Zebulon Montgomery Pike was sent to the southwest to explore the Arkansas and Red Rivers for information on that Spanish territory, which was unsuccessful as it was stopped by the Spaniards and accused of illegally entering New Mexico. After being released, Pike's report on Santa Fe pointed out in particular the military weakness of the capital and the great profits of the land trade with Mexico. This stimulated the expansionist movement towards Texas. Years later Pike fought in the War of 1812, arriving to become brigadier general. His death came on the battlefield, during the attack on York.
