el 
112 HORSE-HEAD CROSSING 
and the satisfaction of procuring several brace of 
ducks amply repaid the hardship of facing the storm. 
Removing my India-rubbers I again wrapped my 
blanket around me, seated sniyself in my carriage 
with Dr. Webb, and there spent the remainder of the 
long day in reading Erman’s Travels in Siberia, a 
proper book for the occasion. The young men took it 
very calmly, spending the time at the camp fires or in 
their tents. So passed the day. 
November 7th. In camp, on Delaware Creek. 
Passed a cold and sleepless night. The sharp wind 
found its way through the openings in the carriage, 
which all the blankets I could pile on would not keep 
out. The young gentlemen crowded themselves in 
their tents, and lay as close as possible; while the 
teamsters, laborers, etc., stowed themselves in the 
wagons. The morning was sharp and cold; the snow 
<< e. continued to fall, and the wind remained at the north, 
ough blowing less than the previous day. 
I was desirous to resume our march; but the 
h teamsters and others, whose experience among mules 
was greater than mine, thought it impracticable. To 
do so they said would result in our discomfort and 
perhaps ruin: for the animals would assuredly give 
out and leave us much worse off than we were at pre- 
sent. Iyielded nd determined 
to remain a while = for we were in a go 
encampm ith grass and water at hand, and the 
sooth vot our tents as dry—a consideration of 
symptoms of ‘tiem : efore leaving San Antonio my 
friends ie me that at thi ‘Season of the oo we _— 
ne had taken cold or show2 — 
