It was evident that two powers
were struggling with each other; one endeavouring to maintain regular
discipline, the other following only the impulse of an unsteady and
overbearing temper. This discovery, of course, rendered me somewhat more
confident, and it was with no small pride I reflected that in my army I
alone commanded.
It was a pretty sight to look at my Shoshones, who already understood
the strength gained by simultaneous action. The Apaches, too, in their
frequent encounters with the regular troops, had acquired a certain
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.
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