COPPER MINES. 
353 
force leave the place, might suppose it defencele^ 
and make a descent upon those who remained. 
There could be no doubt as to who the depreda- 
tors were in this case, as Mr. Hay was present when 
his cattle were taken, and had a parley with the well- 
known chief, Delgadito, who stood at a distance beyond 
the reach of his rifle. These robberies were, there- 
fore, committed by the very Indians who had been 
fed by us, and had received every kindness at our 
hands. We had the charity, however, to believe that 
they were set on by the Navajos, as it was predicted 
that the appearance of this tribe boded no good. 
About one hundred and fifty animals had been 
stolen, a part of them almost within sight of the fort ; 
showing, if it needed any demonstration, the utter use- 
lessness and inefficiency of our infantry escort for such 
a service. Had my last application for a company of 
dragoons been complied with we should have saved 
these animals; as my messenger had returned from 
Santa Fe before any robberies had been committed, 
except that of the few mules lost by Colonel Craig in 
July. 
In consequence of our last loss, Lieutenant Green\ 
informed me that it would be impossible to furnish;, 
the escort required for the protection of the Gila party, 
as he was deprived of all means to transport their pror 
visions and camp equipage, even though the men 
should walk. After the return of Colonel Craig, 
who might be absent two weeks, it would be neces- 
sary for Lieutenant Green to go to the towns on the 
Fio Grande to purchase a new outfit of mules- and 
horses. In this state of things, it was evident that if 
VOL. I. — 23 
