394 
RIO SAN PEDRO 
over the prairie in a single file, led by a large black 
stud. Before we had our tents pitched, Mr. Pratt got 
out his fishing-tackle to see what the stream could 
furnish ; and his industry was rewarded with a good 
mess of fish, which helped to eke out our scanty din- 
ner. 
September Idth. Deeming it advisable still to go 
to Santa Cruz, to deliver up our fair captive, as well as 
to procure some mules and provisions, in case those 
expected from the Copper Mines had not arrived, I 
sent two men ofi‘ this morning before day -light with a 
note to Mr. Gray at the camp, on the San Pedro, which 
I judged to be from twenty to twenty-five miles dis- 
tant. Informed him of our situation, and requested that 
he would send us four sheep, and some sugar, coffee 
and biscuit, from my private stores, all of which they 
could bring upon their mules. 
Soon after breakfast two Mexican soldiers came in 
on the run, and presented me a letter. It was address- 
ed “To any person connected with the Mexican or the 
American Boundary Commission,” and proved to be 
from General Conde. The General stated that, after 
eight days wandering among the mountains and on the 
plains, he had reached Santa Cruz ; and not having 
seen or heard of the Mexican or American Commission 
since he left the camp on the San Pedro, he had sent 
couriers to trace them out, inform them of his safe 
arrival, and guide them to Santa Cruz. He and his 
party, consisting of four of his officers, had left in ad- 
vance of the main body, and failing to reach their • 
place of destination, had slept in the mountains. Ex- 
pecting to reach Santa Cruz before night, they had 
