Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-06-04
CoRpUs CHRISTI, (Texas,l !
UOfn


JAs'Y 18th, 1876
While was on the prairies south west from Cor
pus Christi, and also between this and Bexar, it
was very common sight to see from fifty to two
hundred deer in a drove, immense focks Of wild
geese on the prairies and wild horses Tor mustangs
as they called IN this country in droyes not
less than one mile and half or two miles long,
and would not number less than from ten to fifteen
hundred head. | spent about sixteen days OF San
Antonio very pleasantly indeed. The country in
the vicinity of San Antonio is exceedingly beauti-
iul, the soil rich, but not sufficiently well watered
and timbered to ensure that degree of high cult
walton which other parts Of Texas do. While San
Antonio Tor Bexar) was in the height of its pros
perity, the adjacent country must have been per-
feet garden, proofs of which to be seen TO this
day in the irrgatng canals, remains of beautiful
buildings, &c. &c. The town is situated about
one hundred and fifty miles from Corpus Christi.
About twenty-five miles from either place there
are settlements thence one hundred miles, the
road runs through wilderness, until ately ire-
quenled only by wild Indians. Indeed at present
It is considered dangerous for small parties to 60
THOUGH, utless rapidly and we'll armed nevcrthe-
less | trav arsed the Whole distance in five days,
with but one companion and each single pistol.
All of our luggage we carried in little bags, hung
over our shoulders.
There are two companies of the ID dragons
stationed at San Antonio and one at Austin 1t Is
expected that some more companies OF our regiment
will be ordered up into that country as soon as the
General may think it consistent with his policy.
Several little exploring expeditions have been out
in different directions, but none have accomplished
wonders
A great many rumors have been started about
the troops moving 10 the Rio Grande, but have
seen nothing to confirm them at all, except great
supply Of transportation, and that cannot be used
in the rainy season. During the last twenty days
the weather has been very fine and agreeable, ex
cept the cold nights The troops are still in tents
and get along very well indeed many companies
have made embankmcnts, brush fences, &c. sc.
around their tents and are very comfortable Many
officers have fire places built in connection with
their tents. Ny tent has brush fence around it
to break of the north wind, but has no fire place.
build fire on the ground outside to warm my
feet by-am getting very fat on my method of llv-
ing. weigh one hundred and seventy three pounds
nearly. Last night we had very severe thunder
storm; more rain fell than on any previous night
since we have been at Corpus Christi. 1t is near
" the season for making garden: indeed some
have already planted the early seeds. Atmy mess
we have had bacon and greens all winter spe
cies Of the red pepper grows wild and in great
abundance in this country; 1t is used TO make pep
per sauce and is excellent.
The following letter from an officer in the Navy
has been kindly furnished us. This letter noticed
some Of the army operations of which an account
has already been given, and that part is omitted: