APPENDIX A.—DIARY OF THE EXPEDITION. 93 
Mules driven in at sundown, fed with corn, hobbled, and turned out to graze as usual. Ob¬ 
servations made for time and latitude. General direction,-; miles, 14 7 V 
Camp No. 58— Sunday , May 14,1854.—There fell during the night a very heavy dew; indeed 
the heaviest we had yet experienced. This morning was cold and damp. 
Left last camp at half-past 6 a. m., and resumed our course. Our road for some distance 
was over a fine rolling prairie, with settlements scattered along, beautifully located. About 
seven miles we entered a densely-timbered wood, the road through which was miserably had. 
It appeared to have been recently covered over with water. At its eastern edge it is hounded 
by a rapid and deep stream, with high and miry hanks, which must he nearly impassable after 
heavy rains. It occasions a considerable amount of labor to cross it. This stream is called the 
“ Big Mineral,” in consequence of its waters, when high, becoming brackish. Having crossed, 
we resumed our march over a capital country. Soil excellent; abundance of timber, (post-oak, 
elm, &c.,) water, and grass. 
Mitchell, the express, met us at about 9 a. m., bringing some letters from Washita. He had 
selected the camp as directed. Reached camp, which is about six miles from Preston, at 12 
noon, on the margin of a small running stream, evidently proceeding from a spring. The 
water is slightly brackish. We had no occasion to use it, as there was plenty of rain-water in 
the ravine round our camp. As on the previous day, we passed several small streams and 
rivulets, all tributary to the Red river. 
We met a gentleman, (Mr. Massie,) an extensive land-owner, from whom we received consid¬ 
erable information about the navigation of the rivers, &c. He remained with us some time in 
camp. 
Our encampment is situated at a short distance from an extensive farm. There is a large 
number of peach-trees planted here. Mules treated as on the previous evening, &c. No obser¬ 
vations made. General direction,-; miles, 14 T 4 TJ . 
Camp No. 59— Monday , May 15, 1854.—Moved on to Preston, distance 5^ miles. Spent 
nearly the whole day in crossing to the east side of the Red river. Preston is situated on a 
bluff, one hundred and fifty feet above the bed of the river, and is a small, dilapidated place, 
containing probably five hundred persons. Encamped near Tyson’s farm. 
From May 15th to May 25th, employed in discharging the men and selling the animals and 
wagons; then moved forward to Fort Washita, where the field-work of the expedition was 
closed. On the 10th of July moved forward to Fort Smith, and from thence to Washington 
city. 
