FREDERICKSBURG. 61 
CHAPTER IV. 
FREDERICKSBURG TO HORSE-HEAD CROSSING. 
Projected route through the wilderness—Setting out—Uninviting ap- 
the country—Precarious condition of German settlements 
on the Llano River—Leave the Emigrants’ Road—Crossing of the San 
Saba—Community of prairie dogs—Kickapoo Creek—Hints to future 
travellers—The Mezquit—Visit of Lipan Chiefs—Indian dexterity in 
mule catching—Regain the Emigrant Road at Concho pe 
wounded by a rattlesnake—Character of country and v 
Mustang roads—Scarcity of water—Prairie on fire—Deceptive Sala 
Castle gad cattle captured—Pecos River—Chapporal— 
“Indian si 
September 15th. Remained at Fredericksburg to- 
day to procure our supply of corn, and made the 
acquaintance of many of the citizens, among them 
Captain J. L. Ankrim, since appointed Judge of El 
Paso district. I was exceedingly anxious that Judge 
Ankrim should accompany us to El Paso. He had 
been on the road several times, and directed its con- 
struction; moreover, his intimate acquaintance with 
the country and knowledge of the Indian character 
were such, that I believed he might be of essential 
service. But his engagements were of such a nature 
as not to permit his leaving at the time. I felt much 
disappointed, and a heavy responsibility restr 
me,in haying to conduct such a — across a a country 
