ated 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 matt