MUSTANGS. 75 
The officers commanding this escort were both very young 
men, but watchful, energetic, and determined; and it is to 
these traits of character that we were indebted for no greater 
disaster, as in the prouceration of discipline they were sup- 
ported but by two or three worthy exceptions among the 
men. We camped about six miles from Preston, and spent 
a very uncomfortable night. 
From Fort Washita to Red river, the soil is loam, with 
ridges of limestone. The timber, oak and pecan, with occa- 
sional bois d’are and cottonwood. The river takes its name 
from the colour of its water, which is a dark maroon, full of 
sediment, and very unpalatable . 
The Texas shore is very bold, presenting a stratification 
of red clay and white sand, giving a striking and very pecu- 
liar appearance in the distance, like chalk cliffs. 
The stream is but seldom in good boating order, rapid, 
and full of shifting shoals, making a very tedious ferriage. 
Whilst we were crossing, a herd of about twelve hundred 
wild cattle were driven into the river from the Texas shore, 
to swim them over into the Nation. 
Taking the course of the stream, they swam down some 
distance, so that the whole herd was in the water at the 
‘same time, presenting a most singular appearance, with their 
long, sharp pointed horns and taper heads, only seen above 
the surface. 
A herd of one hundred and ——— mares was also 
driven ACTOSS, 
