APPENDIX A.—DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 
77 
north and south ; followed it for four miles to the south, and encamped between the hills or 
bluffs for the night. The water is in ponds; plenty of mezquite on the hills; large brush; 
wild china in the bed of the ravine; also plum and currant bushes. 
Sunday and Monday , March 26 and 27.—We lay by in camp to rest the mules. It may be of 
importance to have them in good condition when we meet the command. 
The Sulphur Springs are about twenty miles distant from this point, in a northwest direction; 
we crossed the ravine leading from them at the base of the hills running off to the east, about 
two miles from this camp. There are large banks of red clay and dirt a short distance down 
the ravine. About half a mile above this point is the deep chasm spoken of by Captain Marcy, 
as the “’Big Springs of the Colorado.” Near them are whole ledges of petrified oyster-shells; 
the rock is principally lime and sand stone. The spring is at least fifteen or twenty feet deep, 
and about twenty yards wide. Plenty of wild plum-trees in full bloom; the grass is springing 
up; trees budding. We have not lately come upon any Indian tracks. Two antelopes and one 
rabbit killed. Rattlesnakes begin to show themselves in great numbers. Heavy frost last night. 
Tuesday , March 28.—Left camp at 8 a. m. for the Laguna, twenty-three miles distant. 
Passed over a rolling prairie. Saw several dry ponds in low places, where there is evidently 
water in the rainy season; also some large mezquite and hackberry. 
I and Cloud (the hunter,) being in advance of the wagons, saw, as we supposed, some mus¬ 
tangs, but on a nearer approach they proved to be Indians. We stopped until the wagons 
came up. All looked to their arms, and started to meet them. From the brush and breaks in 
the hills, we knew it must be the Laguna at which the Indians were encamped. Upon coming 
to the top of the hill we saw them driving off their horses in a northwest direction. Two of 
the Indians came towards us. Their interpreter, a Mexican, who said he was taken captive 
when a boy, stated that they were a stealing party of Kioways, returning from Mexico with a 
large band of horses, colts, and mares. We saw but fifteen of this party. The interpreter 
said there was a larger one coming up to-night, principally on foot. As they were hungry, we 
gave them a few pints of corn. 
Moved on to the Laguna. Having watered our animals and filled our kegs and canteens, we 
proceeded farther, and encamped on the open prairie. The Indians fired the plain as they 
went off. This signal was immediately answered by a fire about three miles distant to the south. 
In an hour we perceived the party spoken of by the Mexicans. Some of them were driving 
their loose animals off towards the lake ; but the principal part (twenty-three in number) came 
to us. There were three of them mounted, and these on miserable animals. One of the In¬ 
dians rode ahead displaying an old white shirt, intended as a flag ; it certainly was not a white 
flag. Our mules were tied to the wagons, the men standing to their arms. The Indians hav¬ 
ing been told not to come near the wagons, sat down in a circle and commenced begging, as 
usual. We gave them a little corn. They started for the lake, where their animals were driven. 
As soon as it was dark we geared up and moved about four miles, and encamped. The wagons 
were driven close together, the animals tied to them. Kept a good look-out. 
Wednesday , March 29.—At day-light turned our mules out to graze ; geared up at 8 a. m. 
and started on. At 10 p. m. perceived a party ahead of us, which proved to be the command. 
Three kegs of water which we had along were of great service to them. It gave me much 
pleasure to report the recovery of the missing mules. 
I cannot conclude without bringing under your notice the excellent conduct of the men under 
my charge. It was highly praiseworthy; each man aiming to assist and aid his comrade. All 
bore the hardships which we unavoidably encountered with cheerfulness and good temper. 
It now only remains for me to reiterate my hopes that the course I have pursued, in the exe¬ 
cution of your orders, will receive your approval. I am, sir, very respectfully, 
CHAS. L. TAPLIN, Assistant on Survey. 
Captain Jno. Pope, 
Top. Eng., U. S. A., Commanding Exploring Party. 
