MEXICANS IN THE MOUNTAINS. 311 



too mnch dependence is reposed in each other, which soon results in uidi- 

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

 theirnumsrical strength, and, forgetting this simple truism, that "caution is 

 the parent of safety," rush hito danger when they are least a/, are of it. It 

 Uiu.^ -""'nirs that large parties are more liable to surprise than smaller 

 ones, ana nu.^ <'<-«Quently sufler losses from ttie depredations of prowling 



6116 lilies* 



On thp contrary, where but rm^ ,„ ^^„^ individuals are travelling together, 

 tney truet exclusively to their own per^, • -j^^^^^ ^^^^^ .^^.^^ ^^ 

 every suspicious appearance, they seldom fad tS^^^^^j. ^j^^ /ggence of 

 danger without exposing themselves, and may avoid it t»y . *i,ijf,iv retreat 

 or change of course. ^ 



There is little risk in an open prairie, m 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 difficult,) and ail 

 is safe. In subsequent travels ttirough 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, ragainuflins, 1 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 askiri^ price was at the rate of twenty dollars yier fanega; but 

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

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

 in their demands. 



The particulars of the aSkir were ratlier disgraceful to both parties. 

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

 at the asking price, provided the JMe.ucans 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 witli threats ol 

 mutual i.^jury. 



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

 Americans, four \n number, rushed among them and drove otFtlieir entire 

 cai)a^£a7rf, containing twenty head of horses and rnules. The Mexicans 

 seizett 'iieir arms for resistance, and the comrnandanle advancing demanded 

 of ihc nearest assailant : 



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



"Yoteoga lo caballardo, — porque dicirme esta ?" (I have your horsee,- 

 wky do y«u aak ?) 



