[calex59]

After Mexico's initial incursion into NM and other startes(CA, texas, etc.) they hid out in Santa Fe because the Comanches(and in arizona the apaches) made life miserable for them. The Indians raided their town(s) and carried off young women and children.

They barely held on and if it weren't for traders from the then US states and CA they would have gone under.

The trip from Mexico to Santa Fe was dangerous and seldom attempted because Comanches were terrible enemies to have. Once they obtained horses(which they did not have in the initial invasion of their territory) they became a huge force to be reckoned with. The texas rangers were responsible for fighting and securing the area from Comanches and had a hell of a time with it, even with the advent of revolving pistols to help them after colt invented the Patterson(the Walker was more substantial but still showed a tendency to blow up now and them).

Mexico never really "held" much of this territory they are claiming is "still" theirs. If they want it, let them come and get it!

[Draco]

Thank you for expounding the historical facts. Any authors you recommend on this topic?

[Mrs. Shawnlaw]

Wow, thanx for the history lesson!