APPENDIX A.—DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 75 
taken against such a contingency; there was rope sufficient, and these men had been cautioned 
to be particular in picketing their animals. Our mules were suffering so much for water, we 
could not delay to hunt up these animals. 
The country is becoming rolling. After travelling for six miles we came upon a high ridge, 
and saw to the north of our road a large ravine leading to the east; along its banks were stony 
bluffs. Still farther to the northeast was another high ridge, having about the same course; 
to the southeast high hills, apparently twenty-five or thirty miles distant. The whole face of 
the country slopes to the eastward. We struck a fresh trail leading down to springs in the 
ravine, which we reached at 9 a. m. Some of these are highly tinged with sulphur and salt- 
petre—others perfectly fresh and pure. "They issue out from under a bed of limestone rocks. 
These springs are no doubt one of the sources of the Colorado. About a hundred yards below 
the head spring there is a large pond, at which animals can be watered with great facility. 
There had been recently a large party of Indians at this place; it is their regular camp-ground. 
The scarcity of grass and fuel in the vicinity is thus accounted for. "They can, however, be 
found in abundance at the distance of a couple of miles. We will remain here until night, 
when we will move out for grass. At 4 p. m. moved out one and a half mile to good grama- 
grass, keeping a good look-out for our mules. 
Wednesday, March 15, 1854.—Last night was cloudy and warm; towards daylight a heavy 
dew fell. At 11a. m. moved back to the springs, unpacked and watered our mules; we will 
remain here till evening. The animals are so much broken down, it would be impossible for 
them to return to the Pecos without resting for two or three weeks. Mitchell and a Mexican will 
be sent back on express to the Pecos; they will start early to-morrow morning, taking a pack, 
with as much water as they can carry. Mitchell thinks he will reach the river on the third day, 
which will be about the twelfth since we started. In a couple of days the whole party will 
return for the wagons, and bring them to this place. The corn (about five sacks) will be 
issued as rations to the party; as the grass is good, the animals will not feel the want of it. If 
the party remain together we shall be on Captain Marcy’s trail, which is not more than twenty 
miles from this point. It will require all our exertions to get the almost empty wagons here, 
(from the weak condition of the mules;) the distance going and returning is eighty-eight miles. 
On our return the animals will remain here for rest. When we move, it will be for grass or 
game, and then slowly. With the corn and the game we shall get, we will not, it is to be 
.hoped, be driven to extremities; if so, we shall kill a mule. Our animals will be recruited as 
much as possible. In the event of not hearing from you soon, you will meet us on Marcy's 
trail. All have behaved well, with the exception of losing the two mules; the particulars of 
which are given above. 
In concluding this portion of my report, I beg to state that I make the distance from the 
Pecos to these ‘‘Springs’’ one hundred and thirty miles. This I consider a low estimate. 
Throughout this whole distance there are no permanent watering-places. It is very doubtful 
whether water can be depended upon at any time, except immediately after heavy rains. This 
Llano presents many advantages for a railway; it would (an important consideration) require 
very little grading. I regret exceedingly that I cannot comply with your orders to return to 
the Pecos, the exhausted state of my mules rendering it utterly impossible for me to do so. I 
have, except in this unavoidable deviation from your wishes, endeavored to carry out the 
instructions conveyed to me. I hope sincerely the course I have pursued will meet your 
approbation. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. L. TAPLIN, 
Assistant on Survey. 
Captain Jonw Pops, 
Top. Eng., U. S. A., Commanding Exploring Party. 
