81 Mexican Guide and a detachment of 12 men of "G" Co. 1st. Infy., and followed a trail of one (Indian) on foot, proceeding in a northern direction (supposed to be the Indian who killed the horse the night previous in the stable of the Acting Asst. Quar- termaster at this Post) for about one mile, where we found he had joined two others who were mounted. After travelling in a meandering course through dense chapparal, our trail was joined at 1. o'Clock P. M. by as nearly as we could ascertain-thirteen more Indians from below, with another party of 12 men in charge of a non-commissioned officer in their pursuit. We proceeded to- gether until 5, O'Clock P. M. having travelled a distance of 50 miles, when we discovered on an eminence, about a half mile in advance of us, some 20 or 30 Indians, mostly armed with Guns, and mounted on fresh horses, apparently watching our move- ments. I approached within a short distance of them, when they fired upon us. I returned their fire, wounding one of them slightly, when upon a signal by their Chief they fled. I ordered the other party to endeavour to turn their right and cut them off, but they having the advantage of ground and fresh horses I found it impossible to do so. I then ordered a change and kept up a running fire for about three miles, when night coming on they succeeded in making their escape. Our horses being much fatigued from a hard days ride (sev- eral of them had entirely given out, and one died in a half hour afterwards of exhaustion), I recalled the men, and returned to- wards the spot where we first met them and found our Guides, in company with a Mexican boy about 10 years old, who had made his escape during the melee and joined us in our rear. He directed us to the Camping ground of the Indians, about 5 miles . off, where I proceeded, and remained for the night. From the Boy, we obtained the following information in relation to his cap- ture, the strength &c of the Indians. He had been taken in com- papy with another Mexican (whom they killed and scalped) about a month previous, while out Mustanging, some 20 or 30 miles from Laredo. He stated that the Indians were about 60 strong, and belonged to the tribe of Tah-wah-co-nees, that half of them were on a predatory excursion in the lower country, and that they had been in this vicinity six weeks, making that their Head Quarters. The night before, they had sent a party of three, with the boy as their Guide, to point out the locality of this Post, Sta- bles, &c. with the intention of coming the night following and steal the horses belonging to this Command. After reconnoiter- ing the Camp and seeing no possible chance of effecting their ob-
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