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5

strikethrough horses /strikethrough animals with the exception of six that were eaten strikethrough and returned to our camp /strikethrough

unintelligible On the first strikethrough camp /strikethrough of Sept. we struck camp, and, returning by ^[the] same ? ^[by] which we had come, strikethrough passing /strikethrough passed through San Fernando, strikethrough we we- /strikethrough ^[and] travelled to the Pueblo of Los Angeles, where the Mexican authorities demand our passports, we had none. They wished to arrest us but fear deterred them. They then commenced selling liquor to the men, no doubt for the purpose of getting strikethrough the men /strikethrough ^[them] drunk, so that they would have but little difficulty in making strikethrough the /strikethrough ^[an] arrest. Mr. Young discovered there sic intentions, directed me to take three men, all the [loose?] animals, pack and to go in advance. He would remain with the balance of the party and endeavor to get them along. If he did not arrive at my camp by ^[the] next morning. I was strikethrough directed /strikethrough told to move on as best I could, and on my return to report the party ^[as] killed, for Young would not have them. They were followed by the Mexicans ^[who] furnished them all the liquor they could pay for, ^[They] all got drunk excepting Young. The Mexicans would have continued with them till they arrived at the Mission of San Gabriel then being reinforced he & his party unclear. But an unforeseen event prevented this program from being carried forth. A man by the name of Jas. Higgins who dismounted from his horse and deliberately shot Jas. Lawrence. Such conduct frightened the Mexicans and they departed in all haste fearing that if men without provocation would shoot one another that it would require but little to cause them to murder them.