As we march south there appears to be a larger supply of wheat, maize, beans, and barley in the granaries of the ranchos.  More attention is evidently given to the cultivation of the soil here than farther north, although neither the soil nor climate is so well adapted to the raising of crops.  The Californian spies have shown themselves at various times to-day, on the summits of the hills on our right.  Distance 12 miles.

January 10.—­Crossing the plain, we encamped, about two o’clock P.M., in the mouth of a canada, through which we ascend over a difficult pass in a range of elevated hills between us and the plain of San Fernando, or Couenga.  Some forty or fifty mounted Californians exhibited themselves on the summit of the pass during the afternoon.  They were doubtless a portion of the same party that we met several days ago, just below San Buenaventura.  A large number of cattle were collected in the plain and corralled, to be driven along to-morrow for subsistence.  Distance 10 miles.

January 11.—­The battalion this morning was divided into two parties; the main body, on foot, marching over a ridge of hills to the right of the road or trail; and the artillery, horses and baggage, with an advance-guard and escort, marching by the direct route.  We found the pass narrow, and easily to be defended by brave and determined men against a greatly superior force; but when we had mounted the summit of the ridge there was no enemy, nor the sign of one, in sight.  Descending into a canada on the other side, we halted until the main body came up to us, and then the whole force was again reunited, and the march continued.

Emerging from the hills, the advance party to which I was attached met two Californians, bareheaded, riding in great haste.  They stated that they were from the mission of San Fernando; that the Californian forces had met the American forces under the command of General Kearny and Commodore Stockton, and had been defeated after two days’ fighting; and that the Americans had yesterday marched into Los Angeles.  They requested to be conducted immediately to Colonel Fremont, which request was complied with.  A little farther on we met a Frenchman, who stated that he was the bearer of a letter from General Kearny, at Los Angeles, to Colonel Fremont.  He confirmed the statement we had just heard, and was permitted to pass.  Continuing our march, we entered the mission of San Fernando at one o’clock, and in about two hours the main body arrived, and the whole battalion encamped in the mission buildings.