SANTA CRUZ. — 309 
church is a mile from the road; and supposing that 
we should pass it, I made no inquiries, but kept on, 
until I got too far to return. It seems that there was 
a path leading to it, which Mr. Pratt and some of the 
horsemen took, but which I did not observe. Mr. P. 
took a sketch of it. Zwmacacort was formerly a mis- 
sion of note. It was connected with the presidio of 
Tubac, and had been lately abandoned in consequence: 
of the incursions of the Apaches. 
Passed to-day two parties of emigrants on their way 
to California. They each had from twelve to fifteen 
wagons, all drawn by oxen, and were from the State 
of Arkansas. Numerous questions were asked, as on 
former occasions, about grass, water, and the Indians. 
We learnt from these people that there were many 
parties of emigrants behind, and that we should pro- 
bably fall in with them every day. The emigrants 
from Arkansas and Texas all take the southern route, 
by way of El Paso; while those from the more northern 
States go by way of Independence and the Great Salt 
Lake. 
A party of Mexican soldiers from Tucson overtook 
and passed us after we had encamped, carrying in a 
palanquin their Colonel, who was ill with a fever. As 
there was no medical attendant at the place, they were 
taking him to Arispe. 
Soon after, a second party of soldiers stopped and 
encamped near us, probably for the sake of security | 
against the Apaches; for they feel perfectly safe when 
under the wing of a party of well-armed Americans. 
This valley is a favorite haunt of these freebooters; 
and although we saw none, there is no doubt but they 
