24 
INDIANOLA 
The wagons and mules continued to arrive at the 
camp ; but when I was expecting soon to move, I 
learned that Colonel McClellan was seriously ill at his 
quarters in Victoria. So ill was he that many feared 
he would be unable to continue the journey. Dr. 
Bigelow, surgeon of the commission, remained to 
attend him. 
While we lay here waiting for the remainder of the 
party, the wagons were overhauled, reloaded, and some 
additional teams added by purchase. Not being able 
to get all we wanted, a few were hired to aid in trans- 
porting the stores to San Antonio, where the quarter- 
master expected to complete his purchase of wagons 
and mules. 
September lOtli. Colonel McClellan having so far 
recovered as to join the camp, I gave orders to move 
to-morrow morning at daylight. Every thing, therefore, 
not absolutely necessary, was stored in the wagons, 
and preparations made for an early start. 
September ‘list The bugle sounded at half past three 
o’clock ; breakfast was dispatched before the sun had 
risen ; and ere the morning mist, which, arising from 
the river, hung over our camp, had disappeared, we 
were on our way. The morning was cool and pleasant, 
and I was desirous to reach our proposed camping 
spot before noon. This was the first day’s march of 
the whole party; and as the wagons were heavily 
laden, I did not think it best to press the animals too 
much at the start. 
Our route was over a country of alternate prairie 
and woodland, with an excellent road. After a march 
of fifteen miles, the main body encamped at Manahuila : 
