to take medicine when they
did not want it. But Col. Smith deprived them of their religious
rights and made them obey the doctor's orders at all times. The
doctor examined the sick every morning and made them take
medicine. When they refused to take it they were compelled to
walk; if unable to walk and keep up with the others they were
tied to the wagons like animals. The doctor was called "Death";
he was known to all by that name.

While traveling along, Capt. Hunt, of Company A, introduced Col.
Smith to me. I invited them to ride in my wagon. They got in, and
I soon brought up the subject of the treatment of the troops
adopted by Col. Allen, and spoke of its good influence over them.
I said the men loved Col. Allen, and would have died for him,
because he respected their religious rights. I said they were
volunteers, and not regular troops; that they were not used to
military discipline, and felt that they were oppressed. They had
lost confidence in their officers. I referred to the ill-
treatment of the men, and talked freely.

Capt. Hunt got angry and jumped from the wagon. He said that I
talked like an insane man rather than a man of sense. The Colonel
said that he was willing to give up the command to the choice of
the battalion. I said he had better keep it until we arrived at
Santa Fe, but for his own sake to ease up on the boys.

That evening Capt. Hunt sent a delegation to inform me that I was
inciting the command to mutiny, and must stop or he would have me
under arrest. I asked where he was going to find his men to put
me under guard - that he could not locate them in that command,
and if he doubted my word he had better try. The Captain knew I
was right, and the matter ended. I told the Colonel I would
encourage the men to obedience until we reached Santa Fe. The
troops were better treated after that.

On the march water was scarce; I saw a man offer sixteen dollars
for a coffeepot of water on the desert. I walked most of the
time, and let the sick ride in my wagon. When we reached the
Spanish settlements we got water, pepper, onions, corn, sheep,
goats, and other articles of food.

We reached Santa Fe in the midst of a snow storm. All the Mormons
were pleased to find that honest Missourian, Col. Doniphan, in
command at that place. He had a humane nature. The sick and
disabled men of the battalion were sent to a Spanish town called
Taos, under charge of Capt. Brant, for care and rest.

Soon after