TO LA MAGDALENA. 
409 
Tkis place has suffered more than any other on the 
frontier from the inroads of the Apaches, it being on 
the principal route of communication with the interior 
from the north, as well as with the settlements of the 
civilized Indians. The place had become much re- 
duced and impoverished by the frequent incursions of 
the Apaches, which prevented the inhabitants from 
cultivating the soil, except in the immediate vicinity 
of the town. If they suffered their cattle to stray two 
miles off, a band of skulking savages would emerge 
from some thicket where they lay in ambush, and 
drive them off. If but two or three men were tending 
them, they were either murdered or compelled to seek 
safety in flight. In such a miserable state of existence 
were these people, that they could scarcely venture be- 
yond the walls of their town, except in parties of six 
or eight, who must then be well armed ; and if they 
wanted to go any considerable distance, it was neces- 
sary to form large parties for mutual protection. It 
was in September, 1850, when the party with Inez 
were cut off about twenty miles from Santa Cruz, 
which led to the complete abandonment of the place, 
A few months, however, before our arrival, a brigade 
was raised by General Carrasco, for the protection of 
the frontier. The presidios were then strengthened; and 
Fronteras, Santa Cruz, and others, which had been 
abandoned, were again occupied by their poor and 
wretched inhabitants. 
I was detained here until the 29th, waiting for the 
flour and jpinole for the Gila parties. A portion had 
been procured and sent forward several days before, 
and Mr. Gray remained behind for the remainder. But 
