180 FORT YUMA 
many others killed, and the party completely routed. 
At the latest accounts the Yumas were preparing for 
a campaign against them; and as their numbers are 
much larger, it may result in the annihilation of the 
*Cocopas, who would not be the first tribe which the 
warlike Yumas have extinguished. 
When Lieutenant Whipple was at the junction of 
the Colorado and Gila rivers, in 1849, engaged in 
astronomical observations for the Boundary Commis- 
sion, he was constantly surrounded by the Yuma In- 
dians, and had therefore a good opportunity 10 
observe their habits. He has permitted me to copy 
from his journal the following notices of them. When 
he reached the Colorado, he was met by Santiago, one 
of the chiefs, who conducted his party to their village, 
where they were surrounded by great numbers of the 
Indians. ‘The women are generally fat, and their 
dress consists of a fringe made of strips of bark, bound — 
round the hips and hanging loosely to the middle of 
the thighs. The men are large, muscular, and well, 
formed. Their countenances are pleasing, and seem 
lighted by intelligence. Their warriors wear the white 
breech ; and their hair hanging in plaits to the middle 
of their backs, is adorned with eagle’s feathers, and the 
rattle of a rattlesnake. They are exquisite horsemen, 
and carry their bow and lance with inimitable grace.” 
While the party remained at the lower crossing walt 
ing for a road to be cut, the Indians were very sociable, | 
carrying them grass, beans, melons, and squashes; for 
which, they received in return tobacco or money: 
They professed great friendship for the Americans, 
| and declared that they ‘‘had never stolen from the 
