January 1860

Sabbath, January 1. The New year makes its appearance cold in the emblem of purity.A snow some two or three inches deep covers the ground this morning. The sky is clear, but

frost is flying in the air, and it is quite cold. Went to town this morning, found the stores open and crowded with customers, and the merchants bartering or sell[ing] their goods as though there was no such a thing as the Sabbath, or a command to keep it holy. I spent a good portion of the day in my bed, not feeling well able to get up. I feel considerably debilitated tonight. Thus, the new year commences. What will be the results of this year? How many hopes will be blasted! How many that are now joyous and gay, and basking in all the fullness of pleasure, strangers to care and privations, will see another new year come around, be the subjects of charity, of pity, and indiscribable misery and suffering?

But it is to be hoped that this year will also be fruitful of blessings innumerable to the human family! and O that I may have wisdom to discharge all known right!

Monday, January 2. The morning was very frosty and tolerably cold. 58 students in school today, only tolerably well behaved.

Have not felt atall well today. A very cold south wind has blown the most of the day.

Tuesday, January 3. The morning was cold and frosty, the day tolerably mild and pleasant.65 students in school today. Feel considerably better tonight than I have for several previous

nights.

Wednesday, January 4. The morning was frosty but not very cold. [T]he day has been quite pleasant. 66 students in school today; the labor is very intens. I do not feel well tonight. Have four boils on my face and one on the muscle of my left thigh at this time.

Thursday, January 5. The morning was cloudy and tolerably cool. The day continued cool and cloudy. 71 students today. Feel better tonight.

Debating society met tonight.Finished the study of two volumes today, one on Rhetoric, and the other on Anatomy,

Physiology, and Hygiene. Am pursuing two volumes of history also.

Friday, January 6. A considerable rainfall last night and this morning till near 12 o'clock.The sun then shone out and the evening has been very pleasant, and nature presents a different

appearance to what it did last Saturday night.55 students in school today. Speaking this evening. Have felt very unwell all day.The night is beautiful and pleasant.

Saturday, January 7. The day has been very pleasant indeed. Spent in various occupations, reading, garment cutting, &c.

Felt much better today and this evening, till supper, when I ate too much and have not felt well since.

Sabbath, January 8. The day has been remarkably fine indeed. Not a cloud to be seen, no wind, and the air very pleasant. Spent the morning reading.

At 12 o'clock went to preaching and heard Rev S. Wright preach from Paul's letter to the Corinthians, speaking of every man's work being tried, and of Christ being the chief corner stone or the sure foundation, on which if any man build gold, silver, or precious stones, wood, hay, stubble &c. He differed from some in the application of this text thinking that it refers to the preacher and his works of additions to the church. Mr. Arnett buried his little son in town this evening.

Monday, January 9. The morning was warm and cloudy, and the day has continued pretty near the same. 82 students in school today.

It seems that they "still come." I suppose they will stop after a while.Do not feel well tonight. Hope I may yet feel better.

Tuesday, January 10. The day has been rather cloudy and warm. 80 students in school today.Feel tolerably well tonight.Just at sundown, after the day had been quite warm and calm, a Norther blew up and is now

blowing severely, though not very cold.

Wednesday, January 11. The Norther was blowing freezing cold this morning. I went to school, had about 30 students. About 10 o'clock there was some thunder, after which snow fell heavily at times during the day. The wind also has continued to blow incessantly all day; and it is still blowing, and very cold!

Thursday, January 12. Still cloudy and snow and sleet is falling at intervals. So concluded to dismiss school till better weather. Spent the day principally reading. Still sleeting tonight. Some thunder today. The snow and sleet covers the ground.

Friday, January 13. A heavy sleet fell last night, so that the previous snow and the trees, and all nature, on the surface of the earth is entirely enveloped with a hard sleek quoating [sic]. Too bad for school today. Spent the day at home reading and giving instruction to the students of our house hold. It is not quite so cold tonight; but still there is snow falling occasionally, and the appearance is for a continuation of unpleasant weather.

Saturday, January 14. The day has been clear and warm. The most of the snow has melted off. Spent the morning reading, cutting garments, &c. At noon heard Rev Slaughter preaching. He was not so tedious as common preaching, only 1 hour and 3 min. Did but little this evening, but prepare wood for fires till monday. Had Parson Byars in my room till almost bed time; so my lesson was to learn after the usual hour. Traced out the Orion in the heavens tonight.

Sabbath, January 15. Spent the morning on my bible lesson, and Summers [sic] on baptism.At 11 o'clock A.M. heard Rev Byars preach from the words, "What think ye of Christ." He

delivered quite a practical address on the nature of Christ's mission to our earth to redeem man from under the cures of the law: and also the duty of man.

At night Rev Slaughter preached from the words "Worship God." He was very energetic and tolerably lengthy. A very good feeling seemed to pervade the congregation at the close of his sermon.

Monday, January 16. The day has been tolerably cold and windy. 65 or 66 students in school today.

New goods came into town today; one I bought part of, a teachers library. 6 volumes. Do not feel well tonight.

Tuesday, January 17. The day has been more pleasant than yesterday, it has been cloudy all day.70 odd students today. Have just commenced singing in the school. Feel better tonight than last

night.

Wednesday, January 18. The day has been clear and tolerably pleasant, though the air has been a little raw. 71 students today. Fell tolerably well tonight.

Thursday, January 19. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 74 students today. Feel tolerably well tonight. Debate tonight.

Friday, January 20. The day has been quite pleasant, the wind has blown some. 73 students in school today. Had a spelling match this evening, at which I spelled my students in the dictionary for the first time in a match. They spelled badly, about 28 of them being cut off twice in spelling about 3 pages.

The boys are "chivalreing" the town tonight with pans, bells, trumpets, pistols, guns, and the most savage, wild, and ferocious yells imaginable. [H]ow simple they are!

Saturday, January 21. Spent the forenoon cutting and hauling fire wood. Purchased Byron's, Milton's, Shakespear's, and Montgomery's practical works this evening, besides several small works. Feel tired tonight.

Sabbath, January 22. Spent a portion of the morning reading, and then went to church and heard Parson Harris preach from the 2d ch. of the Acts.

His object was to fully establish Campbellism by illustrating the use of the word "for"; and proving that it meant "in order to." He is an ignorant old man, somewhat whimsical in his notions.

Spent the evening to but little purpose in any thing. The day has been cloudy and warm.

Monday, January 23. The day has been warm and cloudy, and the frogs are bellowing tonight. 70 students in school today. Have bites that render me unpleasant.An exhibition of scripture scenes astronomy &c. illustrated by the magic lantern at the school-

house tonight. Tolerably large attendance.Had the following note this morning.

Hermitage, January 23rd, 1860Bro. J. H. Baker

Sir you are respectfully solicited to take supper at my house Tuesday evening the 24th.(confidential) Samuel R. Barber

Tuesday, January 24. The day has been cloudy and warm. 70 odd students today.Went to col. Barber's this evening and saw his daughter, Miss Olivia, married to H. H. McLane,

Esqr. by Rev G. W. Slaughter.Quite a good supper was served up, after which, the friends amused themselves by social

conversation upon various topics, until 8 P.M. when I, with several others left for home. Just as we were leaving about forty young men of the town came to chivalree the bride and groom, with pans, bells, pistols, guns, and the most savage yells.

But just as they were commencing their music, they were stopped by an express from the landlord. They retreated a little distance and set up a very menacing and taunting yell--defying opposition.

They were soon met by a Mr. Jones, son-in-law of Barber's, who effectively dismissed them, or intimidated them, from further action. So they went home. I got home before 10 o'clock.

Wednesday, January 25. The day has been warm and cloudy, and now it is raining. 73 students today.

Thursday, January 26. A small Norther blew up last night, and it has continued to blow tolerably cool all day. 75 students in school today. Formed a military company of the boys today, and give them the first lesson [in] drilling. They performed very well for the beginning and I hope they will do well.

Formed the acquaintance of Drs. Robinson and Valentine tonight. They are young men--new comers to our town from the state of Missouri.

Friday, January 27. The day has been clear and tolerably pleasant. 70 odd students in school today. Performed my second drill today.

Feel quite stupid tonight.

Saturday, January 28. The day has been tolerably cool. Spent the fore part of the day in my room reading, and making tampe [?not sure what the previous word is] measures.

Spent the afternoon in town, to but little purpose, by request of the Trustees of the school, some of them thinking the school too full. Nothing done.

Parson Slaughter preached at night.

Sabbath, January 29. It is almost clear this morning, the wind blowing a little but tolerably pleasant. But the bell has just rang for preaching at before 11 A.M.

Parson Slaughter preached from the parable of the Wise and the Foolish man.He gave a practical discourse showing the great folly of not laying the right kind of a foundation,

and the great benefit of laying the right kind of foundation.Rev Byars followed in a short discourse, or exhortation.After coming home I spent the time perusing a work title: "More about Jesus." I feel that I wish

to experience more about him! Oh! that I may think more about him and realize more of his presence! But the bell has just wrung for evening preaching. O that Jesus may be with me this evening.

Dr. Taylor preached this evening from the 10th of Romans, and attempted to overthrow all that had been said in the morning. All pious feeling seemed to be checked, and confusion to prevail.

I did not go to night meeting.

Monday, January 30. The day has been cloudy, and rather cool. And it is raining a little tonight. 78 students today.

Had 44 in my drilling company today. Learned them the "Right--Face." They performed it tolerably well.

Do not feel well tonight.

Tuesday, January 31. A considerable rain fell last night, but it has almost stopped this morning; and the wind is beginning to blow tolerably cold from the north.

It has continued to blow, and to get colder all day; and now it is a tolerably cold Norther. 74 students in school today. Had an interesting "drill."

This ends January one thousand eight hundred and sixty.

February 1860

Wednesday, February 1. The day has been clear, calm, and very cool. Did not succeed very well in drilling today. 76 students in school today. Had to lecture on order and decorum, and settle a difficulty between two of the girls this evening.

Thursday, February 2. The day has been calm, clear, and tolerably pleasant. 76 students in school today.

The drill was not so interesting today as usual. Debating society met tonight.

Friday, February 3. The day has been cloudy and tolerably warm. Had 45 soldiers on drill today. Elected officers--J. A. Lasater Capt, C. C. Slaughter 1st Lieutenant, C. M. McGlothlin 2d Lieu., W. A. McGlothlin 1st Seargeant [sic].

75 students today. Had speaking and dialogues this evening--Very good performance.

Saturday, February 4. A gentle rain fell last night and this morning till about 10 o'clock. Patrons of the school met this evening and agreed to continue the school as it is, pay me for the house, and build another. The Temple met tonight and initiated 4 new members.

Sabbath, February 5. A Norther blew up last night and continues to blow tolerably cool.Went to church at 11 o'clock and heard a circuit rider, Rev Kidd, preach from the words "For

none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself." His remarks were few, but plain and pointed. He assumed the position that believers were here referred to; for the sinner does live to himself--his notions proceed from selfish motives; his object is to benefit himself.

On the other hand the christian does not live to himself, he rejoices at the prosperity of others, he is interested in the good of the human family in general; yet he considers himself nothing, but "Christ is all in all" and the glory also is his.

Here is the test between christianity and carnality. The carnal man "is all in all" to himself; the christian is nothing of himself, but God is all in all to him, and in deep humility, with holy reverence, he acribes all the glory to his Creator, joyful that he has the privilege of being a servant of the Most High.

How few live entirely to God! how many live entirely to themselves, perfecting the works of the devil, not in fear, but in defiance of the wisdom, benevolence, and long suffering of Diety himself! Surely their damnation is just!

The day has continued to get colder, and the Norther increases. Spent the afternoon reading.Rev Kidd descanted upon the parable of the sower tonight, showing who were "wayside

hearers," "strong ground hearers," "thorn and brier hearers," and "good ground hearers." His remarks were very pointed and practical; and I think well timed.

Monday, February 6. The Norther has not blown today; but it has been cloudy and rather cold.72 students in school today.The moon is partially eclipsed tonight. Feel quite unwell tonight.

Tuesday, February 7. The day has been tolerably cold. 71 students today. Our "drill" was interesting and tolerably well performed. Commenced the study of "Chemistry" this morning.

Feel very stupid tonight.

Wednesday, February 8. Feel better this morning. It is clear and still this morning and the appearance is for a beautiful day. The day has been pleasant. 67 students in school today. Several students are confined from school by sickness. Report of Indian depredations just came in. Hope they are false.

Thursday, February 9. The day has been tolerably cold, a norther blowing the most of the day. 63 students in school today.

The report of Indian depredations of last night is confirmed. Two women have been found dead, others are gone, and houses have been robbed and property stolen.

Rev Slaughter preached in town tonight. Subject--the parable of the ten virgins. He was vehement and lengthy, as usual. He is certainly a man of great devotion and energy.

Have a severe cold and lungs much oppressed.

Friday, February 10. A large frost this morning. It is cool and clouds begin to rise.About 10 A.M. it commenced raining and rained and froze considerably till after 12 P.M.The clouds passed away and it is tolerably pleasant. A burying of N. Eldridge's child that died

this morning, took place this evening.53 students in school today.Feel sleepy tonight.

Saturday, February 11. Quite a heavy fog this morning. Also some clouds and the air is quite cold. Several persons are sick in town this morning. It is thought to [be] Typhoid Fever. An express came into town last night informing us that two of the women that the Indians took the first of the week have come in, and that the other two were killed. The Indians are still in that portion of the country stealing horses; and it is thought that there is a considerable body of Indians concealed somewhere intending to do greater mischief before they leave.

13 men started from this place today to pursue them. Success to the Rangers.Spent the day in a variety of little exercises not amounting to much. The evening has been clear,

calm, and pleasant.

Sabbath, February 12. The day has been tolerably pleasant--a little cool. Spent the morning reading.

Went to class meeting at 11. Felt well at it. Preaching at 3 P.M. By Rev Williams. He is quite tedious. The sick in town are not improving much; there are still new cases. Do not feel very well.

Monday, February 13. The day has been cloudy and warm. Sickness still prevails in the town and the vicinity. Quite a number of students are now confined, and some are thought to be dangerous. Only 43 students in school today in consequence of sickness. Commenced the study of Logic this evening.

Tuesday, February 14. The day has been rather cool. The symptoms of the sick are improving a little. 46 students in school today. News has been brought to town today that our men had a fight with the Indians killing one and wounding others. They also took about 61 horses from the Indians, [b]ut let the Indians get 13 of them back the same night. The sent the scalp of the Indian they killed to town.

Wednesday, February 15. The morning is a little frosty. At noon it is very pleasant. 42 students in school toady. Sickness and the Indian excitement have reduced my school very low indeed. I hope it will not get much smaller.

No new cases of sickness that I know of.

Thursday, February 16. The day has been cloudy and warm, and a few drops of rain have fallen occasionally.

The symptoms of the sick, in two or three cases, are worse this evening. No new cases that I know of. 45 students in school today. Debating society met tonight. Feel tolerably well tonight.

Friday, February 17. The day has been mostly clear, but windy and a little cool. 49 students in school today. The Temple of Honor met tonight.

Saturday, February 18. A small norther was blowing this morning. The day has been clear and the evening tolerably pleasant.

Spent the day in reading preparing school exercises, making a drum &c &c.

Sabbath, February 19. The day has been clear, tolerably warm, and windy. Went to col. S. R. Barber's this evening and spent the most of the day there. Have read but little today.

Monday, February 20. The day has been cloudy, warm, and raining a little. 42 students today. Rangers returned and have done nothing.

Tuesday, February 21. The day has been quite warm, cloudy, and the wind blowing a little. 42 students in school today. Several of the students still remain sick and some of them thought to be dangerous. Commenced a new system of school government by merit and demerit marks in the place of scolding and whipping.

It has worked very well today. Just now--at 9 P.M.--a brisk norther is blowing up. Not 1 hour ago it was too warm to be pleasant.

Wednesday, February 22. The day has been tolerably cool--a norther blowing all day--and is still blowing. 37 students in school today.

Some new cases of sickness in town: the old ones are improving. My marking plan is doing very well.

Thursday, February 23. The norther has blown tolerably cold all day; but it is calm tonight.38 students in school today.Debating society met tonight.

Friday, February 24. The day has been tolerably cold, the norther blowing the most of the day. 40 students in school today. Expelled one member from our company today, for contempt of company.

Speaking this evening. Tolerably fair performance.Do not feel very well tonight.

Saturday, February 25. Spent the day assisting W. G. Councill in auctioneering and invoicing his old stock of goods. The invoice amounted to over $1600.

Feel tolerably well tonight. The day has been a little cool. An Indian meeting was held here today, and a company of rangers ordered out to take the field on Monday next. Delegates were also appointed to attend a convention to he held at Weatherford.

Sabbath, February 26. The day has blown a little cool and windy.

Went down to the valley and spent the most of the [day] at brother G. W. Baker's.

Monday, February 27. The day has been windy and rather cool. 40 odd students in school today. Did not perform a drill today. Feel very stupid indeed tonight.

Tuesday, February 28. More Indian news came into town last night. It is reported that the four Indians were seen last evening a few miles west of town. Several men went in pursuit of them last night, and have not returned yet.

42 students in school today. It has been cloudy and raining a little at intervals during the day. And it is now 7 P.M., raining. I am so sleepy and stupid that [I] can scarcely keep my eyes open to write a few lines.

Wednesday, February 29. Our Indian hunters came in this morning and say the report of Indians was a false one.

The day has been clear, calm, and tolerably pleasant.Prayer meeting tonight.

March 1860

Thursday, March 1. The day has been clear and quite pleasant.March wind, at the commencement, has been very mild.44 students in school today. Debating Society met tonight.

Friday, March 2. The day has been warm and cloudy; and the wind has blown a little.40 odd students in school. Almost an entire failure in declamation this evening. And there

seems to be a corresponding failure of energy and resolution on any part.

Saturday, March 3. The day has been tolerably warm, though the wind has blown from the north. Spent the forepart of the day reading and arranging various school papers; and spent the afternoon in town attending to some business, and settling some business, or rather difficulty, between [some] Templers. More horse stealing in the vicinity by the Indians. Our circuit rider [W. L. Kidd] walked into town this evening, his being stolen by the Indians. The Temple met tonight.

Sabbath, March 4. Spent the morning reading various pieces. There was a fine shower this morning. At 11 o'clock went to hear Rev W. L. Kidd. He preached from "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

He was pointed, plain, and forcible showing that the works of the law will not justify any man, but it must be done through faith.

He came home with me and took dinner [and] spent the evening with me.At night he preached from the words, "The voice of crying in the wilderness prepare the way of

the Lord make straight his paths" &c.He was very practical--applying the text to the present time people and circumstances--

[r]eproving the common errors of the times and place. The Sabbath breaker, the profane swearer, the man that will defraud his neighbor. Showing what man might to do and what they ought not to do.

The evening is warm and pleasant.

Monday, March 5. The day has been quite warm. 50 students in school today.The grass is beginning to spring up and everything has the appearance of spring.

Tuesday, March 6. The day has been very warm--the warmest this spring.The Indians, we learn today, killed the mail rider between this place and Stephenville, last

Sunday. They are numerous in our country at this time, killing our citizens and stealing our property, yet the government affords us no protection, and we are too poor to protect ourselves. Truly we are a distressed people!

47 students in school today.

Wednesday, March 7. The day has been quite warm. Settled with W. G. Councill and found my bill amounted to $70. And after making all deductions and credits I am still behind $33.94.

43 students in school today. It seems to languish in spite of all my efforts.

Thursday, March 8. A considerable Norther blew up this morning and has continued to blow all day, tolerably cool. 47 students in school today. Debating society met tonight.

The Indian excitement is increasing and people are becoming alarmed.

Friday, March 9. There was a little frost this morning. The day has been tolerably cool, but calm. There was the burial of a child in town this evening. The Indians stole, it is said, 150 horses in this vicinity last night. The people are becoming still worse excited!

46 students in school today.

Saturday, March 10. There was considerable frost this morning. The day has been warm.Spent the fore part of the day reading, and preparing school documents. Spent the afternoon

clerking for a sheriff sale, which amounted to about $150.

Sabbath, March 11. The morning cool and frosty, and the day warm.Went to class meeting this morning; but there were only two others in attendance. So we had

only a prayer meeting. I felt somewhat encouraged even at the small collection.Great excitement and uneasiness now prevails on account of Indian depredations.

Monday, March 12. The day has been rather cool. 40 students in school today. More Indian news and excitement.

Do not feel well tonight.

Tuesday, March 13. The day has been tolerably cool. 36 students in school today.Indian excitement; selling goods at auction by the Sheriff. Moving in to town from the country;

all kinds of business languishing; bread stuff not to be had in this country at all, and very high 200 miles east of here, and but little money in the country, and the weather dry are a few of the general disadvantages that the people labor under at this time, in this section. While boils, itch, and general depression of spirit are a few of the particular annoyances that disturb my enjoyment.

Wednesday, March 14. The day has been tolerably cool. Our Rangers have returned and done nothing.

36 students today. Feel very unwell--very much like chilling.

Thursday, March 15. A fine rain fell last night, and all nature, as well as myself, seems refreshed this morning.

The day has continued damp and cloudy and a little cool. 32 students in school today. It is getting down very small.

Feel tolerably well tonight.

Friday, March 16. The morning was very foggy, and the day has been warm and smoky.About 31 students in school today. My assessment was not there, and the classes being arranged

as they were kept me very busy. Indian excitement continues, and our citizens are trying to make a second Ranger company to follow the Indians to their villages, and retake the horses that have been stolen from this vicinity. Success to them!

Saturday, March 17. The day has been tolerably warm. Spent the morning reading and making out accts; and the evening in loitering about town.

Sabbath, March 18. A norther has been blowing all day tolerably cool.Preaching appointee but the preacher did not come. It was turned into a prayer meeting. I have

spent the most of the day in my room reading.

Monday, March 19. There was a heavy frost this morning; but the day has been quite pleasant. 34 students in school today.

The Indian excitement is still kept up.

Tuesday, March 20. The day has been warm and pleasant. 35 students in school today.A very severe case of Cramp-colie occurred in town this evening.

Wednesday, March 21. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 34 students in school today. I am getting weary of the session!

Thursday, March 22. The day has been cloudy and warm. 30 odd students in school. Spent the day in a precursory examination. The performance of the students not very flattering.

Friday, March 23. The day has been cloudy and a little cool. The examination of the students came off today. It was tolerably well attended, and, I think, met the expectation of the people, though it was not as good as I desired, or expected.

We had a very appropriate and interesting oration from T. J. Stokes, Esqr.The prizes were awarded as follows: First prize of the boys for declamation--Tolbert Robertson,

subject of piece, "The Village Blacksmith," prize Byron's poetical works. First prize of the girls for reciting pieces, Martha F. Hullum, Subject--Frienship [sic]. Prize, Milton's poetical works. First class in tickets Sarah T. Jowell. Prize Popular Superstition and Mesmorism [sic]. Second, Tolbert Robertson--Rollo's Phylosophy [sic]. Third Martha Lehy--Ray's Arithmetic, 2d part. Fourth, John Cureton--Parker's 1st Reader.

After the excercises were through, the students and citizens formed a procession and marched to town with a banner and music at the head of the procession.

The crowd then was dispersed, and all went to their homes in a cheerful mood.

Saturday, March 24. The day has been tolerably pleasant, though some wind from the north yet.Spent the most of the day making out my school accts. Which accts amount to $476.86 of which

$122.67 cts. is due my assistant, having $456.86 cts. to my part for five months, out of which [are taken] my board and school expences [sic], which [are] $56.00 cts. leaving me a net profit of $400.29.

Hard earned money.

Sabbath, March 25. It is cloudy this morning, raining a little and tolerably cold wind blowing from the north. The day has been cold and unpleasant. Spent the most of the day reading, and payed a visit to the family of Parson Byars this evening.

Monday, March 26. The day has been cold and disagreeable. Started a class of three in garment cutting today. But spent the most of my time in the store for Mr. Layne and sold about $50 worth of goods for him, and received a new load this evening. The Rangers elected their officers today. S. F. Jones Lieu. and A. Hart 1st Searg.

Tuesday, March 27. There is considerable frost this morning. The day has been very cold indeed for the season of the year.

Spent the day alternately at the store selling goods, and at the house giving lessons in garment cutting.

Mr. Lane returned this evening, so I will be confined in the store [no] longer.The frost killed the weeds, young leaves, and quite a quantity of garden vegetables.

Wednesday, March 28. The frost is much larger and the freeze much harder than yesterday morning.

The day has been quite pleasant. Continued my marking school today.

Thursday, March 29. There was some frost this morning, but the day has been tolerably pleasant. Spent the fore noon finishing my class in garment cutting. And spent the evening in town getting subscribers for my next school. Feel unwell this evening.

Friday, March 30. The morning is tolerably cool, a little frost, and the wind is beginning to blow from the east. The evening was warm.

After attending to several little business items, I went down to the valley and stayed all night at G. W. Baker's--Walked down.

Saturday, March 31. The wind has been almost incessantly blowing from the north west today, being very unpleasant. Came to I. W. Cox's this morning, and got a horse to ride to town.

After coming to town I set about my business and succeeded in lifting a note of thirty three dollars that was in the hands of the magistrate ready to be issued upon.

And also in paying W. M. Peters and co. $10 on my acct. Settled with the Landlord, my board bill and all accts with him. The accts. were upwards of $50. I am .57 cts in his debt.

The Temple met tonight.March has passed away with all its excitements, Indian depredations, cold winds, heavy frosts,

&c. Just two years and one month since I left the paternal roof and have been wandering among strangers in a strange land, but the best of all is the Lord is and has been with me. Praise be to his holy name!

April 1860

Sabbath, April 1. The morning was cool and the wind blowing from the north made it quite unpleasant. The day has become more pleasant. Spent the morning partly in reading and partly in preparations to start a trip to Hubbard's creek in Buchanan county. I promised to go with John Hittson and John Pollard and remain there part of the week. I have not spent a more uneasy and restless day for eight months than today has been to me.

Monday, April 2. Spent the fore noon making settlements with my customers. After dinner started to Hubbard's creek. Got to Ironi and stayed all night at the Rangers' camp.

Tuesday, April 3. The wind blew very hard all day. Went from camps to Hittson's on Hubbard's creek in Buchanan county.

Fine lands and good grass up here.

Wednesday, April 4. Spent the fore noon doing but little.After noon attempted to start home but one of our horses getting away, we hunted for him and

oxen all evening. Stayed all night at Hittson's again.

Thursday, April 5. Started home this morning early, traveled hard and got to the Rangers camp and stayed all night again. They are searching diligently [sic] for Indians but do not find any.

Friday, April 6. We appraised a part of the Rangers's horses, guns, pistols, and horse equipage.Came from there, by town, and on to the valley to G. W. Baker's and stayed all night. The day

has been very warm.

Saturday, April 7. Went to town this morning on various kinds of business--Settlements, &c. Came back to G. W.'s again and stayed all night. (Came from town after night)

Sabbath, April 8. Spent the fore part of the day doing nothing of importance. Went to F. Baker's in the afternoon. Came back to G. W.'s and stayed all night. Very hot today.

Monday, April 9. Came to town early this morning, give bond, and was sworn in as Deputy Sheriff.

Several cases put into my hands. Have to start in the morning.I hope I may have good luck in business and discharge all my duties.

Tuesday, April 10. Started from town with Dr. Robertson, went to Ward's and levied on a negro called Jake. Went from there to Current's, on Palo Pinto and put up a notice of Sheriff sale, also a notice for I. W. Price, Assessor and Collector for Palo Pinto county.

From Current's, went to J. H. Blair's, and left his commission as presiding officer of precinct No. 3. Also put up another notice for Price. Went from here to Count's and put up another notice for Price and stayed all night.

Wednesday, April 11. Came from Counts's this morning to Robt S. Porter's, and put up Price's notice and left a summons for Porter for Grand Juror. Thence up Buck creek, put up another Price notice at Brown's, and another at Eddleman's, thence to the head of Buck creek to Lavender's, left a summons for him as Grand Juror, also a citation and notice of Interrogations petition.

From here went to Saline creek and stayed at Hestaloe's. The most of the country has been a barren desert and very burdensome traveling.

Thursday, April 12. Put up a Price notice at Hestitoe's, another at Miltie's , another at Broox's on Barton's creek, and left a 4th at B's to send to Garland's. Left B's commission as presiding officer of Precinct No. 7. Also a summons for Thornton as Grand Juror, and commission as overseer of the road.

From Broox's went to Davidson's on Palo Pinto, left a commission there for G. F. Cowden as overseer of the road. Then to Mingus's and served a commission on him as presiding officer of precinct No. 5. ut up a Price notice here and left one with him to send to Davis's. Put up another at the school-house near Mingus's.

Then undertook to go to Braman's but missed my way--bogued about the woods for some time--and finally at night fell in at Lloyd's where I stayed all night.

Friday, April 13. Started before day on a turkey hunt, found one just at day, when I was allowed to shoot at it but did not kill it.

Then went to Braman's and served a subpoena on him. Went back to Brown's for Breakfast and summoned him as petit juror. Put up the last Price notice here. Came from here, by Cochran's, and down Lake creek to Wheat's and served a citation on him.

Then came to town. My four days' trip has been very very tiresome and the most of the time very lonesome. My horse has given out. The Temple met tonight.

Saturday, April 14. Spent a part of the morning writing and the remainder attending to Sheriff business. After noon cut 5 cats [sic] for Dillahunty and Hunter. Collected the money on a judgment in my hands, and after supper a prisoner from Jack county named John Owens was committed to my care.

He is charged with horse stealing. Have summoned a guard and left him in their care. We have had a fine rain tonight.

Sabbath, April 15. Commenced early this morning to get the jail in readiness for our prisoner, and after about a half day's work succeeded in getting it in readiness.

Afternoon committed him to the jail and turned the heavy bolt upon him. It creates quite an interest in the town, and almost all wished to go and see him in jail. It is an awful looking sight to see a hole [sic] and hearty looking young man possessing all the requisites of intelligence and refinement so degrade himself as to be chained down in prison for the low and degrading crime of horse stealing. He seems very much afflicted this evening. He tells me he has been a member of the Baptist church; but was drawn away from his duty by bad associations. He requested me to furnish him with a new Testament to read while he is in jail, which I did. The day has been quite warm and pleasant and vegitation [sic] is growing finely.

Monday, April 16. Spent the forepart of the [day] waiting for [Sheriff] John Hittson, and also for my horse, to come to town. Afternoon [received] quite a number of papers from Hittson and served several of them. In the evening started on a trip with papers to serve, went to I. W. Cox's and stayed all night. Had quite a small sprinkle of rain this evening.

Tuesday, April 17. Went from Cox's to W. G. Evans's, on Keechi, today. Summoned four jurors.

They have had a fine rain and some hail in this region of country. This is a beautiful country, and some good farms and a pretty fair prospects for a crop. My horse has almost given out.

Wednesday, April 18. Came from Evans's to town today. Summoned 3 jurors, gave 3 commissions, and served four citations. A heavy rain commenced falling when I was about 3 miles from town, and continued to fall till I arrived here. The ground is now covered with water, and I think, will be thoroughly wet, vegitation will now spring up, and I hope we will have a good season.

My horse is almost past traveling, walked a good portion of the way.

Thursday, April 19. It is still raining this morning. Returned several citations and served one this morning. Returned quite a number of papers this morning to the District Clerk. After arranging my paper and getting instructions from I. W. Price, as to the Assessor's and Collector's duty, I started on a tour for him. Served one subpoena this evening and went to J. H. Blair's on the Brazos about 18 miles from town.

Friday, April 20. Commenced the business of A&C this morning, stayed the most of the day at Blair's. But few came in, so I concluded to go to their houses and waited [for] several this evening and came to Barton's and stayed all night.

Saturday, April 21. Went from Barton's to the creek of Palo Pinto where I met quite a number of men going to the precinct to give in their property. We stopped by the side of the road, and I took an inventory of their property and received their tax.

Afternoon went from Palo Pinto to Buck creek and stayed all night at A. B. Brown's. Took a considerable list this evening at Brown's.

Sabbath, April 22. Went from Brown's to Parson Eddleman's and stayed all night. The day has been quite warm, and it is a fine season now.

Monday, April 23. Quite a number of men came in this morning and give [sic] in their property.After getting through with them, I went on by several houses, doing the business as I went, to

Wylie's on Barton's creek where I stayed all night. There are 7 or 8 Bachelors staying here and keeping "hall" without any female about the house.

Tuesday, April 24. Did the business of A&C here this morning after which I attempted to serve some writs I had in my hands against 3 of the Wylies. I got hold of one of them but could not keep him. The others got out of the way.

Went on from here to Gordon's on the head of the creek. Got dinner here and then went to Robt Martin's in Eastland co.

He lives outside any settlement in a rough, dreary wilderness looking place. The range is, however, fine, water good and he has his house forted in. Came back to Gordon's and stayed all night. Adventurous day!

Wednesday, April 25. Came from Gordon's to Brooks's this morning, where I spent the day, and took all the inventories that came.

Brooks is a plain, honest, old fashioned man with a large stook of cattle and making money very fast. Has now from 110 to 150 fine beaves to sell. He is liberal and generous at his house.

Thursday, April 26. Came from Brooks's to Loyd's today. Went by the mouth of Barton's creek and did considerable business thereby accomodating the people by saving them to trouble of going to the precincts. A considerable norther blew up this evening and the night was tolerably cold.

Friday, April 27. It rained a fine rain this morning and the day has been quite cool. Came from Loyd's to Ward's and stayed all night.

Did business as I came down Lake creek. The Lake creek country is an awfully rough country. High and ragged mountains and cliffs project up on both sides, while the valley, at most places, is very narrow and covered with briars and thick undergrowth making them almost impenetrable.

Saturday, April 28. Came to town this morning after being absent 10 days, traveling over quite an extent of country, taking a tolerably large list of taxable property, about 85 polls, 147 children on the scholastic list and collecting about $137 tax money. Spent the most of the day in town, part of the time taking down the tax list, preparing the courthouse for court next week, and making out and returning my papers. I am inquired of on all hands if I am "not a Candidate for Sheriff." I answer I do not think I am.

The air is still a little cool.

Sabbath, April 29. The air is still cool this morning. Went to church at 11 and heard parson Slaughter preach one of his long sermons. His object was to impress upon the minds of the people the truth that all are accountable for their own conduct, irrespective of the conduct of others. Parson Williams followed in a lengthy exhortation.

At 4 o'clock P.M. parson S[laughter] held forth again in another of his lengthy sermons. His matter is good, but his style is vehement and boistrous, and the length of his sermons detract from the interest that would otherwise be felt.

Monday, April 30. The morning was cloudy and cool and occasionally had the appearance of rain; but the clouds passed away it is clear this morning and feels a little like it might frost.

Started before breakfast this morning to summons witnesses for the court. Summoned three before breakfast, eat at J. J. Cureton's, borrowed a horse [from] him and made some distance for witnesses and returned to town by dinner.

Afternoon court was called, and the juries called in. The Grand Jury was empaneled, and judge Battle gave them a lengthy and interesting charge when they retired.

Part of the Petit jury was sworn and dismissed and the Sheriff ordered to finish it by 9 o'clock in the morning.

Court adjourned. Summoned eight witnesses today.Lot sales come off this evening, and I bought one, about three acres, for thirty six dollars. The

first town property I have bought.

May 1860

Tuesday, May 1. Spent the day about the courthouse to but little purpose.Not a great deal of business done in court. The morning was cool but the [day] has been

pleasant.

Wednesday, May 2. The morning is clear, and the wind blowing a little cool. The day has been tolerably pleasant. Court is still in session, but does business slowly.

I have done nothing of importance today. Hope I may not spend another day so utterly destitute of interest or profit.

Thursday, May 3. There are clouds, and the wind is blowing somewhat cool this morning. The day has been warm. Court adjourned today. Considerable business layed over till next court.

I have done but little this week. We hear that the Indians are in the country again stealing horses.

Friday, May 4. The day has been quite warm. Still reports of Indian thieving in the southern part of the county. Another fruitless day in business with me. Arranged the school room.

Saturday, May 5. Spent the most of the forenoon in town doeing [sic] but little. Attended to some little business in the afternoon and went to hear Parson Maderas preach. His text was, "If the righteous scarcely be saved, Where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

He showed that though they were scarcely saved yet they were saved: and though the sinner was a good moral and upright man, and was scarcely lost, yet he was lost eternally, without a change of heart. His discourse was plain, pointed, and practical.

The day has been very windy. No new news of Indians.The Temple met tonight.

Sabbath, May 6. Spent the morning in reading and singing till meeting time, at which Parson Maderas preached a very good, practical sermon.

Parson Kidd preached in the afternoon and parson Wright at night. They both preached good sermons, calculated to arouse the christian people to action and cause them to be more zealous in the discharge of their duty, unless they are almost entirely out of the way. O that I may keep nearer the way!

Monday, May 7. The day has been quite windy and a little cool. Commenced the 4th session of my school this morning, had 31 students. I hope I will not have so full a school as the last session was, so that I will not have to employ an assistant.

I hope also that the order will be better this session than it has been before.I feel quite unwell tonight.

Tuesday, May 8. We had a fine shower of rain last night, it is still cloudy and quite cool this morning. Feel a little better this morning

The day has been rather cool all day. It is clear this evening, nearly.31 students again today. Conduct very good. If the conduct of the students continue so good all

the session, there will be some pleasure in teaching this session.

Wednesday, May 9. The morning was quite cold, almost cold enough for frost.The day has been calm and warm and beautiful. 33 students in school today. Did tolerably well.

I find that my roving life has been a disadvantage to my intellectual improvement; for it is difficult for me to confine my mind to any thing long at a time.

Thursday, May 10. The morning was quite cool, but the day has been pleasant. 30 students in school today. Parson Williams preached in town tonight.

Friday, May 11. The morning is not so cold as the previous mornings have been. The day has been pleasant. 30 students in school today.

After school went down to the valley to Wesley's and stayed all night. Started about six P.M. and walked, distance about 7 miles and waded the river.

Saturday, May 12. The day has been warm. Assisted Wes in hoeing corn till about 4 P.M. and then walked to town. Did quite a job of hoeing; and it and the walk has tired me considerably. I think my sleep will be sweet tonight, though I have eaten "much" tonight.

Sabbath, May 13. Today has been very warm. Class meeting in the morning. Not well attended.

There was a burial in town this evening--Mrs. Fleming. Also a Mrs. Magnus was buried in the valley below here today. A shocking affair has just taken place here tonight! Just after the bell rang for preaching Mr. T. R. Harris' little child's clothes cought [sic] on fire and burned off of it before assistance could arrive. It is thought it cannot live.

Monday, May 14. The morning is warm and cloudy. The little sufferer that was burnt last evening died about 12 M. It has, in a very short time, passed off this stage of action to an other [sic] and happier state! All should take warning by this casualty.

The burial took place about 1 P.M. The day has been very warm. About 29 students in school today. I have felt quite stupid, and in bad condition for teaching.

Tuesday, May 15. The day has been quite warm. 33 students in school today. Just after sunset a dark cloud sprung up in the north, and the wind commenced blowing heavily; and now it continues to blow and a fine shower of rain is falling, which—

Wednesday, May 16. It continued to rain and blow till it put out my candle and stopped my writing and wet my paper before I was done. There is a heavy fog, and it is quite cool this morning. The evening was warm enough to be pleasant.

34 students in school today.

Thursday, May 17. There is a heavy dew and the morning is quite cool. The day has been tolerably warm. 36 students in school today. Had a little row with one of the boys this morning. Nothing serious.

Friday, May 18. The day has been tolerably warm. 36 students in school today. The Temple met tonight.

Saturday, May 19. The day has been very warm. Spent the day in reading, with a few miscellaneous arrangements for the school next week, and in lounging about the house.

Sabbath, May 20. The day has been pleasant, a fine breeze blowing all day. The most of the morning was spent by me in reading. There was meeting at 11 o'clock, but no preaching.

Prayer meeting in the evening.

Monday, May 21. The day has been very warm. County court is sitting today in our town. 46 students in school today.

Tuesday, May 22. A considerable storm blew up last night which seemed almost like blowing the house down. The power of the Allmighty is truly seen in the storm! The wind still blows considerably today. 45 students today.

Wednesday, May 23. The day has been tolerably pleasant, the wind blowing constantly. 45 students in school today.

Thursday, May 24. The day has been pleasant. 44 students in school today. Prayer meeting in town tonight.

Friday, May 25. The day has been warm indeed. 43 students in school today. Had a spelling match this evening.

Saturday, May 26. Spent the most of the day in writing a letter to father. Covered four sheets of large letter paper. Give him general statistics of all my business operations since I have been in Texas. Some what as follows: Total aggregate for all the sessions I have taught $1100. Paid to assistant teachers $200. Board $125. Store bills including medicines $50. [W]orth of book and Dr.'s bills $200. Paid toward my land $375. Balance $200 yet due. [all sic]

Sabbath, May 27. Spent the most of the morning in reading. Heard parson Williams preach at 12 M. He indulged in his usual style. Prayer meeting in the evening. The day has been remarkably hot.

Monday, May 28. The day has been another hot one. 41 students in school today. Whipped a boy for swearing. Parson Turner preaches in town tonight. Read some papers of Hittson's to execute.

Tuesday, May 29. There was a considerable change in the atmosphere last night, and the day has been cool enough to be pleasant.

41 students in school today. Whipped the same boy this evening that I whipped last evening, for a repetition of the same offense. I put it on him in such a way as to cause him to remember it a longer time than he did the last.

Wednesday, May 30. The day has been a little cool enough so to be pleasant. 40 students in school today. A Daguerriar is in town soliciting patronage. He has done nothing yet.

Thursday, May 31. The day has been tolerably pleasant. The ground is getting very dry, and the crop is needing rain very much.

40 students in school today.So ends May 1860.

June 1860

Friday, June 1. The day has been quite warm. 42 students in school today. Recitation of pieces this evening, did tolerably well. I have not felt very well, consequently have been a little cross.

Saturday, June 2. The day has been very hot. Spent the forenoon in writing notices to the patrons of the school, of the standing of their children.

At 11 o'clock heard parson Kidd preach one of his practical good sense sermons. From one of David's prayers, "Restore unto me the joys of they salvation" &c. He showed that the reason that the cause of Christianity languishes as it does, is that the professors lost, or forfeited the joys of the christian by sin, either of ommission or commission.

The Temple met tonight. There was also preaching in town.

Sabbath, June 3. Prayer meeting this morning. Preaching at 11 by Rev Kidd. Another good sermon. He showed that the mere pardoning of the sins of an individual was not sufficient to work a [trans]formation without an interposition of Divine grace to renew the heart and renovate the whole natural disposition of the man, and without this no man could ever be really happy, not even in Heaven.

Monday, June 4. The day has [been] remarkably hot! Even the brisk breeze that has blown the most of the day has been very hot! Like a warm breath blown into the face. 48 students in school today.

Tuesday, June 5. This has been another hot day, but not quite so hot as yesterday. 50 students in school today, and still they seem disposed to come.

Wednesday, June 6. The day has been remarkably hot. Rain is badly needing. 47 students in school today.

Thursday, June 7. The day has been cloudy, but still warm, even hot! 43 students in school today.

Friday, June 8. The day has been cloudy and very hot. 42 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening.

Saturday, June 9. A fine rain fell last night, and it is raining a beautiful shower this morning. How thankful we ought to be!

Spent the day to but little profit at any thing. Will I get to be a town lofer? [sic]

Sabbath, June 10. Spent the forepart [of] the day in close reading. At noon went to the house of worship, no person was there so there was no meeting. Spent part of the evening reading, though my eyes are so sore that I can scarcely read this evening. The day has been very hot indeed.

Monday, June 11. The day was awfully hot before, and till about 3 P.M. A cloud then came up and rained a little, and the wind blew cool and has blown cool enough ever since.

47 students in school today.

Tuesday, June 12. The day has been a little more pleasant than yesterday. 51 students in school today.

Wednesday, June 13. The day has been quite warm, though not so oppressive as some others have been lately. 48 students in school today.

Thursday, June 14. The morning is pleasant and a little cloudy. The day has been warm. 47 students today.

Friday, June 15. The day has been the hottest one yet. 47 students today. Speaking this evening. A sad tragedy occurred near town today--a boy was caught by the neck with a larriet [sic] fast to a mule, dragged over the rocks till his skull was torn off, and he died very soon.

Saturday, June 16. Spent part of the morning reading and writing and then went to Slaughter's who lost the boy yesterday by the mule.

Stayed there till in the evening when the corpse was brought to town and deposited in its final resting place. What a lesson this should teach poor, depraved man! Truly in the midst of life we are in death!

Sabbath, June 17. Spent the morning in reading and lounging on a pallet feeling quite unwell.Parson Slaughter preached at 11 o'clock. He was very pathetic, rehearsing the incident

connected with the death of his child. Quite an impression was made on the congregation, indeed there was more feeling expressed than I have seen in a congregation for some time. There was preaching again at 4 P.M. It was well attended and all behaved with the utmost respect.

The day has been very warm.

Monday, June 18. The day has been very hot. 42 students in school today.

Tuesday, June 19. Not quite so hot as yesterday. 43 students today. We hear that the Indians are again in the country committing depradations. What a shame!

Wednesday, June 20. The day has been very warm. 48 students in school today. We hear today that the Indians have killed two men very recently on Hubbard creek.

Thursday, June 21. Another hot day. 47 students in school today. Had a court instituted this evening and a trial was went into by the boys concerning the right of property. A jury was empanneled [sic] and the case regularly tried and disposed of.

Friday, June 22. Another very hot day. 47 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening.

Saturday, June 23. Spent the most of the day writing and composing a speech for the 4th of July next.

Several executions came into my hands this evening. Find considerable opposition to the Barbacue [sic] on the 4th in consequence of its being a Temperance arrangement.

Sabbath, June 24. A pleasant and brisk breeze blew all night. There are some hazy clouds this morning and the atmosphere is quite pleasant. All nature seems vocal with praise to the Creator. But alas! my laziness! my want of the power of Religion is deplorable! O! that I could control my passions!

Monday, June 25. The breeze has been cool enough to make the day pleasant.53 students in school today. Had another court among the boys this evening. Cut some

garments for Dr. Taylor's boys.There is a kind of hazy appearance in the atmosphere this evening, especially around the

horizon.

Tuesday, June 26. The morning is a little cool and there seems to be a general haziness of clouds, or dizziness in the atmosphere, corresponding with a similar feeling in my own mind.

The day has been quite pleasant. 47 students in school today.

Wednesday, June 27. A fine refreshing shower fell last night and all nature is calm, mild, and pleasant this morning. The day has been very pleasant. 46 students in school today. We hear that Col John R. Baylor very recently killed nine Indians on the clear fork of the Brazos.

A fine shower this evening.

Thursday, June 28. The morning is cool and pleasant. The day has been likewise. 46 students in school today. Did not feel very well in the forenoon, but feel better this evening.

Friday, June 29. The day has been tolerably warm, though pleasant enough it has been. 44 students in school today. Had speaking in school this evening, did tolerably well. The students voted for an exhibition at the close of the present session. Hope it may be successful.

I wish the bell would ring for supper!

Saturday, June 30. The day has been warm. Spent the fore noon principly [sic] in writing, though I visited town once or twice.

Spent the most of the evening in town, expecting to do some business but did not [do] any of consequence.

It has been rather a wearisome day with me. The Temple of Honor met tonight, and it had quite an amount of business of various characters before it. And equally as diversified sentiments exists among the members present.

The manner in which each side maintained grounds amounted almost to invective! Alas! for the frailty of human nature! Unrestrained and aside from the influence of Divine grace it is productive of untold and unknown sorrow, remorse, and anguish to those who indulge it--ie unknown to those who do not indulge in the shameful excess.

July 1860

Sabbath, July 1. The day has been tolerably pleasant--a cool and lively breeze circulating the most of the day.

Preaching at 11 A.M. by Rev Kidd--the circuit rider, from the parable of the "True Vine and its branches." He showed that without the fruits of the Spirit--Love, Tolerance, Sympathy, and a desire to do unto others as we would have others do unto us--we could not be grafted into the true vine, or if we had been and had had the oil of Divine grace burning in our hearts and did not produce those fruits. The lamp had gone out, had ceased to burn. There are also two states that a church may be in, viz: a state in which the form of Religion is kept up without much spirit, life, or animation.

And a higher and more exhalted station of spiritual life and pure religious enjoyments in which all move on easily and enjoy the smiles of the Creator.

Alas! for us! the former is our condition. O Lord, reclaim us from that condition! Have felt very much out of order this evening.

Monday, July 2. The day has been tolerably pleasant. The people have been preparing the barbecue grounds today. 38 students in school today. I have been scarcely able to keep up today, but feel a little better this evening.

Tuesday, July 3. The day has been tolerably warm. 37 students in school today; all seem to be busy preparing for the Barbecue.

Feel very bad tonight; am suffering considerable pain.

Wednesday, July 4. The morning was calm and pleasant. At an early hour the people began to assemble for the Barbecue.

At about 11 o'clock the Templers formed a procession and marched to the place of speaking; quite a number of ladies and some gentlemen joining them in the procession. Music on the violin and drum! Rev G. W. Slaughter read a chapter in the Bible, sang, and prayed. T. Wright then read the declaration of Independence. After which I made a meek effort on the subject of Temperance.

Col J. R. Baylor then brought forward his Indian scalps and gave a harangue upon frontier affairs. First telling his adventures in his recent fight with the Indians and how he succeeded in killing nine of them. He then noticed Col Johnston's movements showing what he thought would be the result of his expedition--the Indians protected and no good done for the frontier. Very probable, I think.

Capt Ward was then called upon, who also sustained Baylor's opinions.Dinner then came off in which all seemed freely [to] partake of the refreshments prepared.

There was quite a large attendance and all seemed to pass off well.It has been through much pain and unpleasant feelings that I have kept up atall; and I am now

lying down scribbling these few lines.The day has been very hot. At night the young people got up a pleasure party and enjoyed the

dance till a late hour. The lovers of Whiskey also took their part after night, and two of them had a little difficulty in which one got a small hole pecked in his head with a rock. What a contrast between the excercises of the day, and those of the night.

Fourth of July temperance speech, delivered by Jonathan Hamilton Baker:

Worthy Patryarc and Brethren.It is with feelings of embarisment that I appear before you on the present occasion. My youth

and inexperience almost revolt at the idea of appearing before those who are so much my superiors in age, experience and mental endowments. Treatis, after treatis, has been written; lecture, after lecture, has been given; and speech, after speech, has been delivered, insomuch that it seems that all has been said that could have been. And I fain would wish that some one more competent than my self had been appointed in my place tonight.

But if I can drop a hint, or advance an idea that will be of any importance to the great subject of temperance I will feel amply repayed for any labour it may have cost me, and the embarrisment of expressing myself before you to-night.

Intemperance is the offspring of so many, and such various causes, that it seems impossible to enumerate them.

Every capacity of the human system, when exercised on moderation, and with strict conformity to the laws of nature, is productive of enjoyment and happiness. The natural and moderate exercise of the properties, passions, and mental energies, when matured into habits of life, we call temperance.

And it is the abuse of them, by their unrestrained and excessive indulgence to the destruction of health and happiness, that we call intemperance.

When in eating or drinking we overload the stomach with meat and drink; and when in sleeping take more repose than is required for the renovation of our bodily and mental system, our excesses are always productive of nausea, uneasiness, indigestion, and stupidity, and we habitually become gluttons, drunkards, and sluggards and are a disgrace to our selves and society.

Intemperance is confined to no rank in life, it is found in the hut of the savage, the haunts of the learned, the hovel of the beggar, and in the palaces of Kings. The pleasures of sence, as well as those of the intellect, are susceptible of being rendered more intense by the application of stimulants. And in those stimulants are found all the great allurements to dissipation and confirmed intemperance. One man is easily stimulated by snuff, another by tobacco, another by wine, another by spirits and opium, and a fifth by high seasoned and stimulating food.

And you are all well aware that a constant use of any or all the above stimulants will result in confirmed intemperance.

And how often do you hear the unhappy victims of these excesses, execrating the very agents they employ in weaning down their existence.

And what does this prove? Why, it proves conclusively that the habits of dissipation and intemperance are to be resisted in their first formation; before they acquire the resistless force of torrents, before which all human resolution sink to no more! It was for this purpose that our glorious order was brought into existence, and it is still for this object that it continues to battle amid discouragement, disappointments and difficulties.

Since the organization of the first division of the sons of temperance in 1842. What has been accomplished by the order! it has extended its influence from the Manhattan across the rocky mountains to the father of waters! from the bleak and barren hills of Greenland to Montezuy's burning plains. And its influence has not been confined to our continent alone, it has unfurled its canvas to the gentle breeze and been wafted across the great Atlantic where in the spirit of benevolence it has hoisted the temperance banner upon European soil, and invites the Patriot, the Philanthropist, and the Divine to rally around the standard of humanities cause and help to complete the Asylum into which the Young, the middle aged, and the Old, of every nation, may enter and be secure from the oppressions of the vile demon intemperance.

Could the number of Youth who have been preserved from forming intemperate habits, the number of inebriates who have been reclaimed, restored their families, rendered miserable by his intemperate habits, and the broken hearts of innocent females that have been turned from mourning into joy, be brought before us and exhibited to our view, the scene would be sufficient to stimulate us to renewed and vigorous effort in the cause of temperance.

And often we have exhausted our energies we took to the ladies for encouragement, and expect them to fan the fire into a flame, and keep the [cause] still moving on.

When they will all unite and give us their entire influence, may we not confidentially expect the time will soon arrive when infatuate man will cease to bow at the shrine of Baccous, and intemperance, with all its evils, will be hurled from our land and country, and the long looked for millennium will [be] ushered in and our world transformed into a second eden, and all the sons of god will shout together for joy!

Thursday, July 5. The day has been very warm, the heat in the evening was oppressive. 37 students in school today. Feel much better this evening than I have for sometime.

Friday, July 6. The morning is calm and the appearance is for a hot day. The day has been very hot. Even the breeze that was stirring would come in hot puffs. 37 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. The news has just reached us that S[tephen] A. Douglass was nominated candidate for the presidency at the Baltimore convention. Also that the convention was ruptured and the southern wing nominated J[ohn] C. Breckenridge as their candidate for the presidency and Gen J. Lane of Oregon for vice president. Success to the last ticket.

Much excitement will now ensue and the two sections will be more thoroughly estranged from each other than they already have hitherto been. The contest will be between Breckenridge and Lincoln, I think. Though I do no think that either will be elected by the people. The election will then go to the congress of the United States and there it will be between the same two men, and I would not know which to bet on. Hope that right will prevail.

Saturday, July 7. The morning is pleasant--a lively breeze is blowing.Rode down to Col J. J. Ward's today on business. Found it very hot traveling, and found that the

corn crops on the way were almost entirely burned up and the hopes of the farmer entirely blasted for this season, so far as corn is concerned.

The Col is quite a gentleman at home, but unfortunately has gotten under the weather in money matters. Nothing of interest in town this evening.

Sabbath, July 8. Took passage on an ox wagon this morning and went to preaching on the prairie 5 miles north of town at Elm school house. Rev. Brashears late of Mo. held forth. He recounted the events of man's fall and the provision of salvation through the Savior and the great obligation that all were under to the Savior, or to God; and the Savior had lifted the obligation by his death, suffering, and resurrection, and that if we will properly humble ourselves before him, he will give us the obligation--and once getting the obligation we never can lose it. The latter idea I cannot subscribe to. At least I think we may incur another obligation, or forfeit the first donation by disobedience and sinfulness. In the evening he preached at Mr. Arnett's on the constancy with which Daniel served the Lord, and his reward for so doing. Winding up with an appeal to the people to imitate Daniel's constancy in the service of the Lord if we wish to receive his reward.

I think he is a very good meaning old man but I think he errs on the one point of doctrine, "The final, unconditional, perseverance of the Saints."

We came home in the evening, and was exhilirated by the ride. The day has been very warm.

Monday, July 9. The day has been very warm, the wind blowing in hot puffs, which are unpleasant. 45 students in school today. The heat has a tendency to cause debility.

Tuesday, July 10. The morning is tolerably pleasant. The day has been hot again, but not quite so oppressive as yesterday. 43 students in school today. I am now getting a start on my studies again since stopping to prepare my speech for the 4th inst. [In the] morning I got a lesson in Chemistry and Algebra, and in the evening one in Aids to English Composition and Universal Education besides a variety of miscellaneous reading--news-papers, journals, periodicals &c. &c. Yet it seems that I advance slowly in acquiring knowledge.

Wednesday, July 11. The day has been tolerably hot. 45 students in school today.

Thursday, July 12. The morning is calm, and the appearance is for a hot day. The [day] has been tolerably warm. 44 students in school today.

Friday, July 13. There are some clouds this morning--the sun shines rather dingy, and all is calm. In taking my morning walk, I saw a large ball, or blaze of fire on the top of the mountain north west of town: seemed to be about 10 or 12 miles off. It continued about 1 ½ minutes and then seemed to pass off in a north-westwardly direction beyond the mountain.

My first impression was that it was a house on fire; but then I discovered that the light was rather too pale. It had somewhat the appearance of the full moon just rising above the horizon. It was probably some meteroic phenomenon which in ancient days would be looked upon as the harbinger of some national evil or calamity that will soon happen.

41 students in school today.Had speaking and dialogues this evening. The Temple met tonight.Again another birth-day has rolled around: today I am 28 years old! Alas! how little I know!

How limited any education! Yet I am still trying to add to my stock of knowledge.During the last 12 mo. I have went through a review of Rhetoric, Intellectual Phylosophy,

Physiology, Anatomy, and Hygiene. Studied a work on Logic, studied the 2d and 3d books of the History of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Read 5 volumes on Teaching containing about 2400 pages. Besides a great variety of miscellaneous reading--school journals, newspapers, magazines, and at least one chapter on the Bible each day. I am now studying Chemistry (nearly through), Algebra, and Composition. I also keep up a course of reading on the subject of Teaching.

Am still engaged in teaching. Have succeeded beyond my expectations. During the latter part of the session [in] '59 the school was very full, had to employ an assistant. The winter session was also still more full, the whole number of students in attendance during the session being 112. Had an assistant this season who did me an injury pecuniarily.

My present session has reached the number of 65, have no assistant yet. My regular attendance is from 40 to 50. I have reduced my debt to about $200 and have about $300 due me besides the proceeds of the present session which will amount to near $300. The session is half gone. I hope to be able at the close of this session to meet all my liabilities, and have a little surplus left, as well as the tract of land purchased. I do not know what I shall do for the next year after the termination of this session.

My Religious attainments are almost an entire blank. I feel almost destitute of the vital principle! How weak my powers to keep good resolutions! I have been entirely too unfaithful, and my passions have almost got the ascendency [sic] over me, so that I am on precarious ground, and nothing but the power, mercy, and grace of the Redeemer will save me from shipwreck of the faith! I pray the Lord to interpose on my behalf, to give me his Spirit to aid my infirmities, and to restore me to his favor and image! That I may enjoy His presence and the smiles of His countenance during the next 12 months! That I may advance and grow to the fullness of the stature of a man in Christ. And that all the faculties of my body, soul, and spirit may be subjected to the Divine will on all things.

Saturday, July 14. This has been another hot day, very hot. The cedar breaks and mountains north-west of town are on fire, and the smoke fills the whole atmosphere making the light dim, and

giving nature a gloomy appearance. Though the fire is 8 or 10 miles from town, yet the whole face of the country, the ground, even in the houses the ashes from the fire are thick.

I suppose that these fires account for my meteor of yesterday morning--it was fire on the mountain.

Spent the morning reading. Was at preaching at noon, heard parson Slaughter preach one of his long sermons. He is certainly a good man, but I think he mistakes the length of time for his sermons. Spent the most of the evening in town to but little purpose.

Sabbath, July 15. Stayed all night at M. L. Dalton's last night and set up with a sick child.Spent the most of the morning reading. Was at prayer meeting in the morning and heard parson

Brashears preach from the Savior's commission to his Apostles reworded by Mark, "Go ye into all the world, and preach my gospel to every creature, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned." He first attempted to show that the Savior still calls and sends out ministers of the gospel, whose duty it is to preach a full and free salvation to all. Next, the nature of believing. There are two kinds of belief, viz: an historical and a realizing belief. The historical acknowledges a belief that there is a Savior who has atoned for our sins, and that we may accept of and receive the pardon of our sins through his merits.

The realizing belief takes hold of the principles of the gospel by a living and active faith in Christ, by whose merits our sins are forgiven and we realize the blessings of Redeeming grace and know it for ourselves. As an illustration of these two kinds of faith, he cited the history of Washington, all believe it, but who can be qualified [to say] that there ever was such a man as Washington? None of us, because we have never seen him. We believe that there is such a country as California, but who can be qualified to it? None but those who have seen it. In like manner no one can be qualified, or testify to a saving faith but those who realize it though all believe there is such a thing.

He seems to be very zealous in maintaining his doctrines, but I cannot agree with him on every point.

Parson Slaughter followed in a very pathetic exhortation, and there was considerable feeling in the congregation.

In the evening I was called on to go into the valley and attend some Sheriff business which prevented me from attending evening preaching. I very much dislike this part of a Sheriff's business.

I procured a horse and went to M. G. Nall's passing Mr. Ford's late in the evening with whom I had some conversation.

Monday, July 16. Stayed all night at Nall's. Went early this morning to Dr. Griffith's, served a citation on him and levied on a field of corn. Returned to town just in time for school.

40 students present today. At noon took bond of Griffith concerning the levy I made in the morning.

The forepart of the day was tolerably warm. There has been considerable thunder today, and this evening [a] heavy wind blew from the east for some hours driving immense clouds of dust before it; a few drops of rain fell, but none of consequence. The evening is cool enough to be pleasant.

Tuesday, July 17. The morning is calm, cool, and comfortable. The day has been pleasant. 46 students in school today.

Wednesday, July 18. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 43 students in school today. Had to chastise 3 small girls this evening for wrong conduct. A considerable little whirlwind passed through town this evening, causing some excitement. It started a little south of the academy, passed through it and scared the workman on it considerably in consequence of the manner in which it shook the rafters. Then passed on by Mr. Jowell's, blew off his milk house, scattered his fodder, and passed on northward.

Thursday, July 19. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 49 students in school today. What a dry country we have!

Friday, July 20. The morning is calm and clear, and the birds are singing joyfully. I have just seen a tub of hard corn gathered to grind raised this season. It is tolerably good looking corn.

The day has been quite pleasant. 45 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Had some lady visitors this evening.

Saturday, July 21. The morning is calm and warm. Studied my regular lessons this morning. Did some work on the school-house.

Sabbath, July 22. Set up part of the night at Hullum's, his wife being sick. Consequently feel dull and sleepy this morning. Read my regular morning lesson, and then slept till meeting time.

At 11 o'clock heard the Rev Dr. Taylor go off in one of his regular Campbellite sermons. The Bible is given as a testimony of the will of God concerning us. In it we learn all about God. Out of it we know nothing about God. It is impossible to have faith without history--history produces faith. We get inot Christ by baptism, where we receive the remission of our sins, and not till then. There the sinner gets into the body of Christ, who is the church, and realizes the efficacy of the Savior's blood. I think his theory presents several inconsistencies and errors that I cannot subscribe to.

I think there are two kinds of faith, an historical which all, except athiests, possess; and an active, living, and saving faith that all true believers, or christians, possess.

This faith, I think, is excercised, or may be, before baptism. But the Dr. thinks it is exercised in the act of baptism, and there the person receives remission of his sins. False, I think. Again he says it is attempting to do what God has not commanded, for a sinner to pray, or for christians, to pray for sinners. Another very erroneous opinion, and directly contrary to the teachings of the Bible, as I understand it. Upon the whole it was but a general exposition of the Campbellite system of faith.

Spent the most of the afternoon in a visit to Col Sam R. Barber's. The day has been very warm.

Monday, July 23. The day has been tolerably warm. 50 students in school today. Still new ones come.

Tuesday, July 24. It is calm and pleasant this morning. The day has been quite warm. 48 students in school today. Collected an execution against S. Spears. Amt $16.25 cts. Still more business in my hands.

Wednesday, July 25. The day has been quite warm. 45 students in school today. 2 new students and other applicants.

Thursday, July 26. The morning is pleasant. The day has been remarkably hot.48 students in school today.

Friday, July 27. Another hot day. 40 odd students in school today. Spent the evening in singing by note, a new exercise with the students. They did tolerably well.

Saturday, July 28. Went to B. F. Baker's this morning, and sold 42 hogs, levied on as the property of W. B. Hale. He brought $75.

Returned to town in the evening executed several papers. The day has been very hot. The dryness of the weather is remarkable. The Brazos river does not run atall. There is no running stream in the country, except small branches a small distance below the springs.

Sabbath, July 29. Spent the morning in reading, writing, and conversation. Afternoon heard Dr. S. S. Taylor advocate his peculiar doctrines.

Spent the evening about the same as the morning. Heard quite an amount of Abolition news this evening. It is reported that the citizens of Tarrant county have hung 10 Abolitionists lately. I hardly believe it.

Monday, July 30. The day has been very warm. 46 students in school today.

Tuesday, July 31. The day has been hot. [A] fine shower this evening. 53 students in school today.

August 1860

Wednesday, August 1. It is calm this morning, the air is cool enough to be pleasant. It has been a pleasant day. 51 students in school today.

Thursday, August 2. The morning is calm and beautiful. The day has been very warm again. 46 students in school today.

Friday, August 3. The morning is pleasant. The day has been warm. About 45 students in school today. Recitation of pieces this evening.

Saturday, August 4. Spent the morning reading and writing. At noon returned several citations and opened court for Dr. S. S. Taylor.

Spent the most of the evening in town to but little purpose. The Temple met tonight.There is considerable excitement and anxiety manifested concerning the election: the friends of

each particular candidate doing all they can to secure the election of their favorite. I am willing for the matter to be quietly settled at the Ballot Box by a majority of the voters.

Sabbath, August 5. The morning is calm, serene, and pleasant, presenting all the forebodings of a hot day. Have spent the morning mostly in reading. Have just finished the perusal of a religious work designed to illustrate the manner in which young children should be tought [sic] the first lessons of Christianity. It is illustrated and practical, and clearly exhibits some of the beneficial results arising from early and corrected training. It also points out, or brings to light, some of the responsibilities resting upon the parent and teacher and the great religious enjoyment to be derived from a faithful discharge of all the Christian duties in prosperity and adversity, health and sickness, in the ample enjoyments of all the comforts of this life, as well as in the dark and gloomy hour of death. How sweet the communion of the Holy Spirit! How rich the blessings of the Redeeming Grace! O that I could always keep in the valley of humiliation! and subdue the sinful passions that so often curtail my happiness, and seem as though they would hold me captive at their will!

Heard parson Kidd preach at 11 o'clock from the words "Many are called but few chosen." There are two things clearly implied in the text, viz: That many are called is one, and that few are chosen is the other.

Many are called from the fact that the ministers of the Gospel are canvassing hill and valley from one end of our country to the other and are continually calling all and exhorting them to come to the gospel feast. But some will not come. They acknowledge they ought to come but yet they will not. Others are so engrossed with the cares of the world that do not leave them long enough to come. And a third class even pretend to come, they join the church and make profession of Religion, but are so negligent of their duty that they will not be chosen. If the separation was now made in this congregation it is probable that but few would be chosen.

All expect to be chosen, and all expect that they will be chosen, but still they neglect to make the preparation necessary to be chosen, for [few] can pass the scrutiny of Divine Wisdom and Purity but the holy and the pure in heart.

How thoroughly all should be prepared for the final day of retribution. A short and impulsive effort of spasmodic feeling will not prepare a person for that great change. It must be an established principle wrought in the heart by the influence of Divine Grace in the heart. It must be acted out in the lives of all that will be saved. Then how important that all should come out on the side of the Lord and live consistent christians that they may die the death of the same.

Parson Mullins followed on an appropriate exhortation and the meeting closed.Spent the evening in reading and writing, sleeping &c. The day has been quite warm.

Monday, August 6. The day has been quite warm. 59 students in school today. Election in town and county today. The indications are, this evening, that R. W. Pollard is elected Chief Justice, T. Wright County Clerk, Jesse Hittson Treasurer. For Sheriff it is doubtful between Slaughter and Medders. For J. P., S. A. Oxford and J. J. Metcalf, for Constable Wm. W. Cain. There was very near a shooting scrape this evening, no one hurt.

Tuesday, August 7. Still warm. 47 students in school today. The election indications the same as yesterday, the returns are not all in yet.

Wednesday, August 8. About 10 o'clock A.M. a fine shower of rain came up, and it has rained, at intervals, all day. The air seems much refreshed this evening and the prospect is for more rain. I hope we will have rain enough to start the grass to growing again.

Thursday, August 9. There have been gentle showers today, and it appears that there will be a season yet. Hope it may be so. 45 students in school today.

Friday, August 10. There are some clouds this morning and it is quite pleasant. The day has been tolerably warm. 46 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening.

Saturday, August 11. The morning is clear and warm. Went to the old man Arnett's last evening and stayed all night intending to go on to the Quarterly meeting in Loving's valley.

But I was a little bothered in getting off so I did not go. Came back to town and spent the most of the evening in town to but little purpose. Took supper at parson Byars's, he has just returned from a long journey.

Sabbath, August 12. The day has been quite clear, calm, and pleasant. Spent the forenoon reading till meeting time, and then attended class meeting. There were not

many out at meeting, indeed it seems as though the people care nothing for class meetings. Spent the most of the evening at Capt Pollard's. Formed the acquaintance of Mr. Alexander, a

young merchant just about setting up in our town. He is a native of Poland. He give [sic] me some spesimens [sic] of the way schools are managed in Prussia. The children are required, by law, to attend school from the age of seven to the age of fourteen a portion of the time each year unless prevented by sickness. A fund is created by taxation to support these schools; an excellent law, I think and one that ought to be enforced in all countries at all reasonable times, and under all circumstances. It would work a gradual and wonderful change in the moral, political, and religious world. Crime and misery would be greatly curtailed and a new era in the history of the world be ushered in. Prisons and houses of correction would generally be dispensed with. And we might begin to look for that age of "light and love" that is so desirable.

Monday, August 13. The morning is clear and tolerably cool. The day has been tolerably warm. 53 students in school today.

Tuesday, August 14. The morning is very nearly the same as yesterday morning. The day has been pleasant. 52 students in school today.

A. F. Young, from Tarrant, came in today to go to school.

Wednesday, August 15. The morning is very nearly the same as the two last, only a little more smoky. The day has been tolerably warm. 55 students in school today.

Another Indian scalp was brought into town today. It was killed by Mr. Browning whose son was lately killed by the Indians.

Thursday, August 16. The morning is a little warmer than the others have been this week. The day has been quite warm. 55 students in school today.

Commenced drilling today. The polls of the county were compared today and resulted as follows: Chief Justice R. W. Pollard. County clerk T. Wright. Sheriff B. B. Medders. Treasurer, Jesse Hittson. Commissioners Peaveler, Williams, Blackwell, and Wadkins. Beat officers JP Sam A. Oxford and J. J. Metcalf. Cons[table] Wm. W. Cain.

There is a probability of the election's being contested, if so it is uncertain who will fill the offices of the county. There will be strong efforts to succeed on both sides.

Friday, August 17. The day has been warm. 53 students in school today. Spent the afternoon, after recess, reciting pieces and dialogues. The Temple met tonight.

Saturday, August 18. The morning is quite pleasant. Spent the forenoon in reading and preparing school papers. Spent the most of the evening in town but to little purpose.

Sabbath, August 19. Spent the forenoon in reading and sleeping. At 11 A.M. heard parson Byars deliver a lecture on prayer, first giving a Bible exposition of the nature of prayer, secondly an illustration of the Lord's prayer from the Bible, and finally closing with an exhortation to the members of the church to [be] dilligent in prayer--especially heads of families around the family altar and at regular weekly prayer meetings.

At the solicitations of the Parson's lady, I went home with him for dinner. She is quite hospitable and social at home--an English lady of very peculiar temperament. The old gentleman's lungs are weak and consequently he cannot speak long. [I]t seems to grieve him considerably as he is anxious to preach and arouse the people from their cold lethargic state. He seems to be a man of much firmness, strongly devoted to his peculiar church doctrines, and grave and dignified in his deportment.

The old gentleman gave me a description of two sea animals I had not heard of before. The Sea nettle and the Stingeree. The former a huge looking creature of square form with papellia [sic] on the side that sting like nettles. The Stingaree [sic] is a kind of shell fish of round form and very long tail with a sting in the end of it, no mouth perceivable.

We were shocked this evening by the news of Indians in the neighborhood. They killed a negro within 1/2 mile of the town survey, stole his horse and took what money he had in his pocket, about $15. He was brought into town a bad looking specticle [sic]. He was shot through with an arrow.

Monday, August 20. The negro was buried today. Nothing has been discovered with regard to the Indians. A few of the citizens have gone in pursuit.

There have been clouds the most of the day, and a fine shower this evening. The air is pleasant. 47 students in school today.

Tuesday, August 21. There are clouds this morning, and it is cool enough to be pleasant.There were clouds the most of the day, and a fine shower fell in the evening. The appearance is

for plenty of rain now. Hope we may have plenty. 57 students in school today.

Wednesday, August 22. It is cloudy and misting rain this morning. The day has been pleasant with occasional showers. 51 students in school today.

Thursday, August 23. The morning is cool and cloudy. The day has been pleasant. No rain. 46 students in school today.

Friday, August 24. Cool and cloudy this morning. There have been some gentle showers today. It is warm and a fine growing season. 47 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening.

Saturday, August 25. The day has been generally cloudy and some misty showers this morning. Spent the forenoon in a variety of exercises, reading, writing, calculating, and regulating school papers, &c. Spent the most of the afternoon in town in justice's court and loafering [sic].

Sabbath, August 26. It is quite cloudy this morning and fine showers fall at intervals. There have been heavy showers this evening. Spent the day in the house reading, writing, and sleeping.

Monday, August 27. The day has been cloudy, misty, and cool. It was cool enough this morning to have fire in the school-house. 35 students in school today.

Tuesday, August 28. There has been no rain today; the day has been cool and pleasant. 43 students in school today.

Wednesday, August 29. The day has been pleasant. There have been clouds at times, and light showers. 50 students in school today.

Thursday, August 30. The day has been pleasant. A fine shower of rain fell this evening. 48 students in school today.

Friday, August 31. The day has been quite warm, and occasional showers. Just before sundown a heavy cloud came up, and a very heavy rain fell which raised up the branches and covered the ground with water. It is still raining, 8 o'clock P.M. and appears as though it would rain all night.

There are great extremes in this Texas country. Sometimes we have no rain and at other times we have a surplus.

45 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening, the exercises were tolerably good. We had several lady visitors this evening, it seemed to stimulate the students considerably.

Tommorrow the Baptist Association will commence at this place. Several preachers and people came into town this evening for the meeting. If the rain continues it will be a very unpleasant time for the meeting. So ends the summer of 1860, with all its excitements and dryness. Hope we may have a pleasant fall and plenty of grass for winter, so that our stock will do well.

September 1860

Saturday, September 1. There has been no rain today, and it seems that the ground is not thoroughly wet yet. Spent the forenoon computing school accts, and preparing for my annual return, which is now due. At 11 o'clock A.M. attended church which was the opening excercises of the Brazos River Association assembled at this place. The opening sermon was preached by Elder G. W. Slaughter, from Eph[esians] on the subject of the building up of the church. He illustrated the building of the church by the building of Solomon's Temple. Solomon was the projector, or the one who gave directions as to the preparing of the material and had his men appointed in different countries to prepare the material for building the Temple, all of which was to be prepared according to a certain rule so that all would fit together, in order that the building might be reared up without the use of any tools. The workmen prepared their work according to the instructions given, and all parts harmonized in the construction, or rearing up of the Temple. Some however prepared material not according to the instructions given, which was not approved by the builders, but was rejected as rubbish.

The Savior is the verification of Solomon and has given directions to the builders how to prepare the matierial, and what the material must be before it can enter into the building. The preachers in the various parts of the world are builders, they have the Bible for their book of instruction, and all the teaching and practice that does not conform to the teachings of the Bible will be rejected as rubbish.

All should endeavor to understand these teachings in order that they may be properly applied and that none should be rejected in the final test.

All should endeavor to be united, and to cowork together in the rearing of the building.The meeting was then closed by N. T. Byars till 3 o'clock P.M. During the recess I spent some

time on my school return. Attended the session of the Association in the evening. It was called to order by Elder N. T. Byars and several churches presented letters by their delegates to the Association. Two letters were presented by one church [Shilo]--the church has had a difficulty and had separated--and both parties had sent delegates to the Association. The letters however were laid on the table till the next Association. The election of officers was then went into, and resulted in electing N. T. Byars Moderator. M. Ikard Clerk, Joseph Robinson Corresponding Secretary, and R. W. Pollard Treasurer.

The meeting then adjourned to candle lighting. At which time J. Robinson addressed the people from "And if the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" He said that the text naturally divided itself into two parts--and that some more engenuous [sic] workmen than he was divided it into three parts--making the ungodly and the sinner different persons. He gave an exhortation of considerable length, not doing much for the subject. He is a peculiar kind of man. Seems to be very sectional, or exclusive in his sentiments, desirous of using all arguments against other denominations he can find.

Elder Hofford followed him on an appropriate exhortation of some length.

Slaughter followed in an exhortation. The meeting then closed to half past 9 o'clock in the morning. All has passed off tolerably well though the amount of delegation is small.

Sabbath, September 2. The morning is cloudy and pleasant. Spent the most of the morning in reading and writing. Attended prayer meeting at 10 o'clock. Preaching at 11 by Elder J. Turner from the words "Go ye unto all the world and teach all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and so I am with you even to the end of the world."

His first object was to show that it was the Savior that commanded, and secondly that he had a right to command.

He then expatiated upon the fact that the Gospel must be sent to all the world as a sign unto all people before the end come There must also be means by which the Gospel is to be sent, that means must be furnished by the members of the church, not only unto foreign countries, but also among ourselves, and if they fail to do so they fail to discharge their duty. He wound up with an earnest appeal to all christians to discharge their duties in this particular.

He was followed by Elder N. T. Byars in an earnest appeal to the people to be prompt in the discharge of this christian duty--a duty as binding as any other, and [failing this] they cannot expect the blessings of God, spiritually or temporally. A public collection was then taken up at which time twelve dollars and seventy five cts were collected by the deacons of the church. The meeting then adjourned till 3 o'clock P.M.

At 3 P.M. the congregation came together and was addressed by Elder Holford in a zealous and devoted manner. The congregation was attentive and well behaved. After the sermon the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was taken by the privileged few that belonged to "our faith and order." And though there might have been other christians present, they were denied the privilege of communing with the few that enjoy peculiarities above the rejected.

This may be a christian spirit and mode of action, but whenever the consistency consists, or where those liberal sentiments that all christians should possess exists, [it] is a majority to me.

That a simple outward rite, not in itself essential to the salvation of the soul, without which almost all denominations of christians agree that a person may enjoy religion--and even the Baptists agree that others are christians about this rite--should abide all but our "faith and order" from the communion, I think is very unchristian, exclusive, and selfish.

But if others believe this to be right, I am willing to allow them their liberty of conscience to worship under their own vine and fig tree and not allow other irregular christians and those who have not been plunged into the water to molest or trouble them.

After singing a hymm they went out, not exactly into the Mount of Olives, but to as near its representative as possible.

There was some feeling in the congregation when they all came to gather and gave each other a hearty shake of the hand, but it seemed to me that the flow of sympathetic feeling would have been greater had all christians ben invited to participate in all the exercises.

At night Elder J. Robinson addressed the people from the words "God is love." He spoke about one hour and a half in a very vehement, boisterous, and uncouth style. Giving many awkward jesticulations, and using many repetitions to the wearying of the congregation. But, of course, he saw many good things, that if acted out in the lives of the people would make them better and happier. He was followed by Elder G. W. Slaughter in an exhortation of some length in his usual boisterous and drive ahead manner after which the meeting finally wound up for the night, the people generally feeling more refreshed from [being able to get up] from their hard seats than from the mental exercises of the night, so I think.

The day has been pleasant. No rain of consequence.

Monday, September 3. Spent the most of the forenoon preparing my annual returns to the county court.

Went to the Academy just before noon and heard a small part of a discussion on a litigated question before the Association, wherein one of their churches has separated into two parties and each claim to be the church and both parties have sent delegates and letters to the Association claiming their seats, and the body was discussing the matter. A motion was made to lay both letters on the table till next Association and request the two parties to carry the matter back and try to settle it.

I than came home and finished my report, eat my dinner, have my reports sworn to, and went back to hear the cause decided.

It was brought up in regular form and the discussion was continued till about 4 P.M. when the final vote was reached and the letters were layed upon the table for twelve months by a vote of 10 Ayes to 6 Nays.

There were then a series of small, or minor resolutions passed with passing remarks. These exercises became rather dull to me and I went into town and spent some fifteen or twenty minutes. But the scene was different. A crowd was loafering about the street, using profane language, throwing up "heads and tails" for a dime a throw, using such expressions as "I've got it by the jumping Jesus" &c &c.

I could but observe the contrast and admire the sober action of the Association though sometimes tedious, rising up of infinitely great importance about the low, shameful and degrading practice of the street loafer.

Spent the evening at home and did not attend the night meeting, but learn that they had several mourners and a fine meeting.

Tuesday, September 4. The morning is pleasant. Spent the most of it arranging several kinds of papers, specially the school papers. After which attended to examining a teacher who applied for a certificate of qualification. The Association then commenced its session which I attended till noon. They had a little contention about the same old difficulty of Shilo church but it was soon settled, and the business proceeded.

A committee was appointed to district the Association and retired for consultation. During which time the Association attended to the election of delegates to the West Fork and Richland Associations, resulting as follows. West Fork M. Ikard and J. Robinson. To Richland, J. Turner and G. W. Robertson.

The committee on boundaries reported that Parker county composed the first district. Erath the second, Palo Pinto and Buchanan the third, and Jack and Young the fourth. The corresponding secretary reported that J. Turner had preached 70 sermons, and delivered 70 exhortations, assisted in organizing two churches, and traveled 1000 miles. J. Robinson had preached 41 sermons, and delivered 30 exhortations, assisted in organizing one church, and traveled 500 miles. The adoption of the reports was moved and pending the motion, J. Turner addressed the Association at some length. Recounting his labors for the last nine months, showing that there is a large portion of territory in the Association [that] was destitute of Baptist preaching. He appealed to the christian philanthropy of the brethren to send forward the christian works among them, and even to the ends of the earth.

He was followed by J. Robinson, who recounted his missionary labors and deplored the destitution in our midst, surpassing anything he had imagined before he commenced his missionary operations. He thought that all should make equal sacrifices with the missionaries themselves, and not suffer them to spend their time without remuneration.

G. W. Slaughter followed in a discourse of some length, speaking of the nature of the missionarie's work--the privations of home and family associations, the loss of training to his children and assistance to his wife in the ordinary business of life. That after being absent from his family and children for a considerable length of time, the mother might complain that such and one has done so and so, but the natural affection of the father was more inclined to forgive than to censure and chastise.

So their children often grew up without that amount of appropriate training they should have. He was very pathetic in his appeal to the brethren to be prompt in supporting their missionaries.

Rev N. T. Byars then confirmed all that had been said and requested the brethren to come forward and contribute their several amounts to pay the missionaries. Whereupon a collection was taken up, but the result was not announced.

The time now came for preaching and J. Robinson addressed the people from the words "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lost his own soul? or what will a man gain in exchange for his soul?" He preached a long and tedious sermon and the people were dismissed for dinner.

Afternoon the Association met again and transacted considerable business and adjourned for supper. At night Elder John Turner preached from the words "For as in Adam all die so in Christ all are made alive. But every man after his order" &c. He contended that no person would ever be lost for the sin of Adam, but that each would suffer for his own sin. Christ atoned for the sin of Adam, consequently

all that die in infancy are saved through the atonement of Christ. But after a person sins himself, he must repent of his sin if he is [to be] saved.

He was followed by Slaughter in a stirring appeal to sinners, and he called for mourners and a few came forward. There seemed to be considerable feeling in the congregation. But no one made a profession, I think.

Wednesday, September 5. Spent part of the morning reading, after which attended the Association. There were several reports of committees, and various miscellaneous business attended to preparatory to adjournment. And adjourned to 2 o'clock P.M. for the final reading, during which there was a long contention as to some trivial altercations and change of words, which caused them to occupy the most of the evening; but finally they got through and adjourned "Sine die." A long, tedious, and contentious session.

At night Elder Holford preached from the text "Now abideth Faith, Hope, Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity."

His discourse was long and tedious. He took up each part of the text and handled it for a considerable time. First Faith. He endeavored to explain the nature of faith and the requisites to produce faith. Hope was examined in its turn, and explained as consisting of two parts, desire and expectation, and as being essential to the life of the Christian. But Charity was far greater than both put together. Why? Charity suffereth long and is kind, is not puffed up, wanteth not itself, &c. And again, "It suffereth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. He then went on in a long successive train of exhortations to a late hour, which was only stopped by the brethren raising a song and letting him call for mourners.

Parson Slaughter then took hold of the meeting and carried it on in his lengthened and boisterous style till some time past 10 o'clock P.M. There were some few mourners, and some of the members appeared to be considerably revived.

Upon the whole they consider the meeting satisfactory under the circumstances.

Thursday, September 6. The morning is warm and pleasant. After the family moved out of the school-house that had camped there during the meeting, I opened school. Though the school was small, only 28 students being in attendance.

The day has been very warm; and I have felt rather sleepy part of the day.

Friday, September 7. The day has been rather warm, too much so to be pleasant. 33 students in school today. Hear Indian news almost every day. We hear that Indian sign is seen in the county. Some men go in pursuit occasionally, yet no discoveries are made, and but little excitement is produced by the reports, they have become so common.

Saturday, September 8. Spent the forenoon doing various little things, and nothing of much importance.

Spent the afternoon in town, part of the time I was assisting Esqr. Oxford in the store, by request of Mr. Layne. Hurt my back by lifting some flour sacks and I fear I shall be afflicted some days with it. The day has been quite warm.

Sabbath, September 9. The morning is quite cool. My back is very much out of order this morning.

The day is pleasant. Spent the forenoon in reading and writing. At 12 o'clock went to Class meeting. There seemed to be considerable feeling in the congregation, and I think the majority of the numbers present felt considerably encouraged, at least I did myself to some extent.

Prayer meeting was appointed for half past three P.M. The attendance was better in the evening than in the morning.

There seemed to be some good feeling among the people this evening. I do hope that we may have better times, and that the cause may yet prosper, that christians may rejoice and that sinners may be awakened. And especially that I may be renewed in the spirit of religion, humility, and self denial.

Monday, September 10. The morning was quite cool, enough so to put on a Janes coat. But the day has been warm.

41 students in school today. Tolerably good behavior and attention. I hope all will use due dilligence from this to the examination.

Tuesday, September 11. The morning was cool and the day has been warm. 39 students in school today.

The citizens of our town are getting an enterprise on foot to stop forced sales for the next twelve months. I do not approve of the measure but I believe it will carry.

Wednesday, September 12. The day has been pleasant. 39 students in school today. Heard of Indians being seen near town today.

Have been working on the following example for some time and have just finished it tonight. (ET Page 85, Sen 145) "A ship of war sailed with 650 men, and provisions for a cruise of 15 months. At the end of 3 months she captured an enemy's vessel, and put 75 men on board of her. Five months after, she captured and sunk another vessel and took on board the crew, consisting of 350 men. How long did the provision last from the commencement of the cruise?

First find what proportion of the provision is consumed in 3 months by the 650 men.15 : 3 : 650 } ___3 } Amount consumed in 3 months is 130 parts 650 being 15 |1950 } the whole ___ } 130 }

Next ascertain the amount consumed by the 575 for 5 months who are left after 75 were put off.

650 : 575 x 130 = 74750 [division symbol] 650 = 115 parts for 3 months, or 38 1/3 for one month. This multiplied by 5, the number of months. 38 1/3 x 5 = 191 2/3. Add this to the 130 + 191 2/3 = 321 1/3 the amount consumed in 8 months. Take this from 650, the whole amount 650 - 321 2/3 = 328 1/3 To supply the 575 + 350 = 925. Find what they will consume in one month. 575 : 925 x 38 1/3= 106375 [division symbol] 1725 = 61 2/3, the amount the 925 consumes in one month. Now they have 328 1/3 yet to. 328 1/3 [division symbol] 61 2/3 = 5 12/37 the time it will feed the 925 men. Add this to the 8 months already calculated. 5 12/37 + 8 = 13 12/37 Final result.

Thursday, September 13. The day has been pleasant--rather warm. 34 students in school today. Several of the citizens seem disposed to leave our county. Some are just on the eve of starting.

Friday, September 14. The day has been cloudy the most of the time. A raw wind has been blowing all day beginning to give the first sensations of the declining part of the year, and the desoloation occasioned by the approach of winter, giving a gloomy appearance. My feelings have corresponded with the gloomy appearance of nature, feel dull and stupid and but little interested in any thing.

28 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening, performed very indifferently.

Saturday, September 15. The rain commenced falling sometime during the night and has continued to fall, by showers, till now, 11 A.M., at times very hard. The branches are now fuller than they have been for near 12 months. The prospect is for the rain to continue. The rain stopped about 12 o'clock. The evening has been mild and pleasant. No mail [came this] evening in consequece of high water.

Parson Slaughter preached in town tonight from the words "The wages of sin is death," &c. He spoke of different kinds of death--temporal, spiritual, and eternal death. The latter of which was alluded to in the text. It is a death that is always dying [and] never seases [sic]. He was not so tedious as common.

Sabbath, September 16. The morning is mild and pleasant. All nature seems to be revived after the rain. We will certainly have fine grass this fall. Spent the most of the morning reading. Went to the

church at 11 o'clock and heard parson Slaughter preach from the words, God is good." He was a little tedious, but so much so as common.

He had no regular plan for his sermon, but merely pointed out some instances of the Goodness of God and exhorted the people to remember and appreciate his goodness by obeying him in all his commands.

He also stated that he believed the difficulties of our country at the present time are caused by the sinfulness of the people; and unless they repent and do better that worse evils will come upon us. Three persons joined the church.

Spent the most of the evening in town at Col. R. W. Pollard's eating watermellons and reading the news. The first ripe melon I have eaten this season.

Monday, September 17. The morning was quite cool, a very heavy dew. The day has been pleasant. 24 students in school today. The school seems to be on the decline. Several have moved off recently, and some seem to be dissatisfied with the school from some cause or other. I wish that I may get some other employment at the close of the session, so as to change my business for the winter.

Tuesday, September 18. The morning is clear, calm, and cool. The day has been pleasant. 31 students in school today. Some of them did very badly. Interest seems to be waining [sic].

Wednesday, September 19. There was a shower of rain just at day this morning. There are yet clouds and it is quite warm. In the early part of the day the air began to get cool, and has been getting cooler all day. And it is quite cool tonight.

The wind is from the north and here have fire in the room tonight for the first time this fall. 29 students in school today. I feel very solicitous for the school to close.

Thursday, September 20. The morning was very cool, almost cold enough for frost. The sun has shone brightly all day; but the air has been very raw, enough so to be unpleasant where the wind strikes fair and out of the sunshine.

27 students in school today. I have fever this evening.

Friday, September 21. The day has been tolerably cool. 28 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening, a slim affair compared with former exercises of the same kind.

Saturday, September 22. Stayed the most of the night at E. R. Harris' setting up with his sick son. Spent the most of the morning reading miscellaneous matter. Attended the burial of Thos. Rain, a lad of some 17 years, who died this morning, it is said, of Black Scurvay.

I went, with a friend, to the house where the corpse was, and found but two men there but several women. We put him in his coffin, which was made by his brother-in-law, with whom he lived, and three of us carried him to the grave, half a mile, and performed the services of burial. We three were all the men present, there was quite a number of women present.

It is shameful to see so little interest manifested in the burial of the dead.

Sabbath, September 23. The morning was a little cool but the after part of the day has been quite warm.

Early this morning got into a wagon and went down to the valley to M. G. Nall's, where I found quite a number of watermelons of which I ate very heartily. Stayed at Nall's till after dinner. Then walked home through the hot sun in the evening. Just as I got home I heard Dr. Taylor preaching and went and heard part of a sermon. It was of the old and stereotyped character, "Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins" &c. For without Baptism (by emersion) there is no remission of sins.

Monday, September 24. The day has been pleasant. Nothing of interest transpiring. 23 students in school today. Still they go. It seems as though I would be left without scholars by the close of the session. Hope it will not be quite the case.

Tuesday, September 25. The day has been pleasant. 23 students again today. Have not felt well.

Wednesday, September 26. The day has been quite warm. A heavy east wind blew up this evening and was quite violent for some time, but ceased without doing any damage. 22 students in school today.

Thursday, September 27. The day has been warm, and clouds a portion of the day. Spent a part of the day in precursory examination, the result not very flattering. 28 students in school today. Tommorrow the school closes.

Friday, September 28. There are clouds and some rain today. School closed at noon today. Quite a small number of students in attendance, and but few spectators. A very meager examination, but little interest manifested by any person. I am glad that I am done and do not expect to teach another school at this place, or any where else if I can do as well at any thing else.

Spent the evening making out accts. and arranging my school papers. I find that the present accts, or the accts of the present session, amount to about $420. It has rained the most of the evening a regular and consistent rain, very uncommon in this part of Texas; but delightful anywhere.

Saturday, September 29. The day has been quite pleasant. There have been quite a number of persons in town today. Various causes have been tried before the Justice's court. Some property was sold at Sheriff's sale. One horse brought only $5. One yoke of oxen sold for $10. And a plow that was said to be worth $18 at the shop sold for $6.50 cts. Spent the most of the day in town, part of the time assisting Mr. Layne in the store. I am warmly solicited to continue the school, the people not being willing for me to abandon the business here. I may consent to their solicitations under certain circumstances, but I am not much inclined that way at the present.

Sabbath, September 30. Took my regular morning walk and spent a portion of the morning reading. Had a visit from squire Topps, a lawyer of our town, occupying some time. About 10 o'clock A.M. it commenced raining and rained till about 12.

The rain continued so long that it prevented the meeting that was appointed at 11 A.M.After dinner took a walk into town a short time, when I returned I had company the most of the

evening. About 5 P.M. a dark cloud came up from the north west and a very heavy rain followed which continued till after dark. A great quantity of rain fell, the most that has fallen for the same length of time this season. The branches were raised up very high, and they ran down their channels in torrents almost like a river. The rain poured down through the roof of my room so that I could not remain in it.

October 1860

Monday, October 1. The day has been warm and pleasant. The vegetable kingdom seems revived and the appearance is for fine grass this fall. Spent the most of the morning reading and arranging some papers, and the remainder of the time loafering in town. After dinner cut Capt Pollard some pants and loafered the remaining part of the evening in town. I get awfully tired and wish I was in business again; but do not know when or what business I will engage in. Hear that the Indians are in the country again. They have killed considerable stock and have stolen some few horses. They are still coming in.

Tuesday, October 2. Attended to the settling of some business in town this morning. Then loafered. In the evening took passage with Mr. N. Stanley in his carriage and went to the valley and stayed all night with G. P. Barber, where I found some watermellons.

Wednesday, October 3. Went from Barber's to Pruett's this morning, where I found the greatest profusion of melons I have ever seen at any place. Found Mr. Pruett to be a gentleman and very liberal. Spent a portion of the day with him and eat "lots" of melons.

Went to Ballow's in the evening and stayed all night. Was led too far by a passionate temptation but did not commit any criminal act. O that I could subdue my passions!

Thursday, October 4. Came from Ballow's to Cox's for breakfast. From Cox's to B. F. Baker's old place, where I assisted Cox to load his wagon with corn. Went from here to G. W. Baker's and stayed all day with him. We went to the melon patch in the evening and brought a load home with us. Stayed all night.

Friday, October 5. Came from G. W.'s to B. F. Baker's this morning, and spent the day at B. F.'s. The day has been extrememly hot for this season. Almost as warm as any part of the summer. Learned that the Rangers have returned with two Indian scalps and ten horses taken from the Indians. They also had one of their party killed by the Indians. It seems that there were about ten Indians in the company but all escaped but the two they scalped.

Saturday, October 6. Came from B. F.'s to town early this morning. The morning is quite warm and my walk has tired me a little.

After arranging some things about my room I went to town, saw the Indian scalps and fixtures taken in the battle, and loafered the balance of the day in town.

The Temple met tonight and continued its session till about 1 o'clock.

Sabbath, October 7. The morning is beautiful and pleasant. The day has been quite pleasant. Have not been fifty yards from the house today except my morning walk. Spent the day in close reading. No preaching in town today. Regret being so secluded. I feel that all my social faculties are almost dormant for want of some rational exercise. The intelligence and social capacities of the people are almost entirely wanting, so there is no enjoyment of society in this place atall. I am extremely anxious to get a business situation among a different class of people, where there are intelligence, sociability, and refinement.

Monday, October 8. Spent the day assisting Mr. J. P. Layne to box up and prepare his goods for removing from our town. We learn today that the man who was wounded by the Indians in the late fight died last Tuesday.

The day has been a little cool, but quite pleasant.

Tuesday, October 9. The day has been quite pleasant, a little cool. Assisted Mr. Layne to box his goods again today. Not done yet. Come very near disabling my back lifting boxes.

Wednesday, October 10. The day has been quite warm. Boxed a few goods this morning. While boxing goods the town was alarmed by the cry of Murder! Murder! at the hotel. The citizens of town ran together in a great hurry expecting to find some person killed. But it turned out that Chief Justice R. W. Pollard and C. Vanney had had some altercation concerning some debts between them. Vanney used some insulting language and Pollard motioned as though he would hat [sic] him when Vanney vociferated "murder" at the top of his voice near a dozen times.

The crowd finding no harm done, dispersed and Vanney and Pollard attempted to settle when their passions were aroused and Pollard ordered him out of the house, hit him with his fist, and kicked him out. Vanney quietly went off and never offered any resistance.

The affair created considerable excitement in town for a few minutes; but it soon subsided and an almost universal feeling of contempt pervaded the minds of the people against Vanney for his cowardice.

Thursday, October 11. The morning is quite cool,the wind is blowing from the north.The wild geese and cranes have been passing south for some days. The day has been tolerably

cool. Spent part of the morning writing, and assisted Layne the most of the day. Completed the boxing of his goods and started off one load.

Feel very restless in consequence of having nothing to do. I must have some business very soon or I can have but little enjoyment.

Friday, October 12. The day has been remarkably cold for the season of the year. A cold bleak wind has been blowing all day. Spent the most of the day assisting to prepare Barbecue grounds for a public dinner that is to be given tommorrow to the Anti Base Line Rangers who had the late fight with

the Indians. Several people have come into town this evening from the country to attend the Barbecue tommorrow. It looks tonight like it might snow by morning.

Saturday, October 13. The day has been clear and tolerably calm. The morning was quite cool, but the day has been pleasant. The Barbecue came off today. A considerable number of people were present--probably from 300 to 400.

Had a plentiful dinner. The materials were very well prepared. The order was very good and the affair was very well managed.

Dr. Valentine and Hon. H. H. McLean were the speakers of the day. Did tolerably well. Passed resolutions requesting Capt S. Ross to resign his captaincy and leave the frontier. There were about 80 assigners to the resolution.

Sabbath, October 14. The morning was very cool, [al]most cool enough for a frost. The day has been pleasant. Spent the most of the morning reading, going to town, and in conversation. After noon loaded some wagons for J. P. Layne and then started for Weatherford, in company with C. Vanney, in his buggy. We have come to B. F. Baker's, and are staying all night with him. Col V is a great talker and advances some droll ideas. He spoke of Andrew Jackson Davis--a very celebrated clearvoint [sic], or somnambulist.

He is said to have written some works of intererst, viz: The Seer of Poukeepsie, or A Voice to Mankind. The Harmonia, &c.

Monday, October 15. The morning was cool, the day has been pleasant. Started tolerably early this morning. Came on by Cox's, Pollard's, Rock Creek, to Mr. Jones's in Parker county, where we are staying for the night.

We have had no dinner except for some watermelons this evening. The roads are very dry and dusty.

Very little farming done on the road we have passed today. Plenty of fine grass. The country is broken timber, scrubby, and the land is generally poor.

Do not fancy the country we have passed through today for anything but grazing. Feel tired this evening.

Tuesday, October 16. The morning is quite cool again. Will start to town soon to attend the fair. We have been very hospitably entertained for the night by Mr. Jones.

Started from Jones's about 9 A.M., and arrived at the city by 10 A.M. Find quite a number of people gathering in from all directions to attend the Fair. The Fair has just opened 1/4 past 11 A.M. and it is just now announced that no articles will be admitted for exhibition after 2 o'clock P.M. The Fair Grounds are quite spacious. About five acres are enclosed by a plank fence, ten feet high, made very close so as to prevent any person from seeing who is not inside.

The enclosure is somewhat circular and in the center there is a circle made by setting posts into the ground and stretching ropes from one post to another quite around the circle, except a door at one side. The circle, or ring is about 100 or 150 yards in diameter. No person is admitted into the ring, but the Directory, the awarding committees, the marshalls and deputies, and persons or grooms in charge of stock. On the east side of the ring is a platform for the President, vice-president, secretary, and musicians (and as many others as can get on it).

On each side of the stage there are elevated seats, one above another, enough to accomodate a large audience of people. Near the gate on the inside of the enclosure Mr. Richey is established with cakes, pies, candies, bread, cheese, water, &c for the accommodation of the people (for their money). On the other side of the gate is a well of water. Admittance fee to the fair grounds for footmen 25 cts, horsemen 50 cts, buggy $1.00, Two horse wagon or carriage $2.00. A tolerably large crowd is present.

Among the articles on exhibition today are cabbage, beets, sweet potatoes, melons, pumpkins (one is supposed to weigh 50 lbs), butter, janes cloth, bed-spreads, needle-work, embroidery, paintings &c &c. Bought me a dime's worth of bread and cheese on which I have just made my dinner. The fair has closed this evening. Do not know who has received premiums. Some very nice articles exhibited; though the number of articles exhibited is very small indeed, very often but one article of a kind shown. Quite a number of persons; ladies and gentlemen, inside of the enclosure this evening.

Visited the fine steam mill of Prince and Phelps this morning. The have a very superbe [sic] building, good work on the inside of the house, and very superior looking machinery attached to all the work. The wheat mill is not yet started and no grinding is going on today. A fine looking carding machine is in operation, attached to the same concern.

The proprietors are said to be very energetic and enterprising men, and the manner and style of the whole affair will certainly sustain such a character.

In the evening visited Carter's steam mill which have been in operation here about two years.There seems to be a large amount of griding done at the mill. They are just constructing a

carding machine to the mill. There is also a saw mill in operation here that seems to perform well.And from the number of sacks in the mill and wagons in the yard there is certainly a large

amount of grain in the county. So I think that there is not much danger of people starving for bread here.I also visited the office of the White Man [newspaper] and found the Capt [H. A. Hamner, co-

publisher along with "Colonel" John R. Baylor] in fine spirits, with plenty of letters to read, editorials to write, and friends to converse with. He has a spacious room fitted up that will not be easily burned down as it is built of stone.

He is anxious for a Buffalo (Indian) hunt this fall. I think he intends to get up an expedition and march to the Indian reserves and attempt to exterminate the Indians under the pretence of a Buffalo hunt. Success to him!

There [are] 7 or 8 dry-goods stores in the city, and 3 or 4 more were expected here this fall--besides 2 or 3 groceries, saloons, livery-stables, 3 hotels and another going up, and other private boarding houses. Two printing presses, silver smith, ambertypist gallery, boot and shoe shop, taylor [sic], gun shop, smith shops, &c &c too tedious to mention. There is a fine two story brick seminary almost completed, and a good school going on in the old one.

There is a large amount of business done in the place by an enterprising set of citizens. It is really astonishing to see what a city can spring up in so short a time, for it has been only four years since the present site of the city was a wilderness traversed by the wild savage. Industry and enterprise can accomplish wonders. I would like very well to have a profitable business situation in the place. It would be more attractive than my present city home.

Paid 25 cts entrance fee to the Fair grounds this morning, 10 cts for dinner and 15 cts for a pencil trimmer. I have put up for the night at the brick hotel kept my Mrs. Hunt. She is very attentive to the wants of her customers, keeps a very good table, and has several boarders.

There are some ladies here from Ft. Worth attending the Fair and the ball. One of them, a Miss Kitty Coleman is a very affected aristocratic, proud, and hauty. She acted very much beneath the dignity of the genuine lady at supper by giving vent to, almost, peals of scornful and satirical laughter, affecting at the same time to surpress [sic] it, the cause not known. A regular ball is going on at the courthouse by the gentry tonight.

Wednesday, October 17. The morning is beautiful and pleasant. Had a pleasant night's sleep; but think rather long of the time that breakfast is coming this morning. It is 1/2 past 7 o'clock and the first bell not rung yet. Breakfast did come at last in tolerably good style. After which paid my bill (75 cts) and have just commenced loafering. I have loafered over to the court-house. It is a large and convenient brick building, divided into four rooms for offices in the lower story. The upper story is one room, used for the court-room; it has a fire place in each corner.

Here I find Mr. Harding, the Ambertypist, prepared to accomodate all who may wish their likenesses.

Came to the Fair grounds after 10 A.M., paid entrance fee 25 cts. Find but few persons inside this morning and nothing on exhibition, save a few chickens, a gang plow &c &c. The President and other officers are absent, and it seems to be rather difficult to get under way. The people are coming in tolerably fast. There is tolerably fair music on hand this morning. Maby [sic] something else will come in soon.

Mr. Thos Jackson has just brought in a fine wooled sheep. Davidson is just now bringing in two other sheep. From the appearance it seems that Jackson will get the premium. R. P. Baker has just brought in a fine bull calf 6 mos. old.

Jackson did get the premium for the fine wooled sheep under one year old. The calf closed the property show before dinner. The people dispersed , and Wes and I took dinner at R. P. Baker's.

At 1/2 past 2 P.M. Col J. Rushing was in attendance at the Fair grounds to address the people on the subject of Agriculture. He commenced by congratulating the people of Parker county on the commencement of an agricultural fair in so new a country.

Though there is but little property on exhibition, yet the people should be prompted to emulation on the subject of Agriculture. Emulation is necessary in all departments of business. The student, the lawyer, the doctor, the statesman, and even the Agriculturist should be stimulated to activity and industry if they will accomplish anything valuable. All will be active, if not in good things they will in bad ones. And ladies I will give you a piece of advice, were I in your place and saw a young man too proud to work I would be too proud to marry him. The Farmer is the polar star, as it were, of all mankind! His position is very honorable, about the most honorable of all others, for upon him all must depend. For when his interests go down all others instantly go down with his. The position of the Agriculturalist is the most independent of all others, indeed it is the most enviable of all others.

He is independent in all respects. Though there is a mutual interest between him and all other professions. He needs a physician, attorney, mechanic, merchant, preacher, teacher, &c &c. And I should have been a farmer instead of a lawyer if I had been able to buy a farm that suited me. The farmer lives more independent, free from want, happy--yes more farmers die happy and go to heaven than any other profession. The miser is an only useless character of all others. He has his little hole in a box, in it he drops his money in it, and he nor any other person can get it out. If perchance he is compelled to spend a dime he pinches the eagle so hard he almost makes it squeal! He does no good to any one, only when he dies. Then his money is divided out among those who will use it, so that all the good he does is to die and get out of the way of people that will do some good. The old Fogy must keep up with the general improvement that is now sweeping over our country, or he will be trampled down and run over, and be left far behind in the pursuit of knowledge, peace, and happiness.

Washington was a smart man. A man of great wisdom and good understanding, but he never saw a percusion cap, a sharp's rifle, a Colt's repeter [sic], a steam engine, or a telegraph on which news can be sent from one end of the country in an instant of time &c.

We have all come here from different states, and we all have our peculiar notions about farming, each learned in the state from which he came. Our different modes of farming learned in the old states will no do in Texas. We must learn to adapt our farming to the country, regardless of our original ways in the old states. The laws of nature are unalterable. We must conform to them. This is certainly a small grain country. It is an easy country to farm in. Plow up your land deep, and at the proper time sow your wheat, rye, barley, and then go a hunting (A cow hunting I mean). And be sure not to mark any yearlings that are not your own! By so doing you will live easy. It requires no unusual industry. But it ought to require some industry to keep us out of other mischief. Do not write to your people that this is a great and good country; but tell them the truth: that we can live easy, have plenty to eat such as it is, and be healthy. The Executive of the state vetoed the bill giving us our land, which has caused the hardness of the times. Fifty thousand dollars have been sent to the General Land Office at Austin from Parker county. Consequently I believe my old hat would hold all the money in Parker. The policy of the state is too extravagant. Instruct your representatives to the next Legislature to grant no more Rail Road Charters untill [sic] the present roads are finished. They will then furnish means of transportation out of and into our country. The resources of the country can then be developed, and we will have a great and glorious state. Then other and more remote Rail Roads may be Chartered.

The vegetable kingdom is continually undergoing changes. All the beautiful flowers--the rose, the lily, the jessamin, and the magnolia are only dust. They have been taken up from the dust and formed into those beautiful and fragrant flowers, and the rough hand that cultivates them probably never thought that they would return to dust and become materials for forming other bodies. All this the farmer should learn. He should also learn to adopt the growth and decay of vegetable matter to the reproduction of the various grains and celerys that flourish in our country. He wound up rather abruptly; after which music was commenced again.

The awarding commitee then announced the premium awarded to R. P. Baker's calf. $1.00. It was then announced that Judge Evans of Marshall would address the people tommorrow at 12 o'clock M. at the Fair grounds. The people then dispersed from the Fair grounds; and many of them followed the Gang plow to R. P. Baker's field to see it operate. There are four plows attached to the same machinery a little apart and far enough behind each other for one not to be in the way of the other, but still coming in just behind so as to plow the next land left by the foremost plow. All together they cut about three feet or probably more at one time. If it is desired they also sow the seed ready to be covered up by the plow that

follows. The whole affair is attached to the wheels of a wagon and drawn by from two to six or eight horses or oxen. One man sits on the wagon, drives the team, and attends to the plow, so that one man can plow from four to five acres per day. It is adopted equally well for breaking sod land or sowing and covering seed. It costs, seed sower and all, $100. It is certainly a great thing for farmers in in speed and convenience.

After leaving the plowing place, came to town and took supper at the Blackwell house, bill 25 cts.

I was here introduced to Judge Evans of Marshall who will speak here tommorrow. Went with him to the office of the White Man and read the news in the various exchanges for a time, and have now come to the courthouse, where a crowd of the young people is gathering for amusement for the night. I continued at the court-house till about 9 P.M.

A large crowd gathered and kept up the dance as long as I stayed. They seemed to engage with all soul, mind, and spirit in the amusement.

They no doubt did not retain the Creator in all their thoughts. And if the earnestness of thought and action that was manifested here tonight had been directed to some more laudable enterprise or pursuit, [something] much more beneficial might have been attained. Went to R. P. Baker's and slept the remainder of the night in the position in which the "Redskin froze to death."

Thursday, October 18. The morning is clear and quite cool, almost cool enough for a frost. Took breakfast with R. P. this morning. At 9 A.M. had the pleasure of accompanying his lady to the Fair grounds, the time appointed for opening the Fair. But few are present.

At 1/4 past 10 the Fair opened. Quite a number of horses are inside of the enclosure. Jacks and Jennetts are first called for. Only one Jack and no Jennett presented. Mules were called next; and three presented, a draft mule, a saddle mule, and a sucking mule. All three took premiums.

Stallions four years old and upwards are called, and two presented. Over three and under four were then called, and one presented. Over two and under three were then called, and two were presented. Over one and under two were then called, and one was brought in. Those under one year were then called and four were presented, very good colts.

Mares four years old and upwards were called next, and five were presented. Over three and under four were called next, and two were presented. Over two and under three were called and one presented. None over one and under two. Colts under one year were then called, and two were shown. The showing now adjourned till after dinner. Bought another dime's worth of bread and cheese which made me a fine dinner. Then went to the court-house to hear Judge Evans hold forth. He commenced at about 1/2 past one P.M. and spoke about two and a half hours. He commenced by reading extracts from Major Breckenridge's speech delivered in Kentucky in 1859. He attempted to prove that the Breckenridge party was a cecession [sic], disunion, and dangerous party; and that it was the duty of the people to unite against it in the South and the Republican party of the north, and to prevent the consequences that will follow if either of the sectional parties succeed. He took the ground that the South could not secede from the Union, or even attempt it without committing Treason against the general government. He contended that Douglass was the regular nominee of the Democratic party and that he would get three popular votes in the union to where Breckenridge will get one. He thought that all ought to unite on a Union ticket, and use all the means in their power to defeat Lincoln in the first place and Breckenridge in the second place.

He kept the people there untill they became quite weary. When he concluded Col Terry of Tarrant announced that he would answer the Judge at night.

He told the people that he would show where the Judge properly belonged, for we needed no political missionaries in this country to tell us how to vote. The Judge said he never voted any but a Democratic vote in his life.

The Col asked him whom he voted for in the last presidential election. He said he did not vote atall. The crowd then dispersed in great confusion, each fired for his own peculiar cause, and contending for it with great energy and earnestness. The great demonstration was for Breckenridge and Lane. The Judge is certainly a very fine speaker; but I cannot agree with him on the grounds he occupies in this canvass. I do not think he changed the opinion of any person.

Attending the speaking prevented me from seeing the close of the Fair, as it broke up while the speaking was going on. I hear it said there was not much of interest shown this evening. Upon the whole I think the Fair has been a very slow and meager exhibition of the Agricultural products of our great and

growing country. Hope it may be better another year, that more interest will be manifested by the citizens generally; and that stock of all kinds will be in full and complete competition another year. For it is known by all that there is a large amount of fine, or at least good stock in this country and much better than has been exhibited here this year.

By which all the farmers should be much stimulated to improvement [of] every department of business pertaining to their profession.

After speaking got my horse and started for Tarrant county. Traveled about 7 miles and put up with a Mr. Moor for the night. The day has been pleasant. The night is cold.

Friday, October 19. There is some frost this morning. The appearance is for a warm day.My kind and hospitable friend Moor [sic] charged me only one dollar and twenty five cents for

supper, bed, and breakfast, all on rough Texas style.Took up my line of travel from Moor's at 1/2 past 7 A.M. Traveled on very slowly, walking

occasionally to rest myself without stopping atall till I reached Ft. Worth about 2 P.M. The road is very dry and dusty, and the scenery I have passed today is very monotinous [sic]. After leaving Clear Fork it is a continual undulating prairie land, with scarcely a tree or shrub to vary the scenery.

Almost the entire change of scenery was occasioned by considerable herds of cattle and horses feeding leisurely upon the wide spreading prairies with nothing to prevent them from becoming extremely fat without any attention. There are very few dwellings on the road till arriving within the vicinity of Ft. Worth. The lands are generally poor, adapted to little else but grazing. The grass is fine, the tallest I have seen this year. The Fort presents rather an imposing aspect. Several very superb and stately mansions and business houses have been put up since I was at the place. A very large and commodious court-house has also been put up lately. The city has the appearance of extensive business and energy and enterprise.

There are two academies, one male, and the other female, in operation in this place, and both seem to be well attended.

Came from the Ft. to my old school-house and found it occupied by Mr. A. Y. Young, who was laboring with might and mane to learn mine young "ideas how to shoot" [all sic]. He exercises his usual slow and drawling mood which detracts very greatly from the influence he might otherwise exert over his students for good. He seems to lack many essential qualifications to make him the persevering and successful instructor of the young.

Came with him to his boarding place, Mr. Wm. B. Greer's, and am staying all night with him.I find the neighbor-hood pretty much the same as it was when I was here two years ago. There

are, however, some changes, as several of my old acquaintances from Va. have come and settled in this vicinity. The face of the country is more even and not as mountainous and rocky as it is in Palo Pinto county. There is no timber here except along the water courses, and the water is not as good as it is in Palo Pinto. This is not altogether so healthy a country as ours.

Saturday, October 20. The morning is quite cool; there is considerable frost. After breakfast A. Y. and I concluded to go on the prairie where the neighbors are cutting grass and making hay. After a ride of about six miles we came to the place. They were just loading their wagons for Ft. Worth as they make it a regular business to furnish two loads per day to the city for $8.00 per load, or $16.00 for the two loads. Their maching for mowing is drawn by one yoke of oxen. They say they can [cut] out about four acres per day with it. After the hay dries a short time a boy with a one horse rake follows and rakes the hay up into windrows, from which it is loaded on the wagons. It is a very pleasant and profitable business. It reminds a person of the days spent in the meadows of old Virginia. While in the early gambols of youthful enjoyment I have joined in the evening revery in the gay meadows amid the newly made hay, and regailed myself upon the delicious sweet apples.

If I only had the apples here I would enjoy them very much indeed. But [despite] the many advantages that this country affords, the pleasant seasons we enjoy here, there are some luxuries we are denied, yet upon the whole I suppose that this and that country are nearly upon an equality.

After satisfying our curiosity at the meadow grounds, we returned to the neighborhood. We passed the house of Mr. Thomas, an old Virginian, and an old acquaintance, expecting to get our dinner with him. But alas! for us he did not think of proffering the tempting morsel, as he was so much overjoyed at our presence!

So after conversing with him for some time upon the various hearsays of Texas and Virginia, and seeing that we would get no dinner, we went to Greer's and got our dinner about 3 P.M.

We then came to Mr. S. Calaway's, from North Carolina, and are staying all night with him. It seems very much like old times to meet up with so many old acquaintances, converse on old topics, and reiterate old sentiments.

Sabbath, October 21. There is the largest frost this morning that has come this fall. The grass upon the prairies is white with frosts, and the air is very cold. After breakfast we went to Mr. Hiram Calaway's and stayed till about 10 o'clock A.M. He was not at home, but his lady received us kindly and expressed herself glad to see old country people. She is not very well pleased with Texas and says she is going back to N.C. next fall, and she is going to stay when she gets there. She would be well enough pleased with Texas if she could raise plenty of vegetables, get plenty of fruit, and be with her friends. Mrs. Shad Calaway seems very well satisfied, and says she is willing to stay in Texas. She treated us very kindly and insisted on our visiting her often. Came from here to Isaac Greer's, got our dinner and stayed till late in the evening. Here we met with some young ladies of our former acqaintance, and spent a social evening very agreeable with them on the old Grayson plan of amusement. Some of our friends appear to be well satisfied with Texas and others do not appear to be well satisfied by any means.

The day has been very pleasant. I left Greer's late in the evening and have come to H. Roberts's and am staying all night with him, or at his house, he is not at home. Feel almost as though I was at home here, where I recollect the kindness and hospitality shown to me at this place two years ago when I was chilling so severely. The same charitable spirit possesses his excellent lady.

Monday, October 22. The morning is tolerably cool, no frost of consequence. The appearance is for a fine day. Started from Roberts's about 9 o'clock A.M. Came to Ft. Worth and am loafering about town this morning. Find a few of my old acquaintances about the city. But somehow or other I have not a turn to be very interesting to them. Consequently they are not very interesting to me.

I have just made the acquaintance of Dr. Needlet, Surgeon of Capt S[ul] Ross's Mounted Rangers on the Frontier.

He says he, or the company, intend to have Indians before they leave the Frontier, notwithstanding the citizens of Palo Pinto and other counties [that] have requested Ross to resign his commission and leave our Frontier. The people have no confidence in his accomplishing any good for the Frontier people, as he is known to be an avowed friend to the Reserve Indians who we are satisfied are stealing our property and killing our citizens. Wish the Captain may accomplish some good. If he does he will much, and very agreeably, surprise the frontier people.

Eat dinner at Mr. Andrews' of the Ft. Worth hotel, bil 50 cts. After dinner, started for home and traveled about twenty to miles. I am now at Cotton Wood

grove and am staying for the night with a Mr. Christian.The evening has been very warm; but the air is tolerably cool now. The ride this evening has

been tedious, tiresome, and lonesome. There [are] a few very fine farms on the road I have passed this evening.

Tuesday, October 23. The morning is pleasant. A brisk south wind is blowing. Left Mr. Christian's about 8 A.M. bill 50 cts.

Came to Weatherford at 1/2 past 11A.M. The morning has been very warm. Visited the office of the White Man and handed over the names of some subscribers I had obtained for it. Took dinner at the Blackwell house. Fair good. Bill 25 cts. Visited Mr. J. P. Layne at the Red store and purchased some articles of goods from him. After dinner went to the school of Prof. Keeler, and stayed during the morning. Find him quite an agreeable and pleasant gentleman; very well qualified for the position he occupies. His students appear to be very attentive, not disposed to be noisy, respectful to their teacher, and cheerful and quiet in the school room. His tact at securing distinct articulation in the recitations of his pupils is very good. According to Dr. Page he is a little inclined to use the Drawing out process with some of his students; and not to make them depend enough upon their own judgments.

Stayed at the school-room till the close of school in the evening. At the dismissal all got their affairs quietly and left the house without any useless noise or confused bustle. Quiet and good order are very desirable. School closed about 5 P.M. After school came out about four miles from town to Col S. R. Barber's and am staying at his house for the night.

The day has been quite warm, more so than usual.

Wednesday, October 24. The morning is warm, and the appearance is for a warm day.About 8 A.M. started for Palo Pinto from Barber's. On starting his generous lady wrapped a

lunch of steak and biscuit [for] my dinner. Will not soon forget such manifestations of hospitality and kindness. She is truly an amiable lady, and her daughter Mrs. Jones is of the same stamp. Traveled on slowly, reading the White Man, till I met a Mr. Blevins.

He asked me if he was not published in the paper as a thief. I read to him the resolutions passed at the Indignation meeting in Buchanan county in which the citizens resolve to expell the Meekses and Blevinses from their county, if they will not go peacefully they say they will use compulsory measures to make them go.

He raved and charged like a mad man, swore he would have his name set right or he would spend $3000 dollars in law with the persons who published him. About 12 M. I met Rev G. W. Slaughter of Palo Pinto. We stopped and divided my lunch with him which we soon devoured with some apples I bought at Ft. Worth.

We sat on the grass and conversed for some time letting our ponies graze. While we were here Col Barker came up and joined our party. I told him of Blevins's tirade, and he expressed himself ready to assist the citizens in expelling those characters from the country if it was necessary, or if it was the wish of the people.

Traveled on slowly this evening and passed I. W. Cox's about 5 o'clock. Left my horse here, or rather his horse that I borrowed.

Came on on foot to Bachelor's Hall, found no one at home. So I set about getting supper. In looking for something to cook I could find nothing but a little corn meal, coffee, a little butter, and some water. And as I do not drink coffee myself, I only had to bake some bread, and upon it, butter and water make my supper. Before I got my supper ready Wes and a hired hand [Eubanks] came home from a melon patch loaded with fine melons.

We had to increase the amount of bread, and all took our supper on bread and butter and water, the hired hand using coffee. We all retired to quiet repose for the night in the same bed.

Thursday, October 25. We arose from our bed of straw this morning considerably refreshed. The morning is calm and pleasant. Wes and the hired hand have gone a hunting to see if they can get some meat, as they are tired of living on bread and coffee. I am here getting breakfast. I have bread baked and coffee made, and here comes the hired hand ready for his breakfast without killing any game 1/2 past 7 A.M. While we were eating we heard both barrels of Wes's gun go off with a clear report in quick succession. We fondly anticipated some venison for dinner. We finished our breakfast and are working in the well. Wes has just come home chafing and mad as a wild boar. He got a fair shoot [sic] at a fine buck about 75 yds. The deer did not see him and ran up to within 40 yds of him. He fired the second barrel at him standing "broad side," and the deer walked off perfectly unconcerned. He followed along 100 or 200 yds expecting the deer to fall dead.

He had neglected to take caps from home, consequently he could not load and shoot again. As soon as the deer saw him it bounded off with all the nimbleness and agility that are common to such animals at the approach of an enemy. So he has returned home and is eating his breakfast in great rage.

Eubanks is still working in the well and we are all here. Wes and I have nothing to do but to windless out what he digs up in the well.

This is a very easy task as he is picking in rock and it takes some time to get a basket full. Wes has concluded to go after his deer again and let me attend to the well.

I find it is not quite so easy as I thought it would be, for he is filling the bucket much oftener than I had expected. Wes returned after 10 o'clock finding nothing more of his deer. About 11 I started for town and arrived at B. F. Baker's 20 minutes after 12 M. Very hot.

Got dinner at uncles intending to go on to town this evening. But we became engaged in conversation with each other, and in reading the news till it is too late to go to town. The day has been very hot. A pleasant breeze is blowing this evening. There are some clouds and the appearance is for rain. I hear that the Indians are again in the country stealing horses. I saw horses leaving for a more secure retreat from the Indians.

Friday, October 26. The morning is pleasant. Started for town as soon as I got up this morning and arrived at town before breakfast.

Find the people in a state of excitement about the Indians. It seem that acursed creatures, about twenty in number, have come boldly in daytime down into the settlements farther than they have been known to have come before. In the north part of the county they have met with several cow hunters and have given them some very warm chases for their lives. They strolled though the neighbor-hood till they gathered up over 200 head of horses and then started for the Reserve with the horses. In crossing the Belknap road in the north side of this county they find a lone wagoner, kill him, take his clothes and provisions and drive their her on leisurely. While they were doeing [sic] all this the citizens were gathering and preparing to give them a battle. It is said that about 40 citizens passed on after them about two hours after they killed the wagoner. They are mounted on good horses and are determined to overtake and punish the infernal devils. Hope they will find them and kill the last one and bring back their scalps and their horses.

Spent the fore part of the day and part of the evening writing in my journal.Visited town a short time in the evening, and find but few people in it. The day has been

pleasant.

Saturday, October 27. The morning is quite cool. The appearance is for a pleasant day. After taking my morning walk and reading my morning lesson I have been closely confined writing till 1/2 past 12 o'clock M. And have just now caught up my journal. I have been absent from town about 13 days and have only kept note of my travels which are now recorded. My hand is tired and I am listening for the dinner bell.

On returning home I find my school-house occupied by a Mrs. Burkley with from 10 to 15 students. The majority of the patrons appear to be much dissatisfied and seem very anxious for me to demand my house and go to teaching again. It is said that a Mr. Keith will soon come to town for the purpose of teaching. If he does I will not teach this winter; if he does not and the citizens continue to press me it is probable that I may teach for them.

Spent the evening in town. Part of the time listening to a trial before justice Court.When the mail come [sic] [I] assisted in opening it and distributing the mail matter.There was a general rush and call for the White Man, the most desireable paper taken at the

office. The Day Book next.Learn that the Indians are getting away with the stolen horses. Ross's Rangers are after them and

a large number of citizens, in all about 100 men. Hope they will get them. The day has been pleasant.

Sabbath, October 28. The morning was quite cool; but not cool enough for frost.Feeling somewhat indolent. I did not get up very early this morning, but happened to be up and

washed in time for breakfast. Read my regular morning lesson in the Bible. Then took my morning walk, as well as an old fashioned bathe in a pool of water. The water was almost chilling; but after coming out, rubbing well, and getting on my clothing again I felt remarkably well. But the water was most too cold after reaction taking place I find the shock was most too severe; consequently have not felt very lively during the day. After my bathe I came home shaved and blacked my boots, a very unusual thing for me on the Sabbath.

Since then I have spent the larger portion of the day reading the news, of which I received a good supply last evening. About noon went to the school-house to hear Dr. Taylor preach, but did not find the venerable parson in attendance.

The boys about town are gathered in groups engaged in various kinds of amusement to suit their tastes. It seems that they are almost entirely left to themselves to grow up as abandoned as they may wish to become. Even those who profess to be christians--heads of families and leaders in the community--almost entirely disregard the Sabbath and pass it by as any other day. And the Merchant--the business men--often do as much and sometimes more business on the Sabbath than on a week day. It seems that religion is almost forgotten, and each one abandoned to his own evil pursuits. What a need of renovation!

Monday, October 29. The day has been tolerably pleasant with the exception of a considerable south wind that kept a continual cloud of dust circulating. Spent the most of the fore-noon doing sundry little "jobs" about my room. Had the pleasure of a visit from my old friend, Mr. Arnett, just returned

from a business tour from the state of Missouri. He says that times are very hard in that state. Provisions and money very scarce. After seeing his old state he is better pleased with Texas than ever.

Went to town after dinner and found that a large number of people were collected there to attend District Court. Court opened about 1 o'clock P.M. Judge Battle in the chair. The Grand Jury was impanneled, charged by the judge, and sent out. The Petit Jurys were then impanneled. The Docket was then sounded through and the court adjourned till half past 3 o'clock A.M. tommorrow morning. Spent part of the evening collecting money for our preacher W. L. Kidd. Finished his allowance for our class $40.

At night people came together to hear Mr. Gordon, of Meridian, speak in behalf of our District Elector, Mr. Nowlin for Breckenridge and Lane. He is quite a young man and he said it was the first political speech he had tried to make. He commenced by reviewing the two original political parties our our country. The old Federal party, whose founder and first leader was Alexander Hamilton, and the Democratic party whose founder and first leader was the immortal Jefferson.

The thirteen original colonies formed themselves into independent states and united themselves together into a general government and delegated certain rights to that general power for the benefit of the whole. Each state still remaining an independent sovereign in all things not expressly delegated to the general government. The first enfringement [sic] of the Constitutional rights of other section of the confederacy was made by the North in the passage of the Missouri Compromise.

In this compromise Slavery was excluded in all the territories south of the same line. This was the Pandora's Box out of which had grown all the evils of Slavery agitation. That law was repealed. A provisio was offered by a Mr. Wilmot, of the North, that was very aggressive to the South and was rejected by Congress.

The Celebrated Kansas Nebraska Bill was passed by Congress allowing persons from all parts of the union to settle them in which it was provided that the people might form their own laws in their own way, Subject to the Constitution. Here the members of Congress differed upon a Constitutional point.

The North contending that the people could exclude Slavery from the territories prior to the formulation of a state Constitution, and the South contending that they could not do any such thing under the Constitution.

As this was a Constitutional question both sections agreed to abide the decision of the Supreme Court on that point. That Court decided in favor of the South in the Dread [sic] Scott case. S. A. Douglass the Founder of the Kansas Nebraska bill refused to abide the decision of the court. And at the Charleston and Baltimore Conventions forced his nomination upon those conventions in opposition to the determined wishes of the Southern people and contrary to the Constitution expounded by the Supreme Court in the Dread Scott decision.

This being the case the Southern members withdrew from the Convention and nominated their own Candidates, representing their own principles which are the principles of the Constitution. On this ground all Southern men should sustain Breckenridge and Lane. This effort was tolerably good for the first. After he closed McCall of Waco was called. He came forward and said he did not expect to make a political speech tonight from the fact that he was an old line Whig, but he was going to vote for Breckenridge and Lane. For he thought the contest now lies between the North and the South, and he thought that all political preferences should be laid aside and the South supported. The He indorsed [sic] Mr. Gordon's sentiments chiefly. He then directed his speech to Frontier protection and requested that a meeting be called tommorow night to consider the matter. Agreed to and a committee was appointed to report then.

Tuesday, October 30. The morning is warm and pleasant. Have spent the time till 1/4 past 10 A.M. in my room writing the most of the time. The most of the day has been pleasant, a little Norther is blowing this evening.

Went to the court-house this morning about half past 10 o'clock. Found that the court was in session investigating the case of "The State of Texas Versus W. C. Baker.["] On an indictment for unlawfully branding a calf. The evidence was soon concluded and the case submitted to the jury. Col. Rushing addressed the jury in behalf of the defense in an able and conclusive manner in which he plainly set forth the innocence of the defendant. He was followed by the District atty Mr. Dennison, who contended that the defendant was guilty. The court then gave the jury special charge and it retired. When it came in it reported a verdict of "Not Guilty!["]

The case of the State of Texas Versus N. P. Dodson was taken up and investigated.

Dodson was indicted on five different cases for unlawfully marking and branding cattle, "Nol Pros" was entered on the three first indictments. The fourth one was taken up and investigated. The witnesses being examined testified that a two year old red bull belonging to R. Slone had been marked and branded in Dodson's mark and brand. Judge D. O. Norton then addressed the jury in behalf of the defense. He made a kind of blustering defense--conglomerating and confusing terms--and leaving Dodson in a worse condition before the jury than he was at the start. He was followed by the District Atty. who having the start that Norton gave him seemed to confirm the guilt of the defendant. The jury retired and soon returned with verdict of "Guilty," and of fine of $20 against the defendant. I do not think that Dodson intended any fraud, as the bull was branded by his herders and he was willing to repay the animal when the mistake was known. The crowd now dispersed, went to supper, and returned to the courthouse at candle lighting to hear the report of the committee appointed last night on Indian affairs.

The meeting was called to order by appointing J[ohn] F. Prince of Weatherford chairman and L. P. Strong Secretary. J. L. L. McCall then addressed the audience on Indian affairs and presented a series of resolutions in behalf of the committee. The purport of the resolutions was that we correspond with General Houston requesting him to appoint a commission to hold courts in the different frontier counties and take evidence from the people that have lost property and have had friends killed, in order that it may be furnished to our representatives in Congress, that they may have the "Documents" to vindicate the citizens of the frontier of Texas against the charges of the Abolitionists who say that our citizens are nothing but "Thieves, Cut-throats, Robbers, and Murderers." And in order that they may more effectually present their claims when they ask again for protection from the General governments. The resolutions were passed, and the crowd was addressed by Norris Gatesville, and Prince of Weatherford. After which [they] adjourned.

Wednesday, October 31. The Norther continued to blow during the night. Sometime before day it blew up a cold rain from the north, which came down through the roof of my room, and on my bed. But my bed happens to have substantial covering, so I wrapped up as cautiously as I could and endured the rain till day, not getting very wet.

Now at 10 A.M. the rain still continues to fall and the wind to blow from the north. It is cold and unpleasant. Went to the court-house [and] found the court investigating the case of the State of Texas Versus Thomas Humphries. Indicted for unlawfully stabing Robert C. Nall with malice aforethought with intent to kill. The examination of witnesses was long and tedious, which closed in the evening and the case went before the jury. The pleading commenced by John Topp opening on behalf of the state. He was followed by Mr. Ball for Mr. McLean and Mr. Poage for the defense.

Night now coming on, court adjourned till 1/2 past 8 o'clock tommorrow morning. The case was not concluded, and the law requires the jury to be kept together and not to communicate with any outsider upon any subject except it be concerning the care of their horses; and then it must be in the presence of a baliff appointed by the judge to attend the jury and see that they do not converse with any person.

I was appointed by the judge to attend to this. So I had to provide for their suppers, a room for them during the night, and to stay with them, and see that they complied with the law. The day has been very cold.

November 1860

Thursday, November 1. The morning was clear and cold. We got our suppers and breakfast at the Pollard house. When court was called Pollard would not let the jury go untill their bills were paid. The judge was informed of it and sent for them immediately, informing Mr. Pollard that the county provided for their expenses.

As soon as court was called to order the pleading went on. Mr. Gordon in behalf of the state. Col. Rushing colored the pleading for the defense. He made an excellent and pointed effort impressing the minds of the jury of the innocence of the defendant.

The pleading in behalf of the state was closed by Norris Esqr. This was an able effort in which he used logic and eloquence to convince the jury that the defendant was guilty. It is astonishing to see the turns that can be taken by practiced speakers.

Each making his side look very plausible and the other rediculous in the extream [all sic].

The pleading closed, the jury retired, and court adjourned till after dinner.When court was called, the jury came in and reported a verdict of "not guilty," to the extreme

gratification of the Defendant.The court was then occupied with minor Civil cases the remainder of the day.The day has been remarkably cool--almost very cold. It is still cold tonight. So much so that I

cannot write in my room without fire. And as I have none and no wood to make any, I go to bed early.

Friday, November 2. The morning is clear and cold; the wind is blowing from the south. The case of Click Versus Lavender came up this morning and is now being investigated. The court stands adjourned for dinner. The investigation of the case continued this evening for

some time. The testimony closed and the cause was debated by Messrs McKenzy and Norris for the prosecution. And Messrs. Gordon and Rushing for the defense.

The jury then retired and remained out for sometime and returned with a verdict or rather no verdict, for they did not agree. The clerk was sometime in making out the minutes of the court for today. After it was done the court then adjourned till the next regular term.

There has been considerable business done at this court of different kinds. The judge says that if our county is not broken up by Indian depredations nor Abolition Raids, we will soon have a full dock that will afford a week's business. The judge is a very mild, pleasant, agreeable man.

The crowd seemed tolerably lively this evening and the celebrated, and hitherto respected, Dr. Valentine was quite drunk, and acted more like a mad man than a dignified member of the "Faculty." Shame! Shame! rest upon the M.D.

The day has been tolerably pleasant, and the evening is calm but cool.

Saturday, November 3. The morning is tolerably cool. Have spent the greater part of the morning arranging Templar's papers, as the Regular Semi-Annual Returns must be prepared by the meeting of the Temple tonight.

Went to town in the evening and found that Justice's court was in session. The case of Bragg and Burras Versus S. S. Taylor was being investigated. H. H. McLean was Atty. for the plaintiff. From what I could learn of the merits of the case, McLean accused Taylor of fraud and was attempting to draw it out of Taylor by cross questioning. The Rt. Rev Dr. became very much exasperated and the result came very near being a collision between the L. L. D. and the M. D. in open court. They were finally quieted, the case was investigated and finally decided in favor of the defendant.

I assisted in opening the mail and spent the most of the evening in reading the news. We learn this evening that those who pursued the Indians from our county about a week ago have returned without affecting anything. They report that they found so much "Buffalo Sign" that it was impossible to follow the trail; and so they returned. It is also reported that the trail of about 40 Indians has been seen lately coming into the settlements. And why should they not, when they can come in, take in broad day light from 200 to 300 horses and escape with them without injury.

The Temple met tonight and elected officers for the next term.

Sabbath, November 4. The morning was tolerably cool. The day has been tolerably pleasant so far. 1 o'clock P.M. Spent the morning reading very closely except when I took my morning walk. No preaching in town today. The day has passed off very heavily indeed.

Went to the old man Arnett's this evening, and stayed all night. He is a cleaver man at home. He has a daughter just arrived from Missouri, about 20 years of age. She is good looking, tolerably intelligent, and quite social. Like Miss Nannie very well. The evening has been very warm for walking.

Monday, November 5. The day has been beautiful and pleasant Spent the morning and till after dinner at the old man's in conversation with Miss Nannie very pleasantly. The old man paid me 12 gold dollars this morning.

After dinner came to town and found all quiet and lazy. Doing nothing and wishing for beef! It is quite warm tonight.

Tuesday, November 6. A Norther blew up during the night, and it is cold this morning. Today the great presidential contest is to be decided by the people at the ballot box, upon which the fate of the Union depends, at least for the next four years.

The day has been cool. It is a little warmer tonight and is raining a little. Breckenridge and Lane recd 100 votes at our precinct today and Bell and Everett recd four. Total 104 at precinct no. 6.

Wednesday, November 7. A considerable rain fell during the night. I changed rooms in order to evade the rain; but it was as bad where [I] went as my old room. For it came through the roof on to my bed and wet the most of it thoroughly.

But I managed to keep from getting very wet. The morning is cool, raw, and cloudy.Cannot remain long in so uncomfortable quarters. Got E. R. Harris to make a well bucket out of

a powder keg, for which I paid him one dollar and fifty cts. In the evening took the bucket on my back and carried it to G. W. Baker's a distance of seven miles. The walk in addition to the load I carried fatigued me considerably. I found Wes at home with Eubanks putting up the walls of his well. They were pretty near done. Backing in the usual style.

Thursday, November 8. It is cloudy this morning and a cold North-Easter is blowing. After breakfast Wes went to G. P. Barber's to assist him the remainder of the week. I went with him and conversed with the Dr. for some time; and came on to Mr. Nall's for dinner. As the evening was rather pleasant and the people seemed very social and friendly, I concluded to stay for the night.

Friday, November 9. It is clear this morning and there is a very large frost, the largest we have had this fall.

After conversing with the family for some time and contending with the old man that the battle of Lundy's Lane was fought in the United States, and he contending that it was fought in Europe, I came on to town about 12 o'clock M. Tolerably warm walking. Got dinner and loafered about town an hour or two; and then went to Levi Ford's in the evening. Assisted him to kill and dress a shoat.

Stayed all night with him.

Saturday, November 10. Another considerable frost this morning. The appearance is for a beautiful day. Ford wished me to go with him into his horse range and assist him to drive his horses home. I concented to do it provided he would procure a horse for me to ride. We went to Nall's expecting to get a horse; but failing to do so, I returned to town and found the gentry--Capt Cureton, Assessor and Collector, [and] Keith (present aspirant for school Teacher of our town), Sheriff Medders, and son of the District Clerk engaged in the favorite game of the place--"Marbles."

The high toned, dignified, amiable, and intelligent citizens of our city and vicinity are scarce and hard to find. Would that I were in business in a more congenial region. But alas! I can do nothing nor get situated for leaving. Spent the evening loafering in town till the mail came in. I assisted to open it and distribute a considerable amount of mail matter. Recd some letters from home this evening.

Spent the latter part of the evening reading the news. The day has been tolerably pleasant.

Sabbath, November 11. The morning is quite pleasant. No frost of consequence. The appearance is for a fine day. Spent the fore-noon reading first my morning lesson in the Bible; and then the news paper. No meeting of any kind in town today. Cannot feel contented in any situation long at a time. Spent the most of the evening scanning the news. Became weary late this evening and concluded to go to C. H. Johnston's and stay all night. I went, did not find him at home, and returned home. The day has been remarkably calm and pleasant.

It is a shame to the people of the village to let as beautiful a Sabbath as today has been pass without any religious meeting.

Monday, November 12. There is a little frost this morning. It is perfectly calm and clear. Spent the forenoon reading, arranging accts, cutting garments, &c. Spent part of the afternoon in town; and in the evening went to B. F. Baker's and stayed all night.

Tuesday, November 13. The day has been quite warm. Went with uncle to where G. P. Barber was making a lime kiln. "Pulled off my coat and rolled up my sleeves,"and have done a hard day's work, beating up lime rock and assisting to make the pile of wood for burning the lime. Feel considerably fatigued tonight. My hands are blistered and sore. The day has been warm. Stayed at B F's again tonight.

Wednesday, November 14. Assisted at the lime-kiln again today. We finished the job. A kind of norther blew up last night and it has been tolerably cool today. Went to Barber's and stayed all night.

Thursday, November 15. Went with G. W. Baker this morning to his domicil and assisted him in hauling rock and wauling [sic] his well. The day has been pleasant.

Tired tonight.

Friday, November 16. It is tolerably cold this morning. Hauled one load of rock this morning and finished the waul of the well. We also hauled the timbers to make the frame and pully for the top of the well. Afternoon I came by Barber's and Blair's and brought their tools home that G. W. had been using on his well, and came on to town to meet with the Temple. Find Mr. Reid from Hopkins has moved into our town this evening. The day has been tolerably cool.

Very tired tonight.

Saturday, November 17. The morning is cloudy and tolerably cool. Spent the forenoon reading and writing, and arranging accounts. Went to church at 12 M. There was no preaching; but the brethren held a kind of Conference meeting.

The mails this evening bring us the sad intelligence of Lincoln's election, or so near it that we are sure of his election.

The announcement has caused a great sensation among the people, and they are for disunion! Still cool.

Sabbath, November 18. The morning was a little cool; but the day has been calm, mild, and pleasant. Spent the morning reading. At 11 A.M. went to church, the regular day of the Baptist. The Pastor was not there; and to my great surprise, Dr. S. S. Taylor was invited to fill his place.

He accepted the invitation and preached one of his old fashioned "Campbellite" sermons.He took no regular text, but commented on the 10th chapter of Luke. Seventy were sent out at

one time by the Savior. They were told where to go, what to say, and how to act. Their field of labor was confined to certain bounds. Not so with preachers of the gospel of the present day. They are called and sent forth to preach. The world is their field of labor. It is the duty of the laborer "to study to show himself approved, a workman that need not be ashamed" &c.

It is also the duty of the hearer to be attentive to what is said by the preacher; to read the Bible and see whether he preaches the truth or not. When the truth is properly expounded, it attracts the attention of the hearer. He sees that he is a sinner by nature, that there is a provision in the gospel for his redemption from sin.

The Spirit takes hold of the mind, and the man becomes a new creature. His affections, his desires, his whole nature is changed. And now his state must be changed in order that the great pardoning act may take place and that the person may be a christian. There must be an overt act of submission on the part of the creature. That overt act is performed by "going down into the water, being baptised, and coming up straight-way out of the water." The person then puts on Christ by his burial into his death, and is then a christian when he comes up out of the water. The Dr. concluded his remarks by exhorting all christians to come up to the house of worship when ever there was an appointment for preaching, and for all Denominations to unite so far as it was possible for them to do; and when they differed let them agree to differ friendly. He was followed by Rev Harris in a short exhortation. He did not agree with the Dr. as to the application of baptism. But it in the main, he endorsed the sermon.

I cannot agree with the Dr. with regard to the use of Baptism. "It is not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience."

Spent the evening at home talking, singing, and reading.

Monday, November 19. The morning is a little cool. There are some clouds and the wind is blowing from the west. The day has been a little cool. County court has been in session today and commenced the distribution of the school fund.

Tuesday, November 20. The day has been unpleasantly cold. The distribution of the school money was completed and I recd to my part $200 in gold.

Wednesday, November 21. The morning was quite cold and unpleasant. The day has been more pleasant, but cloudy.

Spent the most of the day in town attending to the settling of my business. Am staying for the night at parson Byars'.

Thursday, November 22. It has been raining some during the night, and is still raining this morning, and is tolerably cool. About 10 AM the clouds blew away and the day has been warm the most of the time. Late this evening a blue norther blew up and is still blowing tolerably cold. Spent the most of the day about town leisurely--taking a few notes occasionally and making settlements otherwise with some of my customers. Make poor speed getting money. Have put out an article for a school and have 11 scholars subscribed at once. Will commence teaching soon.

Friday, November 23. It is very cold this morning. The wind snow has been blowing the most of the night, and there is a considerable ice this morning.

After breakfast went to B. F. Baker's, got his horse and went to M. B. Lock's for dinner. I then accompanied a man by the name of Moor to my farm on the river for him to examine it for the purpose of renting. Come back to B F's and stayed all night. The day has been very cold. Another man killed by the Indians.

Saturday, November 24. There was a real old fashioned "swinging" frost this morning and ice 2 inches thick. Have just walked from B F's to town. Spent the most of the day in town settling accts. and hearing the parties cavaling [sic] before Justice's court.

It is still cold tonight. The mail brings us certain accounts of Lincoln's election, which causes considerable sensation among the people.

Sabbath, November 25. The morning is tolerably cool. It is cloudy and a cold north-wester blowing.

Have spent the most of the morning in my room reading. The day has been drizzly, cold, and unpleasant. Have spent the entire day in my room talking and reading.

Monday, November 26. The morning is cloudy and a little cool. Have spent the morning in town settling accts. Spent the evening in the same way. It is more pleasant this evening.

Tuesday, November 27. The day has been cloudy and raining part of the time. The wind has been from the north and it has been unpleasantly cold. Have spent the day in my room reading and preparing blanks for the school record.

Wednesday, November 28. The morning is quite pleasant. About noon word came to town that the Indians had stolen all the horses in the valley east of town and had camped there during the night. We got up a small company as soon as possible and went across on Keechi to intercept them; but when we got there we found that they had passed on in the morning and that other companies were ahead of us in pursuit. We also learned that they had stolen a large amount of horses killed 21 persons in Jack county one man in Parker county, and scalped one woman alive in Parker (Mrs. Sherman) then shot an arrow into her and left her lying on the prairie naked. They told her husband to leave and never molested him. We came to the conclusion that it was useless for us to follow them with the expectation of overtaking them. So we got supper at Whatley's and capt Cureton concluded to prepare to follow them to their stopping place. But in order to do that preparations were necessary. He left some men at Whatley's to dry beef and sent the balance out to raise men and prepare for a regular campaign.

I, with E. G. Hale, went to carry our express to Weatherford for men, provisions, and ammunitions. We started from Whatley's about 8 P.M. and rode till 12 in the night in Pleasant valley to Dick Miller's and put up for the balance of the night.

Thursday, November 29. We start early this morning on our way to Weatherford.We learn that the lady who was scalped is still alive this morning, but will probably die before

night. The most intense excitement prevails every where. The most of families in this region of country

are forted up and those which are not afraid to leave are leaving. Gloom and depression are depicted upon the countenance of all!

We arrived at Weatherford about 1/2 past 12 o'clock. We were immediately surrounded by crowds of anxious listeners to learn the news. We delivered our express and the citizens went to work immediately to comply with our request and say that they will send as many men as they can raise with full amounts of provisions and ammunition.

Great excitement prevails here! We got our dinners at J. C. Loving's. After resting a short time and attending to other business assigned us we started again. I on the route to the town of Palo Pinto, while Hale returned on our old route.

The men are to rendisvous [sic] at Whatley's by Sunday morning next.I came to Mr. Z. Shirley's and stayed for the night. Have rode very hard today and am

considerably fatigued tonight. The day has been very pleasant.

Friday, November 30. Started for Palo Pinto early this morning and traveled as fast as I could conveniently.

Met horses and people leaving the Frontier. Came to Millsaps for dinner. Found that he was going to leave and that quite a number of others were in the same condition.

Came on to town this evening and learn that trains of wagons and families miles in length are leaving this county for more secure abodes.

Consternation and excitement prevail and the indications are for our own county to be depopulated very soon.

December 1860

Saturday, December 1. I have spent the day making ready for a start on the Indian campaign.There have been quite a number of people in town today, some preparing to go on the

expedition, some preparing to leave the county, and some no preparing to do anything. Reports are coming in constantly that Indians are to be seen in the vicinity of town in various directions. Many others will still leave; and no person can tell to what extent the county will be depopulated.

The state of affairs is very deplorable. No kind of business will do any good till we can have more secure times. The day has been pleasant.

Sabbath, December 2. Spent the forenoon preparing to start on an expedition against the Indians who have been depredating in our country recently.

About 1 P.M. started from town in company with capt Jack Cureton, B. B. Meaders, and V. Simons and one pack mule. We traveled very closely till after dark when we arrived at camps. We found about 30 or 35 men in camp from Parker and Palo Pinto [counties] with plenty of beef dried for several days rations.

The camp fires were burning brightly, and camp jokes going around freely. We soon regailed ourselves upon their dried beef, steaked [sic] out our horses, put out our guards and reclined for repose upon the ground.

About midnight we were reinforced [by] J. H. Prince and others from Parker county, who kept up a continual uproar of laughter for some hours, but finally quieted down and all were still till day.

Monday, December 3. On going to look for my horse this morning I found that it was out of the way. I at once procured a horse and started in pursuit, without breakfast, expecting to find it soon.

But I traveled till about 2 o'clock P.M. without finding my horse, and was going "to hook" one I had found on the prairie in the morning. But before I got to the place I met with Simons and Flinn who had found my nag. So we all "put off" for camps; but meeting with Capt Jack [Cureton], who was on a broken down horse, and telling him of the horse on the prairie, he detailed me to go back with him after the horses, for there were two on the prairie. We soon found them and succeeded in driving them to camps, a saddle horse and pack horse. Where with an excellent relish I ate my breakfast about 4 P.M. Capt Jack had an invitation to stay all night with Esqr Peaveler and he invited me to accompany him, which I agreed to do. We set out for and arrived there just before sundown, and turned our horses [into] the wheat which is excellent. We are now seated before glowing fire greatly to our comfort, as it has

been cold riding through the norther this evening. We find that the most of the citizens of this part of the county have left for parts unknown, so that north of the river is almost depopulated.

Tuesday, December 4. A cold norther is blowing this morning, and the appearance is for cold, unpleasant weather. After breakfast Capt Jack, Darnell, and myself started for camps and arrived about 9 A.M. The wind snow is blowing and all seem cold and chilly. We have to stay in camps today to wait for our provision wagon, and for recruits that are expected soon. About noon part of the company went on to Rock creek to strike another camp. The company is variously engaged this evening, sleeping, joking, and training guns and pistols. Some few recruits have come in the evening--Chick and others in a very jolly mood. Late this evening our provision wagon came in with flour, meal, coffee, powder, lead, shot, caps &c &c. We are in tolerably good spirits tonight, and expect to march early in the morning.

Wednesday, December 5. The sun comes up this morning in splendor above the eastern horizon. The night has been a continual scene of uproar and confusion in camps, in consequence of the "Bust head" that Chick and Co. brought into camps last night. About 2 o'clock A.M. the news came into camps that all the horses (about twenty that were put up in Whatley's field) were stolen by the Indians. This caused great bustle in camps till the field was visited, and it was ascertained to be a false alarm.

There is a heavy frost this morning. We packed up early this morning and marched for camp No. 2. Distance about 10 miles to a musquit valley in Young county about 25 miles east of Belknap. We arrived at camps at 1 P.M. and are grazing our horses with the advance portion of our company. After dinner the company was called together and regularly organized by electing J. J. Cureton Captain, R. W. Pollard 1st Lieut, M. D. Sanders 2d Lieut, and J. H. Baker 1st Sergt. The company was then divided into nine messes with six men to the mess, except four messes which have only five men each. After making several camp regulations and getting supper, the guards were stationed, and the regular round of camp devilry and yarnings was gone through with and all were still till morning.

Thursday, December 6. The night was tolerably cold, a heavy frost this morning. On going to move my nag, I found that it had slipped the knot on the end of the larriat [sic] and was gone. I made considerable search for it but failed to find it. But Capt C--- furnished me with another, and we were on our march for Belknap. The Capt detached some men to go on with him to Belknap, me with others. We went ahead of the company and arrived at town about 3 P.M. On arriving at town we learn that a company of men from Parker county captured 15 Indians somewhere on the Wichita, and arae taking them into the settlements.

They are said to be Kickapoo Indians.We hear a great deal of Indian news of various, but none of any definite character. The town of

Belknap seems to be to some considerable extent deserted.About 4 P.M. the company came up to town. One pack mule was killed during the day, and

another ran away and waisted [sic] his pack. We were directed to a camping place about 3 miles north west of town. But we missed the direction, got bothered, and finally came to the Brazos in the night, crossed it, and struck camp No. 3 on the west bank of the river, amidst cursing and many demonstrations of discontent at our mishap. Dr. Dulin swears "he would not care for himself, but for his horse to travel all day and starve at night was too much for any horse to bear!" We have no grass of any value, and the Brazos is our chance for water. All were finally quieted, supper eaten, and guards stationed.

And after some whooping and yelling by some who were tight, all were still in sleep.

Friday, December 7. We were up soon this morning and on our march for better grass and water, part of the company [tended the horses] while the other part are gone to town for various purposes. We traveled 7 or 8 miles in north west direction, and about 10 A.M. came upon a herd of buffalo. The sight was too tempting for the boys, they could not be restrained, but were off on the charge in doubly quick time, and very soon the sharp crack of the rifle, and the loud report of the six-shooter told that the poor animal ws suffering from the anxiety of the boys for exciting amusement.

I was in the rear at the commencement of the firing, kept back with a pack; but in good time I came up with the boys, and found that they had one old bull wounded. And it was amusing to see them and the bull give chase to each other alternately. I soon joined in with them in great glee to help kill the first buffalo I had ever seen. I succeeded in giving him three shots--two with my rifle and one with my six-shooter.

But he continued upon his feet till he had recd about thirty different shots, from rifles, shot guns, and six-shooters. He seemed so mad that he almost literally died on his feet before he fell to the ground, and would hardly fall when he was dead.

The boys maneuvered and rejoiced over their victim for some time, after which we came on to camp No. 4 and found that another buffalo had been killed this morning by our men. The camp is in a musquit valley of good grass but sorry "puddle hole" water near California creek. Our hunters have just killed a fine young beef, and all are busily preparing a dinner of fresh steak and cold bread. We have concluded to stay in this valley today, rest and graze our horses, and wait for the men to come on who went to Belknap. The most of the boys are out trying their luck after buffalo this evening. Several have been killed during the evening and one fine skin has been brought into camps by Wes off of a buffalo he killed. Late this evening Capt Cureton came into camps with the remainder of the men. We learn that the Indians were trailed to their stopping place about fifty miles above the mouth of the Pease river. Wm. Mosely Esqr, one of the trailers came into camps this evening with Capt C---. He says he can guide us to their villages where he thinks there are about five hundred Indians. It is thought to be best to wait in this vicinity till Wednesday next, in order to get as many recruits as possible.

Expresses are sent to Jacksboro, Palo Pinto, and to Capt Ross's camp soliciting all the help that can be raised to rendisvous [sic] at Williams's hay camp on Salt creek 2 1/2 miles above the Radsminski road. Capt Cureton has also gone to the Clear fork of the Brazos in Buchanan county to get some select men. The company is in fine spirits this evening, confident of getting a fight before we return.

The usual camp arrangements being made, all retired to balmy repose.

Saturday, December 8. A tolerably cold norther is blowing this morning and there are some clouds. After an early breakfast Lieut Pollard gave the order for the company to form in regular order and march together for a new camping place on Salt creek.

Here I made my first effort to form the company, was rather awkward, but we were soon in line with our packs in front. After rather a tedious march over high musquit prairie of rather poor land and sorry grass, and with some hinderance in repacking our mules, we arrived at Salt creek, at the old camping ground of the celebrated "Beef Expedition" and struck camp No. 5 about 12 o'clock. The order was given to uncap our guns while marching, but our friend Bradley having a flint lock, and being desirous of obeying orders took the flint out and unprimed his gun.

Our horses are now grazing on the prairie, some of the boys are gone buffalo hunting, and others are lounging about camps playing "Seven Up," Some working on their guns, and all seem to enjoy themselves well. The day has passed off very quietly, and the horses are brought inside of the guard line. Some of the boys have killed buffalo this evening. The valley in which we are camped is a beautiful musquit valley of excellent land, fine grass, good water but rather poorly timbered. This is certainly an excellent stock country.

Sabbath, December 9. There was a considerable rain last night and it is still cloudy this morning. It has been a cold rain and several of the boys have fared badly. Several are somewhat discontented and we have concluded to get us some tent cloths for the campaign. I am detailed from our mess to go to Belknap after our tent. I, in company with Lieut Lander and others set out for the city early this morning. We traveled in an easterly direction some three or four miles. We then turned south and struck the Preston and Belknap road, which we followed till we arrived at town, after a travel of about 12 miles. We found several persons in town. We also learn that Capt Ross will be with us with fifty men; and that thirty Dragoons will be sent us from camp Cooper. We completed our trading and Lieut and I got an excellent dinner at J. R. Jowell's.

After dinner we set out for camps. The lands for about two miles north of town are brushy. The musquit timber and grass then set in. The lands are generally undulating, and covered with fine musquit grass. The lands seem to be good, and upon the whole this portion of the country is bound to be populous and productive when its resources are fully developed. For there is enough Post oak timber here to supply the country besides abundance of cole [sic].

There are considerable indications of other mineral in this vicinity. We saw many fine deer and one buffalo feeding on the prairie this evening. We arrived at camps just as the first guard was going out. Two recruits joined us today--Ball and Hill from Parker county. They were out on the late trail and are said to be bold and fearless men such as we need on this campaign. Hope we may have many more true and brave men.

Monday, December 10. There is a heavy frost this morning. Several of us are engaged in making our tents today. Others have gone to town for more cloth to make tents. The day has been spent in the same camp, and some of the men are getting restless. The boys were amused a short time today killing some beeves. Two were killed. They were wild and it was difficult getting near them, so they had to run them on horses and shoot them as they run. The consequence was that each received about thirty shots from rifles and six-shooters. One was a barren cow, the fattest beef I ever saw I think. Beef fares badly in our range. The boys who went to town report that they found some horses rode down poor, and hobbled with grass rope supposed to have been left by the Indians. No doubt but that they see our camps and watch our movements, and I fear they will leave their village before we get there. The day has been pleasant.

Tuesday, December 11. A tremendous frost this morning. Some of the guard say they heard Indians around our camps last night. We have moved camps this morning about one mile down the creek to where we find plenty of good water and grass. Soon after getting down, Mr. R. Moss discovered a large raccoon [sic] up in a large pecan tree lying quietly for the day in the split part of a large limb. But the quiet of his repose was soon spoiled by our 2d Lieut M. D. Sanders, who ascended the tree and contested the lodging place till "racky" gave up the contest and concluded to find a more secure retreat by ascending higher up the tree.

Soon Mr. J. F. Porter (known in camps as Henan) brought him to the ground with his unerring rifle. He is very fat and will make a fine mess. Some of our hunters have killed a fine deer this morning. After the first move from the upper camp some went back after some articles that had been left, and to our utter astonishment found that two of our men--J. Q. Johnston and Riley Blevins had shamefully deserted us, and were gone home taking some provisions and ammunition that belonged to the company they had drawn out. They went without giving notice to any one of starting.

All are "down upon them" with a vengence [sic] and theyh will be booted out of company when we get home. The men have been variously employed today. Some dressing hides, some making hair bridle rains [sic], and some one thing and some another.

Late this evening Capt Jack and escort returned, bringing five new recruits with him. Thos. Stocton, E. G. Hale, D. G. Wells, Jas. Yaney, J. G. Steel, and Wm. Moseley Esqr. They report that we will have considerable recruits tommorrow.

All are quite lively tonight.

Wednesday, December 12. The day has been pleasant. We remained in camps till 12 M. Just before 12 a large buffalo came charging in among our horses and came very near giving them a general stampede; but several of the boys gave chase to him and after firing about 50 shots at him, succeeded in bringing him to bay. [T]hen Capt Jack came up and gave him one round from his six-shooter, which brought him to the ground. After an early dinner the order was given to saddle up; and the company was soon on the march, led on by Capt Jack and W. Moseley.

The pack were put in front of the company today. We marched in a northwest direction over musquit prairie, sorry grass on the head waters of the Salt creek about six miles from our old camp. Here we struck camp No. 7 in valley of tolerably good grass, but ordinary water. We have had no new recruits today. All arrangements for the night being made, we reposed quietly on our blankets.

Thursday, December 13. There is a considerable norther blowing this morning. We heard several guns down the creek during the night indicating recruits in the field. Soon after breakfast Chick and others came into camps and informed us that recruits were on the road; and it was concluded to wait for them till tommorrow morning on teh same creek.

Soon after we concluded to stay, Capt [Sul] Ross with about 70 men came into camps. About 47 men of his company and 22 or 23 Dragoons from Camp Cooper. They are all well mounted and appear to be well prepared for the trip. We now number about 140 men and expect more this evening. We moved up the creek about one mile this evening and struck camp No. 8. The day has been cold and unpleasant. Ten of our county men came in tonight after dark and inform us that others are on the way. All are lively and in good spirits tonight.

Friday, December 14. The norther is very cold this morning. About 1/2 past 8 this morning Capt Ross with his company came up to our camps and we were all soon ready for a march. Our spies were sent ahead, Capt Ross and company next, and our company brought up the rear.

Each company placed its packs in the rear. We marched on in a north west direction over rather high, poor, musquit prairie, interspersed with sharp ravines and rocky points. We traveled about seven miles and eat our dinner in [a] valley on a branch of the little Wichita. After resting about two hours we set out again in the same direction and in the same order observed in the morning, and marched about 7 or 8 miles to another branch of the little Wichita, said to be the middle fork. We are all encamped tolerably close together and busily preparing for our suppers.

The day has been cold, and marching has been quite unpleasant. The boys have amused themselves with buffalo and other game today. Mr. Strong and others charging a dead buffalo and then giving chase to two live ones, losing a six-shooter and not killing anything. The probability is we may have other recruits tonight or sometime tommorrow.

Saturday, December 15. We set off this morning in the same order observed yesterday at 20 minutes past 8 o'clock.

The night was very cold, the coldest we have had. There is an exceedingly heavy frost this morning. Our route today has been almost due north across poor prairie uplands, at times crossing tolerably good creek valleys. Some of them have fine grass. The crossings of some of the creeks have been rather difficult. The channels are very deep and the banks remarkably steep, and some of the creeks are a little boggy in the bottom. There is no timber on the route we have traveled today. Except small hackberry in the valleys, and a few scrubby musquits on the high prairies. We are now camped on the banks of the big Wichita. It is a stream about the size of the Red fork of the Brazos. The water is so salt [sic] as not to be good, but we find some pools of good water not far from the river. As we approach the river the creek valleys widen out to a respectable size, and the land appears to be of an excellent quality. The river valleys are tolerably large and very fine, except their lying rather low. No timber of consequence in these valleys, but some scattering cottonwoods and hackberries. We stopped at 40 minutes past 3 P.M. and struck camp No. 10 without stopping for dinner. The grass is very sorry in this valley. All have finished their dinners and are variously employed some lounging about camps, some attending to their horses, others gone a hunting &c &c. I forgot to say that we have seen plenty of buffalo on both sides of our trail today. Our spies fired on some of the buffalo, they also killed some turkeys. Just before stopping the spies found a mule and a horse supposed to have been dropped by the Indians on the late trail. But after chasing them for some time found they were too wild to catch.

Sabbath, December 16. The night was tolerably cool. We were up sooner this morning than common and had an early breakfast. Immediately after which Capt Cureton and Ross with escort went on as advance spies. The Dragoons led off this morning, Ross's company next, and ours brought up the rear. After crossing Big Wichita we set off in a north west direction. About five miles from camps we crossed a narrow creek with some hackberry timber on it. Here we found a valley of tolerably good grass and grazed our horses about 1 1/2 hours--Taking a cold snack at the same time.

By "nooding it" we were left in the lurch of the other companies some distance. We started about 11 1/4 o'clock A.M. and traveled till 4 1/2 o'clock P.M. [at] a very regular gate [sic]. Soon after leaving "Dinner creek" we came to Beaver creek, a running stream of very red water. On the north side of this creek is a valley of excellent land, very level and of considerable extent. It is the finest valley we have seen since we left home. The most of the lands we have passed today are very poor. Some are tolerably good upland prairie. No timber atall, except a few cottonwoods and hack-berries on the creeks. We have seen thousands of buffalo to our left today. Some of the men say ten thousand. A few miles north of Beaver creek the company came suddenly to a halt, and all were looking eagerly at some object east of them. They were determined to be Indians, six in number.

Six men were detailed to charge them. They were near two miles distant. When the order was given to charge, the six men went of[f] at "Gilpin speed," followed by some six or eight others; and it was with some difficulty that the whole company was restrained from the charge. They all charged bravely, each vieing [sic] with the other, anxious to distinguish himself above his fellows and bring back a scalp.

Just as the blow was about to be stricken that would crown their heads with glory, who can guess at the mortification of the men as they suddenly came upon some buffalo hunters from Grayson county! The fun was all spoiled and the boys returned into line on tired horses with disappointed expectations. I

being very submissive to orders and not well mounted was not in the charge. We went off regularly on the trail of Ross's men, and passed a small prairie dog town. Several of the little creatures could be seen running to their respective homes. They are peculiar looking creatures somewhat resembling the common ground squirrel, but a little larger. About 5 1/2 o'clock P.M. we came up with Capt Ross's encampment, in a valley of very sorry grass and but little timber. It is one of the head branches of Beaver creek. The water is tolerably good. We have traveled over 20 miles today. Our horses are considerably jaded this evening. We saw a very beautiful and exciting scene just before we stopped. A very large herd of buffalo was feeding near our trail. Some of the boys went to the herd to kill one. A considerable portion of them ran across our trail just before us, and such was the regularity and compactness of the herd as they ran that the sight was almost terrific, and they would have borne down almost any kind of an obsticle [sic] they found in their way.

After the usual round of camp yarns and the guard being stationed, we were soon lost in balmy repose upon our blankets and buffalo rugs.

Monday, December 17. It is close, cloudy, and misting a little this morning. About 8 1/2 o'clock the Dragoons and Capt Ross led off. The most of our company soon followed, though some of them had lost their horses and were hunting them when the company started. Capt Cureton and some of the men stayed with them. We traveled in a northwest direction till about 11 o'clock. There we struck what we supposed to be Pease river near its mouth. We turned up the river about 6 or 7 miles in rather a south west direction and have stopped on the bank of the river for dinner. Where we struck the river there was no water atall; but where we are for dinner the river is running a little.

It is still cloudy. The fog has been tolerably thick so that we could not see any object at a distance. We searched for better grass for some time, but failing to find it, we concluded to stop here for the night, and here we struck camp No. 12. We have no water but salt, brackish river water. There is a small pool about 3/4 of a mile from camps that is not brackish. But it has been frequented so much by buffalo that their filth can be tasted in it, though we are glad to get it in place of the river water. About night Capt Jack and those who had lost their horses came into camps.

Our boys from Palo Pinto and Belknap came in tonight, nineteen in number. Our company now numbers about 95 men. The clouds are thick tonight, and the Loafer wolves are howling in all directions, indicating a great number in this vicinity. We saw the skin of a buffalo this evening supposed to have been killed by the Indians as all the meat was taken.

We see other indications of Indians in this region. Ross and company are camped about four miles above us on the river. The most of the land we have passed today is very poor and no timber of value.

Tuesday, December 18. We had a heavy rain and thunder last night. As the midnight guard came in it was raining hard, and they reported, in camps, that the horses were stampeding. All were soon in search of their horses in the mud and water amid the greatest confusion. The most of the men at length found their horses and brought them up to the camp fires and tied them up to trees. It was very unpleasant and some of the men complained considerably. The most of the horses were in sight this morning and all were soon found. About 8 1/2 o'clock the order was given to "saddle up," and all were soon in readiness for traveling. The company was then formed into a hollow square around Capt Jack, who gave the men "a small talk." Showing the necessity of keeping better order than we have done. He wished to know who were willing to observe order in company and comply with all the commands that are given by the proper authority. All agreed to comply, and he told the men if they did not, he would put the first man that disobeyed "on roots! The packs were then put in front and the company formed in regular order in the rear of the packs. All moved off in regular order and our company presented a very imposing appearance. We moved up the river about 12 or 15 miles and stopped about 1/2 past 2 P.M. and struck camp No. 13. We here came up with Ross's company and found tolerably good grass and wood but the water is very bad. The wind from the north is tolerably cold today and it is still cloudy. The lands we have passed today generally are not good; though we have passed some valleys of excellent land. Some of the valleys are so sandy that it is very laborious traveling for our jaded horses. They will do tolerably well tonight. The most of the company is out of meat, and several of the boys are out buffalo hunting; while the balance are lounging about camps cooking and eating.

None of our hunters killed any meat. The wolves seem to be as numerous as ever tonight from their howling. We are camped in a straight line tonight--the camp fires forming one part of the guard line. After the regular round of camp arrangements the men retired to repose.

Wednesday, December 19. We were off at 9 this morning. The fog was thick early, but was beginning to disappear about the time we started. Ross was off some time before us.

We traveled up the river 10 or 12 miles and crossed the old trail that come out from our country last. On this trail our guides found a pillow slip with a little girl's belt and Mrs. Sherman's bible in it. The lady that was scalped alive in our settlement the last time the Indians were down. They also found a fresh trail of five Indians that has just passed up the river. We were somewhat excited upon the announcement, and the men spurred up and went forward as though they were on a charge, leaving the packs behind, and the pack drivers were so fearful that they would be left in the lurch that some of them left their packs and the 2d Lieut, Sanders, had to go back and bring up the pack train. As we were moving up the river on the trail in this manner, we saw Ross and company coming down the river on the opposite side meeting us. We were soon together and he informed us that he had overtaken a party of 15 Indians and had killed 12 of them and had taken three prisoners!

There was great ado, yelling, whooping, and hollering! Shaking hands with Capt Ross, and congratulating him upon his good luck, for he did not even get one of his men wounded! Our boys could not be restrained but charged eagerly to the scene of action! I was among them! We found only four dead Indians, all squaws. There were many packs strown [sic] on the prairie [by] two or three mules with a large amount of beef, buffalo skins, camp accouterments &c &c. The boys gathered up a large amount of tricks of various kinds--rugs, blankets, pack saddles, tents of dressed buffalo skins, meat, cooking vessels, axes, knives, hatchits [sic], tools for dressing skins, [wooden] bowls, mocasins, whetstones, leather bags filled with marrow out of bones and branes [sic], little sacks of soup, sausages, the gut stuffed with tallow and branes, and various other peculiarities of theirs dropped in the fight. We returned to the river where camp No. 14 had been struck and found that they had taken about thirty horses and mules. The prisoners are a woman, a small child, and a boy about ten years old. The woman is of white parentag[e], was taken by the Indians when a small girl, has married [an] Indian, has a family and looks just like an Indian except she has blue eyes, and light colored hair. She says she was so small when she was taken that she does not recollect where she was taken from.

The horses are very poor and some of their backs are almost ruined. The woman says that there are no more Indians in this region of country. She says that one company is down in the settlements stealing horses, and that the main company is on the Canadian, about 175 miles from here, that there are about 2000 Indians there, that they are of the party that stole the horses and killed the people down in our country recently, that all the stolen horses are sent on to the villages by fresh Indians. Some two or three of our men found their horses among the horses taken from the Indians. There is great rejoicing in camps this morning over the victory! Our men are dissatisfied to some extent that Ross done all the fighting, and that we were left entirely out of the fight. Ross's men and the Regulars take the horses to themselves. Capt Ross and Sergt Spangler ame to our camp and had a consultation with our officers, and the conclusion seems to be that Ross and the Regulars will go home in the morning and that our company will go on and try to make more discoverys [sic].

Thursday, December 20. The weather is pleasant this morning. We were on the march this morning as soon as we could get off before breakfast for better grass and water. We traveled till about 10 A.M. and found some brackish water and tolerably good grass. Ross and the Dragoons left us for home this morning. After getting our breakfast some of the men went to the battle ground for meat and rugs. A spy company is also sent out to see if they can make any discovery of other Indians, a village and anything else concerning our enemy. The company consists of nine select men with picked arms from the company and well mounted. They are to be gone at best four days unless they make discoveries sooner.

The company is to remain in camps till the spies return.Moss and Porter have just brought in a pony found on the trail this morning. The boys are

coming in this evening from the battle ground with meat, buffalo rugs, pack saddles, and other things found among the plunder. No report of fresh Indian sign.

Some of the men who came in late say that they trailed some six or eight Indians who made their escape during the fight yesterday. So Capt Ross was mistaken about killing all the Indians. I think

probably he was honestly mistaken, being deceived by the report of Sergt Spangler of the Dragoons, who reported to him that he had killed a party of seven that ran in a different direction from where Ross was engaged. We cannot find but one in this place killed, but we find the trail of six leaving this place, hence we legitimately conclude that Spangler lied and let his Indians get away. We cannot find but seven Indians killed, four squaws and three bucks. The fact being evident that some of the Indians got away has discouraged our men considerably; as those who escaped will give item [sic] to other parties which may be in this vicinity.

The best grass we have is in a deep ravine in which we have the most of our horses tied.

Friday, December 21. About midnight last night a violent norther blew up suddenly, blew down our tents, and caused all of us who were on the prairie to move down on short notice into the lowest ravine we could find. Each did the best he could for himself. But all suffered with cold to some extent. Some suffered intensely, having a very meager supply of blankets. I did not suffer much after getting moved as Wes and I had plenty of buffalo rugs in addition to our blankets. It was with some difficulty that the guards could be gotten up atall; and they could not be kept at their posts long at a time. They cursed me vehemently because they happened to be put on guard on so bad a night, maintaining that I selected my guard especially for the cold night, as though I knew before hand what kind of a night it would be--it being pleasant enough in the evening and fore part of the night. The norther is still blowing very cold this morning. After a tolerably early breakfast we moved about two miles up the creek and struck camp No. 16 in [a] cove behind a mountain, which protected us to some extent from the norther that still blows very cold. The grass is fine in a large valley that fronts our camp, and wood is tolerably convenient. Water is about 1/4 of a mile distant, and a little brackish when it is obtained. Our horses will fare better here than they have since [we] left Salt creek. This country is generally a steril [sic] barren region. There is not timber enough since we left Big Wichita to any thing like near do for fire wood, it often being difficult to find enough for camp fires. And it is almost entirely hack-berry or cotton wood. There is abundance of mineral in this vicinity; the greatest portion of which seems to be Gypsum. The blossom of this mineral extends many miles up and down this river. There is certainly a vast amount of it here. The norther has calmed down this evening, and it is quite pleasant to what it was this morning.

The men have been out in small spy companies in various directions today; but they report no important discoveries of any late Indian sign.

There is a great quantity of old sign all over this region showing that they have herded horses here this winter.

Saturday, December 22. The wind is blowing from the east this morning, very cold. Several of the men are getting dissatisfied and talking of going home today. Some are out spying around this vicinity. Some have gone to the battle ground and the remainder are in camps engaged variously, at cards, making moccasins, legins [sic], &c. The weather has moderated considerably this evening, and it is quite pleasant.

Some of our spies report fresh Indian sign in this vicinity. From the appearance of it they must be watching our movements. Our regular spy company has not returned yet. None of the men have left yet, but they say they will start in the morning. We are still in the same camps at the same place, and some of us are getting [used to] living off buffalo meat alone. And more especially this filthy stuff taken from the Indians. We do not kill anything.

Sabbath, December 23. A norther is blowing very cold this morning, and the ice is about 1 1/2 inches thick. We were alarmed last night by a fire from one of the guards, and a plaintive holler, or shriek, as though some one was killed. Each man making great speed to get on his boots and get his arms ready for fight.

The Sergt of the guard ran to the post to see what was the cause of the alarm. He met the sentinel--Bev Harris (known in camp as Parson Harris or Capt Harris) running toward the camps with "might and main" in great alarm as though many Indians were just at his heels. On being interrogated as to the cause of alarm answered "My gun went off, or somebody shot at me, I do'nt [sic] know which, ugh!!

The officer exchanged guns with him, sent him back to his post, and took the "Parson's" gun to the fire to examine it and see whether it went off or not. On examination it was ascertained that it had "went off" in the Parson's hands without his knowing it! And it was he who shrieked so piteously! He

onws "that he never was scared so badly in all his life before!" He is awfully teased by the boys this morning. The Parson Capt will not hear the last of his gun going off without his knowledge soon! The discontented party has concluded to wait another day for our spies to return and report to us. Some are gone to the battle ground, and the others are amusing themselves the best they can about camps. All are becoming discontented, as we are out of bread, and have to live on buffalo meat taken from the Indians that they had packed for their own use. The thought of the way they pack it--their filth &c almost takes our appetites from us. Though after refraining from eating a day or two, our appetites are so voracious that we cannot hold back; all our consciencious scruples leave us, and we "pitch in" to the revered Indian buffalo meat as though it was a very delicious dainty!

Monday, December 24. The morning is pleasant. Our horses are put out to grass early. The time so often spoken of by the Parker boys has at length arrived. We cannot prevail upon them to stay any longer. Fifteen are just now starting from camps for home, leaving us about 70 men, besides the spy company that is still out.

Not one of the Palo Pinto, Buchanan, or Young county men has left, and honor to some of the brave Parker county boys who have determined to stay till our spy company comes in and reports. They are Lieut Sanders, F. Ball, W. R. Hill, J. H. Coffey, W. Shirley, R. Wood, &c. Some who are gone I regret to part with, as I think them to be brave and good men. Such as the Mosses, the Porters, Brown, Elkins, &c. There are others I do not regret to part with so much as I do not think they would do us much good, had they stayed. Those who remain, or several of them are going out today in small scouting parties. Capt Jack and myself are going to the battle ground to see if we can make any discovery, and to get a better article of meat than we have. We traveled over the most of the ground but found nothing new [or] more than had been seen before. No fresh sign.

We selected some very fine pieces of meat and returned to camps. We were met by "little" Hale and others some distance from our camps and informed that our spies had returned, bringing the information that they have discovered a great deal of fresh Indian sign north and west of us; and that about forty miles up this Pease river they discovered a very large trail going south; with every indication that there were about 1500 or 2000 Indians moving south with large herds of horses to winter in a warmer climate. We came on to camps and heard the report confirmed by the spies themselves. They say there is a great deal of fresh Indian sign above here on this river of foot and horse men going up and down from the main trail. Supposed to be hunting parties. The trial seems to have been made some eight or ten days ago.

It is about 200 yards wide, and beaten down like a regular public road. Some of the men say they felt very wild on seeing such a tremendous trail, and knowing if they had met this party of Indians, they, only nine in number, would certainly all have been scalped, though they had about 120 shots without loading. Their report has created considerable excitement in camps. Our number is now diminished from about 165 men to 78 or 79 men all told. At least one half of our horses are broken down so that they cannot go three days travel, and carry their masters, there is no grass in this country, except in patches. The grass is our only dependence to keep up our horses. Our provision is entirely out, except the meat that was taken from the Indians in the late fight. We are several days travel from the Indians now; and under all the circumstances we are perplexed to know what to do, as we wish to accomplish something before we return. A council of war is to be held after supper on order to come to some understanding as to what is best to be done under the circumstances. All are eager to fight but we fear we are not able to contend successfully with the enemy with our present forces in their present condition. Supper being over and our guards stationed, the company was called together by Capt Jack, and addressed by him as follows. "Fellow soldiers, we are generally of the opinion, from the report of our spies, that we are too weak in our present condition to meet and vanquish our enemy.

Permit me then to give you my opinion as to the best means of procedure in the present crisis. I think it dangerous for a few men to undertake to follow these Indians. From the fact that they will discover us by their spies, and if they find a few men on their trail they are sure to overpower and kill them. This would embolden the Indians and do us no good. My plan is for part of our company to go on to the Wichita or Brazos as many as can stay, and wait there on good grass, rest and graze their horses. The balance to go into the settlements and recruit, get fresh horses, and start as many men from the lower settlements as can be had, and all unite in a general campaign. And so be prepared for any emergency, and to kill as many of the "Red Devils" as possible and take all their horses from them. I am bound to go home myself. My business has been neglected for the last 18 months. The most of my time has been

spent on the frontier making preparations and prosecuting campaigns against the Indians. I have become enthralled by so neglecting my business about 1400$ are now demanded of me that I justly owe, which must be paid. I have about fifty fine pork hogs that now ought to be killed, upon which I depend to raise money. I employed men before starting from home to kill and take care of them; but on their getting the last dispatch from us they left all, and are here in camps tonight. This, gentlemen, is now my situation, and the Indians had just as well kill my family at once as for me to starve them to death.

Under these circumstances I think it doubtful about my being with you any more. If I can get time on my debts and reliable men to attend to my business, I will be with you, if not I will ride as low down as Dallas county, have meetings called, explain the condition of affairs out here and send you all the help I can in men, ammunitions and provisions, for the men must have something to eat or they cannot be kept together. No man will do more to fit out and support the expedition than I will according to my means. These, gentlemen, are the suggestions I have to offer. This is my opinion; though it is no more than any other man's. I would be glad to hear from other gentlemen of the company. When we all part I consider the company disbanded. I do not wish to be considered any longer commander of the company, for I may not be with you again, and if I am there will be many men here who were not present at the election. At the coming together again I think it best to have a new election, as I don't wish to force my services upon any set of men without a majority in favor of me. So do not consider me Captine [sic] any longer than till we disband. If I am with you on reorganizing the company and am the choice of the company I will serve you to the best of my abilities." Lieut Pollard was then called for. He made a few brief remarks, endorsing the opinions of the Captin [sic]. Moseley, Stocton, and Wells were each called in succession, each declining to say anything except Wells, who said "That it was understood that some 15 of the men were not going home. That they were going to stay in this upper region of country. That they intend to follow the trail [to] the vicinity of their stopping place. That they would spy out hunting parties of Indians and clean them up. And that they would in this way harrass the Indians till companies could be brought into the field sufficient to whip the main body of Indians." He then read the report of the spy company. The substance of which is contained in letter to Col Baylor, stating "That about the 19th or 20th inst. the spy company left Capt Cureton's camp, followed the late trail of stolen horses from the Six mountain fork of Pease river in a north west direction till they come into the Cedar mountains where there were so many small rocks and gravil that they could not follow the trail. They turned a westerly course and struck another fork of Pease river where they found plenty of mocasin and pony tracks. They still went on west till they found the main trail about forty miles west of camps on this river. They then turned and came to camps." A vote was then taken to see who would go home and who would stay. About 15 voted to stay, and the balance voted for going home.

Tuesday, December 25. This morning about 9 o'clock the memorable retreat commenced. The stir in camps was earlier than common. As fast as the men could get ready they would be off. There was great disparity in the times of starting, as some had quite a number of rugs to pack, and each wished to carry home all that he had. When the men all got started on the way home, they were scattered some 4 or 5 miles. The wind blew cold all day, so that we stopped a time or two to build fires and warm. Our course was south east the most of the day. We passed the battle ground and took a long, lingering farewell look at it as we passed. We then passed on over high prairie lands till about 3 P.M. Here we discovered one of the head branches of Beaver creek skirted on both sides with timber. This sight cheered us very much, as we had been traveling for some time in the norther and were very cold. After crossing one of the tributaries down to the main stream we were almost elated with joy to find that it contained plenty of good water. The grass is sorry.

We were soon off of our horses, and regailing ourselves by warm fires at camp No. 17. Not much sooner were we fairly dismounted, our horses tied out, and our fires burning, than we were eating broiled buffalo beef, taken from the Indians, and scarcely eatable a few days since, with a gusto and relish that ought to have put hungry wolves to shame. I am confident that at no one meal I ever eat half so much in my life. If it was weighed it would go considerably into lbs. The boys generally use the same expressions tonight.

Several of the men have cut down cotton-wood trees for their horses in place of grass and corn. Some of the horses relish it very well while others will not eat it.

We have traveled about 25 miles today. It seems, because we have started home, that the most of the men have lost all apprehensions of Indians. The Parker county boys are camped some 4 or 5 miles below us, and some of the Young county men several miles above us. None are paying much attention to

guarding. The spy company is still with us and are going on with us till they get to the little Wichita, where they expect to find plenty of good grass for their horses. They will stay there and send to Belknap for breadstuff. Our situation tonight is very different from many of the gay circles of youth who inhabit our vast country. Instead of reveling in the halls of luxury and affluence, joining in the social party with the milding [sic] sex, who are ever ready to sooth [sic] all cares that may arise and to make the heart beat merry and light, instead of all this we are here in the comfortless wilderness with the bleak winds of a merciless winter whistling around us with no protection except our tents, campfires and blankets. Our fare is of that delicious kind that the western prairie affords--meat without bread or salt. Yet it is well relished with us and we enjoy a kind of secret pleasure that gives our consciences quiet--The fact of being nobly employed.

Wednesday, December 26. Our heavy suppers, warm fires and patriotic reveries caused us to enjoy a very refreshing night's sleep. Here is something remarkable about Texas, eat as heavy suppers as you please and they seldom disturb the sleep. As there is no grass here for our horses we are starting from camps about 7 A.M. We traveled on in rather a southest direction. The north wind is blowing cold and it is unpleasant traveling. The lands we have traveled over today are very poor. They are mostly breaks between Beaver creek and Big Wichita. There is no grass and no timber, a perfect barren region of ravines, rocks, and steril lands. After traveling 10 or 12 miles we began to strike some of the little creeks that run into Big Wichita. There is a littel sedge grass and some wood here. So some of the messes keep stopping, making fires and grazing their horses.

About 11 A.M. the most of the company stopped in a valley of good sedge grass. My mess was behind, so I got my dinner of hackberries and scattering pieces of meat gathered from other messes. After grazing about two hours, we marched on down the breaks about 5 miles to Big Wichita. Here we parlied [sic] some time. Some of the boys shooting at buffalo, some shooting fish, and some hunting a crossing of the river. A crossing was finally affected, and on ascending the far bank of the river a large gang of trukeys ran off before us. The order was given for the shot-gun men to charge them. I, being a shot-gun man, set off at full speed on my old pack horse. I soon found the turkeys gaining on me, so I quit the chase and turned off to hunt a camping place. I soon found plenty of wood, water, and tolerably good grass. We were soon dismounted at camp No. 18, our horses grazing, and our hunting parties scattered in all directions. As I had not hunted any it seemed that I was almost a nuissance [sic] about camps. So I asked the Capt if he thought it would do any good for me to go a hunting. He said I could go, though from his manner of expression it was evident he had no confidence in my success. I took my double-barrel and struck out up the river along the border of a river valley that skirted on abrupt bluffs and deep ravines running up between the bluffs. I finally traced the valley out at the upper end to where the bluff and the river come together. There is a sublime spectacle! The bluff is a huge mass of sand rock somewhat impregnated with some kind of mineral. This material is piled up tier upon tier till it reaches a considerable distance toward the skies! The river lies just north of the bluff, barely room for a man to walk between them. A person cannot stand alone in the midst of such vast and romantic scenerey of nature without being weightily impressed with the sublimity, grandeur, and magnificence of the Creator's works. And man himself sinks into utter insignificance in his own estimation, and feels to some extent that he has no power within himself to do anything without Divine aid!

After passing beyond this bluff I came into a fine large valley of good land. But I found some of the Young county men camped here, and that they had been shooting game; all my prospects for hunting in this valley were blasted.

I then turned across the ends of the bluffs and ravines in the direction of camps, hoping that I might chance to happen upon some game in the deep ravines on my return to camps. When I ascended the bluff a scene of magnificence and splendor opened itself to my view. I at once lost all sight and thought of hunting to contemplate wonder and think! On casting my eyes up the river in a westerly direction, the bed of the river is visible for many miles--its silvery waters moving down in solemn majesty and grandeur. The fertil [sic] valleys of land lying on either side of the stream, sending up motts of cotton wood and hackberry timber. All together presenting a very picturesque and beautiful appearance. Look toward the north and the eye is met by vast expanses of high prairie lands, interspersed from one end ot the other with deep ravines and barren country generally. On these hills can be seen vast herds of buffalo feeding and traveling. The whole at a distance presenting the appearance of most excellent prairie lands covered with the finest of grass. And had it not been for our just coming through the country and seeing that there was no grass nor good land there, I could not have been made to believe

the truth as it is. Look again to the east and the river is seen in its meanderings, winding its way toward "old ocean." The view in this direction is not so extensive as it is above. The bluffs of the river in this direction rise up and form small mountains.

Between two of these bluffs is a fine large valley of some miles in extent. About the center of which is the largest grove of timber I have seen since we left Young county. It is about two miles below our camp in the same valley. Here our hunters are making the "welkin wring" with the keen crack of the rifle, and the sonorous report of the six-shooter. We will certainly have plenty of meat from the gun reports. To the south the old Loafer wolf is keeping dull hoarse music to other doleful sound that may be heard in all directions. No trace of any human improvement is to be seen in any direction, and all other things combined with the fact that this is really an Indian country, possessed, owned, and inhabited by them, truly gives it the impress of a wilderness country and a waist howling desert. But I must descend from those lofty themes of contemplation and see if I can find my way back to camps. I passed down and across one deep rough ravine and ascended the bluff on the opposite side. Suddenly a fine turkey came running across the hill just before me. I attempted to get ahead of him but failed. He is gone. I proceed slowly and cautiously hoping to fine more. Some distance off I see one slip into the head of a ravine to hide. I approach cautiously and see another about 100 yds off just starting from me in a slow walk. I raise my gun and fire! He runs off unhurt while the shot whistle in the air far above him. About this time my other turkey comes up on top of the bluff and stops about 75 yds off. I prepare to shoot him but my gun goes off before I am ready, and he runs off! I step back behind the bluff, reload, and follow the course of the first one I shot at. I soon scare him off and give up the hunt in despair! But frequently when despair takes deepest hold of a person he is nearest success. So it was with me in this case. I had not moved far from where I scared my last turkey, till I saw a fine large gobbler squatted down in the ravine to hide about 40 yds off. I took deliberate aim and fired. He jumped outof his bed and flopped off up the ravine some 8 or 10 steps and fell down dead! This is the largest piece of game I have ever killed. I was not long finding my way over the rocks to him when I put him on my shoulder and bore him in triumph into camps. I find that one other turkey has been killed and also a buffalo. Capt Jack has just made a fine bucket of soup of my turkey and a little flour he happened to meet with this evening. The hunters have at last come in. About nine turkeys, three deer and one buffalo have been killed.

Thursday, December 27. Our horses did tolerably well last night. After a hearty breakfast of turkey and soup our mess fixed up for starting. The spy company is going to stop here probably today. As it is foggy, cloudy, and misting rain a little, they are afraid a norther will overtake them on the prairie. As each mess gets ready it moves out its own way. Several of the messes were gone before we were ready. We finally got ready and I rode my old pack horse down into a ravine to get water. After drinking he attempted to ascend the far bank. But misfortune seemed to have marked me for its victim. The mist and rain had wet the banks and made them slick. [M]y horse had no shoes on, and he was very weak besides. A narrow trail had been beaten out to go down to the water up this. I tried to spur my horse. But in vain! [I]t was too slick for his bare feet and weak frame, and he fell back on his haunches in the mud! There he sat like a hog [on] a hot day! and could not get away. I slid off backwards into the mud, got off my saddle bags and blankets, and finally succeeded in putting him around on his broad side in the awful mud hole! After wallowing and struggling in the mud for some time he got up and out on the same side he went in! A fine thing for the painter to sketch! An old, little poor, brown one-eyed ewe-necked horse, covered with red mud would certainly do to paint! I got some sedge grass and scraped the thickest of the mud off my saddle, till I could find room enough on it for myself, put on my tricks and was soon ready to try it again! By this time my mess was all out of sight and there I was alone, my horse too poor and weak that I did not know whether he could come up with the company or not! After getting up the mountain bluff I found Wes waiting for me to give me the direction. We were of the opinion that our company was traveling too far east, as they were turning down the channel of the river. So we kept along in sight of them on the bluff thinking that they would soon turn up to us. We kept on this way so long that we were several miles from the company, the fog became more dense and we finally lost sight of them. We would not have tried to find them, but we were afraid they would become uneasy, go back to hunt us, and lose time. We took an object near where we saw them last and started to hunt them. We found their trail and trailed them up just as they had given chase to a large herd of buffalo without killing any of them. They had turned and were traveling about a due south course. We had a compass and regulated their course.

We have only four messes together, some of which are not full, so our company now numbers 21 men. About noon we came in sight of the Brazos and were crossing the bluffs that run into it near the Round timbers. We have passed over some fine looking musquit prairie wheat land, and are just getting into the edge of the lime stone rock. In one of these valleys, about 12 o'clock, we saw a large gang of turkeys. We stopped to graze our horses awhile and sent hunters after the turkeys. They killed none. There was a piece of a turkey on one of the pack s that was killed last night. So the 21 men made their dinners out of it, as it is all the meat we have. We depend upon our guns from here home. Here Thos. Nelson's mare "gave out" and after shedding a few long tears over her, he was prevailed upon to put his saddle on a pack horse and leave her. We now traveled at rather a slow rate, having to keep Tom up with us. We passed a spur of the Round Timbers and turned in an easterly direction and traveled a few miles over fine musquit country and were beginning to think of finding a camping place and hunting some meat. On turning the point of a small ridge our guide discovered some horses about two miles distant coursing rather meeting us. We could not tell whether there were riders on them or not. They were soon behind a clump of timber from us and we fell rather down in ravine and concluded that we would intercept them and see what they want. We set off in a lively trot, all eager to get a glimpse at the object ahead. The trot soon changed to a long lope. All looked intensly [sic] forward and scarcely a word as spoken. We traveled about three miles in this way when we suddenly turned the brow of a hill, and saw distinctly in the valley below us about ½ a mile distant, five Indians on horses just letting off at full speed! Word was given back along the line, blankets and loose baggage dropped, the pack abandoned, Tom Nelson left afoot, and every man was lashing his horse to the top of his speed, and eagerly yelling in the chase! Many of our horses moved off finely, and the appearance was that the Indians would soon be overhauled. But soon some of our horses began to fail! My old mud horse of the morning got off better than I expected, though he finally gave out and I had to stop! How provoking! After riding so long as we have, suffering fatigue, privation, and hunger and cold to kill Indians, then to come so close upon them and almost have them at command, then for want of horses be compelled to set still and see the bruits run off before our eyes was almost heart rending! The most of the horses have broken down and their riders returned! Though some of the boys are still ahead on pretty good horses making fair headway when last seen.

Capt Jack's horse has given up, and he has returned to gather up the men and packs and prepare for camping.

He sent Lieut. Pollard on to guide those who quit the chase last back to camps. The packs are scattered, some torn off, some in one place and some in another, and all is confusion. The Capt orders some to strike camps, some to go after the blankets and baggage that were thrown off in the charge. He also detailed me to go with him to hunt his pack mule. We soon found it and brought it into camps. And assisted in getting the plunder together as well as we could till dark. We found three buffalo rugs, one blanket, one quilt, one shawls, a pair of moccasins, some little bags of paint and bunches of feathers dropped by the Indians. It is now dark and our men have not returned. We count and find that nine are gone. We wait, shoot signal-guns and listen for them. No sound or word do we get. We begin to get uneasy and speculate as to the probable result of the adventure. "Probably they have gotten into a fight, some of them hurt and are not able to get back to camps." "They may have run into a large body of Indians and are all scalped." "They may have run till dark and gotten so far from camps that they cannot find their way back through the darkness of night." Then another signal-gun is fired, but a strong east wind is blowing so that it cannot be heard far. And so on—Surmising, conjecturing, and shooting till bed time, and still nothing of our men. Our provisions being out, our fancys are keen enough to sketch out many things. Some of the boys complain of being very hungry. I feel very unwell tonight and could not eat anything if I had it. The wind is so strong we cannot keep up our tents. I feel so badly that I cannot take any care in guarding tonight.

Friday, December 28. About 5 A.M. a regular old blue norther blew up, so cold that we suffered very much around our camp fires in any condition we could place ourselves. I had not the courage to raise my head or look out till the sun was about one hour high. I feel very bad this morning. When I summoned courage enough to look out, the boys around the fire presented a ludicrous appearance. All who were up were sitting as close to the fire as they could get, each with a buffalo rug wrapped closely around him, up to the top of his head. Indians themselves could not have looked more Indian like than they did. Our men are still not heard from. Some time in the morning and old buffalo bull came in sight of our camp. Capt Jack, spurred by hunger and easier stirred from camps than the other boys, took his six

shooting rifle and was soon off for some beef. We soon heard three reports of the game. But as the buffalo was north of us the wind was blowing too cold to look and see whether he had killed it or not. We waited patiently till he returned and reported he had killed him. He also reported a ravine about 50 yds from our fires in which we might better the condition of our camp. By his setting the example each of us dragged off after him with a load of wood. We soon had a fine fire burning in the ravine, where we were principally sheltered from the wind and were tolerably comfortable.

The boys were soon off for some buffalo for breakfast, each man that stayed sending for his choice piece except myself, who am not able to eat any thing. They soon returned in a rage saying that the beef had run off. Some are still without any thing to eat, our men gone, and the norther blowing to desperation.

A council of war was held and it was thought best to go and hunt for our men, though almost at the risk of freezing. Capt Church, Meaders and Harper volunteered to go. I was not able to go. They were gone two or three hours but did not find them. The wind had filled their tracks with sand so they could not be trailed. They are almost frozen and we are in worse suspense than ever. While the boys were out they were charged for Indians by Young county men of our company. They bring some meat and coffee into camps. It is really a show to see our men eat. They divide liberally and the boys perfectly gormandize it! I cannot eat, my throat is swelling, I have some fevere, severe headache, and am full of cold. In the midst of the feast our last man came into camps. There is much joy to see them all come in, though there seems to be a horse missing. They were at once pressed for particulars of what had passed. The report was that Bradley and Tom Pollard came up with the Indians. The Indians stopped to fight them in a ravine. They dismounted and fought the Indians close up. Bradley fired all the barrels of his six-shooter and wounded one Indian. He also recd a tolerably severe wound in the arm from an arrow, the spike striking the bone. He presented his gun and it snapped and the Indians run. Two or three fought him. One fought Tom and shot him twice. Once in the head, the spike striking the bone and turning up without entering the skull, the other passing through the muscle of his thigh just below the groin, the arrow passed entirely through. Both are pretty severely wounded, but are not thought to be dangerous. Tom fired two barrels of his six-shooter and one barrel of his shot gun and thought he wounded an Indian. The Indians shot his horse through the neck and got him. J. Dalton and J. Harris came up about the same time that Bradley and Pollard did; but they stayed a little back on the hill. Dalton fired two shots and Harris one. Dalton was also shot through the thigh by the Indians. He and Harris remained on their horses. Just as Bradley finished firing his six-shooter, Chick came up, and two Indians got on Pollard's horse and the Indians all left. The horses were so near run down that it was impossible to take care of Pollard and attempt another fight with the Indians. So the fight resulted in three of our men getting wounded, one of their horses taken, and only a probability of two Indians being wounded. A bad fight, which might have been bettered if Dalton and Harris had rushed in with the others, no doubt. They then tried to find our camp, but it being dark and they having ran the Indians about 10 miles they failed to find it. They have had nothing to eat. So the Young county men handed out all they had to eat and our last man ate a hearty dinner. The Young county men then left for home. After warming and resting about an hour we took up the line of march for better quarters. The weather has moderated considerably since morning, yet it is very cold. We traveled about five miles this evening and are camped on a creek that runs into the Brazos. We have fine wood, tolerably good grass, but ordinary water. We are down in a deep ravine where the cold does not molest us. Several are out hunting. I feel bad, worse than ever; cannot do any thing but sit on a rug by the fire. After dark the hunters return with a fine fat buffalo calf. Great rejoicing in camps, all alive and plenty to eat! The calf was very nearly devoured for supper by twenty men. I eat none. The horses tied up, all are on blankets at ease.

Saturday, December 29. The morning is cold. After early breakfast we were on the march. I am still bad and eat nothing. We traveled over fine musquit prairie this morning till about 12. Then we came ot the Brazos and crossed it. The ice was frozen entirely across the river. After crossing the river we came into a valley of excellent land. We continued on this side of the river all day, stopping twice to warm during the day. Late in the evening we came in sight of a herd of cattle. Some of the men went off to kill one while the others struck camp No. 21 in good grass, water, and timber. Our beef men mistook the creek and did not come to us, so we are out of meat again.

Sabbath, December 30. Early this morning we started from camp and found our beef men about three miles from our camp with a very fine beef slaughtered. We stopped and the boys "pitched in" to it like "sweep steaks" again. They eat so near all of it that by tying a small piece of it to each ones saddle it was carried along. I am still unable, and almost unable to ride. We traveled on some time over very fine river valleys till we came to Elm creek. It was full of water and covered with ice so that we had some difficulty in crossing. We came to the road leading to Belknap a few miles from Elm and by 4 P.M. we arrived at the city. I left my horse with the company and am staying at the house of J. R. Jowell.

Monday, December 31. I suffered severely during the night but had the kindest care from Mr. Richards to whom I am under many obligations. I am much worse this morning. My throat is so swollen that I can scarcely swallow. I am almost suffocated with phlegm. Lieut Pollard thinks I can go on with the company. Capt C. says if I attempt to go on it will kill me certain. The Dr. agrees with Capt C. On attempting to take some Expectorant, I had to gasp for breath some minutes. The company goes on and leaves Wes to take care of and come home with me. Dr. Stanifer has been very attentive and has done all he could to relieve me. He gave me some emetics this morning hoping they might relieve my throat. But a blister on my throat was the last resort. He is very sympathetic and seems deeply interested in my recovery. Wes bathed me well in warm water and give me a change of clothing. The blister is drawing a little, and I think is easing my throat already. The Dr. says mine is a very clearly a case of acute Bronchitis, and is very dangerous without speedy relief. I have taken Ayer's Cherry Restoral at times all day. It is very nauseating to my stomache.

This ends the old year. May my errors of this year be forgiven and grace be granted for the next to keep me more humble!