60 NOTES TAKEN. 
‘Their reason for emigrating was the cold and inhospitable 
climate of Missouri. One man told me that it was necessary 
to fodder cattle seven months in the year; a great difference 
to Texas, where cattle range in the pasture winter and . 
summer, always fat and in good condition. 
They all seemed to feel that the change they were making 
was a hazardous one, and indeed, when the difference in 
prices, the increased distance from market, and the risks run 
in acclimating, are taken into account, they might well think 
so; and I am satisfied, from what I saw and heard, that many 
a heartfelt regret was uttered for the home and comforts they 
had left. 
My experience here and elsewhere, will always prompt. me 
to give but one advice to persons disposed to. emigrate, viz. : 
if you are comfortably off where you are, better stay, the 
contingencies are too great to warrant a change. 
When Texas shall have completed a system of internal 
improvements, of course the objection of distance from market 
will not lie, and perhaps, as a stroke for posterity, these 
* people were making a judicious move, but still, “let well 
enough alone,” is a most excellent domestic motto... 4 
Our heavy train, of course, could not pass the Bees; and 
- 28 it was the Captain's intention to stop, for a few days at all 
events, in the neighborhood of Fort Washita, until he could 
procure some more stock, let those we had rest, and await the 
arrival of our military escort from Fort Arbuckle ; we left 
our oxen and wagons on the prairie, and one of the party and 
