384 INCIDENTS AT 
The Apaches had been more bold than usual dur- 
ing the spring and summer of 1852; and the whole 
frontier had suffered from their inroads. Many men 
had been killed within a few miles of El Paso; and at 
the astronomical observatory, at Frontera, eight miles 
distant, a man was pierced with arrows while herding 
the animals within a few rods of the house. Mr. Magof- 
fin’s corral had been several times entered, and his 
mules stolen; and many other citizens there had been 
sufferers. On two occasions, while I remained at Magof- 
finsville, the Indians made attempts to run off the 
animals of the Commission, but were frustrated, by 
being discovered in time to prevent the stampede. 
No one could venture alone, with safety, three miles 
from the settlement, and when I went to take a ride, 
if it was extended as far as three miles, I felt 1t neces- 
sary to be accompanied by several friends. Such was 
the state of the Mexican. frontier in 1852. 
As the question has been repeatedly asked, What is 
to be done with the large tribes of Indians on the 
Mexican frontier? and as there is still a diversity of 
opinion on the subject, I shall take the present occa- 
sion to make a few suggestions, based upon what I 
settlement, and represents the American El Paso. It consists of a large 
square, around which are substantial adobe buildings of a bettter de- 
scription than usual, embracing some six or eight large stores and ware- 
houses, well filled with merchandise. This town is admirably situated, 
and belongs wholly to James W. Magoffin, Esq., an American, long 
resident in Mexico, whose energy and public spirit will undoubtedly 
make it the principal place on the frontier. Its position, as astronomi- 
cally determined by Lt. Whipple, is, Latitude North, 31° 46/ 05” 5. 
Longitude West from Greenwich, 7° 5/ 24/”,. Distance due South to 
the centre of the channel of the Rio Grande, 2,226 feet. 
