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the epochs to which they refer. I have an indistinct idea of their existence; but, although I have passed the place some three times, I never availed myself of the opportunity to observe them. The other signs or characters noticed are traditional remembrances, by means of which the Indians transmit historical accounts of all their remarkable successes. To discover these sets by themselves, is very difficult. Some of the Indians make trifling indications, which divulge, with a great deal of reserve, something of the history, to persons in whom they have entire confidence.

"The people who inhabited this country before its discovery by the Spaniards were superstitious, and worshipped the sun.

"I would be glad to relate to you, with exactness, events which are passed; but I am deprived of this satisfaction from the want of certain information in regard to the particulars, because some of them occurred a very few years after the conquest made by Juan de Onate, in the year 1595, and all records preceding the year 1680 are lost, as the Indians burnt the archives in their insurrection against the conquerors who then occupied the country.

"In 1681, Governor Antonio de Otermin received orders from the viceroy to return and conquer. He made his entrance to the Pueblo of Cochiti, encountered resistance, and, on account of the small force he brought, retired to El Paso in the same year. Gerbaceo de Cruzat y Gongora succeeded him in command, who also remained established at El Paso.

"In the following year, Cruzat made an expedition against New Mexico, took possession of the capital, and extended his conquests a little more effectually, until the following year, when, it being impossible for him to sustain himself longer, he returned to El Paso.

"In the year 1693, Curro Diego de Bargas Zapata penetrated as far as the Pueblo of Zuñi, and, without proceeding further, returned to El Paso. In the year 1695, he obtained the entire pacification of the country.

"There were afterwards a succession of governors, among whom are numbered Feliz Martinez, Juan Paez Hurtado, and many others, of whom can be produced exact information by referring to the time of the administration of each, according to the registry in the ancient archives of the government. The short time before your departure does not afford the necessary opportunity to register and give to you an historical relation of these events. This account, therefore, should not be regarded by you as one which should direct your idea entirely, for my limited capacity does not permit me to search into all the particulars necessary; but it may serve you as a certain guide to direct the history, the events being marked in chronological order.

"Should these remarks prove useful to you, and I have facility of access to the archives, as I have now, I will with pleasure undertake the task of making the relation, and will despatch it to the point you may direct me.

"With nothing, snore, I am, senor, your obedient servant,

"DONACIANO VIGIL.

"Lieut. J. H. SIMPSON,

"Topographical Corps, U. S. A."

According to the extract from De Barga's journal already given in a note under the head of the twenty fifth camp, his conquest of Zuñi bears date November 11, 1692, and in this year corresponds with that inscribed on the rock.