SANTA CRUZ. 7 eS) 
the Apaches on the Gila, and thence go to the Mogo- 
llon Mountains, near the Copper Mines. After half an 
hour spent with the General, I rode a mile from the 
town, and there found my party encamped on the 
banks of the Santa Cruz River, where there-was an 
abundance of grass. me 
Near our camp we found Mr. Coons, an American, 
on his way to San Francisco, with 14,000 sheep. For 
the protection of this large flock, he had sixty persons, 
‘forty-five of whom were Americans, and fifteen Mexi- ae 
cans. He quieted our anxiety as to. grass" and water, — 
having found an abundance of both on his route, 
There had been much rain, and the grass was in conse- 
quence in fine condition. He had met many Indians 
near the Guadalupe Pass, but would not allow them to 
enter his camp. When nearJanos, a party of Apaches — 
rushed among them during the day, and succeeded in 
running off fourteen mules and horses. Mr. Coons 
was entirely unprepared for the attack, particularly as 
the rascals approached him from the town where -they 
had been. Before he could get a party mounted, the 
robbers had got a long start of them, which gent 
chase more animals, and strengthen his party ; 
detained him six weeks, His party was 0 
armed, and he felt himself strong enough 
General Blanco with his staff, ar 
Officers from Tucson, escorted by a : 
called on me in the afternoon. Th 
well dressed and equipped, and 1 
