TO PARRAS. ; ATT 
to have a new axle, a want not readily supplied with 
our limited materials. It was, nevertheless, effected - 
by making a false axle extending two thirds the length 
of the old one, to which it was fastened with pegs and 
raw hide. One wheel was consequently six inches 
further back than the other. 
Near by were some fields of corn cultivated with- 
out irrigation, which looked very well. About a 
month before our visit, the Comanches made a de- 
scent here, took all the cattle (about forty head) and ~ 
a number of mules, and killed three men who had 
them in charge. Only three men now remained at 
the hacienda, which they intended to abandon in a few 
days. 
November 24th. Our march to-day was all the way 
over the hills, and through long narrow valleys sepa- 
rating high ridges of mountains. The road was stony 
and rough most of the way ; the remainder, a deep 
sandy loam. ‘The dust raised by astrong wind, which 
blew directly behind us, so filled the air, that objects 
could not be seen twenty feet ahead. The wind drew 
through these defiles with great force, raising clouds 
of dust independent of that caused by the mules and 
wagons. This was the most disagreeable day’s journey 
we had had, and the most tedious; for we did not 
reach the Alamo de Parras till two hours after sunset, 
having made thirty miles. | 
Soon after our arrival, I called on the Alcalde of 
the town with the letter of General Trias, and made a 
request for an escort, as the men from Cuencamé had 
not engaged to go any further. He expressed a desire 
toserve us; but having no troops, he said he could only 
