EL PASO. 
149 
dancing. They formed lines similar to those made 
for a contra dance by us, passing through a variety of 
figures and marchings. From the perfect regularity 
with which they went through these figures, they must 
have followed some established forms. The Indians 
belong to the old Piro tribe, and dwell in the same 
village of Sinecu which their ancestors occupied two 
centuries ago. They are now dwindled to about 
eighty souls ; and but few of these are pure stock. 
Their language is retained by them, though less used 
than the Spanish. Another generation will probably 
extinguish the language ; though the mixed race may 
long occupy their present ground, and retain the 
manners and customs of their forefathers. 
November 28^^. About 8 o’clock in the evening. 
Captain Barry and Mr. C. J. Sheldon arrived from our 
large train, which they left about two hundred miles 
behind, having been sent in advance to procure mules 
and forage. They had, like ourselves, experienced 
very severe weather ; and their animals were so much 
reduced, that it had been feared they could not reach 
the settlements. They also informed me that the wag- 
ons and carts drawn by oxen,' being unable to keep up 
with the mule train, had been left behind some weeks 
earlier, with all the provisions not necessary to bring 
the party with the mule train in. I regretted exceed- 
ingly to hear this news, as the military escort under 
Colonel Craig was with Colonel McClellan and the mule 
train, while the ox train, containing much valuable 
property in addition to the provisions, was in charge 
of only a wagon-master and a few men. Word was 
sent me by the Commissary that it would be necessary 
