FREDERICKSBURG. 
61 
CHAPTER lY. 
FREDERICKSBURG TO HORSE-HEAD CROSSING. 
Projected route through the wilderness — Setting out — ^Uninviting ap- 
pearance of the country — Precarious condition of German settlements 
on the Llano River — Leave the Emigrants’ Road — Crossing of the Sail 
Saba — Community of prairie dogs — Kickapoo Creek — Hints to future 
travellers — The Mezquit — Yisit of Lipan Chiefs — Indian dexterity in 
mule catching — Regain the Emigrant Road at Concho River — Horse 
wounded by a rattlesnake — Character of country and vegetation — 
Mustang roads — Scarcity of water — Prairie on fire — ^Deceptive maps— 
Castle Mountains — Stray cattle captured — ^Pecos River — Chapporal — 
“ Indian sign.” 
Septemher 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 resting on 
me, in having to conduct such a party across a country 
