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267 
very small. This river winds its way through moun- 
tains, and occasionally expands, forming a valley or 
bottom covered with rank grass and luxuriant foliage. 
It is here called Fronteras River, and like many other 
streams in the country, changes its name with the towns 
it passes. Lower down it is called the Sonora River, 
by which name I shall speak of it in future. 
General Carrasco is at present in command of all the 
troops on this frontier. He has increased the number 
of posts, and keeps up a weekly communication between 
them all by means of couriers, two of which, armed with 
musket and lance, traverse the broad deserts, eluding 
the Apaches, who are lying in wait for all small parties 
of travellers. They perform most of their journeys at 
night, and generally go on a trot, by which means they 
accomplish nearly as much in a given time as ahorse. 
War in the field does not succeed against Indians, for 
unless they feel strong enough to overcome their foe at 
once, and with little loss, they retire and are not to be 
found. The General has determined to carry the war 
into their very fastnesses, and to make it one of exter- 
mination. If his troops were equal to their commander, 
the Apaches might have cause of fear. He lately made 
a successful descent upon the Indians at Janos. This 
place is in the State of Chihuahua, which is at peace 
with the Indians, and whose government serves them 
with rations. Taking advantage of this, they carry 
their predatory excursions into the State of Sonora, 
and run ofi‘ large numbers of mules and horses, wfiich 
they take to the frontier towns of Chihuahua and sell. 
General Carrasco, being informed of this, disregarded 
the State limits, and came suddenly upon the town of 
