VISIT TO ZUNI.—SMALLPOX.—CACIQUES. 67 
desired them to furnish us a guide, and such information as might be in their power. He 
listened attentively to the explanations of the object of our expedition, of the general course 
we proposed to follow, and of the requisites necessary to make the exploration satisfactory. 
Then, with dignified reserve, he replied that he would communicate this request to the caciques, 
and afterwards make known their decision upon it. 
November 22—Camp 70.—Savedra has been sent with a party to explore the route towards 
Moqui, in order to ascertain whether water can be obtained in that direction. He has been in 
that region before and professes to know it well. 
November 23—Camp 70.—This morning the thermometer at sunrise read 16° Fahrenheit; 
while the sacred spring gave a temperature of 10° Centigrade, equal to 50° Fahrenheit, which 
is probably the mean temperature of the year at this place. In order to learn the oscillations 
of the barometer, and also whether the hourly changes in magnetism are so great as to allow 
them to be read upon the vernier of our instrument, Lieut. Ives has been occupied in making 
a series of meteorological and magnetic observations—a complete set of readings having been 
taken by him once in every fifteen minutes during the last twenty-four hours. 
A small party visited the pueblo to-day. The road passed over a ridge, but we preferred 
keeping along the stream. Threading an opening between rocky bluffs, we passed the rancho 
gardens; | and, a few hundred yards below, entered the valley, several miles in width, which 
leads to Zufii. The soil seemed light; but where cultivated, it produces fine crops without the 
aid of irrigation. Not an acéquia was seen ; and an Indian, who accompanied us, said they 
were not resorted to, as sufficient moisture for the fields was derived from rain. Within the 
valley appeared occasionally towers, wheré herders and laborers watch to prevent a surprise 
from Apaches. Near the centre of this apparent plain stood, upon an eminence, the compact 
city of Zuñi. By its side flowed the river which bears the same name. It is now but a rivulet 
of humble dimensions, though sometimes said to be a large stream. The Zuñian was very 
communicative by the way, and pointed out the various places where he had displayed valor in 
skirmishes wis | Navajoes. Of the ruined pueblo upon the mesa, called by Simpson “old Zuni," 
water r rom the west. The people fled in terror; some to the mesa, and escaped ; the 
rest peris the deluge. The water rose to near the top of the mesa, and there remained. 
During he pueblo was built crowning the hill. To appease the angry spirit that had 
brought amity upon them, a man and a maid were thrown from the cliff into the sea, 
ided, leaving the individuals sacrificed statues of stone, as they remain to this 
le then returned to the valley.* 
z the town of Zum, a most revolting spectacle met our view. Smallpox had 
rible ravages among the people, and we were soon surrounded by great num- 
, and children—exhibiting this loathsome disease in various stages of its 
y beneath an arch we entered a court, which they said was consecrated to 
'This ceremony is described as SRM of a most singular character. The 
Me; some imitating beasts with horns, all as wild and fantastic as 
these orgies. The corn-dance also is a very curious annual festival. 
surrounded by houses of several receding stories, which were attained 
from | one toanother. Pointing to a house three stories in height, 
A dwelling of a cacique, where frequently met at night all the 
in consultation. The caciques are the chief of these. They are four 
hereditary. Son succeeds father whenever the latter dies or becomes 
the duties of his station. These have a general superintendence over all 
publie Seng snd baro the power of making war and peace. "e wee 
* e FS? + Fo WT) We xn, Ee 
MA kk VESTE 
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