500 SALTILLO 
immediately, and was promptly furnished by the 
superintendent with a beam, which we rigged to the 
end of the axle asa drag. After the delay of an hour 
or two, we again moved forward. We passed many 
haciendas and ranchos, and after proceeding about 
twelve miles entered the famous Aznconada pass.* 
The road now became very uneven with a continuation 
of hills and valleys, while mountains rugged and lofty 
rose on either side; the defile averaging about two 
miles in width. Passed a monument erected by the 
ladies of Saltillo on the spot where some Americans 
had been murdered by robbers. After making about 
twenty-five miles, we reached a rancho in the pass 
called Los Muertos (The Dead), where, just at sunset, 
we encamped. A small stream flowed by, lined with 
large cotton-wood trees. 
December 11th. It was very cold when we left 
camp this morning, our elevation now being 6104 feet 
above the level of the sea, so that all wrapped them- 
selves in blankets or overcoats. Our escort, who put 
on their gaudy serapes, made a very picturesque 
appearance. Soon after leaving we reached a narrow 
and steep descent, where we were obliged to wait for 
a train that was coming up, before we could descend. 
Here the pass did not exceed five hundred yards in 
width. Near this, on the left, is a spur of the moun- 
tain which overlooks and commands the defile, where 
General Ampudia erected a battery or breastwork, for 
the purpose of checking the advance of the American 
army. While the train was waiting, I went out to 
* Ranconada, a corner or lurking place. 
