20 INDIANOLA 
brought his company into such a state of discipline, © 
that it made a very respectable appearance. The 
saddles, bridles, and trappings, were the same as those 
of the U.S. Dragoons; the uniform, blue flannel shirts, — 
dark pantaloons, and broad-brimmed white felt hats. 
The dress of the rifles was scarlet flannel shirts, the 
rest of the uniform the same as the cavalry. 
The town of Victoria, which we have just left, 18 _ 
one of the most flourishing inland towns in Texas. It — 
stands on the banks of the Guadalupe River, and, being — 
in the midst of a fertile region, possesses a good trade. — 
At the time of our visit, in September, 1850, it had — 
three public houses, numerous stores, mechanics’ shops — 
of various kinds, a weekly newspaper, and a court — 
house. The latter edifice always brings with it, im 
new countries, numerous accessories. The ‘court was — 
in session at the time of our visit, and appearances — 
indicated that a good deal of law and justice was dis 
pensed here. The house, being of limited dimensions, — 
could scarcely contain those iv hath business brought — 
here, and the numerous idlers who have a propensity — 
for hanging round country courts. Many were there — 
fore obliged to spend their time in the shade of the 
fences and trees near by ; and when required as 
nesses, the constables came outside the building and 
with much more comfort for the witnesses, than ‘ 
obliged to be pent up in a closely confined room ft 
hours and days together. How the juries were dis: 
pam of I did not learn; they could not, at any ra 
eens them out into the high grass, as was custom 
