Cameron, having determined not to be detained by any engagement which could be avoided, filed to the right, receiving no other injury except having one horse wounded. He directed his course northward to a trail which he discovered leading over the mountain, which was very rough. In descending, found water enough for a drink all round, which was truly a God-send, as we had been twenty hours without a drop. In six miles came to water at a rancho, where we found the men in arms, but did not molest them: inquiring the Comargo road, we proceeded on without any intention of taking it: continued our course west, and after descending a mountain into a deep valley, at 3 o'clock in the morning laid down to rest, and here took a Mexican spy.

February 13th. Marched early, taking the spy with us, course still west; at eight miles came to water, and thence proceeded on; struck the Montclova road, leading from Saltillo, about thirty-five miles from the latter place. Here we encountered a European, a friend of ours, who told our troops by all means to keep the road, directing them where they would be well received ahead.2 Had the advice of this man been kept, the whole party would doubtless have succeeded in reaching their homes; but our men, from sad experience, had been taught to believe that treachery was in every mouth in Mexico, and the more timid insisted upon leaving [160] the road and taking to the mountains. At about 12 o'clock M. crossed a small creek, and sent Interpreter Brennem with our Mexican spy to buy some beef and corn from a rancho near by, where the Mexican was detained and Brennem ordered off, otherwise he would be fired upon. Cameron marched within a gunshot of the rancho, not molesting anything, when a woman came out and inquired "if any of Jordan's men3 were along;" and being told "there were," she replied that "if they would vouch for the good conduct of the rest, the whole should be accommodated at the rancho with whatever they wished." They, however, continued their course without returning an answer, when very soon after the proprietor of the rancho overtook them, and expressed regret that he had mistaken their intentions, and pointed out a good place near the road to graze and rest their horses. At sunset again they took up the line of march, but left the road at 8 o'clock to repose, when they were fired on by a small party of Mexicans. Proceeding a little farther, Captain Cameron was influenced to leave the road entirely and take to the mountains, contrary to his instructions and his own better judgment, as we have before stated, but induced to do so by the more timid of the officers and men.4

February 14th. Directed their course through the mountains; travelled hard, making little progress, the country being too rough for the horses to get on, except with slow pace; found no water, and [161] camped for the night in a deep ravine. This day they passed a shepherd with a large flock of sheep, who informed them that they would find no water in the direction they were travelling, which should have been a sufficient warning to return to the road.