"If we go to Chihuahua we must be considered as prisoners of war?"

This quote by Zebulon Pike is a warning to those who may be thinking about a journey to Chihuahua. Pike is cautioning that if they do go, they should be prepared to be treated as prisoners of war. This implies that the circumstance in Chihuahua threatens and that those who go there might remain in threat of being captured and held as prisoners. Pike is likely referring to the continuous conflict in between the United States and Mexico at the time, which was a major source of tension in between the 2 countries. By alerting those who may be thinking about a journey to Chihuahua, Pike is attempting to secure them from the potential danger they may face. He is also highlighting the value of understanding the threats related to taking a trip to a location that remains in the middle of a dispute.