COPPER MINES. 
331 
On the 6th July, another incident of a more serious 
nature occurred, which bade fair to break up the 
friendly intercourse with our Indian friends, and bring 
us to open warfare. About one o’clock word was 
brought to me, that an Indian had been shot by Jesus 
Lopez, the Mexican teamster to whom I have before 
alluded. I at once ran to my door, and saw the 
greatest consternation in the place. The Indians, of 
which there were many about us at the time, were 
screaming and running in all directions, as though 
fearful of a general rising and massacre of their people. 
Our own party too were in great alarm, and every 
man ran for his arms, not knowing but that the Indians, 
who had so often been treacherously dealt with by the 
whites, might at once attack us, to be revenged for 
the loss of their companion. Mangus Colorado, Delga- 
dito and Coletto Amarillo,* who were in our camp, 
seized their arms, and, mounting animals, retreated to 
a small hill a few hundred yards from the fort, where 
they stopped to see what was to follow, and make 
their escape in case of necessity. Many of their peo- 
ple crowded around them for protection and guidance. 
Some remained many minutes beckoning to them to 
come back ; and assuring them that they would not 
be hurt. They remained quiet until Colonel Craig, 
with the courage and resolution which he exhibited 
in every trying scene, advanced alone towards them, 
told them he and all of us were still their friends, and 
^ These it will be perceived are all Spanish names : Mangus Colo- 
rado, meaning Red Sleeve ; Delgadito, slender ; and Coletto Amarillo, 
yellow tail. 
