WHY DISTRUSTFUL OF THE WHITES. 181 



They never kill women or children when in their power, but retain 

 them as prisoners. The men, however, are invariably dispatched. 



But in the latter, a comedy not unfrequently precedes the tragedy 

 which closes the scene. Taldng their cue from the passionate fondness 

 of the Spaniards for dancing, at times, when any one of these unfortunate 

 wretches falls into their power, they form a ring around him, and provi- 

 ded with switches, compel him to dance until from exhaustion he can 

 do so no longer, after which he is unfeelingly butchered. His cruel 

 tormenters continue singing, as they force him to dance his own death- 

 dirge, and laugh at his faltering steps. 



As warriors they are brave and daring, and make frequent and bold ex- 

 cursions into the Spanish settlements, driving off vast herds of cattle, 

 horses, and sheep, and spreading terror and dismay on every side. As 

 diplomatists, in imitation of their neighbors, they make and break trea- 

 ties whenever interest or inclination prompts them. 



The Navijo country is shut in by high mountains, inaccessible from 

 without, except by limited passes, through narrow defiles well situated 

 for defence on the approach of an invading foe. 



Availing themselves of these natural advantages, they have continued 

 to maintain their ground against fearful odds, nor have they ever suffered 

 the Spaniards to set foot within their territory as permanent conquerors. 



The valleys of the Chama and its tributaries are said to be unrivalled 

 in beauty, and possessed of a delightful climate, as well as an exuberant 

 fertility of soil. In these valleys winter is comparatively unknown and ve- 

 getation attains an extraordinary size. The mountains abound with game, 

 and are rich in all kinds of minerals. Some of the most valuable gold 

 mines in Mexico are supposed to be held by the Navijos. I have convers- 

 ed with several Americans who have travelled to considerable extent in 

 the territory of these Indians, and all unite to speak of it in most flatter- 

 ing terms. 



The Catholics maintain numerous missions among them, and have 

 succeeded in propagating their peculiar religious notions to some extent, 

 notwithstanding their continued hostilities with the Spaniards. 



The Navijos are generally friendly to the Americans visiting them ; 

 but were formerly much more so than at present. This partial estrange- 

 ment may be attributed to the depredations of a party of Americans, 

 under the lead of one Kirker, who were employed by the governments of 

 Santa Fe and Chihuahua, to oppose their incursions. This was done with 

 great success — the mercenaries despoiling their property, butchering 

 their warriors, and bearing off men, women, and children, as captives, to 

 be sold into slavery. 



