The Commencement of a formidable Indian War--High-handed
Measures on the Part of the Indians--The Governor of New
Mexico raises five hundred Mexican Volunteers and places them
under the Command of Colonel St. Vrain--Colonel Fauntleroy
placed in Command of all the Forces--Kit Carson is chosen
as Chief Guide--The Campaign commenced--The Trail found--The
Indians are met and the first Fight and its Consequences--An
Excitement in Camp--The Indians again overtaken--The return
to Fort Massachusetts--Intense Cold Weather experienced--The
Second Campaign--Colonel Fauntleroy surprises the Main Camp
of the Enemy--The War and Scalp Dance broken up--Terrible
Slaughter of the Indians--The Great Amount of Plunder taken
and destroyed--Another small Party of Indians surprised and
routed--St. Vrain equally fortunate in his Campaign--The
Indians sue for Peace--The Council held and Treaties
signed--Kit Carson opposes the making of them--The poor
Protection Indian Treaties usually afford to Settlers--Kit
Carson's House at Taos and his Indian Friends--His Attachment
for his Family put to the test--Cowardice of a Mexican--Kit
Carson's Friends as they look upon him--His influence over
Indians--General remarks--Conclusion.
The Muache band of Utahs, under their renowned Chief Blanco, after
trading for all the powder and lead which they required, joined the
Apaches and commenced the war in earnest. They waylaid and murdered
travelers on the roads, attacked towns, killed and made prisoners the
people who inhabited them, and became so formidable that for a length
of time everything was at their mercy. They lost no opportunity in
showing their power and in possessing themselves of the finest herds
of horses, mules, cattle and sheep within their reach.
This Chief Blanco is a man who stands in his moccasins about five feet
nine inches. He is rather thickset but, to use an Indian phrase, he
is straight as an arrow. The chief attraction about this Indian is his
head, which is finely developed. His lustrous black eye is filled with
animation and shows an active brain, which, unfortunately, is turned
to bad account. His forehead is lofty, yet it is symmetrically
chiselled, and every feature about his face is as regular as if it
had been carved for sculptured perfection. Blanco is a man who, in any
sphere of life, would have become most certainly distinguished;
and, under the influence of education, he might have risen even
to greatness. In his present unreclaimed state, he shows to a
disadvantage.
It is within my province fully to attest to the earnestness, the
savageness and the brutality with which these Indians commenced this
contest. I was then stationed in their country and came very near
being one of their first victims. The circumstances of this narrow
escape happened as follows. For a considerable length of time the
post to which I was then attached, was kept in a constant state of
excitement by receiving authentic accounts, daily, of murders
and robberies committed by the Indians. While these events were
transpiring, the officers and soldiers were anxious to take the field
in order that they might punish the perpetrators of the crimes; but,
as the force of the Indians was, numerically speaking, very strong,
therefore it required, in order to insure success, a well organized
command to match them and checkmate their plans at once. It required
time and much labor for the officers in charge of the military
district to arrange and complete their plans. Every man who left our
post ran the risk of losing his life; for, the enemy kept an eye on
the road which led away from it to the principal towns of New Mexico,
as often there was rich booty, for them to obtain, passing over it.
Notwithstanding this critical state of affairs, express duty had to be
performed, and it required brave men for the task. There were present,
however, those who stood ready to volunteer to execute all express
orders. Before proceeding with our own case, we will illustrate these
critical times. It was necessary to dispatch an expressman to Fort
Union. This post, from Fort Massachusetts, was one hundred and fifty
miles distant. The ever faithful Mexican, Armador Sanchez, was then
attached to Fort Massachusetts as a hunter and interpreter. On account
of extensive experience with the habits and customs of the hostile
Indians, Armador was selected to perform this dangerous mission. In
his usually quiet manner, this noble hunter soon prepared himself for
the undertaking. By using every precaution, he reached his point of
destination in safety. Having finished up his business, he instantly
began his homeward-bound journey. While on the rough trail which leads
from Fort Union to Taos, he came near being surprised and captured by
the enemy, under the following circumstances. Armador had selected
the night as the safest time to travel; and, as it was quite dark, in
order to pick out his way and prevent his growing sleepy by riding, he
traveled on foot and led his animal. He had made good progress on his
journey when suddenly his hunter-trained ear detected a noise on ahead
of him which sounded like the rolling of stones down the side of
the hills, over which the trail ran. He stopped and listened more
attentively. This time he was certain that he was not deceived, and
thought that he could hear voices singing Indian war songs. This was
convincing proof to him that danger was near at hand; therefore he
turned off from the trail and led his animal as high up the steep
hill as he could, where, fortunately, he found sufficient under-brush,
aided by the darkness of the night, to conceal himself from view.
Hardly had he taken up this position when the noises suddenly became
very distinct. The Indians, while following the trail, had made a turn
round a bluff and were almost beneath him. Now the hunter felt his
situation to be most precarious, for, should his mule bray, as these
animals are apt to do when others are approaching, his own life would
have to pay the forfeit; but, to prevent this, Armador held the mule's
nostrils firmly with his hands and otherwise drew off the animal's
attention by various gentle manipulations bestowed upon him. He
saw the outlines of the Indians as they passed along in single file
beneath him and estimated them to be at least twenty strong. Had these
savages known that a victim was so close by, they would have made
short work of him; but, before they could have killed him, it is safe
to affirm that Armador Sanchez would have had a companion with whom
to draw in his last breath. Fortunately affairs took a better turn and
the expressman finished his journey without further trouble.
To return to my own case--I was obliged to visit Taos. As an escort, I
was allowed one faithful and brave soldier. We traveled together over
the first half of our journey, and as we had considered, far the most
dangerous part, in perfect safety. At the Mexican town of Costillo,
after our day's ride, we rested for the night. Our fears of meeting
Indians were now almost dispelled; but still, we took the precaution
to question the Mexicans of the town in regard to their knowledge of
their whereabouts. In reply we were invariably answered that no fresh
signs had been discovered and that intercourse was both safe and free
for the remainder of our route. By the first appearance of daylight
on the following morning we were up and preparing for our journey, and
but a little time elapsed before we were leisurely traveling along on
the main road. We had left the town but a few miles behind us when
the morning sun began to make its appearance in all his splendor. The
country through which we were journeying was prairie land, and was
bounded on either side by lofty and picturesque mountains, and the
distance of the one range from the other was considerable, but yet
could fully be taken in by the eye almost at a single view. As we rode
along, we were amusing ourselves admiring the beauty of the morning,
and especially directed our attention to the rising of the sun. All at
once, just as we had reached a high plateau of land, the soldier
made the discovery of a flock of sheep at a great distance off on
the prairie. They appeared to be moving under rather suspicious
circumstances. We reined up our horses, for the purpose of obtaining
a better observation. What puzzled us, was the dim figures of,
apparently, mounted men, who were moving at great speed from one point
of the band of sheep to another, as if hurrying them along. After
taking a searching look, we came to the conclusion that the horsemen
which we saw were hostile Indians, as we had not been accustomed to
see Mexican herders mounted and acting so strangely.
The herders, near the towns in New Mexico, are usually small boys, who
are under the surveillance of one or two men stationed near by. When
the Apaches and Utahs steal these herds they always take the young
herders along in order to look after the property in their mountain
retreats. They rarely mortally injure these boys, for they say that
it is against their own interest to do so; but instead, they prefer to
save their lives, so that they may be useful in guarding other flocks
which, perchance, may fall into their hands. Most of these youthful
prisoners in time make their escape; and, after a series of hardships,
return safe to their homes. Many Mexicans can give such adventures of
their early experience, but scarcely one of them can recall a single
kind act shown them by their captors save the mere sparing of their
lives.
As we were viewing the herd, we thought that we noticed the figures of
the horsemen throwing themselves from one side to the other of their
horses, as if very busily employed in frightening the sheep. We now
held a council, and decided that our best policy was to quit the main
road, as it was crooked, and make a straight march across the prairies
for the town of Red River, which was located about twenty miles in our
advance. It was our opinion, which afterwards proved to be correct,
that, if the Indians were stealing the stock belonging to the town of
Costillo, they were also engaged in attacking the place itself. For,
while a strong party were engaged in drawing off the attention of
the people, another would be driving off the cattle, sheep, etc. To
return, therefore, would be almost certain death; so, at a full gallop
we commenced our direct course. As the sage bushes were thick and high
and the ground much broken by various kind of holes, we soon found
that we had our hands full in managing our horses. We had hardly
started afresh before our eyes were attracted to one side of us; and
in the direction of the Rio del Norte, which runs through the
valley, saw, what we at first considered to be, antelope; but which,
afterwards, proved to be Indians in pursuit of us. As we watched
closely these supposed antelope; we remarked that they kept in Indian
file, and that the course they were on would diagonally intercept
our own point of the compass. We began now to suspect that the white
appearance assumed by these objects was owing to the strong sunlight
which dazzled our eyesight, and struck on the dressed side of buffalo
robes, and that in these robes were concealed human beings who had
formed the determination to have our scalps.
During the cold weather, most of the Indians who dwell in the country
adjacent to the Rocky Mountains, and especially those living on the
eastern side of them, wear buffalo robes with the fur next to their
bodies. These robes serve the double purpose of shirts or coats, and
a covering by night. The wearers make them fast around the waist, and,
in the heat of the day, they are allowed to fold over and hang down;
but, as the cool air of the evening comes on, they are wrapped around
the head and body, something after the Spanish fashion of wearing
a cloak. The Indians, frequently, for the purpose of decoying their
enemies into battle, go out on the prairies, and by turning the fur
side of these robes out, and covering their persons, having previously
assumed a half bent position, imitate the Simon Pure buffalo while in
the act of grazing. In order to keep up the ruse, they move about
with a rocking motion. When taken for the buffalo, which frequently
happens, they are enabled to gain an advantage in approaching a party
or village which they wish to attack. The Cheyenne Indians are very
partial to loose sack-coats which are made out of white blankets. To
these coats a hood is attached, which is thrown over the head at the
wearer's pleasure. In addition to this, during the winter season, they
also resort to the buffalo robe. The squaws of the various tribes
of Indians on the plains are well versed in the art of tanning and
dressing buffalo hides. They frequently ornament them with beads,
porcupine quills and rude paintings. In times long since gone
by, these robes could be purchased, or rather traded for, at good
bargains; but, the unlimited and increasing demand for them has
greatly enhanced their value. Now days they bring standard prices.
Being satisfied that the Indians were in pursuit of us, we carefully
guided our horses, at the same time using our spurs freely and keeping
them at their maximum speed. As the Indians drew nearer, we could
see distinctly that they were urging on their animals. Our safety,
therefore, depended entirely on outriding them. The race became most
exciting, and demanded the greatest caution, for we well knew, that
one misstep made by either of our horses, would prove fatal to the
rider. We had decided, on commencing the race, that neither of us
should fire a shot except as a last resort, and that we should do
it only on the principle of man for man. While putting our horses to
their speed, our weapons were held in our hands and kept ready for
instant service. The most dangerous point was that at which the two
trails would inevitably intersect. To gain this place in advance of
our savage enemies, all our hopes now centered. For twelve miles we
dashed along, laboring under a state of suspense not to be easily
forgotten. When, at last, we arrived at the desired point, we were
only about two hundred yards in the advance of our savage pursuers;
still, we felt that our lives, for the time being, were saved, and
accordingly breathed a prayer to the Almighty in thanks for our
deliverance thus far. The pace now became tremendous; and here our
grain-fed horses proved to be too much (and their powers of endurance
were fully put to the test), for the grass-fed ponies of the Indians.
After a short run, the savages saw that the advantage belonged to us,
consequently soon after they halted. We, however, kept steadily, but
with slackened speed, on our course, fearing that some accident might
change the happy turn of affairs in their favor. On finding themselves
thwarted in their designs, the Indians fired two or three shots at us,
but even these final compliments did not, to use nautical phraseology,
make us "heave to." We reached the settlement of the Red River in good
season, and concluded that we had traveled the distance in about as
brief a space of time as it ever had been accomplished either before
or since our adventure. Our horses were so used up by this race that
we were obliged to exchange them for fresh ones, on which we finished
our journey without further annoyance. The Indians, in this incursion
stole five thousand sheep, besides other property from the Costillo,
and killed two men who were traveling behind us and on the same
road. When the bodies of these men were discovered, one of them had a
mouthful of bullets, which he had evidently put there in order that he
might drop them into his rifle as he should require them, and not be
obliged to be delayed in taking them from his ammunition pouch; but,
evidently, before he could have used more than one from this supply,
he was shot dead.
It cannot be denied but that this outbreak on the part of the Indians,
and its subsequent outrages, was the result of mismanagement; and, it
is but justice to the reputation of Kit Carson to assert, that it was
no fault of his that affairs had terminated so disastrously. He had
used every means which human skill could devise to allay the anger of
the Indians. Had his superiors in power acted with the same discretion
and judgment, in all probability the Utahs might have been kept at
peace. It is wonderfully strange that our Government will persist
in placing at the head of Indian affairs men who are not practically
acquainted with Indian habits, which can only be learned by a long
life passed upon the frontiers. If it was a matter where dollars and
cents alone were to be estimated, it might be different; but where
valuable lives are legitimately exposed, it seems to us morally wrong
to give the control of tribes of wild men to politicians, who are
liable to make all kinds of mistakes, and in whom the Indians will not
repose the least confidence. It is because such appointments are
made that, in a great measure, the troubles with these border Indians
arise; and many is the section of country in western America, where
apparently the reward for taking a white man's scalp is a blazing red
or a sky blue blanket, which is paid under the plea of keeping the
peace. This, too, when efficient means and decided measures are the
only hopes of a lasting peace.
[Illustration: FORT MASSACHUSETTS, NEW MEXICO, IN 1855.]
While engaged in our travels through the far West, we remember to have
met with an Indian agent who was, both in years and experience, but
a mere boy. To him had been intrusted the affairs of a large tribe,
notorious in the country where they reside, as being great thieves.
These Indians had so little respect for their agent, that they would
openly boast of the crimes which they had committed, in his very
presence. Not only this, but, on horses stolen from the neighboring
settlers, they would ride by him, thus defying his power. The
settlers were loud in their complaints against the Government for thus
neglecting to protect them, and sending them a block of wood for a
king. The young man of whom we speak, bore an exemplary character,
but it was plainly and painfully apparent, that he was, in no way
whatever, fitted for the office he held, and which he had attained
through the influence of powerful political friends. This is but
a fair example by which many of the so-called Indian agents may be
rated, who are the actual managers of Indian affairs on our frontiers.
The Utahs and the Apaches, having now openly combined, met with such
success in their endeavors to attack the whites, that, during the
course of a few months, they overran almost the entire northern part
of the territory of New Mexico. They utterly defied the power of the
American Government; and, whenever the opportunity offered, boasted to
the Mexicans "that they no longer stood in fear of the white man."
The subsequent cruel and barbarous crimes of which they were guilty,
clearly demonstrated that they had become greatly elated by their
success. It soon became apparent that, unless checked, they would
exterminate the population and burn or otherwise destroy their
settlements.
At this time, it was only by running great risk, that the whites could
leave their towns and go to the neighboring mountains, for the purpose
of obtaining even a little firewood. Working parties were daily
surprised and murdered; women and children were carried into bondage,
and reserved for a worse fate, and all kinds of business were
receiving a check, which was becoming ruinous to the country. It was
even greatly feared, that the boldness of the savages would carry them
so far as to make them attack Fort Massachusetts. To give them a warm
reception, should they dare undertake that enterprise, the post was
strengthened, by cutting down and removing everything which might, in
the least, tend to aid the Indians, and give them a cover which they
so much like when fighting; all the trees and brush about the post
were cut away. Breastworks were thrown up on the block-house attached
to the fort, so that the soldiers could be well protected in case of
emergency. In these, sentinels were posted, and the strength of the
guard doubled and greater vigilance exacted. Haystacks were removed to
a safe place, for fear they would be fired by the enemy. The sentinels
were ordered to cry out every half hour of the night while on their
posts, and no man was allowed to approach after the shades of night
came on, without giving the countersign. It proved to be well that
these precautions were taken; for, on the neighboring mountains,
Indian watch-fires were seen nightly; and, on several mornings,
Indian moccasin tracks were discovered in close proximity to the
fort, showing thereby that the enemy was watching and waiting for a
favorable opportunity to strike a sudden and overwhelming blow upon
the garrison within. The savages, no doubt, were deterred from making
a bold attack by the prompt precautionary measures which had been
taken by the commander to anticipate their plans. The wagons belonging
to the fort were sent out after wood under a strong escort, and the
government herd of beef-cattle, horses and mules, were well protected
by the soldiery. On one occasion, through a false alarm of Indians,
the whole command of the post, which numbered less than one hundred
men, was put in great and sudden commotion. The cause will appear in
connection with the following circumstances. The party in charge of
the herd had espied a large cavalcade of men and animals approaching
them. At the long distance they were off, the strangers resembled
Indians. The commander of the party, immediately sent an expressman to
the fort to apprise its occupants of the fact. The drums immediately
sounded the rally, which caused the men to rush for their arms. They
quickly fell into their ranks, and the order was given to march.
Headed by a gallant lieutenant, they dashed out of the fort on a fast
run, in order to reach and save their property from being captured by
the enemy. The soldiers were elated at the prospect of having a brush
with the Indians, and, on an open plain, giving them battle, where,
notwithstanding the great numbers which would certainly be arrayed
against them, they felt that they could soundly chastise them. On
reaching the herd, the soldiers scattered, and were soon prepared to
commence the skirmish; but, lo! when the strangers drew near enough
to be discernible, they were recognized as a large party of Mexicans,
under the command of an American. These people had been absent several
months on a trading voyage among the Cheyennes and Arrapahoes, and for
the purpose of returning home in safety, they had formed themselves
into one body. Their dress was similar to that of the Indians, and
therefore at the great distance at which they were first discovered,
it is not strange that such a mistake had been made, especially during
these dangerous times. The reason of the sudden stationing of the
soldiers about the herd, the traders easily surmised; hence, on
drawing near, they began to cry out that they were friends. No set
of men were ever more disappointed than were these soldiers at this
unexpected termination of the affair.
Matters eventually arrived at such a crisis that the Governor of the
Territory, by and with the advice of the commanding general, felt
obliged to issue a proclamation calling upon the people to volunteer
for the purpose of defending their lives and property.
The inhabitants of New Mexico promptly responded to this call, by
flocking to the places designated for them to organize. Out of the
great number who presented themselves and offered their services,
there were selected men sufficient to fill six companies, each of
which, when fully organized, contained eighty mounted men. They had
the power of electing their own officers, by and with the advice and
consent of the Governor. These volunteers furnished themselves with
riding horses. The pay which they were to receive amounted to about
thirty dollars per month, which was considered very liberal, inasmuch
as they were provided, in most cases, with arms. Rations were issued
out to them the same as to the regular army. The willingness which
the Mexicans exhibited on this occasion to volunteer, does them great
credit, and clearly proves the fact that they do not always lack in
courage, but that they are prompt to defend their homes when properly
disciplined and aided with the means necessary to do so.
It is the opinion of many of the most prominent citizens of the
Territory of New Mexico, that, if the chastisement of the Indians,
when it was required, was left to the people themselves, the general
government only supplying them with money and arms, that peace between
the two parties would, in a short time, be firmly established on a
sure and permanent footing.
In giving currency to such opinions, we risk them, with the knowledge
that the previous experiments made on this policy, which have proved
unsuccessful in the various older territories belonging to the United
States, will be brought to bear as potent arguments against such a
course by a large and powerful opposition. But such facts of Indian
history are exceptions. Indian history clearly demonstrates the
proposition, that well-organized volunteers, under able leaders, have
accomplished more in warfare against the savages than regular troops,
taking into consideration that the same length of time, which each
have been engaged in actual service, has given them equal experience.
The cause of this is plain. These two distinct forces are composed,
entirely, of different material. The one is made up of frontiersmen
who thoroughly understand the effective use of the rifle, and a life
in an Indian country, while the regular soldiers have been, for many
years back, chiefly foreigners who, as has been heretofore stated,
have to be taught these things; and, as it very often happens, they
have never seen one of their enemy until sent out in quest of the
savages.
As matters usually stand, the Indians are almost the actual, although
not the nominal, masters of the country. In short, they commit
excesses whenever it suits them, paying no regard to treaties. This
has been their habit from time immemorial, and it is found to be a
difficult task to break them from it. Their minor crimes are allowed
to accumulate, and when, at last, they are actuated by increasing
success and consequent boldness, to commit some great and overt
act, it is noticed and expeditions are sent out against them. These,
usually, fail to punish the really guilty parties, but instead, they
recover a small share of the property stolen, and with it the thirst
for revenge must be satiated. The officers and soldiers do their
utmost to accomplish something more, and readily meet hardships and
privations in every shape in order to accomplish the desired end; but,
their time is too limited rightly and efficiently to perform the
work; for the campaign must be ended, when in reality it has but just
commenced. The reason exists in the fact that, those high in authority
are liable to be called to an account for spending a dollar too much
in a good cause. Perhaps this state of affairs has been brought about
by the immense expenses which have attended many of the Indian wars
in which the United States government has been engaged, when
mismanagement and paltry results have characterized the acts of
whole campaigns. This charge cannot, however, reach to the military
department in which New Mexico is included, for the leading officers
who have, from time to time, been stationed there, have invariably
exhibited an unusual amount of discretion and sound judgment, and have
set examples of military science, promptitude and skill which it might
be well for others to follow.
Under the existing causes for difficulty and peculiarity of
circumstances, it is sometimes hazardous to assume the responsibility
of punishing the hostile Indians as they deserve.
By punishing the Indians we do not wish to impress the reader with the
idea that they must be collected and butchered, like animals, in order
to bring them to terms. Milder means serve the same purpose; but, when
they dig up the hatchet, battles must be fought in which they ought
to be so closely driven as to cause them to see that it is perfect
rashness to attack the whites. One victory gained by savages over
white men so exhilarates their pride that they forget the past and
believe themselves invincible. In these fights, valuable lives are
sacrificed, but they are necessary sacrifices for the common good.
When one tribe is severely chastised, the surrounding Indians hear
of it, and, becoming alarmed, for a time they behave themselves with
propriety. This happy state of things will continue until some
weak move on the part of government officials counteracts this good
influence, when, misconstruing kind acts for fear, the red men at
once dig up the tomahawk and boldly march upon the war path, to spill
innocent blood. Such results often follow when the power is taken from
the experienced military commanders, and vested in the hands of (often
the fact) inexperienced superintendents. These men pompously
invite the Indians to grand councils, where unmeaning speeches are
manufactured to suit the occasion. Usually when thus summoned, the
wily savages are delighted to go into council, for, as a rejoinder to
the many concessions which are easily obtained from them, and which
they are always ready to make after assuming a little coquetry, they
receive presents which the superintendent informs them are merely
tokens of the high appreciation with which they are regarded by their
Great Father at Washington.
It is the opinion of Kit Carson "that the Territory of New Mexico will
continue to remain in its present impoverished state during the time
that the mountain Indians are allowed to run at large. The only true
remedy" (he says) "for this great evil is to compel the savages to
form settlements by themselves. Then and there assist and teach them
to cultivate the soil. In time they will be able to gain a maintenance
independent of the General Government; and, to a certain extent, they
will become responsible for their acts."
The people who form the chief population of the territory have so
often been deprived of their property that it is not strange that they
have become poverty-stricken and indolent. It is enough to strike down
the enterprise of any nation to have been so long badly governed, and
then, without any resources in the way of arms and ammunition, to be
compelled to beat back hostile Indians. Under the provisions of the
government of the United States, they are improving, but yet, even
now, they have not the protection which they require, and should
receive. In their territory it takes a daring man to venture his
small capital in raising stock. To be sure, claims are allowed them by
Congress for the losses by Indian depredations, but these usually fall
into the hands of speculators, and in reality, assist the people to a
very trifling extent. It can be said, to their credit, that Mexicans
bear reverses of fortune with a nonchalance seldom seen among any
other race. Although generally poor they are as happy and joyous as it
is possible for human beings to be.
The organization of the Mexican volunteers was made complete by the
governor of the Territory, who selected as their leader, Mr. Ceran St.
Vrain of Taos. This gentleman, although he had much important business
which called his attention elsewhere, immediately expressed his
willingness to accept the responsible position which, without
solicitation, had been conferred upon him. The commission received by
St. Vrain gave him the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Without delay
he set about the difficult and important work that lay before him,
bringing to bear upon the details, that sound judgment, gentlemanly
bearing and ready zeal, which have long characterized the man. He had
the good fortune to secure the services of Lieutenant Creigg of
the regular army, whom he appointed one of his aids-de-camp. Having
completed his staff and other arrangements to place his force upon a
military basis, he was ready to take the field.
The appointment of St. Vrain as commander of the Volunteers, was
hailed with delight throughout the territory. His great experience in
the mountains, his knowledge of the Indian mode of warfare, and the
respect which the people he was called to command invariably paid him,
seemed to convince every thinking mind that something more than usual
was to be accomplished. They felt that the wrongs of their country
would now be certainly redressed. The sequel will prove that the
people were not doomed to disappointment.
Early in the month of February, 1855, Col. T.T. Fauntleroy of the
First Regiment of United States Dragoons arrived in Taos from Fort
Union, New Mexico.
Fort Union is the first post met with on entering the Territory of New
Mexico from the east. It lies on the Santa Fé road usually traveled
by parties when crossing the plains, and is about one hundred miles
distant from the capital. The site of this fort, at the first view, is
bold and picturesque, as it is located near the west side of a
broad valley, which is continuous with the open prairies. The houses
composing the fort are built mostly of logs; and, as there are quite a
number of them, the post has the appearance of a small settlement. The
soil about is sandy, and the place being exposed, it suffers when
the high winds spring up. This fort is usually garrisoned by several
companies of soldiers.
As it has such free access to the mail communication with the States,
it is, comparatively speaking, quite a desirable fort for an officer
to be stationed at. The difficulty of procuring fuel for the fort, and
also other necessary articles, is the great objection to the present
location, but its importance more than counterbalances these;
therefore, the post will probably be kept up either where it is, or in
the immediate vicinity, for many years to come. Colonel Fauntleroy had
received orders from the Department General to proceed to the town of
Taos and take command of the entire expedition. The little force had
been made as powerful as the resources of the country would permit.
The Mexican Volunteers, soon after their enrollment, purchased
woolen shirts and felt hats, the color of which, in each company, was
similar; this fact, with a little drilling, gave them quite a military
appearance. Never were men prouder of the position they now held than
the volunteers under consideration; and a more daring and expert band
of horsemen has been seldom collected. So pleased were they at being
recognized as soldiers, that they could not, when afterwards marching
through their own towns, resist the temptation of jocosely taunting
their countrymen whom they chanced to meet, for being obliged to till
the ground. We have before said that these men were mounted. At first
sight it would appear as though they would soon be on foot, for their
horses appeared to be in a sad plight for so severe a campaign as
that which lay before them. As has often occurred before, looks are
frequently deceptive. In this instance, it was found to be the case;
for, no sooner did these hardy ponies reach the mountains than their
wonderful powers of endurance began to be exemplified. When the noble
dragoon horses began to droop from hunger and overwork, these little
fellows were fresh and strong as the day they started. The reason of
this was that the Mexican horses were well versed in taking care of
themselves, and when the snow fell and prevented their having
free access to the dry grass beneath, they were not in the least
disconcerted; for, with the aid of their fore feet, they readily
pawed the snow away and thus obtained full rations; but, their more
enlightened rivals did not fully understand this science, and, owing
to a want of proper nourishment, their strength would fail gradually
until finally they broke down.
The only real inconvenience under which the ponies seemed to labor,
arose from tender feet, for, the rocky trails in the mountains rapidly
wore away, and broke off their hoofs. This continued, so that at last,
reaching the matrix of these horny growths, their feet became very
sensitive. Many of the Mexicans had taken the precaution to guard
against this, before leaving the towns and military posts which lay on
their route. They had obtained horse-shoes, with which they shod
the ponies. We remember seeing a large party of them thus engaged as
blacksmiths. It was at night; while some held burning torches, others
were busy with hammers, stones and hatchets in applying all sorts and
sizes of horse and mule shoes, with which they were content, provided
they approached the diameters of the hoofs to which they were to be
nailed. Strange to say, this rough work answered the purpose, and but
few, if any, of the animals so shod, went lame. After the command had
got under full headway, if any of these ponies became so tender in
their feet as to be able to travel only with great difficulty,
their riders resorted to other expedients for relieving them. When
practicable, they obtained the fresh hides of the beef cattle as they
were killed, and, binding the material around the injured feet, and
making it fast about the fetlocks, they allowed it to dry on. In the
morning, thus protected, the horse could journey on. It is customary
regularly to shoe these ponies only on the fore feet, as the weight
of the animal's head and neck, together with that of the rider, comes
harder on these hoofs and causes them, when traveling over sharp
rocks, to wear away quickly. It seldom happens that the hind feet
become tender. The Indians cannot understand the policy of this,
and one of them philosophizing on the subject, while visiting the
blacksmith's shop attached to a military post, made the remark in
Spanish, after apparently having been for some little time engaged in
a deep study, "that it was not right." Said he, "The horse, with
his eyes, can see where to put his fore feet when traveling over bad
places, but he cannot do this with those behind; therefore, you
white men ought to put the moccasins there." The Mexicans had so much
confidence in the powers of endurance of their ponies while out on
this campaign, that they hesitated not to run them on races, whenever
circumstances and the site of the camp would permit such pastime. The
only training required for these trials of speed, consisted in the
rider foregoing the pleasure of riding for a day or two, in order
to allow his horse to recruit. As their walking did not in the least
interfere with the order of the march, they of course were permitted
to race as they pleased, for their services on the march are just as
valuable on foot.
Col. Fauntleroy's command, when completed, consisted of four companies
of Mexican volunteers, two companies of dragoons, one company of
artillery who were performing duty as a rifle corps, and one company
of spies. The two remaining companies of volunteers were dispatched
to exposed towns on the remote frontiers in order to protect them. The
artillery company was the only one on foot; but the soldiers who then
composed it were known from actual experiment to be more than a match
for the horses in traveling when the party should reach and penetrate
the mountains. Col. Fauntleroy engaged the services of Kit Carson as
his chief guide, and, having arranged all of his plans necessary for a
vigorous campaign, he set out upon its execution.
The command proceeded at first one hundred miles due north to Fort
Massachusetts, which was to be their dépôt. Without delay they left
this post and proceeded, encountering snow-storms and severe cold
weather. The mercury of the thermometer, for most of the time, ranged
several degrees below zero. They marched to the Rio Grande del Norte,
and thence, on up this river to where it makes its exit through a deep
cañon from the mountains. It was, as will be remembered by the reader,
on the head-waters of this last-mentioned stream, that Col. Fremont,
while engaged in his last great exploring expedition, met with severe
reverses, in which several of his men lost their lives from exposure,
hunger, etc., while he, and the remainder of his party, barely escaped
the same fate.
While passing over this point of his journey, Col. Fauntleroy sent out
as an advance party the company of spies. Their duty was to seek for
fresh Indian trails. On reaching the mouth of the cañon of this river,
the main portion of the soldiers halted for a short time while their
trailers penetrated the mountains in search of the much desired Indian
signs. During this resting spell, an incident occurred which, for an
hour or two, created some little stir and excitement among part of
the men present. A large Newfoundland dog belonging to an officer had,
accidentally, been allowed to follow the soldiers. By his pranks and
his good disposition he had become a general favorite among them.
While attempting to drink, this animal lost his foot-hold on the ice
and slipped into the swift current of the river, which was partially
frozen over. The dog at once attempted to extricate himself, but with
all his efforts he could do no more than stem the flood, making no
progress against it. His situation was very precarious, for, should
his strength begin to give out, he was certain to be carried under the
ice and lost. The sympathies of the men were soon well awakened in his
behalf, and many plans were devised to rescue him, but they all proved
abortive until, at last, a Mexican approached him with a lasso, and
after making several vain attempts, succeeded finally in encircling
the dog's head with the slip noose. On tightening the rope he found
that he had the animal firm, and soon dragged him from his perilous
position.
The spies were not long in discovering a trail made by the Indians, to
which they led the main portion of the command. This trail had been
so frequently used of late by the Indians in driving stolen bands
of sheep and cattle over it, that it was now a well-trodden road and
therefore there was no difficulty in keeping on it at all hours of the
day and night.
Being accustomed to perform his duty carefully, and, at the same time,
to use dispatch, the Colonel, in the course of a few days, led his
party to the entrance of the Saquachi Pass, which is the great natural
opening in the mountains that bound, on the west, the valley of San
Luis. As they approached the mouth of the pass, the men were traveling
close under the hills, therefore, on coming to it, and in order to
follow it up, it was necessary to turn off almost at a right angle.
The spies, as was usual when the command was on the march, were
considerably in the advance. They had hardly entered the pass and had
just reached the summit of a knoll which lay in their path, and which
had hitherto prevented their seeing up the valley, when, all at once,
the long looked for Indians were presented to their view. They were
but a short distance off, and as if surprised at thus so suddenly
discovering each other, both parties halted. During this state of
suspense, the white men noticed that the Indians were arrayed in
their war costume, showing that they were bound on another plundering
expedition. Everything went to show that the visit which the white men
were making to their mountain haunts was unexpected by the red men.
The Indians quickly recovered from their astonishment and began to
form in line of battle by spreading themselves out across the
valley. They were evidently emboldened by the small force with which,
apparently, they had to contend, and felt certain that a victory would
be both easy and sure. Having taken their position, Blanco, their
chief, was easily recognized by the red woolen shirt which he wore. He
was busy, riding along in front of his warriors, occasionally stopping
to give some command. As they were near enough so to do, the Indians
opened a warfare of small talk, in the Spanish language. They charged
their adversaries with being afraid to advance, or to use their
expressive words, the Americans were as cowardly as squaws. To these
taunts no reply was made; but to keep up the decoy, the few soldiers
who were exposed to view, remained stationary, while word was passed
to the rear of what was transpiring in the advance. Thus several
minutes passed by; but they were not thrown away. During this time,
most of the dragoons and volunteers were relieving themselves of
such extra luggage as overcoats, blankets, etc.; saddle girths were
tightened and weapons put in order for immediate use. The Indians were
finely mounted, and about two hundred and fifty strong; and, as their
wild career had gone so long unchecked, their bravery was aroused to
its highest pitch. All things being in readiness, the bugles sounded
the command to charge, when away dashed the gallant soldiers, eager
for the affray, and each trying to be foremost in the fight. As they
came bounding over the knoll before spoken of, the Indians began
to see the delusion under which they had been laboring, and at once
turned to fly, but not in time to escape, for the soldiers were soon
among them and with their revolvers and small arms were fast thinning
their ranks and sending many a brave to his final home. A running
fight ensued, which was continued up the valley for about eight miles,
when a majority of the Indians gained the mountains and made good
their escape. The chase was a splendid affair to behold, and many
feats of horsemanship were performed that would be difficult to excel.
Among the foremost in this skirmish was, as the reader might readily
imagine, Kit Carson. The pursuit was continued far into the mountains
and was only given over when night came on. The soldiers then retired
to their reserve-guard, who had established a camp on a small stream
which runs through the centre of the pass, where their pack animals
and stores could be easily guarded. During this exciting fight,
several of the soldiers were slightly wounded. With this exception,
the command came out of the skirmish unharmed. On the side of the
Indians, affairs in this respect were quite different. Their blood had
well sprinkled the battle-ground, and several of their swarthy forms
were stretched out at full length, sleeping that sleep that knows no
wakening, except it be at the final judgment day. Had it not been that
most of the Indians, as is usually the case with them when in action,
were tied on their horses, this number would have been augmented. The
bloody trails that were afterwards found in the mountains, went
to prove that many of the wounds given to the escaped Indians were
mortal, and, while their horses were carrying them from the danger,
they themselves were sinking from furious hemorrhage. Early in the
pursuit, a fine warrior was thrown from his horse. As he had been
crippled by a ball, he could not recover himself and make off. For
some time he lay alone and neglected, but when the rear guard came
along they noticed that he was playing a game by pretending to
be dead; but he had closed his eyes too firmly for a man in that
condition, and this fact attracted the notice of the passers-by. A
Mexican raised his rifle and fired at the brave; but the bullet only
served to cause another flesh wound. This so irritated the would-be
dead, savage, that, seizing his lance which lay by his side, he
attempted to reach and kill his adversary with it; but, others coming
up, he was soon dispatched.
While this running fight was in progress, the author met with an
adventure which came near costing him his life. It was my duty to
follow the charging soldiers in order to be near at hand to render
professional services to the wounded, should there be any. I was
mounted on a mule, and when the dragoon horses started off, he became
frightened and unmanageable. I soon found that this mule lacked the
speed of the former animals, hence he was in a short time left far
behind, but not until he had fallen and thrown me into a thrifty bed
of prickly pears, the thorns of which did not, in the least, save me
from being hurt. On regaining my feet, I found that my injuries were
but slight, and that I still retained my bridle rein, therefore
I quickly regained my seat in the saddle and started on again,
remembering the old proverb, which says, "All is fair in war." While
riding on, I was joined by a soldier whose horse had broken down in
the charge. As we now advanced together, our route led us by some
large sand hills, behind which several Indians had sought refuge,
when hotly pursued. Seeing that they had been overlooked during the
excitement of the moment, they remained quiet until we came along,
when they made a dash at us and commenced firing their arrows in
fine-style. We returned their volleys with our revolvers, but, whether
we produced any result further than preventing their coming too
near, it is difficult to say. Several of their arrows came in close
proximity to our bodies, and one struck, the soldier's horse in the
neck and wounded a main artery, which bled, for a time, furiously. As
danger was thick about them, the Indians soon left us to effect their
own escape; when, we halted and attended to the wounded horse, whose
life we were so fortunate as to save, by putting a ligature about the
bleeding vessel.
The night succeeding the day on which this fight occurred, with a
single exception, passed by quietly. A soldier, who lay near the
centre of the camp, had retired to rest, perhaps impressed with the
belief that he and his comrades would be attacked by the Indians
before morning; this train of thought had led him into dreams of
war, and while reveling in them, he imagined that danger was at hand.
Suddenly starting up, and seizing his rifle, he fired at random. His
bullet came near striking a Mexican sentinel who was on duty, and who
was making his rounds. The sentinel was very naturally startled by
this unaccountable noise in the camp, and supposing that the Indians
had, unobserved, crept within the lines, he returned the compliment
by discharging his piece in the direction of the supposed danger.
The report of these firearms had the effect of arousing the entire
command. The men were quickly on their feet and ready for active
service. In the confusion which ensued, several more rifles were
fired, but fortunately no harm was done, and as soon as the cause
of the trouble was explained, quietness and order was promptly
established.
At the break of day, on the next morning, the soldiers were up and
preparing for their march. The Indians had, on this morning, made
fires, and even presented themselves to view on the mountains, but
they were few in number, and it was well known that this was only a
ruse to allure the white men to the wrong trail, while their families
should have time to escape in the contrary direction; hence, but
little notice was taken of these demonstrations.
Col. Fauntleroy here determined to relieve himself of all drawbacks
which should in the least tend to prevent his now giving full chase
to the Indians. Accordingly, he left his baggage and provision train
under escort of the foot company and quartermaster men, the whole
being placed under the command of Lieutenant Lloyd Beall, of the
Second Regiment U.S. Artillery, with instructions to meet him at an
appointed rendezvous in the Wet Mountain Valley. It required but a
short search by his guide, Kit Carson, and his spies, to put him on
the right trail taken by the main portion of the enemy. When it was
found, the pursuit was resumed and kept up vigorously. Late and
early, the soldiers followed on this trail, and although the Indians
purposely led them over the worst conceivable routes, yet they gained
nothing substantial by it. On one occasion, when the men were pushing
on as fast as possible, their advance guard surprised three Indians,
one of them a woman, while they were leisurely watering their ponies.
These Indians attempted to fly, and succeeded in making a good run for
about four miles, but, at the end of that distance, two of them were
overtaken. A Mexican, who was mounted on a very swift horse, was the
first to come up with the savages. He fired and brought the woman to
the ground. Quickly dismounting, he made a trophy of her scalp. The
other Indian, being arrested by a slight wound, was made a prisoner.
On questioning him, it was found that they all belonged to one family.
The man who had made his escape, was the husband of the woman who was
killed, while the prisoner was her brother. These Indians had heard
nothing of the recent fight in the _Saquachi Pass_, and, had the
soldiers dropped down from the heavens, they could not have been
more surprised at thus unceremoniously meeting them. It was very much
regretted by those present that this Indian woman had lost her life;
but, as she was dressed in the disguise of a man, her sex could not
be recognized. There are many of our readers who will perhaps censure
this Mexican for his barbarous action of scalping a human being, but
it must be remembered that the education of his people is different
from our own. The taking of Indian scalps for a long time has been
authorized by the Mexican Government, as a means of lessening
their savage enemies, and handsome premiums have been offered as an
inducement to obtain them. In the case of this Mexican, there were
extenuating circumstances which, if they did not warrant such a cruel
act, yet they rendered him somewhat excusable. He had recently lost
a near and dear relative by the hands of these same Indians, and the
appearance of this mangled body was still fresh in his memory, making
him to thirst for revenge. It must not be supposed for a moment that
the commanding officer of this expedition had sanctioned such a mode
of procedure, for, he had no knowledge of the matter until after it
had been ended. It was not within his province to preach humanity to a
people who had been so greatly outraged by savages. He came to punish
and not to intercede for wild men who had long been a terror to the
surrounding country, and upon whom, in order to reconcile them, every
kind act had been expended in vain.
It may possibly be asked whether or no a man, who has simply lost his
scalp, can recover. In reply we can safely say that without any other
wound, and under favorable circumstances, with good care the sufferer
stands a chance of being restored to health. There was a man who
formerly was living and working at his trade as a blacksmith in Santa
Fé, who, in a fight with the Camanches while crossing the plains, was
wounded by a lance and then scalped. After a long period of suffering
this person entirely recovered, although the cicatrix of the wound
was ever afterwards a source of annoyance to him, compelling him
continually to wear a skull-cap made of oiled silk. The size of the
scalp, as usually taken off by the Indians, varies. Sometimes they
remove only the back covering of the head. At other times they cut off
the whole, running down even with the margin of the ear. When a man
has died in a manner which the Indians style as "brave"--that is,
desperately fighting for his life, and never for once showing fear,
they take two scalps, one from either side of the head. The object of
this is, to have scalp dances for each, as they consider such a man
as deserving the fate of two ordinary men. These scalps are often
stretched, dried, decorated and frequently kept for years as trophies.
The more scalps a warrior takes, the greater favorite he becomes
with his tribe; and finally, having obtained a given number, he is
considered eligible to fill the office of War Chief, provided he has
other qualifications, such as the power of quickly conceiving the
right plan on which to act in case of emergency. When a party of
Indians in the Rocky Mountains have been on a war trail, met the enemy
and vanquished them, they appoint a brave who is honored as being the
scalp-bearer. This warrior carries a long pole, to which, at suitable
distances from each other, the scalps are attached. When the party
returns to, and enters their own village, this brave is the observed
of all observers. Eagerly, by the old men, women, and children, these
bloody trophies are counted, for each of them offers an occasion for
rejoicing, to be at separate intervals of time. They are, then, each
synonymous with the phrase, a fête day, and the scalp-bearer is looked
upon with the same jealous eye which greets the color-bearer of an
army after having been engaged in some great battle which has proved
successful to his standard. An Indian will not remove, as a general
thing, a scalp which contains grey hairs. This he considers to be a
business fit only for women. The scalp which is to cause a general
jubilee, on an appointed evening, is attached to the top of a long
pole, planted in the earth at a suitable place. The warriors who have
been instrumental in tearing it from the head of its owner, form a
circle around the pole, outside of which are arranged the spectators.
By the aid of one drum-stick, the person who has been detailed for
this duty, keeps up a beating motion on a sort of kettle-drum, the
noise of which serves the purpose of marking time. The voices of the
dancers make the music. At first the song is a mere humming sound, but
after a time, it grows gradually louder, until the participants in the
dance, being excited to the highest attainable pitch with interest
in the ceremonies, it becomes terribly hideous. Almost naked, with
tomahawk and hunting-knife in hand, the warriors imitate the process
of dispatching and tearing off the scalps of their victims. So excited
do the dancing savages sometimes become while reveling in these
fantastical scenes, that they frequently are aroused to a pitch
which borders on frenzy. The spectators of these sights get so deeply
interested that it is not an extraordinary matter for them to appear
as if almost deranged. Their excitement breaks out into exclamations
of encouragement and applause, until at last they can control
themselves no longer, and, on their own account, commence making
bodily demonstrations of joy by jumping about. The scalp dance may
last an entire night, or until, worn down with fatigue, the actors are
willing to forego their pleasure and seek rest. The Mexicans on the
frontiers have fallen into this Indian custom, and they can go into
the spirit of the scalp dance with a relish which fully equals that
exhibited by their savage neighbors. This is not true as a general
rule; but, very many of their people really enjoy these ceremonies.
[Illustration: INDIAN WAR DANCE.]
Colonel Fauntleroy and his men traveled at such a rapid pace, that, in
the course of a very few days, they succeeded in once more overtaking
the main village belonging to the enemy. The Indians took refuge in a
steep and rocky mountain. A skirmishing fight immediately commenced,
which lasted several hours. During this engagement, a large number of
the savage warriors were killed, their band completely routed, and the
inhabitants of the whole village made to scatter in every direction
in order to save their lives. At first the braves attempted to make a
stand, but they were driven from rock to rock, until they broke their
ranks and fled. It was about the time of this crisis, and when they
were most needed, that the dragoon horses began to break down and die.
The word village has many times appeared in our pages, and as it may
prove ambiguous to a few of our readers and render them liable to
confound its meaning with that of a fixed town, we will here stop and
explain its signification when applied to Indians. An Indian village,
as understood in border parlance, comprises the lodges, the women,
children, old men, and such movable property as Indians may chance
to possess. They are usually found in some safe retreat where the old
men, women and children stay while the warriors are engaged following
the hunt or war path. The word has become more generalized since
it was first given to stationary camps of the savages, and may
now include any band of Indians traveling with their families and
property. The village is the home of the red man, where those persons
and things which he most cherishes, he tries to keep intact and sacred
from the spoiler's hand. It is also where the Indian allows his
love, friendship and all the better feelings of his nature to exhibit
themselves. It is where in early youth he has listened to the legends
of his tribe, and where he is taught those lessons and forced to
endure those trials which are to prepare his heart in seeking out
revenge. It is the place where, as he approaches the age of manhood,
he takes those steps which are to make for him the reputation of a
daring hunter and brave warrior. Here he first learns to shoot his
arrows with precision, and to handle the lance with dexterity. His
boyish feats in horsemanship, which he daily performs in the village,
would be witnessed with astonishment by skillful riders. It is here
that he runs to welcome his father when he returns either from
the chase or the war path; and, while he listens to the marvellous
adventures which his sire has encountered, he secretly wishes himself
a man, so that he can emulate his greatness. In fact, the same
feelings exist between parent and child with the Indian race, as
with those who boast of being more civilized. Youth and the vigor of
manhood, are the golden days with the savage. To be doomed to old age,
is considered by him to be a punishment. When he is no longer able to
hunt and seek out his enemy, he loses his desire to live. His life
is then considered an incumbrance to the camp. The old and infirm,
therefore, are often willingly deserted, that they may the more
quickly die. The village is always under the surveillance of men who
are past the middle age, and who no longer can act out the stirring
deeds of the warrior. Their experience renders them capable of giving
good advice, and attending to the less active affairs of the nation.
They hold the power of restraining the rashness and indiscretion
of the younger men, therefore they are selected to watch over the
property of the tribe, while the strong warriors are seeking to
provide the dependent portion of the band with food, or to revenge
their real or imaginary wrongs. Order and good fellowship is made to
prevail in these villages, somewhat similar to the habits found in
civilized communities, for the passions and evil propensities of all
men are found to be alike, no matter what differences of education or
color exist. We find that the Indian tribes have their wise men, whose
voices are heard and heeded on all occasions. When these villages are
located, or, to use soldier phrase; when the Indians go into camp,
care is taken that each lodge shall be placed where it will not
interfere with the common good. The internal economy of these
habitations is arranged on a social system which, in many respects,
is commendable. When one person is poor, generally speaking, the whole
tribe is found to be so. The herds of horses and mules belonging to
the tribe, are turned loose in one body as if they were the property
of one man. If game exists in plenty and danger is not apprehended,
happiness holds complete sway within these Indian homes. The
proverbial caution of the red man rarely allows him to be surprised;
therefore, even in times of peace, he keeps his fleetest horse tied
at the door of his lodge, so that he may make haste and collect his
property, and be away before his enemy can harm him. These favorite
animals are fed by hand. Before trusting his body in sleep, some
warrior, in whom the tribe repose the utmost confidence, must ascend
a neighboring eminence, if there chance to be one, and examine the
country in search of dangers. Parties are always kept out as spies,
and, at the least appearance of suspicious signs, they become easily
aroused and vigilant, and if danger really exists, word is immediately
sent to their village to be ready to move. This is a homely but
literal interpretation of the term Indian village.
The reader has seen that the dragoon horses gave out before the
fatigues of the march, while the Mexican ponies performed their tasks
so admirably and easily.
This was a painful subject to contemplate and one which no man who
loves the noble horse could wish to witness the second time. The
dragoon horses, reduced to skeletons from starvation while retaining
all their natural spirit, with tottering limbs, faithfully tried to
perform the labor which their riders, seemingly, asked of them. Long
before the arrival of the time when they could no longer support a
burden, the soldiers had humanely relieved them from this work and
were assisting them, by all the means in their power, to reach a haven
of safety, where food, so essential in restoring their sinking powers
of life, existed in abundance. As their little remaining strength
was leaving them, they would exhibit the fact by staggering. Finally,
breaking down in their hinder legs, they would sink to the ground, but
not until they had made the effort to drag themselves along with
their fore feet. To relieve them from their agonies and prevent their
falling into the hands of the Indians, one by one, they were shot.
When these horses broke down and began to die off, it was decided to
be best to return to Fort Massachusetts in order to recruit and also
to allow the Indians an opportunity to concentrate their forces, when
another effective blow could be struck against them. On his return,
Colonel Fauntleroy met, at the designated place, Lieutenant Beall,
who had managed the affairs intrusted to him very much to his credit.
Having once more consolidated his command, Colonel Fauntleroy retired
to Fort Massachusetts, which he made, for a time, his head-quarters.
Kit Carson, the guide of this expedition, when afterwards speaking
of it, says, "During the time our forces were in the field they were
exposed to the most intense cold weather I ever remember experiencing.
We were overtaken by several severe snow-storms which came near
completely using us up."
For the success that had so far attended the labors of this body of
soldiers, the greatest amount of praise is due to their leader, who
set a noble example to his men. During those hours when hardships and
trials came thickest upon the command, all eyes were turned to the
commander, and, as the result proved, with no lack of confidence. Kit
Carson's services were found to be invaluable. His long experience
and untiring energy proved to be one of the best anchors of the goodly
ship. We should not omit to state, in regard to the severity of the
cold, that it was early in the morning, just before the break of day,
that the cold was invariably found to be the most intense. During this
time, it is the greatest wonder that the Mexicans did not perish, for
but few of them had more than one blanket as a covering by night, and
the remainder were but very little better provided for. When wood was
plenty, and they were allowed so to do, they made large fires and laid
down near to them to attempt sleep. After about one hour thus spent,
they were routed out by being nearly frozen. Getting into close
contact with the fires, they would thaw out and then were ready to
make another endeavor to repeat the sleeping operation. In this manner
they managed to live through each night, and on the following day they
were, apparently, none the worse for wear. A person judging these men
as he oftentimes sees them during the summer season, basking in the
sunlight on the sunny side of their houses in New Mexico, would not,
for an instant, suppose that they could undergo such hardships; and
yet, they can do so, as the above example sufficiently proves, without
allowing one murmur of complaint to escape their lips. With the
regulars, who were amply supplied with blankets and buffalo robes, it
would appear that they could have obtained sound sleep. But this too
proved to be almost an impossibility. The heat of the man's body,
during the early and warmer part of the night, served to melt the icy
covering of the mother earth just under him. When the cold increased,
this was again frozen, rendering the portion of the body nearest to
the ground almost benumbed. By frequently reversing the posture a
little, some relief from suffering was obtained, but not sufficient to
reach a degree which could be called comfortable, or, in the least, be
claimed as desirable. Every member of this expedition can truthfully
assert that they have experienced a foretaste of what the first
symptoms of freezing to death must be.
Finally, the command reached Fort Massachusetts, where, in ease and
plenty, the half starved, half frozen, half used-up men soon forgot
all their troubles and privations. A few weeks spent at the fort,
acted like a magic charm in recruiting the men and the remaining
animals, when they were once more in a fit condition, and, again eager
to go on the war path, anxiously desiring to surpass the splendid
deeds of their first tramp.