• II 



Via PREFACE. 



upward, and in which I was careful to preserve memoran- 

 da of my obseryations while engaged in the Santa Fe 

 Trade, — though without the remotest intention of ever ap- 

 propriating them to the present purpose. In addition, how- 

 ever, I have embraced every opportunity of procuring au- 

 thentic information through others, upon such matters as 

 were beyond my own sphere of observation. From mate- 

 rials thus collected I have received much assistance in the 

 preparation of the chapters from the sixth to the fifteenth 

 inclusive, of the first volume, which are chiefly devoted to 

 the early history of New Mexico, and the manners, cus- 

 toms and institutions of its people. For favors thus con- 

 ferred, I beg in particular to make my acknowledgments 



and 



and 



vorably associated with the Santa Fe Trade. 



Though myself cradled and educated upon the Indian 

 border, and familiar with the Indian character from my 

 infancy, I am yet greatly indebted, for information upon 

 that subject, to many Intelligent Indian traders, and others 



our 



have been frequently favored. 



Yet, while I recognize my Indebtedness to others, I feel 

 bound, in self-defence, to reclaim in a single case, at least, 

 the waifs of my own pen, which have been dignified with 

 a place in the pages of a cotemporary writer. During the 



years 1841 and 1842, I contributed a number of letter 



upon the history and condition of the Santa Fe Trade, etc.. 



Arkansas 



natures 



