nd in no way could he do it as well as by accompanying the
expedition, which was fully organized by the selection of a number of
Pueblo Indians to act as scouts and spies. These were placed under the
immediate command of the well known James H. Quinn, who died some time
later.

The force proceeded northward from Taos to the stream known as the
Arroya Hondo. This was followed to the Rio del Norte, which being very
high, was crossed with much difficulty. As an illustration of the rugged
work which such expeditions were called upon to undergo, Dr. Peters
says that when they struggled to the other shore, they found themselves
confronted by a mass of solid and almost perpendicular rocks, fully six
hundred feet high. This was ascended, after the most exhausting labor,
by means of a zigzag trail, and the journey was pushed over a rough
and diversified country. Grass and water could not be found until they
reached a small Mexican town where they were enabled to buy what was so
sadly needed. Men and animals were so worn out that they rested for an
entire day.

The next morning the line of march was taken up, and they had not gone
far when Carson discovered a trail. This was followed with renewed vigor
and a couple of days later the Indians were overtaken. They did not
attempt any stand against such a strong force, but took to flight at
once. The Apaches used their utmost endeavors to get away and they
were helped by the roughness of the country. They were pressed so hard,
however, that they lost most of their horses and plunder besides a
number of warriors.

Two Americans were wounded, one of whom shortly died; but the soldiers
having "located" the Indians, as may be said, did not give over their
efforts to punish them. Pursuit was resumed at earliest daylight and men
and animals did everything possible. Over mountains, through ravines,
around rocks, up and down declivities, the chase continued, until the
cunning Apaches resorted to their old tricks: they dissolved, as may
be said, into their "original elements"--that is, they began separating
until there were almost as many different trails as there were warriors.
Then in their flight, they selected the worst possible ground. Being
familiar with the country and possessing far more endurance than the
ordinary Indian, it soon became clear that the marauders were beyond
reach.

Accordingly Colonel Cook ordered the pursuit discontinued and they
headed toward the nearest Mexica