who went to new mexico in the mid 19th century
History of New Mexico
On January 19 , 1847 rebels attacked and killed acting Governor Bent and about ten other American officials . The wives of Bent and Kit Carson , however , managed to escape . Reacting quickly , a U.S. detachment under Colonel Sterling Price marched on Taos and attacked . The rebels retreated to a thick - walled adobe church . U.S. forces breached a wall and directed concentrated cannon fire into the church . About 150 of the rebels were killed , and 400 captured , following close fighting . During one trial , six rebels were arraigned and tried , of whom five were convicted of murder and one of treason . All six were hanged in April , 1847 . A young traveler and later author , Lewis Hector Garrard , wrote the only eye witness account of this trial and hanging . He criticized , `` It certainly did appear to be a great assumption on the part of the Americans to conquer a country , and then arraign the revolting inhabitants for treason ... Treason , indeed ! What did the poor devil know about his new allegiance ? But so it was ; and , as the jail was overstocked with others awaiting trial , it was deemed expedient to hasten the execution ... I left the room , sick at heart . Justice ! out upon the word , when its distorted meaning is the warrant for murdering those who defend to the last their country and their homes . '' Additional executions followed to total at least 28 .
On January 19 , 1847 rebels attacked and killed acting Governor Bent and about ten other American officials . The wives of Bent and Kit Carson , however , managed to escape . Reacting quickly , a U.S. detachment under Colonel Sterling Price marched on Taos and attacked . The rebels retreated to a thick - walled adobe church . U.S. forces breached a wall and directed concentrated cannon fire into the church . About 150 of the rebels were killed , and 400 captured , following close fighting . During one trial , six rebels were arraigned and tried , of whom five were convicted of murder and one of treason . All six were hanged in April , 1847 . A young traveler and later author , Lewis Hector Garrard , wrote the only eye witness account of this trial and hanging . He criticized , `` It certainly did appear to be a great assumption on the part of the Americans to conquer a country , and then arraign the revolting inhabitants for treason ... Treason , indeed ! What did the poor devil know about his new allegiance ? But so it was ; and , as the jail was overstocked with others awaiting trial , it was deemed expedient to hasten the execution ... I left the room , sick at heart . Justice ! out upon the word , when its distorted meaning is the warrant for murdering those who defend to the last their country and their homes . '' Additional executions followed to total at least 28 .