The republic., 1851-02-21
The Mexican boundary oomml..lon.

| The Mexican boundary Commissf0n.
| Mr.. SAMUEL p. SANFORD, bearer of de-
spatches from our Commissioner to run the boun-
dary line between the United States and Mexico,
arrived in this city on Sunday last. He informs
us that, leaving FL Paso on the 3lst of Decem-
ber, ne overlook Government train on the
night of the lst January. This train was
smaller than IL is usual to send on that route,
consisting of forty six-mue wagons. Having
conveyed their loads Of provision to the military
post at FL Paso, they were returning to San
Antonio. They were under the charge Of JOHN
OsMAN, wagon-master, we'll known for his
efficiency in the responsible and dangerous ser
vice Of the prairles. The drivers, with few
persons whose route lay in the same direction,
numbered about fifty men in all. Mr.. SANFORD
continued with the train for a distance of about
one hundred miles, being then about one hundred
and fifty from Ell Paso, and in the midst Of the
prairie, at Mavericks creek. He here select
cd two men, and with them left the train, and
proceeded to San Antonio, one hundred and
| fifty miles, and thence, about the same dis
| tance, to Lavaca and Indianola, on the coast,
| whence he took passage for New Orleans, in the
| steamer Louisiana, and proceeded to Washing
ton by the way.of the southern mail route. His
whole journey occupied forty-eight days.
He informs us that the journey Of Mr.. BART
LETT, our Commissioner. to his destined loca-
tion at Ell Paso, on the Rio Grande, was pre-
cpitated, on account of his fears that the Com
missioner the. part of Mexico would have SO
long preceded him as to become weary of his
delay; but that, arriving there on the 18th of
November, he had to await that Commissioner
some ten or twelve days.
The Commissioners on both sides at once en-
tered upon the important preliminary of deter
mining the initial point of their survey, which
was finally, just before the departure Of Mr..
SANFORD, fixed at the parallel Of 800 22 north
latitude, on the Rio Grande, point to be as
certained by the astronomers, but conjectured
to be about twenty miles northward from Ell
Paso. The line will run thence three degrees
west, and thence north to the Rio Gila, and
thence westwardly along the course of that
| river. Other lines were contended for by Gen
eral Conde, the Commissioner on the part Of
Mexico, but, after the most minute and labo-
rious investigations and discussions, this line
was determined upon. 1t will no doubt be salts
factory to our Government and people; for by
reference to FREMoNr's map Of Oregon and
Upper California, published by order of the
Senate in l84S, it will be seen that line less
favorable to US is there traced and when the
character of the country comprehended shall be
known, the advantages of the present line will
be better understood.
The health of Mr.. BARTLETr's company has
been very good since their arrival at Ell Paso;
and both there and on the way thither as little
dissatisfaction or dissension has been expe-
rienced as is probably ever realized by com
pany on like duty and similarly circumstanced
We are particular to state this, because reports .
OF contrary character have been in circulation
amongst us. Leaving here in the summer, and
travelling southwark as far as the thirty second
degree of latitude, it was thought by the mex
perinced that the rigors Of winter would be
avoided; but the elevation of the country, and
its exposure to the winds of the adjacent noun
tains, subject the inhabitants at times to an ex-
tremely cold temperature, none the less severe
for the intense heat that, by sudden transitions,
they so often experience.
The region about FL Paso is natural vine
yard. The grapes, whether fresh or dried, are
delicious, and the wine they produce, when
managed with care, is very fine. Peaches,
pears, and other fruits, grow abundantly, and
are Of good quality; but the necessaries of life
are by no means plentiful. The soil, though
good, is only prolific when irrigated from the
river. The expense of living may be guessed
at, when it is understood that much of what 10
| consumed is brought from the coast at an ex-
pense of from thirteen to fifteen cents per pound.
The trade of the town is with Santa Fe, Chi
huahua, and the United States via San Antonio.
The company of the Commissioner, includ-
ing teamsters, servants, &c., numbers considera-
bly, more than hundred persons While await
ing the preliminary arrangements, they have been
divided; some Of them dwelling at FL Paso, 9TH
ers at Socarro, twenty four miles distant; and
others at Elazarro, thirty miles distant.
The population of Ell Paso is about six thou
sand. The mixture of Indian and white blood
is very general, though there are not wanting
families of pure Castilan blood. These are
refined and dignifed people. The members
of the company have been well treated, and
have derived much pleasure from their inter-
course with the inhabitants.
Mr.. SANFORD will probably leave Washing
ton, on his return, on or before the lst of
March. Col. GRAHAM, it is known, is to join
the corps. Until his arrival, Lieutenant
WHIPPLE will act as chief astronomer. The
return of Mr.. SANFORD will enable the friends
of persons there to communicate to them.
How long time will be required to trace
the whole of this boundary line is of course
uncertain. We have heard from one to three
years conjectured, and regard the latter as
nearer the mark. The duty is one Of severity
and very great exposure; and every one who
labors in it must be prepared at all times to
| fight for the preservation of his scalp. A pill
lu.a.