taken to suppress them as would throw too much light on the state of these vast territories. Measures sufficiently energetic have, however, been adopted during the last two years; and having spent some time, in 1825, in the immediate vicinity of the scene of the devastation formerly committed, I am convinced that it will be found no difficult task to repress them for ever.
Indeed, the chief of the many tribes who solicited lands for their settlement in the western part of Texas, stated to the Mexican Government, that his warriors were prepared, under a Mexican leader, to attack and drive the Comanches into the Great Desert (Bolson de Mapimi), or to reduce them to subjection, on condition that a proportion of the territory which they occupy should be given to the victors. Nor can I doubt their success, since the rifle, and some little knowledge in the art of war, acquired during their struggles with the North Americans, would far outmatch the bow, and wholly undirected courage of the Comanches.
If a wandering tribe can be said to have a residence, that of the Comanches is the mountainous district of San Saba, which they cross both in the spring and autumn, and where they deposit their families occasionally during their long expeditions. These Indians generally kill the buffalo with their bow and arrow, their horses being trained to carry them close to it, and on its right side. Sometimes they pursue, and with a sharp iron (crescent-shaped), passing its left flank, sever the hamstring of the right leg, when the animal falls away from the horse: they sometimes also shoot it with the rifle. The scent of the buftalo is however so acute, that it can be only approached from the leeward side: it is timid until wounded, but then its impetuosity is irresistible, and its attacks are repeated until it falls. Being both active, and from its vast bulk very powerful, the charge of an old bull is described as tremendous. The long shaggy hair which covers its head and breast, gives it a terrific appearance, as it rushes headlong at whatever it perceives, (often the smoke of the rifle,) blowing and snorting with astonishing loudness. Should it discover and throw down its antagonist, it gores and tramples upon him until (if desperately wounded) it falls dead by his side. The
