villages, somewhat similar to the habits found in civilized communities, for the passions and evil propensities of all men are found to be alike, no matter what differences of education or color exist.  We find that the Indian tribes have their wise men, whose voices are heard and heeded on all occasions.  When these villages are located, or, to use soldier phrase; when the Indians go into camp, care is taken that each lodge shall be placed where it will not interfere with the common good.  The internal economy of these habitations is arranged on a social system which, in many respects, is commendable.  When one person is poor, generally speaking, the whole tribe is found to be so.  The herds of horses and mules belonging to the tribe, are turned loose in one body as if they were the property of one man.  If game exists in plenty and danger is not apprehended, happiness holds complete sway within these Indian homes.  The proverbial caution of the red man rarely allows him to be surprised; therefore, even in times of peace, he keeps his fleetest horse tied at the door of his lodge, so that he may make haste and collect his property, and be away before his enemy can harm him.  These favorite animals are fed by hand.  Before trusting his body in sleep, some warrior, in whom the tribe repose the utmost confidence, must ascend a neighboring eminence, if there chance to be one, and examine the country in search of dangers.  Parties are always kept out as spies, and, at the least appearance of suspicious signs, they become easily aroused and vigilant, and if danger really exists, word is immediately sent to their village to be ready to move.  This is a homely but literal interpretation of the term Indian village.

The reader has seen that the dragoon horses gave out before the fatigues of the march, while the Mexican ponies performed their tasks so admirably and easily.

This was a painful subject to contemplate and one which no man who loves the noble horse could wish to witness the second time.  The dragoon horses, reduced to skeletons from starvation while retaining all their natural spirit, with tottering limbs, faithfully tried to perform the labor which their riders, seemingly, asked of them.  Long before the arrival of the time when they could no longer support a burden, the soldiers had humanely relieved them from this work and were assisting them, by all the means in their power, to reach a haven of safety, where food, so essential in restoring their sinking powers of life, existed in abundance.  As their little remaining strength was leaving them, they would exhibit the fact by staggering.  Finally, breaking down in their hinder legs, they would sink to the ground, but not until they had made the effort to drag themselves along with their fore feet.  To relieve them from their agonies and prevent their falling into the hands of the Indians, one by one, they were shot.