\ 
530 CORPUS CHRISTI 
in mustangs, deer, antelope, and large herds of beef- 
cattle. 
Opposite Corpus Christi Bay, separating it from 
the Gulf, is Mustang Island, about thirty-five miles 
long and from two to four in width. Further south, 
another long and narrow sound opens, called the La- 
guna del Madre, about ninety miles in length and from 
three to six in width; an island about the same length, 
and from two to four miles in width, separates it from 
the Gulf. This laguna is so shallow as to be unayail- 
able for navigation, even for vessels of light draft. 
The position of Corpus Christi renders it very 
healthy ; and when many other places on the coast suf- 
fer from fevers, this, owing to its elevation, is exempt. 
It is at present the Head Quarters of the Military Di- 
vision in Texas; and from the facility of entering the 
harbor, it is destined to be one of the most important 
places on the coast. | 
January 2d. There was a dead calm to-day, which 
prevented us from leaving. 
January 3d. A violent norther arose during the 
night, and we had it piercing cold to-day. When in 
the house, we were seated by fires, and when outside 
the door, wrapped in our overcoats. Yet in spite of 
all our efforts, it seemed almost impossible to keep 
warm, so penetrating are these winds to systems which 
have become relaxed. 
When these winds blow so violently, they drive 
the water from the shallow lagunas into the Gulf, and 
increase the difficulty of navigating them. Many of 
‘the bars are then nearly dry. There is one in particu- 
lar, across the mouth of the Nueces Bay, which de- 
