It is the opinion of Kit Carson “that the Territory of New Mexico will continue to remain in its present impoverished state during the time that the mountain Indians are allowed to run at large.  The only true remedy” (he says) “for this great evil is to compel the savages to form settlements by themselves.  Then and there assist and teach them to cultivate the soil.  In time they will be able to gain a maintenance independent of the General Government; and, to a certain extent, they will become responsible for their acts.”

The people who form the chief population of the territory have so often been deprived of their property that it is not strange that they have become poverty-stricken and indolent.  It is enough to strike down the enterprise of any nation to have been so long badly governed, and then, without any resources in the way of arms and ammunition, to be compelled to beat back hostile Indians.  Under the provisions of the government of the United States, they are improving, but yet, even now, they have not the protection which they require, and should receive.  In their territory it takes a daring man to venture his small capital in raising stock.  To be sure, claims are allowed them by Congress for the losses by Indian depredations, but these usually fall into the hands of speculators, and in reality, assist the people to a very trifling extent.  It can be said, to their credit, that Mexicans bear reverses of fortune with a nonchalance seldom seen among any other race.  Although generally poor they are as happy and joyous as it is possible for human beings to be.

The organization of the Mexican volunteers was made complete by the governor of the Territory, who selected as their leader, Mr. Ceran St. Vrain of Taos.  This gentleman, although he had much important business which called his attention elsewhere, immediately expressed his willingness to accept the responsible position which, without solicitation, had been conferred upon him.  The commission received by St. Vrain gave him the rank of lieutenant-colonel.  Without delay he set about the difficult and important work that lay before him, bringing to bear upon the details, that sound judgment, gentlemanly bearing and ready zeal, which have long characterized the man.  He had the good fortune to secure the services of Lieutenant Creigg of the regular army, whom he appointed one of his aids-de-camp.  Having completed his staff and other arrangements to place his force upon a military basis, he was ready to take the field.

The appointment of St. Vrain as commander of the Volunteers, was hailed with delight throughout the territory.  His great experience in the mountains, his knowledge of the Indian mode of warfare, and the respect which the people he was called to command invariably paid him, seemed to convince every thinking mind that something more than usual was to be accomplished.  They felt that the wrongs of their country would now be certainly redressed.  The sequel will prove that the people were not doomed to disappointment.