How did New Mexicans feel after the fighting began?

After the fighting began, New Mexicans experienced feelings of being tearful and disappointed due to the onset of conflict and the impact it had on their lives and communities. Many individuals were emotionally affected by the violence and uncertainty that accompanies war, leading to a sense of sorrow over the loss of peace and the potential for harm to loved ones. The atmosphere of worry about the consequences of the fighting likely contributed to these feelings, illustrating how the realities of conflict can elicit deep emotional responses from those who are impacted, even if they themselves are not directly involved in the fighting.

The other answers reflect different perspectives that do not align with the general sentiments prevalent among New Mexicans during that time. For instance, feelings of gratitude for safety would not typically coincide with the distress caused by conflict. Many people were mobilized by the events around them, making the idea of returning home or abandoning involvement in local military efforts less likely in the context of a strong emotional response to the unfolding situation.