whether it be corn, a fat mule, or an ox. The people are too few to make any defence, and quietly submit to be plundered. At the last visit of the marauders, they entered every house, and each provided himself with a blanket, from the shoulders or beds of the inmates. October 16th. Our route continued over the same broad and boundless plain we had been traversing since we first ascended the plateau from the Rio Grande. Mountains were seen only at a great distance, while nearer at hand a few low hills rose up here and there. Twelve miles brought us to Ojo Caliente (Warm Spring). Although we had made but a short day's march, it was thought best to stop here; as there lay before us a jornada of fifty miles without water, which it would require two full days to accomplish. Ojo Caliente is a spring which rises from the plain about one hundred and fifty yards from the base of a rocky hill. Its temperature is nearly the same as that of the atmosphere. A small pool about one hundred and twenty feet in circuit, and from three to four deep, is here formed, with a sandy bottom, from which warm water bubbles up in many places; this water has an outlet through a small creek into the river Carmen, in which creek some fish were taken and preserved for specimens. This basin afforded an excellent opportunity for a bath, and the whole party took advantage of it. A well built stone wall, about a yard in thickness, and laid in cement, is built across the basin, apparently for the purpose of raising the water. A portion of this wall is now broken away. I imagine it to be the work of the Spaniards, who, at some former period, have resorted hither for the benefit of the water. No traces of buildings could be found near the pool; yet there may be in the plain near. It is now, and doubtless has long been the resort of Indians, as there are many mortars in the adjacent rocks. Along one side of the hill there appeared to be a rude wall; and on the summit were circles and heaps of stones, which bore the traces of fire. From here a most extensive view was presented, on three sides unobstructed by mountains. October 17th. By seven o'clock, A. M., we had resumed our journey over an excellent natural road, equal to the best turnpike. About a mile from camp we crossed the Rio Carmen, a considerable stream, although dry during the summer, when the water is most wanted. Our course was due south; and during the thirty-five miles made to-day, not a hill, gully, or ravine, was passed. There was a gradual ascent for at least twenty miles, with no mountains in sight. A few rounded hills were seen at long intervals; and through the openings in these, the plain seemed to extend for sixty or eighty miles. It was covered with a luxuriant growth of grass, with scarcely a bush as large as one's finger. In order to advance as far as possible, we kept on till dark, and encamped without water. A few little twigs gathered as we came along, was all the fuel we could procure. October 18th. Moved from camp a little after seven o'clock. The plain was open, except on our right, where, at a distance of a mile, ran a high range of hills. On starting, I rode on my mule a short distance ahead, accompanied by Messrs. Radziminski, Pratt, Seaton, Force, and Dr. Webb. Soon after we saw the train start; whereupon we held in our animals, that it might the sooner overtake us. About a mile from camp we passed a small arroyo, or ravine, pretty well filled with bushes. This arroyo was no sooner passed by the foremost wagon in the train, than we were startled by the most terrific yells and shouting; and on turning our heads, to our horror we saw a band of Indians issuing from the arroyo we had passed, and charging upon the train. We immediately turned about, put spurs to our animals, and rode back with all speed towards the train. The savages, who numbered between thirty and forty (as stated to me by those in the rear), were rushing at full speed with their lances poised, screaming and yelling, endeavoring to break the line and stampede the mules, as they crossed from one side to the other. Others followed, discharging their arrows at the teamsters as they passed; but the teamsters remained each by his team, keeping the mules in their places, and closing up the line. At the same time they kept the enemy at bay by levelling their pistols at them. These men had the presence of mind to keep their seats in the saddle and to hold their fire, which the savages wanted to draw. Had they fired and missed their mark (and the chances were ten to one against their hitting), they would have been pierced by a lance or an arrow the next moment. The men who were riding by the side of the wagons sprang to the aid of the teamsters, and held the leading mules, which kept them in their places. Failing in their attempt to frighten the mules and throw the train into disorder, the Indians dashed on towards the rear, and made a furious charge on the |