In many of these towns there are bands of these people who keep up their old customs, name, and language, but are recognized as citizens. They submitted to Catholicism in form, but of late years have almost entirely lost respect for the _padres_; saying that they cared more for their coppers than they did for their souls. These people, both natives and mixed are very hospitable and industrious, and are more honest and virtuous than are the average Mexican. The villagers of the mountains are peculiar They seem to have a dread of mixing or associating much with anyone, even the Mexicans whose neighbors they are. It is their habit, when anyone approaches their village, for all the inhabitants to leave their houses and retire a short ways, leaving their doors open and everything exposed so that if anything is wanted by the travelers they can help themselves. But one thing must always be done. The pay for the article taken must be left in sight or without grace the party taking ever so small an article without pay, will be waylaid and will be very lucky if he escapes, with his life. So positive are these rules that no one dare take the risk, and the people have commanded the utmost respect for ages by all who pass through their country. Unless imposed upon and insulted they molest no one. These mountain Indians are excellent hunters. Deer, turkey and bear are plentiful in the mountains. They often go into the city of Chihuahua to trade. They pack most of their trade on their backs, traveling in single file, paying no attention to anyone except to do their trading and go straight back home. Some years since, at the town of Santa Rosa, these Indians, while on a trading trip, were insulted and abused by the inhabitants. The Indians went home, gathered some four hundred armed men, marched back through a number of settlements, attacked the place and almost exterminated the people, then went home satisfied. They were never called to account for the act. An account of the affair has been given to me several times by different Mexicans, who invariably tell it in honor of the character of these Tarumaries. CHAPTER LV. Letter to the Deseret News--A brief Review of Mexican History-- Characteristics of the People--Land Grants and Purchases-- Peculiarities of Land Titles--The Climate of Mexico. This old letter, copied from the _Deseret News_, I think will help in describing Mexico: "El Paso, State of Chihuahua, February 10th, 1876. "_Brother F. Nicholson_: "I herewith send you an account of the country and people of this region. Description of El Paso.