yards this side the Rancho was seen stretched across the road a dark body of some hundred yards in length, it might be a body of men or a brush fence, it being too dark to determine, so we continued to approach until in 20 or 30 yards when the word quin viva was followed (before I had time to answer) by a fire from their whole line. "Such a blaze", it completely blinded us for a moment. Instantly the order to charge was given which about six of us succeeded in obeying, the balance being carried back by their affrightened horses, many of them having never seen service before. However by the discharge of a few guns and pistols in their faces and some mighty tall yells, they were put to flight.

This was all we desired, well knowing if we could not make them run, we must ourselves, as both our orders and their numbers cautioned us against fighting. We persued them far enough to hear (as it was too dark to see) by the noise they made in forming their probable strength, it being about two companies with a bugle each. We fell back, as soon as this information was obtained on the same road so as to collect the scattered men. Upon counting noses, we found that we had all escaped and so had our prisoner. This I regretted very much, yet it could not be helped as the men's horses were so much frightened by the sudden glare and noise of so many guns, they could not govern them and look after the prisoner at the same time. He was a noble fellow and deserved to live, long may he do so.

We returned without farther adventure from this reconnaisance to Headquarters and reported accordingly. On the morning of the 20th I was told the General wished to see me. Upon repairing to his Markee, he told me he wanted me to take as many of my men as were well mounted and go with Col. May to Heclioneda, thence to Rancho Potosi, about 25 miles farther south. I asked the General if he intended sending any one to Incarnassion.