SIXTH DIVISION. 
EL PASO TO THE GULF OF MEXICO, 
CHAPTER XXXVII. 
INCIDENTS AT EL PASO DEL NORTE. 
Preparation for completing the Survey of the Southern Boundary of New 
Mexico—Withdrawal of the military from El Paso—Importance of El 
Paso as a military post—Its business—Encroachments of the Apaches— 
Depredations of the Comanches—Suggestions for a better protection of 
the frontier—Colonel Langberg—Visit to Fort Fillmore—The Mesilla 
valley—Visit to the Organ Mountains—Silver mine—Grand scenery— 
Return—Bracito and its battle-field—Preparations for leaving El Paso 
—Mail party attacked by the Comanches—Decide to go by way of 
Chihuahua—Laxity of the Mexican Custom House—Departure of 
Lieutenant Whipple and party for the Gila—Organization of parties. 
Tue first step now to be taken was to close up all’ the 
business of the Commission, and to prepare for joing 
the surveying parties on the lower Rio Grande. I had 
advices here from Major Emory, the principal Surveyor 
of the Commission, advising me of the progress made 
on that portion of the line. Two parties had been 
actively engaged in the work; and Major E. believed 
the survey would be completed as far as Loredo by 
