APPENDIX A.—DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 91 
regular thunder-storm, the rain coming down in torrents, with hail-stones of an enormous size. 
It continued until near sundown, gradually abating in violence; then clearing off, the night 
was bright and pleasant. 
The streams which we passed during our route to-day, together with the ravine on which we 
are camped, run into the Red river towards the north. The mules grazed and herded, &c., as 
usual. No observations made. General direction, north 85° east; miles, 1445.. 
Camp No. 54— Wednesday, May 10, 1854.—The wagonmaster and a Mexican started, at 
halfpast 5 a. m., for Fort Washita, with official and private letters for the mail ; also, to 
select a house and encampment for the command by the time it reaches Preston, and to make 
some preliminary arrangements for the sale of our mules, &c., &c. 
Left camp at half-past 7 a. m., and resumed our course over a rolling and open country, 
passing several small streams—sources of the Trinity—and encamped on the Elm fork of that 
river at 11 a. m. 
The soil on our route to-day is of a darker color, and appears richer than any we have yet 
seen. The timber is not so abundant as it has been for some time past. The country is more 
open, with a most luxuriant growth of excellent grass. 
Our camp is delightfully situated; the banks of the creek are covered with elm, post-oak, 
some walnut, and other trees ; water and grass abundant and good. 
It is a matter of some surprise that this section of country, to which nature has been so 
liberal of her favors, is not more settled. The soil and climate invite the farmer, assuring him 
a rich return. The dread of Indians is, no doubt, the principal cause; and also, perhaps, the 
ignorance of the advantages which are offered to the emigrant and settler, may furnish another 
reason. Our survey, by bringing its resources properly into notice, will remove the latter 
cause; the removal of the former will follow as an inevitable sequence. 
Mules grazed and herded as usual, &c., &c. Observations made for longitude and latitude. 
General direction, north 78° east; miles, 9-25. 
Camp No. 55—Thursday, May 11, 1854.—Left last camp at ten minutes after Ta. m. There 
was a heavy dew last night, and there would be little necessity for rain if such dews were fre- 
quent. We resumed our course over a high ridge; the road was very muddy and heavy in 
many places, the result of the late rain. 
The country is more open than it has been for the last few days; but the banks of the streams 
along our route are covered with an abundance of timber. The richness of the soil cannot be 
excelled; the quality of the grass cannot be equalled. 
We crossed several small tributaries of the Trinity, and encamped at 11 a. m. at Elm fork. 
The bank on the west side is steep, being worn away by the action of the water; that on the 
east side is more sloping. We passed over it without any difficulty. The bottom is rocky and 
firm, being composed of limestone and gravel; the water is pure and clear—very deep in some 
places, with plenty of perch, bass, sunfish, &c. From appearances there must be a swift and 
overwhelming current after heavy rains, but it quickly subsides. We found here many curious 
specimens of fossil. "This stream is bordered by a growth of large timber ; elm and red, white, 
and post-oak predominate. There are some few trees of hickory, dogwood, and walnut. 
As the day was warm and sultry, many of the command refreshed themselves by swimming, 
washing, &c. In anticipation of our speedy arrival at Preston, our razors were brought into 
active requisition ; beards of the most patriarchal cut were trimmed down to ordinary dimen- 
sions, or totally demolished, and the cherished moustache disappeared beneath the ruthless 
hand of the barber. These operations caused much pain and many an expression of regret ; 
but whether occasioned by the loss of these “facial developments” or by the bluntness of the 
razor, is a matter for conjecture. 
About a mile from camp there is a farm-house, beautifully located. The owner, a person 
named Hewitt, settled here last fall. This farm appeared well stocked. Two families live 
here: there are six young children, who appeared sickly; indeed, two of them suffering from 
