DISCHARGED FOR COWARDICE. 261 



indescribable torments of burning thirst for nearly thirty hours, had ren- 

 dered us almost frantic with agony. 



What tongue can tell the sweetness of the draught that first greeted our 

 parched lips, at the termination of this painful interval ? What mind can 

 conceive the inestimable value of water, until destitution unfolds its real 

 merits ? 



Hunger, one may forget in the sweet unconsciousness of sleep, or glut 

 his appetite, meanwhile, upon the tasteless feasts of fancy, — but thirst, with- 

 ering thirst, can never be forgotten while it continues, — it will burn as it 

 to scorch tJie vitals and dry up the heart's blood ! 



Before leaving the sand-creek above alluded to, we passed several dimi- 

 nutive bottoms and vallons that assumed an air of fertility. In these, I 

 noticed an abundance of the bread-root, and in the creek banks, two or 

 three places gave indication of coal. The prevailing rock was sandstone 

 and limestone. The country adjacent, with the exception of its being more 

 tumulous, is much like the llanos peculiar to this region. 



On striking the Cimarone we contiued our march up its valley for some 

 three days, and camped for a short time, to make a cache of our surplus 

 baggage for the purpose of travelling with greater expedition. 



The day preceding, however, anorded two incidents worthy of note. 

 One was the re-appearance of our lost man, who, having found his way to 

 this point, and knowing we must necessarily make it in our line of march, 

 had been awaiting us for the past two days. He was hailed as one risen 

 from the dead, and welcomed back to our midst. 



But the expulsion of three for cowardice almost immediately followed 

 the re-«,ccession of one. Considerable dissatisfaction had existed for some 

 time, in reference to our plan of operations. Several of the company had 

 openly talked of desertion, and were using their earnest endeavors to per- 

 suade others to this course. As we approached the enemy's country, the 

 spirit of insubordination showed itself with increased violence. The time 

 and place, even, were pitched upon for raising the standard of rebellion 

 against all orders and those who gave them. Affairs at length reached a 

 crisis that loudly demanded a resort to some prompt measures to restore 

 them to their proper equilibrium — an example must be had. 



Accordingly the company was drawn up in line, when the articles sub- 

 scribed to by each of its members were read. This done, the commanding 

 officer addressed the malecontents in a few brief words, demandmg which 

 of those articles he had violated, — if neither, they were equally binding as 

 at first ; — then, alluding to the rumors that had reached his ears from various 

 sources, he stated his readiness to release any one requesting it from further 

 obligation, — but the discharge should be a dishonorable one, — a discharge 

 for cowardice! 



'• Yes," said he, " cowardice ! We are on the eve of entering the ene- 

 my's country, and the hearts of some doubtless begin to fail them. Texas 

 wants no cowards to fight her battles ! None but brave men and true, are 

 worthy of that honor ! Now, I repeat it, if any timorous spirit, — any pusil- 

 lanimous heart, — any despicable 'poltroon, wishes his discharge, I stand 

 ready to give it ; let him step one pace in advance from the ranks and ac 



