1840Indian rebirth

The two had obviously known each other for a long time and were old acquaintances, so after meeting, they chatted about a lot of trivial matters in life and exchanged greetings.

"...How is your son doing?" Armijo took a sip of the wine in his glass, and the two of them talked about their children.

Magoffin said: "I sent them to Lexington to study. I hope they can become lawyers in the future, especially Joseph. I even think he has the talent for politics."

"Talent for politics?" Armijo didn't know what talent was needed for politics.

Magoffin's lips curled up: "I mean, that kid has been very good at lying since he was a child."

Armijo laughed and swung his glass: "Haha, indeed. But I have to say that being in politics is more than just lying."

"Of course, being in politics requires being well-informed, adaptable, and aware of current affairs." Magoffin changed the topic, "Actually, Armijo, I'm not here to do business this time."

Armijo seemed to have some expectations and stopped shaking the wine glass in his hand, waiting for the next step.

"Stephen Carney's army is coming." Magoffin lowered his voice, "And there are many of them. Fort Leavenworth is almost full of them, and they have also captured a group of Mormons... Carney There are almost 5,000 Nigerians in total, and they will soon attack Santa Fe."

"Five thousand people!" Armijo was surprised, "Are you sure?"

Magoffin nodded solemnly: "I saw it with my own eyes. Not only are they numerous in number, they are also well-equipped and possess many advanced new weapons."

Armijo frowned, a look of worry lingering on his face.

Magoffin was not surprised by his reaction, and even snickered in his heart in advance.

After all, the governor's most famous deed is probably that he was frightened away by a Texan army 140 miles away and less than half his number a few years ago.

Armijo also achieved some victories, but as an old friend, Magoffin knew that those victories were not directed by Armijo himself.

"For them, Santa Fe was not the only goal, or even the first goal." Magoffin continued, "I don't know if you remember what Polk's original campaign goal was."

"This American president, who works eighteen hours a day and is almost an ascetic, regards California as one of his most important work goals. In this war, Polk's army will sweep across the entire West, from New Mexico to California, everywhere. He is determined to win every territory."

After a pause, Magoffin continued: "But you know I have some connections in Washington, and I got an opportunity for you."

"What chance?"

Magoffin: "As long as you are willing to give up resistance and peacefully hand over Santa Fe and New Mexico, Carney's army will not harm you, nor will they massacre or plunder the city of Santa Fe."

"Not only that, you will also receive a bonus of thirty thousand US dollars in recognition of your contribution to peace."

Thirty thousand dollars!

Armijo is an outstanding corrupt official.

Still, it was a number that made him feel excited.

Magoffin paid attention to his expression and continued: "Think about it, Mexico has no chance of war with the United States. Destiny is clear and the vast and fertile land should belong to the United States. Why do you have to carry out a meaningless struggle?"

"The peaceful handing over of Santa Fe City will not only benefit you, but also alleviate the suffering of the Mexican people... At that time, you will still retain your position as governor, and the country will be safe and the people will be happy. Wouldn't it be wonderful?"

When he said the last sentence, Magoffin's tone was graceful and gentle, and he spread his hands.

Armijo is not a determined person, at least not on issues of struggle.

So, with Magoffin's kind words, his heart was quickly shaken, like rapidly melting butter.

"Bang!" However, at this moment, three young men suddenly pushed the door open, and it was Manuel Chavez, Armijo's nephew, who pushed the door open, and Colonel Archuleta was among them.

"Uncle, I heard that an American is here?" Chavez's voice sounded at the same time as the door opened.

Then as soon as he entered the door, he saw Magoffin and narrowed his eyes: "So it's you, Mr. James Magoffin."

"Oh, Chavez, long time no see." Magoffin stood up quickly, forced a smile, tried to look as natural as possible, and prepared for a warm hug.

Chavez looked coldly and took a step back: "The United States and Mexico have declared war on each other, and we are enemies now!"

Armijo frowned: "Chavez, Magoffin is our old friend, you are so unkind."

"I don't care if it's impersonal or not." Chavez blurted out, then walked up to Armijo, "Uncle, don't tell me you were just talking about surrender."

Armijo was silent.

The answer couldn't be more obvious.

This was no surprise to Chavez, who knew his uncle's personality.

He turned to look at Magoffin again: "Go back and tell your boss that Santa Fe City will not surrender and we will resist to the end!"

Magoffin hesitated for a moment: "Chavez, this is not a question of surrender or resistance. I think we should pay more attention to casualties. You should know that the power of the United States far exceeds that of Mexico——"

Chavez raised his hand and interrupted him: "I know what you want to say. Maybe the United States does have a good chance of winning, but even if it is destined to fail, I will not surrender without a fight. I am a soldier!"

After a pause, he continued: "What's more, I don't think you have a good chance of winning."

Magoffin heard a kind of confidence that surprised him, and couldn't help asking: "Why?"

"Because..." Chavez seemed to think for a moment, "because we are the party of justice and civilization."

"Ha!" Magoffin really couldn't hold it back. He thought it was some serious reason, but he didn't expect it to be such a statement that could be described as stupid.

He felt that even his youngest son, who was under ten years old, would not say such stupid things.

As a young man, Chavez felt unbelievable at this sudden stupidity. When he heard this sentence, he felt like he was choking on his drink.

"Mr. Chavez, you should grow up and realize that this is the most worthless thing to say." Magoffin said, gradually losing restraint and politeness.

"No matter what the facts are, everyone will regard themselves as just and civilized. Even the Indians will not admit that they are savages!" He asked, "Tell me, who in this world would say 'I am a savage'?

tell me!"

"But the facts are facts. Civilization will not become barbaric because it calls itself barbaric, nor will barbarism become civilized because it calls itself civilized. America is becoming more prosperous. This is an unquestionable reality and is God's will - America is destiny!"

Chavez suddenly took out a revolver from his waist and put it against Magoffin's head.

Magoffin's brain instantly cooled down, and a thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead: "Chavez, calm down... There are some misunderstandings between us, and I think we can talk about it."

"No, there is no misunderstanding between us. What you just said is right." Chavez stared at him, "So I decided to tell you the answer."

"What answer?" Magoffin didn't respond.

At the same time, he suddenly focused his eyes and noticed that what Chavez was holding seemed to be... a Browning revolver.

Wait, there’s a Browning revolver here too!

Magoffin wanted to ask, but it was a pity.

"Bang!" A gunshot was heard, and the bullet passed through his head.

"The answer is - I am a savage!" Chavez said coldly.

Magoffin obviously couldn't hear this sentence. For him, the answer was actually a bullet.