Phenix Gazette

SANTE FE.

It is stated in the Jackson, Mississippi Gazette of December last, that several persons who set out from that place last spring, on a trading adventure to Sante Fe, had returned within a few days, in good health, bringing with them a number of fine looking mules, though in bad order. They met with the misfortune of losing many of their mules on their return, occasioned by a sudden irruption and howling of a gang of wolves late in the night, which awakening the sentinel, so terrified him that he at the same time, came running and screaming into the camp, exclaiming 'Indians! Indians!' This alarmed the mules, which to the number of 150, broke from the gang, and were irretrievably lost. The adventurers bro't with them some gold and silver, and notwithstanding their losses, they have made a saving trip. They describe the country through which they passed, in the general, as very poor, mostly prairies. They represent the natives as an indolent, ignorant, and for the most part, indigent class of beings. They cultivate no farms of consequence, live in villages and raise large stocks of mules, sheep, &c. One of the traders took with him some sheep-shears, but they laughed at his folly. They make use of knives in shearing, and are so expert in the business, that they can divest ten sheep of their coats whilst one is sheared in the usual way, in this country. Their stock subsist entirely on the spontaneous productions of the earth. Their mules, on being brought to this country, have to be taught the use of corn by cramming it into their mouths. The adventurers subsisted mostly on buffaloe, with which the country through which they passed, abounds in great plenty.