418 EL PASO 
the raising of stock, for which the broad grassy plains 
are so admirably adapted, seemed to be the sole 
purpose of the establishment. Near by is a small 
stream of clear water, bearing the same name as the 
hacienda, which discharges itself into the lake. On 
the opposite side of the valley, to the west, and near 
the termination of the lake, is the village of Hncinillas, 
consisting of a church and a cluster of adobe houses. 
This village, as well as El Pefiol and the vast grounds 
adjacent, are the property of General Trias, formerly 
governor of Chihuahua.* His estates at the time of the 
invasion of the Americans contained many thousand ~ 
head of cattle, which he gave to his government for 
the support of the army, and for which, I was told, he 
has never made a claim. 
We passed to-day a train of mule wagons and 4 
carretella on its way to El Paso. There were but few 
persons in it, except the teamsters; among them, how- 
ever, I noticed several women and children. We told 
them of the attack made on us by the Apaches two 
days before, and advised them to be on their guard. 
Three Americans and a Mexican, who were with the 
train, became so alarmed that they left it, and joined 
us, to return to Chihuahua. 
October 21st. Continued our journey through the 
same valley, the mountains now converging to a point 
some miles in advance. In crossing Pefiol Creek we 
found innumerable quantities of wild ducks. The sur- 
face of the water was literally darkened with them; 
* Don Angel Trias was again chosen Governor of the State in the 
‘year 1853. 
iets ieee ines eae sy. 
