NARRATIVE OF THE TEXAN SANTA FE EXPEDITION COMPRISING A DESCRIPTION OF A TOUR THROUGH TEXAS, AND ACROSS THE GREAT SOUTHWESTERN PRAIRIES, THE CAMANCHE AND CAYGUA, HUNTING-GROUNDS, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE SUFFERINGS FROM WANT OF FOOD, LOSSES FROM HOSTILE INDIANS, AND FINAL CAPTURE OF THE TEXANS AND THEIR MARCH, AS PRISONERS, TO THE CITY OF MEXICO.

Dallas: DeGolyer Library and William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies, 2004. Two volumes: xxxvi,252pp;307pp. Index. Bibliography. Notes. Frontis (2). Maps-2 in packet, additional folding maps in text. Introduction by William B. Taylor & Gerald D. Saxon. Cartographic paper over boards with maroon cloth spine, title & volume in gilt on the spine. Scholarly reprint, limited to 500 copies. Except for a very minor bump to one corner of Volume II, both copies are fine (no dust jacket issued). Rupert Richardson: “ [Kendall’s experiences] represent practically every element of adventure and peril that could have befallen men on the southwestern frontier. Through his skillful organization and superb narrative and descriptive ability, he produced one of the classics of western Americana.” Jenkins, BTB 116: “Not only is this the best account of the Santa Fe Expedition, it is one of the best campaign narratives ever written.” Streeter, Bibliography of Texas: “…one of the most desirable books for a Texas collection and ….the standard account.” Raines, A Bibliography of Texas: “Kendall’s best work is undoubtedly “The Narrative of the Santa Fe Expedition….No Texas library complete without it.” Tate, The Indians of Texas 2073: “Included in the account are descriptions of Comanches and their powerful hold over Texas.” The expedition was instigated by Maribel B. Lamar with the purpose attracting some of lucrative Santa Fe Trail trade but also to secretly assess the possibility of New Mexico joining the Republic of Texas. Unfortunately, the group was poorly provisioned and equipped, leading to near starvation. Ultimately, they were captured near Santa Fe, marched to Mexico City, and imprisoned. After considerable diplomatic pressure, the Mexican authorities released Kendall. This is considered the best edition for its lengthy introduction and excellent annotations which add significant historical and political insight. Additionally, it is the first edition to include a comprehensive index.