
Mexican authorities in that quarter, and in obtaining for our troops the
peaceful possession of that place. That after this was effected, he proceeded
with General Kearney on a visit to some of the principal towns on the Rio
Grande, where he left that officer, and continued his route to Chihuaha, near
which place, in the fall of 1846, he was taken prisoner by the Mexican
authorities, and afterwards sent to Durango, where he remained in confinement
until released, the date of which release is not stated, although he is said to
have been in confinement nine months.
For the services rendered by him, the expenses incurred in rendering them, and
the losses he sustained by reason of his capture, etc., Mr. Magoffin presents
the following claim, amounting in all to $37,780.96.
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