TO CHIHUAHUA. 403 
train at San Eleazario,* where I passed my first night 
in camp. 
October 9th. The reloading of some of the wagons 
detained us here several hours, and my troubles with 
the men began. My cook took the opportunity to get 
drunk during the night, and for his bad conduct'was 
put in the calaboose. By the aid of my friends here 
I was enabled to find a good substitute, and we soon 
after took up our march. The train consisted of. my 
travelling carriage, a very convenient vehicle, which 
Was to form my sleeping-place during the journey; 
the small wagon I brought from California, in which 
Dr. Webb rode; and six other wagons containing our 
Provisions, baggage, tents, camp equipage, instruments, 
etc. All the party were mounted on horses or mules, 
and well armed ; and for achange I had also provided 
myself with a riding mule. We got off at noon and 
made fourteen miles, encamping near a pool of water. 
Our route, most of the way, was along thé Rio Grande, 
°ver a rich bottom, of which only a small portion was 
under cultivation. 
October 10th. I rode on in advance with several 
Others to examine the crossing, as it was necessary to 
ford the Rio Grande here. To my surprise I found 
the banks very precipitous ; and as the river was here 
uch contracted, it was proportionably deep and rapid. 
With considerable difficulty and some risk I crossed in 
mY carriage ; and then, seeing the danger that would 
_* This name is also spelt San Elceario, which is, I believe, the 
*nginal and correct mode. But asit is invariably pronounced Eleazario, 
and so written, by the people, I have adopted that orthography. 
