himself a coward! His name shall be erased from the muster-roll."
At this announcement, three men stepped forward, and their names were severally repeated, as they received their discharge, accompanied by the cutting words, — "reason-cowardice!"
After this the commanding officer again addressed them: " You are now dishonorably discharged, and, as sentenced, before high heaven, I pronounce you cowards. If either of you considers this sentence unjust, let him shoulder his rifle and choose his own distance. I stand ready to give him any satisfaction he may demand in reparation of his wounded honor. But, you shall pocket the disgrace. To-night you may stay with us. — to-morrow you must and shall leave.
"And you, my brave comrades, who have chosen to abide by that flag which has graced the triumphs of by-gone days, may you never desert it in the hour of danger. Look up with hope, and as you gaze upon its bright star of lonely grandeur, consider it the harbinger of success, —the genius of victory."
The next morning, the three faint-hearted volunteers accordingly left camp, reducing our little number to twenty-one;— a lean force, truly, for an expedition so hazardous. Yet none flinched at the thick array of anticipated dangers. All were ready and anxious for the encounter.
The above summary proceeding completely effected its designed object, at least for the present, and reduced the turbulent spirits to the wholesome restraints of discipline.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Mexican camp. Pursuit. Advance upon Mora. Enemy discovered. Country between the Rio de las Animas and Mora; its picturesque beauty. Admirable point of observation. Fortified position. Battle of the pass; order of attack, passage of the river, storming the enemy's camp, and number of killed, wounded and prisoners. Council of war. Prisoners released. Message to Amijo. Return march. Mexican army. Attacked, and results of action. Mexican bravery. Retreat. Cross the Table Mountain. New species of wild onions. March down the de las Animas. Discouragements accumulate. Disband. Sketch of factions. Texan prisoners. Arrival of reinforcements. Battle of the Arroyo: killed, wounded, and prisoners. Retreat of Amijo. "Stampede." Frightful encounter with the Cumanches and Kuyawas. Discharge of troops. Affair with Capt. Cook. Surrender to U. S. Dragoons, and failure of expedition. Return to Texas. Journey to the Platte. Country between the Arkansas and Beaver creek. Feasting at camp. Crows' eggs. Lateness of season. Snow-storm in June. An Indian fort. Serio-comico adventure with a wolf. Indians. Song of the night-bird.
FROM Câche Camp we resumed our march, and, on the fourth day sub. sequent, struck the Taos trail at the crossing of the de las Animas; thence, continuing up the river about forty miles, we came to a place recently occupied by a detachment of Mexicans. After a careful examination,
