The Mexicans used to capture these in large numbers and bring them into the American settlements and sell them.

A picked animal could be purchased at from eight to twelve dollars, but taken at wholesale, they could be bought for thirty-six dollars a dozen.

Some of these were purchased for the army, and answered a most useful purpose.
The horses were generally very strong, formed much like the Norman horse, and with very heavy manes and tails.

A number of officers supplied themselves with these, and they generally rendered as useful service as the northern animal in fact they were much better when grazing was the only means of supplying forage.
There was no need for haste, and some months were consumed in the necessary preparations for a move.

In the meantime the army was engaged in all the duties pertaining to the officer and the soldier.