CHAPTER XII. 
From Pueblo Creek to the mouth of Rio Santa Maria. 
Bill Williams’ fork.—Gemini mountain.—Reconnaissance westward.—Aquarius mountain.—White Cliff creek.—Indian break¬ 
fast.—Yampais Indians.—Cactus Pass.—Arrival of the train.—Reconnaissance resumed.—Big Sandy.—Big Horn spring.— 
Junction of Big Sandy with Bill Williams’ fork.—Cactacese.—Rio Santa Maria. 
January 22 —Camp 104.—Striking tents, we followed the creek westward. For tlie first four 
miles the road was good. Above, to avoid a rocky ravine, we were obliged to ascend tlie slope 
which came down from the foot of the mountain upon our right. That was not difficult; hut, 
in crossing an arroyo, which was rough, two wagons upset, thus creating a long delay. Then, 
having passed around the narrow gorge, we descended to the hanks of the stream, and en¬ 
camped. The barometer indicates an ascent of 560 feet in seven miles. 
January 23 —Camp 105.—Continuing our march something more than a mile, we arrived at 
the foot of the summit ridge, where we had twice made our bivouac. To avoid the rocky ravine, 
the train, with the survey following, wound around to the right, ascended towards the foot of 
the mountain, and passed the dividing ridge about 250 feet above the point previously described 
as separating the waters which flow west from those of Pueblo creek. To obtain a still more 
extensive view, Mr. Campbell climbed a steep hill, several hundred feet above the ridge of the 
pass, formed by a short spur from the abrupt termination of the northern mountain chain, and 
found upon the top ruins of another fortification. Its length was one hundred feet. It was 
twenty-five feet wide at one end, and twenty at the other. The wall was well built, four feet 
thick, and still remaining five feet high. It commanded a view of the pass, and, with proper 
armament, was well situated to defend and keep possession of it from an enemy. The entrance, 
six feet wide, was from the steepest side of the hill—almost inaccessible. From a fancy founded 
on the evident antiquity of these ruins, we have given the name of Aztec Pass to this place. 
Descending the smooth slope westward four to five miles, to a wooded valley, we found 
water,* and encamped. Here, as upon the eastern side of the mountains, good grass is abundant 
everywhere along the route. With an easterly breeze, the day has been warm, rendering our 
second march through Aztec Pass less uncomfortable than the first. Clouds and mist partially 
obscured the heavens; hut Lieutenant Ives has succeeded in making observations for magnetic 
inclination, declination, and intensity, as well as for latitude and longitude. 
January 24 —Camp 106.—We moved onward, following the well-beaten Indian trail—mag¬ 
netic west-nortliwest—over what appeared to he a plain, hut was rendered undulating by spurs 
from the hills. We thus cut off a bend of the creek; which, not far upon the left, pursued the 
same general course as ourselves. South of the valley was a swelling ridge, and a remark¬ 
able mountain rising 2,000 feet above its sides, clothed with dark cedars, and, in the centre, 
cut as it were into two equal peaks; hence called the G-emini. A stream of lava could he 
traced along the division far down into the valley. After travelling six miles, camp was 
formed near the creek, in which sufficient water was found. From this point the course of the 
valley is hut a few degrees west of north, which would seem to he the direction towards Yam¬ 
pais creek. We had hoped it would lead to Bill Williams’ fork. To ascertain what is before 
us, it will he necessary again to proceed with a small exploring party in advance of the wagons. 
* This stream, which had its source at Aztec Pass, was afterwards called Bill Williams’ fork. 
