388 
RIO SAN PEDRO 
On reaching the stream, one of the men led the 
way, followed by one of the pack-mules. The crea- 
ture sank deep into the mud ; but with a good deal 
of struggling on its part, and urging on that of the 
arrieros, it got safely across, the pack turning as soon 
as the mule reached the bank. The next two fell in 
the middle of the stream, and became fast in its soft 
and muddy bottom, their packs falling over into the 
water. After unavailing efforts to get them along, 
and fearing they would drown themselves in their 
struggles, the packs were cut loose and taken off ; 
and then, with several men in the water lifting, and 
others on the bank pulling, the mules were released 
from their miry beds and brought back to the firm soil. 
My own baggage and papers got drenched as well as 
most of the blankets and bedding of the party. Some 
of the horsemen in attempting to cross, also mired; 
and as we had six more pack-mules to get over, I 
abandoned my efforts ; not so much from the difficulty 
of passing the stream, as of keeping the packs on the 
mules without ropes. The straps and rigging of two 
mules had been ruined in our exertions to save the 
animals. We now returned to our abandoned wagon ; 
and finding it impossible to proceed, I determined to 
send a party by the trail discovered near the old haci- 
enda, to Santa Cruz, for a guide, and such aid as would 
enable us all to reach there. I believed that this place 
was now within ten or twelve miles of us, and that a 
party going south, must strike the emigrant road to 
California, which passes through it. 
Mr. George Thurber at once volunteered on this 
duty, in which he was joined by Mr. J. J. Pratt. A 
