knowledge of cavalry tactics. All the travellers in Mexico who have met
with these intrepid warriors have wondered at their gallant and uniform
bearing. The Californians also, having now so much at stake, had assumed
a demeanour quite contrary to their usual indolent natures, and their
confidence in me was much increased since our success against Fonseca,
and the comparison they could now make between the disposition and
arrangement of the opposed forces. So elated indeed were they, and so
positive of success, that they frequently urged me to an immediate
attack. But I determined upon a line of conduct to which I adhered.

The Arrapahoes showed themselves a little unruly; brave, and such
excellent horsemen, as almost to realize the fable of the Centaurs,
charging an enemy with the impetuosity of lightning and disappearing
with the quickness of thought, they requested me every moment to engage;
but I knew too well the value of regular infantry, and how ineffectual
would be the efforts of light cavalry against their bayonets. I was
obliged to restrain their ardour by every argument I could muster,
principally by giving them, to understand that by a hasty attack we
should certainly lose the booty.

The moment came at last The prudence of the old commander having been
evidently overruled by his ignorant coadjutors, the infantry were put in
motion, flanked on one side by the cavalry and on the other by the
artillery. It was indeed a pitiful movement, for which they paid dearly.
I despatched the Arrapahoes to out-flank and charge the cavalry of the
enemy when a signal should be made; the Apaches slowly descended the
hill in face of the infantry, upon which we opened a destructive fire
with our four field-pieces.

The infantry behaved well; they never flinched, but stood their ground