The true Democrat., 1857-05-12
From New MexicO'
Camp near Fo't Thorn, Neao Merico, April 4th. 1857.

E. H. JOHNSON, esq,
 Dear Sr--l came to the south boun- dary of the territory in January last, and con- menced contract of townshipping the Rio Grande Valley, having a contract of 1900 miles to survey. Well, from the time we con- menced work, Indian depredations on Mexicans were almost of daily occurrence within short distance of us, but until the 8th of March they passed us by and did not molest us. On the morning of the 8th, whilst camped on the Rio Grande, SIX miles above the town Dona Ana, waiting for the Texas mail to come down from Sante Fe, party of seven Indians came down from the rough and brushy hills east of our camp and fired two guns at my mule her der, when he ran for the camp, being about two hundred yards distant from it. When he came Tn and three more men pursued in the direc- ton which the herder pointed out that they had taken. When we had gone about half mile we saw them about half mile from us mounting the mules they took my horse and six mules. Finding it useless to trv to follow them on foot the men went back to the camp, and started to Fort Fillmore, dis tance of 70 miles, on foot. At quarter past o'clock at Dona Ana, SIX miles distant, got one ot my mules, having sent three that rnorn- ing for provisions, and rode to Las Cruces. six miles, when procured fresh horse and ar rived at Fort Fillmore by one o'clock. Capt. Alfred Gibbs, of the mounted rifles with 15 men was detailed to pursue the vagabonds and I was furnished with two horses, and and Lewis Dlckn, Ga young Texan) accompanied the war party. We went to my camp that night, and early next morning were in the saddle After spending about two hours in trailing them over the rough hills east of the Rio Grande they turn. ed west and made staish path for the river; we crossed the river on their trail at o'clock and pursued over hill and gulch for at least 20 miles, when we came upon the naked scoun- dreIs Tn gulch roasting the meat of one of my mules. suppose they must have heard the noise of one of our horses as buck h. Han came up out of the gulch, saw our party and gave the alarm. Our gentlemen rose up. presume in no very good humor as I think they had not yet taken any of the mule meat, and without waiting to say adios, they con- menced taking themselves away. Our gallant captain and his gallant m ,n sent them few .eaden balls which soon made them show the color of their blood as it came pouring forth n torrents down thair naked
 After giving them salute of rifle balls they were charged with colts six shooters. When we approached within twenty yarls of them they turned and fought like wounded bears Three horses were shot by their balls; but no man ot our party was shot. Our gallant cap- tain rece ved a severe wound in the abdomen from Iance;he had just shot the Indian tbropoh the heart. when the Indian in his dying aoon- les sought hiS revenge by thrnsting his lance in- to the captain. After pursuing short distance the captain was compelled to dismount and lie down but the gallant men pursued the savages over the hills and gulches ill three more of them fell and the other three were badly woun- ded, which was evidenced by the rood pour ing from their naked backs and Dr. Coop. CT examined the Indian that lanced the capt,in on the next morning, and found he had nine mortal wounds, seven of which he received before he lanced the captain. He stood firm until he received the Sth wound, which knoek- ed him down; was within twenty feet of bin when he fell. He raised himself on hi, elbow and graSped his lance, when a soldier shot him n the head, and sent him to the land-perhans oi roasted mules. recovered my horse and i've ct my mules. heard from Captain Gibbs a few days since, he is out of danger and is doing we'll
 am glad that your valuable paper still con- tnues to come to me, although it is generally from SIX weeks to two months old; it seems like whisperings from home. God willing shall toe Tn Little Rock in about a year.
 1 was rejoiced to hear of the great vic- tory obtained in Arkansas over the dark lan- tern party. l was rejoiced to hear of Gov. Conway's triumphant election. My feelings for him are those of strong regard and sincere friendship. Adios senor radicator.
 Yours, respectfully,
 JOHN W. GARRETSON.