512 SALTILLO TO RINGGOLD BARRACKS. 
that of Mier. Its houses are built of stone or adobe. 
There is more arable land here, and the same manufac- 
tures are carried on as at Mier. Before the Indian wars 
and the wars of Texas, there were numerous ranchos on 
both sides of the Rio Grande. Their occupants were 
chiefly employed in raising of cattle, of which at one 
time, they possessed not less than forty thousand head. 
These establishments have now been destroyed, or 
abandoned. During the late war, the American army 
had a large depot at this place. The steamboat which 
navigate the Rio Grande, finds no difficulty in coming 
up as far as Camargo. At high water, boats drawing 
five feet, ascend it with safety. 
A ride of three miles, after leaving Camargo, 
brought us to the Rio Grande, which we crossed in a 
scow. Its width here is from one hundred and twenty- 
five to one hundred and fifty yards, with steep banks. 
On the American side is a considerable settlement, 
known as Davis’ rancho; and about halfa mile below 
is the military post, known as Ringgold Barracks. 
Hither I drove at once, and was met by Major Paul, 
the commanding officer, and the members of the Com- 
mission, who with Major Emory, the United States 
Surveyor, had been awaiting my arrival. 
December 21st. Our train reachea the opposite 
banks of the San Juan last evening, and was occupied 
the whole of to-day in getting across the two rivers, 
when the party encamped near the barracks. 
