302 CASAS GRANDES TO 
out again, for the storm soon increased in violence, 
and every moment we expected our frail coverings 
would be torn to shreds or blown down. And, in 
fact, notwithstanding our efforts to make them more 
secure, one of the tents was hurled from its fastenings 
and blown more than a hundred yards before it was 
arrested. | 
July 20th. The rain having continued the whole 
night, we were much delayed in getting off this morn- 
ing. The whole country was drenched with water, 
and the road almost impassable for our heavily-loaded 
wagons. After a hard journey of eighteen miles, we 
stopped at the banks of the river; and strange as it 
may appear, notwithstanding all the rain that had 
fallen, the river, such is the uncertainty of the streams 
in this country, was quite dry. Fortunately, in some 
cavities in the river’s bed we found water enough for 
our present wants. 
Our march was a straggling one to-day, as some of the 
teams could not keep up. My baggage wagon in par- 
ticular, which also contained my tent and cooking 
utensils, did not get in until after dark. One of the 
mules broke down to-day, and was taken out of the 
team. Others showed signs of great exhaustion, from 
the heaviness of the road and the long march. 
July 21st. It having rained most of the night, and 
every thing being wet, we were unable to leave before 
nine o'clock. After journeying over a muddy road 
for nine miles, we reached Zubac, another presidio or 
garrison, consisting of a collection of dilapidated build- 
ings and huts, about half of which were tenantless, and 
an equally ruinous church. Captain Gomez, who com- 
