APPENDIX A.—DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 
83 
noon run into this stream. The gypsum formation here is somewhat analogous to that of 
Delaware creek. Our animals were watered, and our kegs filled. We resumed our route over 
an undulating plain, and three miles farther came to another tributary of the Brazos ; the 
hanks here had also to he cut down. The water in this ravine is intolerably saline. We 
nooned here for about two hours ; turned the animals out to graze. Having proceeded about 
fifteen miles, we intersected a wagon trail, running north and south ; this is supposed to he a 
trail from some of the upper posts or towns in the northern part of Texas to Marcy’s trail. We 
saw a trail which had evidently been traversed by a large party of Indians. Our route to-day 
was over a fine country in every respect. We had timber of a great variety, and tolerably large 
growth ; in fact, if the timber in this section of the country was not stunted in its growth by 
the constant firing of the prairie, there could not he a better timbered country. We found 
mezquite, oak, china, cotton-wood, &c., of a pretty large size. Beached camp at half-past 4 
p. m., on the dry bed of a ravine ; wood abundant; grass not so good as it has been. Immedi¬ 
ately before coming into camp we encountered some heavy sand. Ho water at camp. Animals 
grazed, &c.,- as usual. Ho observations taken. General direction north, 60° east; miles 17 T V- 
Camp No. 41— Wednesday, April 19, 1854.—Left last camp at 15 minutes after 6 a.m.; 
continued our course over an excellent road, and through a fine country. We did not encounter 
so many ravines as we had for some days previous ; crossed two having a northerly direction. 
After proceeding twelve miles, we descended about thirty feet from the plateau to a level plain. 
The face of this descent is composed of limestone and red sandstone—the former in horizontal 
strata; decomposed gypsum was pretty thickly scattered around. A little to the south of 
where we descended the bluff is nearly 100 feet high, and nearly perpendicular. The country 
continues well wooded, with grass in abundance. It is to be observed that the mezquite-tree is 
the principal growth—oak, cotton-wood, &c., scarce. Our road to-day was good and firm; 
one or two places, some little sand. Found no water until we camped, at 15 minutes after 1 p. 
m., on a ravine running northeast. This water is strongly impregnated with gypsum, tasting 
bitter ; it appears to be permanent; it is best where the rocks are thickest; it was very saline 
in some holes which we dug. Wood abundant; grass excellent, both prairie and grama. 
Animals grazed, guarded, &c., as usual. Ho observations taken ; the day and night cloudy, 
with every appearance of rain. General direction, north 60° east; miles, 18 fg. 
Camp No. 42— Thursday, April 20,1854.—Left camp at 20 minutes to 7 a. m., and crossed the 
ravine upon which we camped. We continued our course through a fine, well-wooded country, 
over a hard, firm road. The appearance and character of the country is somewhat similar to 
that of yesterday. Having passed a dry ravine, at 11 T 6 0 miles we came to a creek with tolerable 
water, at which we nooned; the water was rather scarce, but much better than where we stayed 
last night. Our animals were watered, and turned loose to graze for two hours. The bed of 
the creek is muddy and miry ; the banks are steep. This creek must have a very rapid and 
deep current during the rainy seasons. Here, for the first time since we started, we found a 
considerable growth of elm. This tree, though it grows here tolerably large, yet does not attain 
the size to which it arrives in the States. Its thick foliage makes a pleasant shade from the 
heat of the sun. We saw on the banks what appeared to have been a dragoon camp; it must 
have been made two years since, probably by a scouting party. 
Before nooning we started a wild turkey, which afforded a capital “run”—some of our best 
animals were immediately after him. For a little time the chances for his escape seemed highly 
probable; the poor fellow scampered off in great style, baffling all pursuers but one, a Mexican, 
named Jose, who lassoed or lariated him. The bird succeeded in slipping through the noose. 
This rather novel proceeding seemed to astonish him (the turkey) so much, that he lost his 
presence of mind. However that may be, he certainly lost the use of his legs, was captured, 
and brought into camp amidst acclamations—his beautiful plumage exciting the utmost admira¬ 
tion. This bird weighed 16f pounds. The mules being hitched up, we found a good crossing 
and passed the stream safely. 
