Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-12-03

Wishing picture 1t would be admirable place for re-
crung cattle after their weary march the plains
here they would be perfectly and Sheltered and
the grass is magnificent This however is the case all
through these mountains, for waving grass enamelled
with flowers of every hue covered them to their summts
except in the region Of snow The Cachada led us up
succession of valleys Of an easy grade We were now
travelling Indian trail for the wagon trail, which
believe made by Roubideauxs wagons deyiated to
the right and went through the pass named after him.
We saw this pass, which is so low that we perceived
through it range of sand hills of moderate height IN
San LUIS Valley To have gone through Roubideauxs Pass
would have occasoned the loss of day IN reaching
Fort Massachusetts, though it is the shortest and most di-
rect route to the Coochape Mr. Beales views however
obliged him to take the most direct route to Fort Massa
chusetts, whore be expected to obtain guide through
the unexpored country between New Mexico and Utah.
also mules Wewere therefore very reluctantly com
pelled.to foregothe examination of Roubedeauxs Pass
We encamped at noon the foot of remarkable rock
watered at its base by the Cuchadd 1t resembled the
ruined front of Gothic church. We encamped for the
night six miles farther up the valley and near the sum
NIT Of the Sangre de Crsto Pass We had the wind and
rain very cold in faces as we went over some steep
and stony ridges; excellent road might be made at
their base, but Indians always select the most direct
route, regardless Of difficulties.
The grass where encamped really magnificent.
It large mountain meadow, watered by numerous
springs and grt in by dark pines where the grass reach
ed above knees Through opening in the noun
tains could the sunny plains of the Arkansas and
Huerano, with its remarkable butte, whilst all around
heavy clouds collecting portending storm and wet
ourselves
boughs. The Delaware had killed fine antelope which
gave hearty supper. We sat around our fires until
late hour wel pleased at having accomplished in such
good time and without accident the first stage of
journey for expected to reach Fort Massachusetts, at
an early hour next day.-26 miles; 668 miles.
June 5.The rain fell at intervals all night, but the
clouds dispersed before dawn and the the
plains in bright and clear sky The plains, however
were concealed under Of snowy mist.
We continued to the soutliwestward through
thick pine woods. In one mile we reached the head
waters Of Sangre dc Cristo Creek flowing into the Del
Norte after its junction with the 1nchera The Sangre
de Criso mountains and the Serras Blanca and Moada
covered with snow We followed down the Sangre
de Criso, which every increased in sze its clear
and icy waters leaping over rocks The mountain sides
covered with tender grass gemmed with strawberry
blossoms and voles.
On maps the Sangre de Crsto is improperly named
Indian Creek, which is fork Of the Sangre dc Crsto
and is not named at all them. Up Indian Greek, am
informed there exists excellent pass from San Luis
valley to the plains the eastern side Of the mountains
After crossing Indian Creek halted to make
toilets previous to entering Fort Massachusetts The
Delaware brought in large antelope but too
anxious to get to the fort stop eat though appe
tite, ut all times excellent sharpened by
tain ride without breakfast
The situation of Fort Massachusetts, had been Indicated
at the War Department being the Trinchera, below
the junction of Utah Creek But reaching this point
finding signs of the fort turned to the right up
Utah Creek, and arrived at it in eight miles.
Major BLAKE, the officer in command Leuts. JACKSON
and JOHNSON and Doctor MACGRUDER gave hosptable
| welcome.-25 miles; 693 miles
Messrs. BELE RIGGs, and ROGERS and Iquartered at
the Fort The encamped two miles below it Utah
Creek, in beautiful grove of cottonwoods tent was
sent TO them and with fresh bread and meat they
soon rendered perfectly comfortable There excellent
pusturago around them, which mnles forgot
the hard marches they had made since leaving Westpor
Fort Massachusetts, is quadranguar stockade of pine
log pckets and encloses good quarters FOR hundred
and fifty men, cavalry and infantry
Upon inquiry, Mr.. BEALE found that it would be i'm
possible to obtain here the and animals he required
ani that would be for him 60 Taos and
perhaps to Santa Fe for this purpose We could obtain
all the supplies of provisions that wanted at the
ler's
June 14-Mr Bealc and Major Blake left for Taos the
day after arrival at the fort Taos is about eighty
miles the souhward, and Santa Fe hundred and
forty. The former returned this afternoon with guide
and Mexican muleteer. The guide FLps Archaet.
"Peg Leg hel commonly called by Americans
familiar with all the country between this point and Sc
vier River, in Utah Territory He had at various times
spent several years trapping and trading in the Sawach
and Pah-re a-moot Mountains well acquainted with
all the mountain passes and promised to be Of great
vice to us in the absence of Antoine Leroux He
crippled some years ago in q skirmsh with the Utahs
and ut times wooden-leg, which he carries
pended to his waist. During Beale's absence a small
supply of biscuit baked for by the baker of the
FORT and bullock purchased from the quartermaster
cut up and jerked by Dick, the Delaware After gene
raj overhaulng of cqupage by the men, every thing
was put in order for resumng journey. The mules
were in good condition. even atter than when started
from Westport.
During detention at the fort took several rides
into the mountains each side of it.
This post is situated in a gorge through which
Utah Creek rushes until il joins the 2nchera con-
fused Of mountains surround three Sides and
although the situation may be suitable for grazing
account of the pasturage and the abundance good
timber for building may render this point convenient in
some respects, is altogether too far removed from the
general track of Indians be Of much service in pro-
tectng the settlements in San Luis Valley from their in
suits and ravages The Utahs who infet the Sohcatch
fanta I,,is Vail
and Coochatope Passes from the westward and those
Del Pgnche" Del 1dino," and Del Mosque" from the
northward and northeasward post established at the
head Of the valley of San Luis would keep these maraud
ers in check; 1t would prevent if necessary their de-
scending into the valley in large numbers and complete
y cut off their retreat with their booty. The valley Of
the Sah-pdtch, rich in pasturage we'll adapted to
hage, and abundantly waered and tmbered appears
to offer the best position for fort which would be
accessible from Taos there the present post although
the distance would Of course be greater.
The cavalry at Fort Massachusetts numbers seventy
FIVE men, Of whom forty mounted. Though their
horses excelenty groomed and stabbed and kept
in high condition at six dollars bushel they
would break down march in pursuit OF Indians
mounted horses fed grass and gaop
at half speed down the steepest hills Corn-fed
animals lose their strength when they are put ON grass
and do not get accustomed to the change of diet
or this fact the officers at the fort perfectly
be and regretted that they not better prepared
any sudden emergency.
The weather during stay at the fort was cool and
hracing wind generally from the southwest with occa
sonal showers of rain.
Jesus Garcia discharged here and Patrick Dolan
hired in his place. The two Fpe Architects being add
cd to the party 1t now mounted fourteen.
We left Fort Massachusetts, Mt noon md travelled
down Utah Greek s. g. W. until it debouched in the val
ley of San Luis then turned to the westward After
ride Of twenty five miles we eneamped nj dark on sourh