56 DEPART FOR SANTA FE. 
had the good fortune to find in the valley, a 
few sinks filled by recent rains, so that actu- 
ally we experienced no great inconvenience 
from the want of fresh water. As far as our 
own personal necessities were concerned, we 
were abundantly supplied; it being an un- 
failing rule with us to carry in each wagon a 
five-gallon keg always filled with water, in 
order to guard against those frightful contin- 
gencies which so frequently occur on the Prai- 
ries. truth upon leaving one watering 
‘lace: we never knew where we would find 
next. 
On the 20th of June we pitched our camp 
upon the north bank of the Canadian or Colo- 
rado, in latitude 35° 24’ according to a meri- 
dian altitude of Saturn. On the following 
day, I left the caravan, accompanied by three 
omancheros, and proceeded at a more rapid 
pare towards Santa Fé. This was rather a 
azardous journey, inasmuch as we were still 
within the range of the Pawnee and Co- 
manche war-parties, and my companions 
were men in whom I could not repose the 
slightest confidence, except for pilotage ; be- 
ing fully convinced that in case of meeting 
with an enemy, they would either forsake or 
deliver me up, just as it might seem most con- 
ducive to their own interest and safety. All 
I had to depend upon were my fire-arms, 
which could hardly fail to produce an impres- 
Sion in my favor; for, thanks to Mr. Colt’s in- 
vention, I carrie ed thirty-six charges ready- 
loaded, which I could easily fire at the rate of 
7, _ 
en 
Pe ay 
¢ 
& 
ns 
