64 
APPENDIX A.—DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 
and stock driven across the creek, and allowed to graze during the night; they, as usual, were 
hobbled, and placed under under a strong guard. This course was adopted for the purpose of 
economizing the corn. It is not anticipated that any injurious result will follow from this 
arrangement, (during our stay here,) as every precaution that prudence can dictate is taken to 
prevent surprise. 
Observations for the time made during the day. The heavens cloudy during the night. 
Same Camp — Thursday , March 16, 1854.—The following, is a copy of Lieutenant Marshall’s 
instructions: 
Falls of the Pecos River, Mouth of Delaware Creek, 
March 14, 1854. 
Sir: You will please proceed to examine the Pecos river as high up as the Sacramento, pro¬ 
vided'that point he not more than seventy miles distant from this place. It is reported in New 
Mexico, by those who profess to know, that the valley of the Sacramento river is abundantly 
supplied with large timber of every description, and you will investigate the truth of these 
statements. Should such prove to he the fact, you will please examine the Pecos carefully from 
the mouth of the Sacramento to this point, with a view to ascertain if the timber can he con¬ 
veniently floated or rafted down that stream. You will also note every peculiarity of country 
along your routes as to timber, grass, water, &c., &c., and will keep a set of accurate compass 
courses and estimated distances for the entire expedition. A party of seven mounted men, 
with rations for four days, will he detailed to accompany you. Upon your return to this camp, 
you will please furnish me with a written report of your expedition. 
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JOHN. POPE, 
Bvt. Copt. Top. Engs., Commanding Exploring Party. 
Lieut. L. H. Marshall, 3d In antry, 
Commanding Escort. 
Lieutenant Marshall and party returned to camp at sundown. (For his report see Friday, 
17th instant.) The weather for the last few days has been intensely warm—this day particu¬ 
larly so, the mercury rising to 97° Fah. in the shade. Many of the men have bathed in the 
creek; the temperature of the water pleasant and refreshing. The young grass is sponging up 
on the ground that was fired a few nights ago. The prairie still continues to burn; the light 
can he seen at a distance of 45 miles from camp, near the Sacramento river. The mules and 
stock, (the former hobbled,) under a strong guard, grazed during the night. The animals 
which returned with Lieutenant Marshall were the only ones fed with corn. 
Although the water of the Pecos is somewhat salty, and that of the Delaware creek consid¬ 
erably impregnated (from the springs above) with sulphur, yet the use of it has not been fol¬ 
lowed by any injurious consequences to the health, of a serious character. Some few of the 
party have been attacked, hut not seriously, with diarrhoea, which disappeared in two or three 
days on applying simple remedies. It is observed that the animals prefer the sulphurous water. 
Lieutenant Garrard made some surveys in the vicinity of camp, which will he duly noticed. 
We have added largely to our collection in natural history, &c. All repairs to wagons, 
harness, &c., are being made; indeed all hands are usefully employed. Observations for the 
time made during the day, and at night for latitude and longitude. 
Same Camp — Friday , March 17, 1854.—Lieutenant Marshall presented the following report, 
in compliance with the concluding paragraph of instructions dated 14th instant: 
Camp near Falls of Pecos, 
March 17, 1854. 
Captain : In obedience to instructions received from you on the 14th instant, I have the 
honor to report the result of the expedition under my charge. 
