s 
318 SANTA CRUZ TO 
inspired, that no attempts were made, either by the 
military or theinhabitants, to repel them or rescue the 
animals. Outside the walls were a number of cattle. 
These the robbers did not think proper to take, as they 
could not keep up with the mules. They therefore 
lanced them where they stood; and their bleached bones 
still remain under the walls, within a stone’s throw of 
the dwellings, as testimonials of Mexican cowardice. 
I cannot conceive what object there is in support- 
ing this miserable population of less than two hundred 
souls, in an outpost where they are liable to the con- 
stant attacks and depredations of savages. The adja- 
cent valley is not occupied, although one of the finest 
in the State. Better would it be for the government 
to take the whole population, not only of Santa Cruz, 
but also of Tubac and Tucson, remove them to the 
central parts of the State, and provide them with 
other land of equal value. As there are tracts equally 
good which are at present unoccupied, the govern- 
ment would be savers by this arrangement. The ex- 
pense of maintaining a battalion of five hundred troops 
in this quarter for two years, is greater than would be 
the cost of removing the whole population in question. * 
If this is not practicable, then the government should 
encourage emigration to these valleys, and enable the 
people to protect themselves. It is quite possible, and 
_I think it probable, that the town of Santa Cruz will be 
eventually abandoned by the present miserable remains 
of its inhabitants ; they will be compelled to this step 
to save themselves from starvation, or from being 
finally cut off by their more brave and warlike enemies. 
July 26th. This day our teamsters and arrieros” 
