The herald., 1896-03-08

sent one of the old hunters to accom-
pany US to the crossing. The second
day out the hunter and myself left the
road to hunt for buffalo, leading a
pack mule. Late in the afternoon he
shot large one, took out its stomach,
cut hole in the upper side, and made
a small depression in the fresh eaten
grass, which Immediately filled with
fluid. Being thirsty ne took hearty
drink from this unique spring. tried
it myself and found it quenched thirst
admirably, tasting something like beer.
'In few days we neared the cross
ing, left the road, travelled at night and
secreted ourselves SO as to look the
country over and ascertain where the
redskins might be camped.
"At daylight we went down to the
river and remained in camp four days,
killing bGffalo and drying meat to last
us the remainder of our journey. We
left this place about l o'clock in the
afternoon, and in about two hours met
Col. Kearney in command of five COM
panies of dragons on their way to
Santa Fe. Col. Doniphan was few
miles in the rear with regiment of
volunteers. They had come upon q
large encampment of Comanches that
day, who fed precipitately upon the
approach of such an army. We had
been four days shooting buffalo within
few miles of these savages, who were
thirsty for our blood, and meeting the
army that day WAS the only thing that
saved our lives. After this we met
with no resistance on the way to Santa
Fe, although Gov. Armigo attempted
to blockade narrow pass, but aban-
doned it before our arrival.
"When we arrived at this ancient city
of 5000 inhabitants the dragons
marched through the principal streets,
cannon were fired and the American
flag was raised. Gen. Kearney with
five companies of drsgoons) being
ordered to California, took up the
march in September. Our course was
down the Rio Grande for few days
and then westerly over the low noun
tains to the headwaters of the Gila
river. This was followed to its juno
ton W ith the Colorado river, and then
we commenced the task of crossing the
desert.
"Soon after we left the Rio Grande
we met Kit Carson and two or three
men direct from California. They re-
ported that California was already in
the hands Of the Americans. General
Kearney then ordered four companies
to return to Santa Fe rnd one company
to California. Carson was employed
as guido to return with us. 1t was
late in November when we crossed the
Colorado river and struck out upon
the desert. The first night out the
soldiers dug we'll. from which we got
small quantity of water, which was
very poor. Each was allowed only one
bucket full. This was doled out dur
ing the night, as the water came in
slowly.
"The command was on the way next
morning, the engineers, as usual, next
to the advance, followed by General
Kesrney and bodyguard; then COM
pany O dragons, followed by the pack
mules and Mexican packers; Major
Swsth in charge of supplies, DR..
Griffin and e. F. French, also with the
pack train, having in care loan of
medicines and instruments. Every
one hurried on as fast as practical, but
in the afternoon the animals began to
tire and fell to slower pace, so that
before night many were far in the rear.
The sun WAS about an hour high when
my mule became unable to carry
me. dismounted and drove him
before me. Those that / had passed
were already out of sight, and those in
advance were lost to my sight in a
short time, even Oh the level desert, so
that when the sun went down 1 was
alone, and the great sustainer of all
earthly life sank slowly and msjeetic-
ally with beautiful radiations of golden
flame. Soon the noiseless night came