ers 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 thems