112 
HORSE-HEAD CROSSING 
and the satisfaction of procuring several brace of 
ducks amply repaid the hardship of facing the storm. 
Eemoving my India-rubbers I again wrapped my 
blanket around me, seated myself 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 In camp, on Delaware Creek. 
Passed a cold and sleepless night. The sharp wind 
found its way through the openings in the carr’ -"e, 
which all the blankets I could pile on would not ] 
out. The young gentlemen crowded themselvc 
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 
continued to fall, and the wind remained at the north, 
though blowing less than the previous day. 
I was desirous to resume our march; but the 
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. I yielded to their representations and determined 
to remain a while longer: for we were in a good 
encampment with grass and water at hand, and the 
flooring of our tents was dry — a consideration of 
great importance. No one had taken cold or shown 
symptoms of illness. Before leaving San Antonio my 
friends told me that at this season of the year we could 
