Colonel William Alexander Doniphan had occupied Chihuahua…

Colonel William Alexander Doniphan had occupied Chihuahua City on March 1, 1847.

British consul John Potts had not wanted to let Doniphan search Governor Trias's mansion, and had unsuccessfully asserted it was under British protection.

American merchants in Chihuahua want the American force to stay in order to protect their business.

Major William Gilpin advocates a march on Mexico City and persuades a majority of officers, but Doniphan subverts this plan.

Then in late April, Taylor orders the First Missouri Mounted Volunteers to leave Chihuahua and join him at Saltillo.

The American merchants either follow or return to Santa Fe.