orthern 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 e