Page 470

PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF
danger avoided. In the same way they watch the country for miles in ad-
vance.  These never-failing precautions may serve to show how diffi-
cult is the chance of catching these men, who once alarmed are
like wild animals, with their sense of sight and of hearing as keenly
developed.
   We could not descend here, so we were obliged to retrace our steps
down the mountain and make a circuit of ten miles to again strike the
trail beyond. This we did, but when the stream beyond was reached it
was dark, and further pursuit that night was impossible. The next
morning we moved down the creek, cutting the trails which had
come together about four miles below, and we followed this for
about ten miles to the south. The hostiles had not stopped from the
time they had left, and now had made about forty-five miles and had
good ten hours the start. The trail here split and one part, the larger,
crossed over the broken mountains north of Bavispe, into the Sierra
Madres, while the other crossed into the mountains north of
Fronteras.
   The scouts now seemed discouraged. Their moccasins were worn out
by the constant hard work of the past five months, and the prospect of
returning to the scenes of their last trials was not inviting.  Besides,
their discharge would take place in about one month. They appealed to
me to go no further, telling me that it was useless, etc. This I appreciated
and decided to return. We then retraced our way and continued the
homeward march. While returning, two of the escaped hostiles joined
me and gave themselves up. I arrived at Fort Bowie on the 3d of April.
The results of the expedition were by no means unimportant as we had
secured the larger part of the hostiles, seventy-nine in all; of whom fifteen
were warriors.
   I cannot speak too highly of the noble and soldierly qualities of Captain
Crawford, killed by Mexican troops while doing all in his power to help
them. He was ever ready, ever brave and loyal in the performance of his
duty, and his loss was indeed a serious one.
   Lieutenant Shipp suffered all the hardships of the campaign, and his
services are entitled to high consideration.
   Lieutenant Faison showed much ability and energy in supplying the
command and in handling the trains. While not with the command
during the action with the Indians and Mexicans, his duty was not only a
hard one, but full of danger and suffering.
  Doctor Davis was very faithful and efficient.
470