20 
LINE OF THE SANTA FE ROAD. 
spring, where we had fine cool water, but the nearest wood was distant a mile. Mr. Ross with 
his family encamped about fifty yards from us, and at half-past 9 o’clock was seated with his 
party around his fire, with his horses picketed between his tent and mine, when, without any ap¬ 
parent cause, six of them pulling up their picket-pins, dashed off at a frightful speed, and in a 
moment were far away over the prairie, and out of sight. One of them, however, trembling 
with fright, fortunately ran into a neighboring camp, and was secured. 
June 27.—The country continued of the same character as heretofore, with less wood and 
water, and we only passed a little of the latter in pools two or three times during the day, during 
which we were often elevated on the rolling prairies high above the surrounding country, of 
which, to the south and north, we had extended and beautiful views. Little timber was, how¬ 
ever, visible. The road was fine, there having been no rain recently, and the grass luxuriant. 
l\ine and twelve miles out we passed Rock creeks, but they were nearly dry, having no running 
water, and were without wood. We encamped, after travelling 24 miles, on what is known as 
the 110-mile creek, which is lined with an unusual amount of timber; and there is in it, at present, 
running water, with holes large enough for bathing, as there was also four years ago, when I passed 
it. Near our camp are a few Indian houses and cultivated fields. 
June 28.—Eight miles from camp we crossed Dwissler’s creek, a fine little branch, with steep 
and well wooded banks ; four miles then brought us to the first Dragoon creek, quite like the last, 
but with low banks. One mile from the last is the second Dragoon creek, with less wood and 
water. At 1 o’clock we arrived at Prairie Chicken creek, where there is an abundance of wood, 
water and grass. Distance marched, 21 miles. 
June 29.—To-day, a mile from camp, we passed a little branch in which there was water, 
but the line of timber on its banks was thin. Three or four miles farther on we crossed Elm 
creek, with fine wood and running water; and still another, called the 142-mile creek, about six 
or eight miles out; and after a ride of thirteen miles, we crossed Bluff creek, where there are fine 
and abundant water and wood. At 3 o’clock we encamped on Big Rock creek, which is well 
timbered. As usual, the grass to-day was everywhere luxuriant. Distance 20 miles. 
June 30.—It rained heavily during the entire night, and continued to do so until 8 o’clock this 
morning, accompanied by heavy thunder. At 10 o’clock we left camp, and without halting at 
Big John spring, famous on this part of the route, and of which I have cooling and refreshing re¬ 
collections, passed on seven miles to Council Grove, and encamped on Elm creek, three-fourths 
of a mile beyond. The roads were very slippery and the mud deep. The Neosho creek, 
upon which Council Grove is situated, is a fine little stream, with timber more abundant than 
on any stream we have seen since we left the Kansas river, of which the timber is similar, and 
the fields of corn are remarkably luxuriant and fine. We here came up with a large number of 
government officers, both civil and military, on their way to their respective posts of duty. Among 
them was the Hon. D. Merriwether, governor of New Mexico, in whose life occurs a singular 
incident connected with the political changes which have transpired between this country and 
Mexico. In 1819 he was, as he informed me, an Indian trader, and accompanied a war party of 
the Pawnees too far into New Mexico. The Pawnees were nearly all slain in fair fight; but him¬ 
self and servant were made prisoners and taken to Santa Fe, where he was for some time confined 
a prisoner in the “palace” of the Territory to which he now goes as governor, and will soon 
again occupy the same palace. Judges and Indian agents for New Mexico were also of the 
party, and General Garland was in command of the military camp, of recruits for the 9th military 
department, in charge of a number of officers, and a large military train. 
July 1.—To-day at the usual hour we moved on again over heavy roads from the excessive 
rains of the previous day or two. The country differs in nothing from that east of Council Grove, 
except that the soil is more firm and less miry in the gullies. Eight miles out we crossed Elm 
creek, (on which we had encamped last night,) its waters having subsided several feet since the 
previous evening, when wagons could not have crossed it; and at 2 o’clock, having ridden but 
