114 HORSE-HEAD CROSSING TO DELAWARE CREEK. 
Paso as early as possible after the first of November, 
we took provisions but for thirty days. 
“T now find myself overtaken by a Norther and 
severe snow-storm; my animals are much reduced by 
fatigue, and there is a probability that I shall fall short 
of provisions, in case the storm should continue. 
Under these circumstances I have deemed it prudent 
for the safety of my party to send four of them to 
El Paso, to procure aid to enable me to reach there as 
soon as possible. In the meantime I shall advance as 
soon as the weather will permit, and hope to reach the 
Guadalupe Pass in season to meet the return messenger. 
“T shall be glad if you can send to my aid the 
following, viz.: ten mules, to be returned in good 
condition ; and bread, pork, sugar, and coffee sufficient 
for my party for five days: for which I will pay you 
on my arrival. 
‘“‘T am, very respectfully, 
“Your obedient servant, 
“JOHN R. BARTLETT, 
Commissioner. 
“To Major J. Van Horne, 
Commanding, 
El Paso del Norte, Texas.” 
