In June , U. President Jefferson was interested in what could be learned about the North American continent from expeditions such as those led by Lewis and Clark and other expeditions to Louisiana Territory and northern parts of New Spain.
Pike explored part of Colorado, where he named a mountain peak, passed through Santa Fe, where he was politely taken into custody by the Spanish government, went, under escort, as far south as Chihuahua in Mexico and then through northern Mexico and Texas to Louisiana.
In the detailed notes, Lieutenant Pike described the kind of people he and his party talked with in San Antonio de Bexarβand the kind of entertainment they offered. June 4, , according to his notes: "We were met out of San Antonio about three miles by governors Cordero and Herrara, in a coach.
We repaired to their quarters, where we were received like their children. Cordero informed me that Robinson and myself would make his quarters our home Zerbin [a physician]. After supper we went to the public square [today's Main Plaza], where might be seen the two governors joined in a dance with the people, who in the day time would approach them with reverence and awe.
We this evening had a conversation with the two governors, wherein they exhibited an astonishing knowledge of the political character of our Executive, and the local interests of the different parts of the Union. Pike described Father McGuire as "an Irish priest, who formerly resided on the coast above [New] Orleans, and was noted for his hospitable and social qualities He was a man of chaste classical taste, observation and research.
