noon
The Santo Dominicans had informed the people of Jemez that if they interfered to prevent the slaughter of the Navajos they would be considered by the military authorities as allies of that tribe , and treated accordingly . Convinced , from what the agent told me , that I should act without unnecessary delay , I proposed that we should start for Jemez at once , but he declared himself too much fatigued by a long journey to undertake a night ride of twenty-six miles . My instructions from the general were to conform my movements to the wishes of the agent , so I very reluctantly and much against my convictions concluded to wait until morning . He strongly insisted there was no reason for haste , as the Dominicans had not planned to leave their pueblo before noon . We set out , therefore , at four o'clock next morning . Sergeant Cunningham asked permission to accompany the expedition , and I allowed him to do so , leaving Sergeant Mulligan in charge until our return . We were a party of thirteen , mounted on every available animal in camp .