320 BATTLE OF THE PASS. 



i ^V^-> l~<^ ~i~ t~ ' r 



to grazing purposes, and, were it not for its aridity, might be cultivated to 

 a considerable extent. 



The men sent to reconnoitre returned about midnight, but had succeeded 

 in obtaining no satisfactory information of the enemy's position, owing to 

 the darkness and their ignorance of the topography of the country. How- 

 ever, they reported having discovered a point overlooking his camp, from 

 which our whole force might watch his movements, screened from his ob- 

 eervation by a dense thicket of pines, and recommended it for our occupancy 

 the ensuing day. Accordingly, in the morning orders were given to thai 

 effect ; and, after a march of four or five miles, covered by an unbroken 

 forest of pine and cedar, we arrived at the place designated, and encamped 

 almost within speaking distance of the enemy. 



No point could be more admirably situated for our purpose. The gradual 

 acclivity by which we had advanced, studded with pine, hemlock, and pin- 

 ion, led to the summit of a high ridge, bounding a broad valley upon its 

 opposite side with vast piles of perpendicular rock, several hundred feet in 

 altitude. Through this valley a large creek traced its way, graced by oc- 

 casional groves of Cottonwood and willow. In one of these, appeared the 

 Mexican encampment. 



So matchless was our position, by aid of a spy-glass we could observe 

 his every movement without incurring the risk of being ourselves discov- 

 ered. 



A mere glance revealed the true state of affairs. The hostile force, con- 

 sisting of some sixty strong, completely commanded the only entrance into 

 the valley from the east, and was otherwise so advantageously posted as to 

 render an immediate attack extremely hazardous. We accordingly awaited 

 the cover of night for further operations, and contented ourselves meanwhile 

 with watching the unsuspecting foe. 



Our plan was to storm the Mexican camp and force a passage into the 

 adjoining town, where we expected to encounter another detachment, and, 

 after defeating it, make good our retreat before a sufficient reinforcement 

 could be rallied to oppose ns. 



Soon after sundown, arrangements being completed, we commenced our 

 march. A detour of four or five miles led us to the head of a narrow and 

 circuitous defile, marking the entrance to the valley ; winding our way 

 through which silently, in a few moments we were in the immediate vicinity 

 of the enemy. 



Here dismounting, the company was drawn into line, and the plan of 

 attack communicated to each, as follows : three men, mounted upon fleet 

 horses, vvere to dispose of themselves, if possible, in such a manner as to 

 prevent an escape, while the remainder, in two divisions, (the one headed 

 by the Col. commandant and the other by the first lieutenant,) commenced 

 a sumultaneous attack at different points. Orders were given to scale the 

 enemy's breastwork, seize his arms, and demand his surrender, — but not 

 to fire a shot, unless in case of resistance or an attempt to escape ; and, 

 even then, to avoid all unnecessary effusion of blood. 



Thus disposed, we advanced to the charge; — but a new difficulty here 

 arose. The creek which, from our high point of observation during the 

 day, had appeared only a diminutive stream, now presented its broad sur- 



