MEXICANS IN THE MOUNTAINS. 163 



too much dependence is reposed in each other, which soon results in indi- 

 vidual carelessness and neglect. Added to this, they are apt to rely upon 

 their numerical strength, and, forgetting this simple truism, that " caution is 

 the parent of safety," rush into danger when they are least aw are of it. It 

 thus occurs that large parties are more liable to surprise than smaller 

 ones, and more frequently sutler losses from the depredations of prowling 

 enemies. 



On the contrary, where but three or four individuals are travelling together, 

 they trust exclusively to their own personal vigilance. Keenly alive to 

 every suspicious appearance, they seldom fail to discover the presence of 

 danger without exposing themselves, and may avoid it by a timely retreat 

 or change of course. 



There is httle risk in an open prairie, in case an enemy is first seen by 

 the party wishing to shun his presence ; — they have only to manoeuvre in 

 such a manner as to elude observation, (a thing not often dilficult,) and all 

 is safe. In subsequent travels through dangerous countries I have always 

 acted upon these suggestions, and never yet found them to fail. 



Some twelve or fifteen Mexicans were at this time present at the Fort. 

 They constituted a trading party from Taos, escorting a caravan of pack- 

 horses and mules, laden with flour, corn, bread, beans, onions, dried 

 pumpkin, salt, and pepper, to barter for robes, skins, furs, meat, moccasins, 

 bows and arrows, ammunition, guns, coflee, calico, cloth, tobacco, and old 

 clothes, which were to compose their return freight. 



A worse looking set was here presented than that previously described 

 in the second chapter of this volume. Some of them were as black as 

 veritable negroes, and needed only the curly hair, thick lips, and flattened 

 nose, to define the genuine Congo in appearance. A more miserable look- 

 ing gang of filthy half-naked, ragamuffins, I never before witnessed. 



Their cargoes had already been disposed of at various prices, according 

 to circumstances. Flour and meal were sold at from four to six dollars per 

 fanega, (one hundred and twenty pounds,) and other articles at like prices. 

 Their first asking price was at the rate of twenty dollars ^^qv fanega; but 

 an alfray which occurred with a small party of Americans, immediately 

 upon their arrival, had made IIiqsq produce merchants much more reasonable 

 in their demands. 



The particulars of the affair were rather disgraceful to both parties. 

 The Americans, anxious to purchase a quantity of flour, oflered to take it 

 at the asking price, provided the Mexicans would receive their pay in robes 

 of a rather indifferent quality. This the latter refused and a dispute arose, 

 when insulting language was used on both sides, coupled with threats of 

 mutual injury. 



The Mexicans retired a short distance and camped, — soon after the 

 Americans, four in number, rushed among them and drove off their entire 

 cavaUard, containing twenty head of horses and mules. The Mexicans 

 seized their arms for resistance, and the commandante advancing demanded 

 of the nearest assailant : 



" Que quiere, cabellero ?" (what do you want, sir ?) 



" Yotenga lo caballardo, — porque dicirme esta?" (I have your horses, — 

 why do you ask ?) 



