88 à; APPENDIX A.— DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 
the train, which took the wrong road. When the mistake was discovered, the wagons were 
surrounded with brush and timber. We, however, rectified our error, and regained our correct 
road without much trouble. 
We camped at 12 o'clock noon on a stream of good running water, over which there is a 
wooden bridge; grass and wood in abundance. 
We travelled through a densely wooded country; post and live oak, large mezquite, &c., in 
profusion. We saw several small trees of the prickly-ash, and some large cotton-woods. The 
grass along our route was excellent. Rain-water plenty in holes. 
The day was not so warm as usual ; the wind changed to the north, and (in the earlier part of 
the day) was very chilly. 
We hoped to obtain some corn at Fort Belknap, but we could not obtain any in consequence 
of the extreme difficulty of supplying the post. The article is very scarce. It has to be trans- 
ported from Preston, a distance of two hundred miles. The dragoon horses are allowanced to 
twelve ears of corn per diem. 
Many of the mules were shod to-day, as their feet are getting tender from travelling on the 
hard road. 
There are extensive coal-mines in the neighborhood of Fort Belknap. This coal is used at 
the post. It is needless to enlarge upon the importance of this fact. 
Mules herded and grazed as usual. No observations made ; cloudy during the day, and very 
hazy at night. General direction, north 25° east; miles, 10,%. 
Camp No. 49— Friday, April 28, 1854.—Left last camp at five minutes to 6 a. m., and re- 
sumed our route along the military road. The country is similar to that passed yesterday, but 
somewhat more open. It is gently rolling. There were along our course large and dense 
groves of oak of a very considerable size. The mezquite is also large and abundant. The soil 
is capable of the most extensive cultivation. "There can be little doubt, from the appearance of 
the country, that there is sufficient rain for agricultural purposes. Though the season up to 
this time has been a remarkably dry one, yet the innumerable pools along our route are gener- 
ally filled with water; indeed, when the earth is dug to the depth of twelve or eighteen inches, 
it is found to be damp and moist. Dew falls heavily. "These remarks apply in general to the 
country we have passed since we struck the first (western) tributary of the Brazos. Nature has 
been prolific of her favors to this charming section of country. Having travelled about ten 
and two-tenths miles, we nooned for two hours in a delightful shade. 
About three miles from last camp we crossed a running stream with very steep banks—the 
last eastern tributary of the Brazos. Six miles farther we surmounted the dividing ridge be- 
tween the Brazos and Trinity rivers. This ridge slopes gently on both sides. Reached camp 
at half-past 3 p. m., near a stream; water not running. Wood and grass abundant and good. 
About four miles before reaching camp we passed the first tributary of the Trinity, which has 
a direction to the northeast. During the day we crossed many small ravines and gullies, con- 
taining more or lessrain-water. The day has been remarkably chilly and unpleasant, the wind 
from the north ; the night also cold. 
Mules grazed, herded, &c., as usual; the day-guard over them is reduced to two men, exclu- 
sive of the herders. Observations for the time and latitude made. General direction, north 
36° east; miles, 1145. 
Camp No. 50—Saturday, April 29, 1854.—Left camp at ten minutes after 6 a. m. , and re- 
sumed our course over the beaten road over a country similar to that of yesterday. The same 
remarks in reference to soil, timber, grass, and water, will apply to our route to-day. We 
crossed a considerable stream called the West Fork, a tributary of the Trinity. About seven 
miles from the last camp we came upon a beautiful spring, which is covered over with rock 
to"protect it from the sun ; the water is pure and cold. Having proceeded 91 miles, we nooned 
two hours; water in holes; grass excellent. We resumed our route, and camped at ten minutes 
after 2 o'clock p. m. near a ravine. Our camp is in a charming locality; wood, water in ra- 
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