EL PASO. 
179 
greater number than can be found combined in any 
other spot within proper limits, of which we have cog- 
nizance. We find there a fine, airy, salubrious spot 
for dwellings, with some adobe houses (abandoned 
at the breaking up of the settlement on a threatened 
excursion of the Indians, in the fall of 1838), which, 
with little labor can be made tenantable ; good tim- 
ber, within a few miles, for building and other pur- 
poses, as also limestone and other useful materials for 
similar objects ; a great plenty of wood near at hand 
for fuel ; abundance of excellent grass for the animals, 
which will materially lessen the expense now neces- 
sarily incurred by furnishing them with grain ; and a 
running stream, affording a supply of pure, fresh water, 
so essential to the comfort of both man and beast. 
The garrison, or fortress, that was erected for the pro- 
tection of the former inhabitants of this place, is of 
ample dimensions to accommodate all the troops that 
will probably at any one time be stationed there, and 
can, without much difficulty, be put in good condition 
for the purpose ; indeed, Colonel Craig is now actively 
engaged in directing its reparation. 
“In addition, though secondary to these, I would 
observe, that the soil is good for agricultural and hor- 
ticultural purposes ; as is indicated by the remaining 
vestiges of the garden plats once cultivated, as well as 
by the rank, luxuriant growth of the peach-trees, still 
in bearing condition : and it ' is said that wild game, 
bears, deer, turkeys, etc., abound in the vicinity. 
“ The botanist, there is every reason for supposing, 
will, in that quarter, find a large and almost unex- 
plored field, a suitable examination of which will 
