no doubt,
ere long, the Mexicans will there establish a new settlement and thus
practically demonstrate the use to which this beautiful valley can be
put.

While passing up the valley of San Luis, Colonel Fauntleroy came to
the Punchi Pass. This pass is the main opening through the mountains
which bound the valley of San Luis on the north. The pass itself is
less than half a mile wide, but yet, it presents some of the grandest
scenery human eyes ever beheld. The mountains, on either side, are
not so lofty as their compeers close by, but they are rugged and
picturesque. Through the pass runs a bold stream, which, at about
midway (and at this time) was obstructed by a beaver dam, that was so
scientifically constructed as immediately to attract the attention of
the entire party. Near to this dam, there is a very large hot spring,
which is located close under the base of one of the mountain sides,
and which, under the favorable circumstance of a fine day, lends
enchantment to the view. The Punchi Pass is but a few miles long and
leads into a beautiful little valley, called by the Mexicans after the
same name which is given to the pass.

On arriving at the Punchi Pass, Col. Fauntleroy proceeded on through
it to the head-waters of the Arkansas river, where, fortunately, a
fresh trail made by the Indians was found. This trail was followed
with such assiduity and prudence that the camp of some spies belonging
to the enemy, and which was in their rear, was passed by the Americans
one night without their presence being noticed. Early the ensuing
morning (before the break of day), the main village of the Indians
was discovered. Its occupants were enjoying a war and scalp dance, and
their voices, as engaged in the song which usually accompanies
such festivities, could be heard for a distance of at least a mile.
Unconscious of danger, they were having a merry time. One can imagine,
better than can be described, the scene that followed when three
hundred loaded rifles poured their contents into this crowd. Suffice
it to say, that among those who survived this terrible retribution,
the greatest consternation prevailed; but, as a dernier resort, they
began to fly, when they were hotly pursued by the soldiers. Before
quitting their late camp, some of the savages had managed to get
their own rifles, and with them to fire several shots which did some
execution, as two soldiers were killed and two wounded.

Thus it will be seen that th