74 APPENDIX A.—DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 
About four miles from the Pecos we crossed a ravine with a grove of wild china trees upon 
it; some of these were twenty feet high. Our road was hard and gravelly, with the exception 
"i the last three miles, which were sandy. This sand is red, and covered over with prairie- 
mole holes, into which the mules sunk above the fetlock every fow steps. Along our route saw 
antelope, deer, and rabbits; there is an abundance of grass, dwarf mezquite, palmetto, and 
cactus. No signs of water. 
Friday, March 11.—Left camp at 6 a. m.; our road continued sandy ; mezquite-brush thick 
in some places. At half-past 12 p. m. we stopped twenty minutes to rest the mules. We then 
proceeded until 7 o'clock p. m., and encamped. An antelope and a rabbit were killed. The 
mules evinced signs of fatigue. No signs of water; distance this day, twenty-four miles. 
Saturday, March 11.—Left camp at half-past 5 a. m. Having travelled about three miles, 
we struck a ravine leading to the south, in the bed of which were large boulders of sandstone; 
bluffs on each side. Two of the party were sent up and down this ravine to look for water, but 
without success; the wagons in the mean time continuing their course. From this point the 
face of the country changed to a hard and gravelly soil, with a rolling prairie, covered wit 
grama-grass. Antelope, deer, rabbits, owls, crows, prairie-hens, and small birds were quite 
numerous. At half-past 1 p. m. the animals received one gallon of water each, and rested for 
an hour and a half. We moved forward at half-past 3 p. m., and again struck the sand, which 
is red and covered over with a coarse bunch-grass about two feet in height, and patches of 
dwarf-oak about six inches high, loaded with acorns. 
About 9 o'clock a. m. perceived a high bluff, bearing southeast, evidently fifteen or twenty 
miles distant, facing to the west, and sloping gradually to the east; it serves as a landmark for 
miles around. From the abundance of game, there is no doubt water in that direction. We 
had plenty of dwarf mezquite, wild china, and brush along our route to-day. The mounted 
men are kept on the flanks, riding at a considerable distance, looking for water. Encamped at 
half-past 7 p. m. on the plain. No sign of water. The weather is cool, with frost at night—a 
cold wind blowing from the north nearly all the time. A fallow deer was killed to-day. Dis- 
tance, twenty-five miles. 
Sunday, March 12.—Left camp at half-past 5 a. m., and resumed our course through the 
sand-hills. The mules are much fatigued by the konei mole-holes. Stopped at half- 
past 12 p. m., and gave the mules the remainder of the water, except three gallons reserved for 
the men. The country, as far as can be seen, is a perfect sea of tall, reddish grass, interspersed 
with hillocks of sand. The mules are very much jaded; the water we brought from the Pecos 
being somewhat saline, does not seem to benefit,them. Encamped at half-past 6 p. m. We 
have made but twenty miles in twelve hours; no sign of water. 
As the country ahead of us does not appead? to improve, it was determined, for the safety of 
men and animals, to leave the wagons and push on, being uncertain how far it may be to water. 
An antelope killed to-day. ; 
Monday, March 13.—' The men were called at 3 a. m. to arrange their packs; the escort were 
mounted, blankets serving for saddles. They had one pack-mule to carry their rations. We 
took two along, leaving the corn in the wagons. Started at 4 a. m.; the road continued sandy 
forabout six miles. At this point we struck a hard, firm prairie, and again found grama- 
grass. Proceeded until half-past 11 a. m., and rested the mules for twenty minutes. The 
country is more rolling, with basins which evidently contain water in the rainy season. At 
half-past 2 p. m. we came to a small pond of muddy water, where our mules had a little water 
each, but the men could not drink it. Saw fresh mustang signs and two mustangs. Encamped 
at 6 o'clock p. m., without any sign of water. As usual, some of the party kept on our flanks, 
on the look-out |n water; plenty of mezquite-root for fotih; 
Tuesday, March 14 amp stirring at half-past 3 a. m. We started at 4 a. m. Although 
our mules were counted at midnight; and found correct, yet, through the carelessness of the 
escort, (who were on guard,) two of the mules got loose and strayed off. Every precaution was 
