420 APPENDIX. 
each other. We encamped; and were invited by the caciques to their 
quarters, where we feasted sumptuously on some good roast horses. The 
Indians took the same care that our soldiers should want for nothing which 
it was in their power to bestow. They made us many presents of horses, 
ornaments, ponchos, &c. in proof of the sincerity of their protestations; and 
showed the greatest solicitude and attention to please, and make us consider 
ourselves among friends. 
Having assuaged our hunger, the caciques rose in council, and requested 
the General would be present also. The subject in discussion was, whether 
the town of Salta (which was about three days’ march from us), on the frontier 
of Buenos Ayres, should or should not be attacked. 
We had a long march to encounter, and it became necessary that we should 
enter the province of Buenos Ayres to furnish ourselves with cattle for our 
transit to the country of the Indians ; and also make some provision for the 
time of our residence there, that we might not be burthensome to our 
friends, having the opportunity of being independent at the expense of our 
enemies. 
La Madrid, whom we expected to attack, had retired towards Pergamino. 
The town of Salta was garrisoned by a detachment of forty men; its own 
inhabitants capable of carrying arms might be trom 150 to 200 men. Carrera 
knew too well the disposition of the Indians, and their mode of warfare, to 
give his assent to the assault of the town. He therefore used every expedient 
exertion to prevent and dissuade them from it, by showing the impossibility 
of succeeding in, and danger of attempting, any attack against the town; 
in contrast with the exaggerated advantages of passing into the country, 
from whence they might drive to their habitations vast droves of horses, 
cattle, &c. He expatiated much on the destruction of the Indians, if they 
should have the temerity to advance against the musquetry and artillery of 
the town. But they were not to be deterred by words only. They protested 
that nothing should hinder them of destroying the Portefios; and requested 
he would give them thirty of his men to accompany them. Carrera finding 
them so importunate and unchangeable in their resolution, conceived the idea 
of counteracting their inhuman designs and saving the inhabitants, whilst he 
seemed to accede to their request. He called a captain, and gave him in- 
structions to march with thirty men as vanguard to the Indians towards the 
town, and immediately on receiving the fire of the enemy to put his men in 
retreat, and use all possible means to inspire the Indians with a sense of 
