losses by Indian depredations, but these usually fall
into the hands of speculators, and in reality, assist the people to a
very trifling extent. It can be said, to their credit, that Mexicans
bear reverses of fortune with a nonchalance seldom seen among any
other race. Although generally poor they are as happy and joyous as it
is possible for human beings to be.

The organization of the Mexican volunteers was made complete by the
governor of the Territory, who selected as their leader, Mr. Ceran St.
Vrain of Taos. This gentleman, although he had much important business
which called his attention elsewhere, immediately expressed his
willingness to accept the responsible position which, without
solicitation, had been conferred upon him. The commission received by
St. Vrain gave him the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Without delay
he set about the difficult and important work that lay before him,
bringing to bear upon the details, that sound judgment, gentlemanly
bearing and ready zeal, which have long characterized the man. He had
the good fortune to secure the services of Lieutenant Creigg of
the regular army, whom he appointed one of his aids-de-camp. Having
completed his staff and other arrangements to place his force upon a
military basis, he was ready to take the field.

The appointment of St. Vrain as commander of the Volunteers, was
hailed with delight throughout the territory. His great experience in
the mountains, his knowledge of the Indian mode of warfare, and the
respect which the people he was called to command invariably paid him,
seemed to convince every thinking mind that something more than usual
was to be accomplished. They felt that the wrongs of their country
would now be certainly redressed. The sequel will prove that the
people were not doomed to disappointment.

Early in the month of February, 1855, Col. T.T. Fauntleroy of the
First Regiment of United States Dragoons arrived in Taos from Fort
Union, New Mexico.

Fort Union is the first post met with on entering the Territory of New
Mexico from the east. It lies on the Santa Fe road usually traveled
by parties when crossing the plains, and is about one hundred miles
distant from the capital. The site of this fort, at the first view, is
bold and picturesque, as it is located near the west side of a
broad valley, which is continuous with the open prairies. The houses
composing the fort are built mostly of logs; and, as there are quite a
number of th