TO RIO SAN PEDRO. 
365 
and were consequently drenched to the skin. The rain 
had now made the plain so muddy, that we could 
evidently not reach General Conde’s camp before 
night; yet Mr. Gray with some of the party who were 
in advance pushed on with that intention. About 
7 o’clock, as we were plodding slowly along, we heard 
the report of a musket from the wagons in the rear ; 
and taking it for a signal of trouble, we rode back to 
learn the cause. On arriving, we found that the mules 
had given out, that the wagons were fast in the mud, 
and that it was impossible to proceed farther at pre- 
sent. It still continued to rain ; but there was no 
shelter at hand and no alternative but to encamp where 
we were. The tents were accordingly got out and 
pitched on the open plain, where at every step the 
foot sunk three or four inches in the mud. It was 
with great difficulty that the tents could be kept up, 
as the ground was so soft that the pins would not hold. 
But the more serious question was how to make a fire, 
with no fuel but wet bushes ; for not a particle of wood 
could be found. Nevertheless this was accomplished 
after much perseverance ; and the cup of hot coffee 
which was the result had a wonderful effect in reviving 
our spirits. We retired in the midst of the storm, 
expecting every moment that our tents would fall 
upon us, but they kept their position, and with the 
exception of being a little wet, we passed the night 
more comfortably than could be expected under the 
circumstances. 
August ‘^Ist Every thing having been drenched 
with the rain, we did not get off till after 9 o’clock. 
The travelling continued exceedingly heavy and the 
