CHAPTER VIII.

On the Summit of the Rocky Mountains--Crossing the Backbone of the North American Continent--Review of the Journey--Graves Opened by Wolves--Mutilated Bodies--An Unparalleled Journey of Hardship--The Prospect Ahead--A Matter of Life and Death--Start Down the Pacific Slope--Descending the Cliffs with Wagons--One Vehicle Slips and is reduced to Kindling Wood and Scrap Iron--Into a New Climate--Change in the Character of Vegetation--Wild Horses and Cattle--Attacked by Wild Cattle--Several Men Hurt and one Mule Gored to Death--A Number of Cattle Killed--Supply of Beef--Reach the Pan Pedro River--Traveling Through a Heavy Growth of Mesquit and Chapparal--Approach the Mexican Garrisoned Town of Tucson--News of Approach of a Large American Army Sent to the Mexicans--Order Issued by Colonel Cooke.