The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, Volume II (of 3)

22d. Remained

ers at the house of Capt. [Blank], who was then at Chihuahua; but his lady and sister entertained us in a very elegant and hospitable manner. They began playing cards and continued until late the third day. Malgares, who won consider

was extremely popular. I believe he sought popularity with them and all the common people, for there was no man so poor or so humble, under whose roof he would not enter; when he walked out, I have seen him put a handful of dollars in his pocket, and give them all to the old men, women, and children before he returned to his qua

. Very ba

marched, but Lt. Malga

to their divine master. At one o'clock, we bid adieu to our friendly hostess, who was one of the finest women I had seen in New Spain. At dusk arrived at a small pond made by a spring which arose in the center, called the Ogo mall a Ukap, and seemed formed by providence to en

and myself with a cold bow, and informed Malgares that we could repair to the public quarters. To this Malgares indignantly replied that he should accompany us, and turned to go, when the commandant took him by the arm, made many apologies to him and us, and we at length reluctantly entere

arrived at the Warm Springs [Ojos Calientes] at sun

ed our route, with but a short halt, until sundown, wh

st of the road, is a beautiful situation. I here saw the first ash timber I observed in the country. This water is 52 miles from the Warm Springs. Yesterday and to-d

o'clock. The roads from Senora, Tanos [qu: Yanos?], Buenaventura,

inals in irons. We here met with a Catalonian, who was but a short time from Spain, whose dialect was such that he could scarcely be unders

ier with a letter to the Commandant-general Salcedo, to in

edo's] meeting him with an eye of displeasure. He appeared to be much more agitated than ourselves, although we may be supposed to have also had our sensations, as on the will of this man depended our future destiny, at least until our country could interfere in our behalf. On our arrival at the general's, we were halted in the hall of the guard until word was sent to the general of our arrival, when Malgares was first introd

ve given us and yourself

ely unsought, and on that of t

do. Where are

der charge of Li

sted me to explain the nature of each; such as he conceived were relevant to the expedition he caused to be laid on one side, and those which were not of a public nature on the other; the whole either passing through the hands of the general or of Walker, except a few letters from my lady. On my taking these up, and saying they were letters from a lady, the general gave a proof that, if the ancient Spanish bravery had degenerated in the nation generally, their gallantry still existed, by bowing; and I put them in my pocket. He then informed me that he would examine the papers, but that in the meanwhile he wished

ery and gaping curiosity of the vulgar. He was now introduced, by some mistake of one of the aides-de-camp. He appeared and made a slight bow to the general,

where we received several different invitations to take quarters at houses where we might be bet

ides ourselves, was the only guest. He had at the table the treasu

do Villamil; Don Alberto Mayner, lieutenant-colonel, and father-in-law to Malgares; and Don Manuel Zuloaga, a member of the se

ase, and there was not a physician in his Majesty's hospitals who was able to cure them; but after repeated attempts, all had given them up to perish. This shows the deplorable state

ain, a little en bon point, but possessed the national beauty of eye in a superior degree. There was a large collection of ladies, amongst whom were two of the most celebrated in the capital-Se?ora Maria Con. Caberairi, and Se?ora Margeurite Vallois, the only two ladies who had spirit sufficient, and their husbands generosity enough, to allow them to think themselves rational beings, to be treated on an equality, to receive the visits of their friends, and give way to the hospitality of

he table, and we were entertained with songs in the French, Italian, Spanish, and English languages. Accustomed as I was to sitti

ny with Villamil, Zuloaga, Walker, etc. Sent in the sketch of my voyag

iven by Governor [Wm. C. C.] Claiborne, and another formerly the propert

ad withstood every oppression, since being made prisoner, with astonishing fortitude. Although his leaving the place of his confinement, the village of St. Jeronimie [San Jeronimo], without the knowledge of the general, was in some measure clandestine

country. I promised to do all I could for him consistently with my character and honor, and their having entered the country without the authority of the United Stat

arrived from the province of Texas, where he had been under arrest one year, f

itably entertained at the house of one of the Vallois, w

at Don Antonio Caberarie's, with our usual

Nothing ext

on in writing; the afternoo

Mayron's?] with our friend Malgares. Wrote a letter to

evening at the secret

his Excellency. Spent the eve

ng at Caberarie's, etc. Wr

h. In the evenin

d States could send an authorized agent to the viceroyalty, when the Spanish government had at the seat of our government a chargé d'affaires, served but to darken the conjectures. The person alluded to was Mr. Burling, a citizen of Mississippi Territory, whose mission is now w

h a letter for General Wilkinson, which he prom

ding and studying Spanish; the

e was to march the next day. In the evening received a letter from the commandant-general, informi

y few years be the occasion of a revolt of those kingdoms; that those impressions had taken such effect that it was no uncommon thing, in the circles in which he associated, to hear the comparative principles of a republican and a monarchical government discussed, and even the allegiance due, in case of certain events, to the court called in question; t

ceived to be its illiberal dogmas; that I had spoken of it in all instances as a respectable branch of the Christian religion which, as well as all others, was tolerated in the United States; and that, had I come to that kingdom in a diplomatic character, delicacy toward the government would have sealed my lips; or had I been a prisoner of war, personal safety might have had the same effect; but, being there i

your conduct will be represented in no very

ment I am certainly resp

larmed. We went immediately to consult [Malgares], who, to great attachment to his friends, joined the most incorruptible

son and myself frequently used to hold conversations in his presence, purposely to have them communicated; but he at last disco

he territory of the king of Spain, but that they should be attended to punctually, and forwarded on immediately after me; and requested that I should give orders to my sergeant to deliver up all his ammunition, and dispose in some manner of the horses of which he had charge. I stated in reply that, with respect to the ammunition, I would give orders to my sergeant to deliver, if dema

er of whom I sent $10, and to the other $161.84, to purchase clothes for the party. We had been for some time suspicious that the doctor was to

ng arrangements for our departur

e an account for Robinson's and my board, receipted, and begged, if the general inquired of me, that I would say I had paid it. This naturally led me to demand how the thing originated. He with considerable embarrassment observed that he had taken the liberty to remark to the general that he thought he should be allowed an extra allowance, in order to be enabled to treat us with some little distinction. The general flew into a violent passion, and demanded if I had not paid him for our board? To which the other replied, No, he did not expect pay of us. He ordered h

ited and obtained permission for old C?sar to live with him. I found him very communicative and extremely useful. The day I arrived, when we were left alone, he came in, looked around at the walls of the room, and exclaimed, "What! all gone?" I demanded an

o; of the building of a new church; of the casting of small artillery, fabrication of arms, etc. Thus, though he had tendered his resignation, they knew his value too well to part with him, and would not accept of it, but still kept him in a subordinate station, in order that he might be the more dependent and the more useful. Although he candidly confessed his disgust at their service, manners, morals,

ed to be ready to march the

te. After bidding adieu to all our friends, we marched at a quarter past three o'clock, and encamped at nine o'c

that I should not be permitted to make any astronomical observations. To this I replied that he

t [Horcasitas or Bachimba?] at ei

ably indignant, and was on the point of refusing to comply; but thinking for a moment of the many politenesses I had received from his hands induced me merely to bow assent with a smile. We proceeded on our route, but had not gone far before

, the course of which is N. E. by S. W. At the time we were there the river was not wider tha

ees on its banks. I was taken very sick at half past ten o'clock. Arrived at night at a small station [Las Garzas] on the

0° and 50° E. On its banks are some very flourishing settlements, and they are well timbered. A poor miserable village [Santa Rosalia] is at the confluence. Came 10 miles up the Florada to dinner, and at night stopped

acquired. In the night I arose, and after making my men charge all their pieces well, I took my small books and rolled them up in small rolls, tore a fine shirt to pieces, and wrapped it round the papers, and put them down in the barrels of t

o was a Mexican by birth, born near the capital and entered as a cadet at Guaxequillo near 20 years past, and who, by his extraordinary merits, being a Creolian, had been

o Malgares. At night the officers gave a ball, at which appeared

by a citizen and a friar, who had been arrested by order of t

rched with all the sp

ing us together in the field of battle opposed as the most deadly enemies, when our hearts acknowledge the greatest friendship. Halted at ten o'clock, and marched again at four. No water on the road; detached a Spanish soldier in s

e o'clock at a spring [Ojo S. Bernarde of Pike's map?], the first water from Guaxequillo. The mules did not unload, but continued on nine mile

Andabazo] river about 20 feet wide, with high steep banks; now dry except in holes, but sometimes full and impassable. Halted at seve

nated with sulphur, and this is the water obliged to be used by the party who are stationed there. Here we remained all day. Captain Barelo had two beeves killed for his and my men, and charged nothing to either. Here he received or

se built and occupied by a priest. It is situated on a small stream at the pass of the [Sierra de las Mimbres] mountains, called by the Spaniards [Puerta de Cadena, or] Door of the Priso

tains due east [in the direction of Mapimi] 12 mi

mines. The mass of the people were naked and starved wretches. The proprietor of the mines gave us an elegant repast. Here the orders of Salcedo were explained to m

gardens, and formed a terrestrial paradise. Here we remained all day sleeping in the shade of the fig-trees, and at night continued our residence in the

in to explain his orders relative to me, which he had not done; and I conceived that this would bring on an explanation. They were pursued by a dragoon through the town, who rode after them, making use of ill language. They attempted to catch him, but could not. As I had mentioned my intention of sending my men to town after some stores to Captain Barelo, and he had not made any objections, I conceive

es a little to the right, passing only some plantations. The left-hand one goes immediately through the mountains to Montelovez, but is dangerous for small parties on account of the savages; this road is called the route by the Bolson of Maupeme, and was first traveled by Monsieur de Croix, afterward viceroy of Peru. In passing from Chihuahua to Texas, by t

San Miquel [Miguel], who owns from the mountains of the R

les. The horse I rode had been accustomed to being held by his master in a peculiar manner when bridled, and would not let me put it on again for a long time; in the meantime my boy's horse ran away, and it was out of our power to catch him again. But when we arrived at the Ranche,[II'-28] we soon had out a number of boys, who brought in t

with 24 men, with two Appaches in irons. They were noble-looking fellows, of large stature, and appeared by no means cast down by

iberated them if in my power. I went near them, gave them to understand we were fri

d us to march in the night, when we came 15 miles and encamped without water. Indeed, this road which the general

s.[II'-30] Here we were obliged to remain all day in order to travel in the night, as our beasts could enjoy the benefit of water. Left at half past five

ll for all the beasts. Marched in the evening and made 15 miles further [sic]. The right-hand road we left

he Hacienda of St. Lorenzo, a short league to the north of said village.[II'-32] At the Hacienda of St. Lorenzo was a youn

ongst the rocks. Joined the main road at a Hacienda of [Cienega Grande], belonging to the Marquis de San Miquel [Miguel]; goo

me on 10 miles [vicinity of Rancho Nuevo and Casta?uela[II'-34]]. Met a deserter from Captain [Francis] Johnston's company [then probably of the 2d Infantry]. He returne

nce enabling him to come from [the City of] Mexico in his coach in 10 days. Here we met the Mexican post-rider going to Chewawa [Chihuahua]. Don Hymie [Hymen], who had left

from a colossean female form. From this fountain all the neighboring inhabitants got their supply of water. The marquis had likewise a very handsome church, which, with its ornaments, cost him at least $20,000; to officiate in which, he maintained

ght [crossed it from E. to W.], and came on eight miles further to a horse-range of the marquis', where he had four of his

he main road, near the foot of the mountain, where was a pond of water, but no houses. Some Spanish soldiers were here. We left Pattos mount

from the savages. They are all cavalry, as well dressed and armed as

and came to a spring

f the Three Rivers. At the 13th mile joined the main road, which we had left to our right on the 22d instant, and in one hour after came to the main Mexican road f

six to escort us to town, where we arrived about five o'clock. In the evening visited Captain de Ferara [qu

of Spain. He had married a rich girl of the Passo del Norte, and they lived here in elegance

ll survey, with my pencil and a pocket compass which I always carried with me. Returned and found them at breakfast, they having sent three or four of my men to searc

Don Hymen, and at half past twelve arrived at the Hacienda of Don Melche

t regiment of infantry, by the name of Pratt. From this man he had acquired a considerable quantity of crude indigested information relative to the United States, and

Hacienda[II'-42] at ten o'clock. This place

better than his own countrymen, and he should never return. I was extremely astonished at his insolence, and mortified that I should have been betrayed into any polite conduct toward the scoundrel. I told him that it was astonishing he should have had the impertinence to address himself to me, knowing that I was an American officer. He muttered something about being in a country where he was protected, etc.; on which I told him that if he again opened his mouth to me, I would instantly chastise him, notwithstanding his supposed protection. He was silent; I called up one of my soldiers and told him in his hearing, that if he attempted to mix with them to turn him out of company; which they executed

er here overtook us, and

he great Mississippi valley, it being six months and 13 da

and came to the Millada river and a

eight; forded it. Marched in the evening at four o'clock, at ten en

on fine running water; course east and west. Marched eight miles further