The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1853-06-30
S$sES9&&ASA1S9
From the Home Journal.
LETTER FROM THE DESERT.
Yalleeitos, San Diego, Cal. March 26h, ,53.

FdHecH0s, san Dle90, Cdt' MdTch 2oth, %.
date from the first grass and water
This side Of the great desert. We rest
day. for the sake Of our animals. los
no time in making arrangements for my
long anticipated journey. A party o
Sonoranians CHANGED to be passing. and
! availed myself of the opportunity to OBJ
tain an animal and all escort.
Shaking hands with as fine set of fel
lows as breathe. and having had. in ad
dillon to the many hearty wishes of the
officers. a bottle OF claret kindly slipped
into nv pockel bv one Of them threw m,
cloak over my shoulder. aud bade fare
we'll to Fort Yuma. Fond as am OF the
curious and wonderful. shall not com
plain # | never vsitthat place again.
twas near sunset when reacned the
old camp-took leave of the good friends
who accompanied me to the spot-and
proceeded alone along the. dusty. dismal
road. The damp mantle of night had
smothered the chlrping Of the cricket and
given the old frogs heavy colds. before |
reached the ferry. Here found our
Mexicans (about thirty in numbel) rolled
up in their sarapas, like mummies. and
scattered about in groups OF ,hrees or
fves around their camp fires. fbe pro.
prielor. Captain Aukrim was still awake
and his hospitality prompted style oil
address TO his man OF all work. whicl
startled his huge frame into most un
natural state OF animation A bed was
Immediately spread for me. and retired
to pass the night not under the "brighi
canopy oI heaven but under the my
chickens. which all roasted on the can
vass pritection from the heat OF the sun.
and the chill OF the night dew. Nexl
morning the best horse in the party was
led to the gate for me. by Don Juan, the
captain Of The party. in person. His ribs
were as we'll defined as the bones of an
umbrella; but | was assured that he was
"capable," and so submitted. A touch
OF the spur produced galIop Amerl
cans do not know how little will hold
horse together.
At Cooks Wells" we found the waite
covered with green scum. aud excet d.
ingly disagreeabe. We passed the night
about six miles beyond. under some mes.
quito trees. To prevent the animals from
SIraying away, he men lied their fore.
feet together. The system of unnatural
hopes. necessary to move from spot to
spot, is quite annoying TO those to whom
such proceedings are new.
AT three o'clock on The following NOR.
nirg Don Juan aroused the party with
shout In an instant every one was ON
1eet. aud each proceeded TO perform
Iticnlar duty. without waiting lor
cial orders" The mules being as.
Sembled. a strap was dropped over the
eyes and. in very refractory cases. foot
was lied Up. Two pads OF s'raw-the
usual pack saddle-are then thrown over
the back and a strap pressed around the
mules body Two men then unite their
strength. md squeeze the poor thing into
the most iorIoin figure OF an hour. glass.
The road which leads to the table.land is
so soft wah fue sand that, although il is
quite steep, mules have to pull Wagons
down hill,
1t is necessary 10 travel from Cooks
w ellis u The "Alimo Muchos" at night.
as the deep sand and heavy road would
otherwiIe completely break down the an.
mals The ride is very monotonous and
| had ample time TO study
The pGuliarities of my companions
There we're several women in the party.
Their custome was somewhat singular,
and tie care Of their complexion was
But one was visible; although.
whenlhe raboSo was removed. il certainly
did nbt seem 10 ME that the skin was worth
so much care. mexican women hang
heir drapery on The righl-side of their
lorsI.)
Tie stiffness of the night was agreea.
1leybroken by the chorus Of the mule
eerk. 1t is very novel composition.
md evidently gives both singers Tor
after shouters) and listeners great en-.
oynent. 1t is like martial music TO the
irdping soldier. Many times have
'efn the weary Mexicans straighten their
ofks and step out with renewed vigour,
wen their ears caught the well.known
tiain. The words are extemporaneous,