154 
EVENTS AT 
gambling. He ordered it to be stopped, and Dobbins 
refused to obey. High words arose, when Dobbins 
rushed from his tent and discharged his revolver twice 
at Mr. Wakeman, both balls taking effect. He died of 
his wounds ten days after. 
On the arrival of the train. Captain Dobbins surren- 
dered himself to the authorities, underwent an exami- 
nation, and was acquitted on the testimony of some of 
the teamsters, who alleged that he had acted in self- 
defence.* 
January Rode to Dona Ana^ a small town 
on the eastern branch of the Rio Grande, where we 
have a military post, under the command of Major 
Shepard. The distance, which is 56 miles, was made 
between 9 o’clock, a. m., and 6 o’clock, p. m., in my 
carriage, drawn by four mules. The only intermediate 
town is Las Cruces^ eight miles from Dona Ana. 
As Colonel Craig was here with the escort of the 
Commission, which he was about to march to the 
Copper Mines on account of the advantages which he 
believed that region offered as a camping-place, I 
requested Dr. Webb, Mr. George Thurber, and Mr. 
Cremony to avail themselves of the protection of the 
escort, and examine that district of country, and the 
old town there, as to their capabilities with reference 
to water, wood, grass, buildings, etc. I transferred 
my carriage to them, understanding that a good road 
* I derive my information from documents sent to me, which are 
printed in Senate Document Ko. 119, 32d Congress, 1st session, 
pages 496, 497, and 498. The particulars of the examination which 
took place at San Eleazario, were never furnished me, and I only know 
from hearsay the’ grounds on which Captain Dobbins was acquitted. 
