The daily crescent., 1850-07-01
Notes Of an Overland Journey 70 California.

Notes Of an Overland Journey to California.
NUMREB. THREE
March 16.-There is about sixty-fve Of us here
now--half of our original party from New Orleans
ali of number Two's company, and the company
that feft New Orleans on the 4th Of July There
is some speculation, and considerable doubt
whether we will be allowed to pass through the
country. They are becoming alarmed at the num-
bers that are coming in here, all armed to their
teeth, and think that we are after creating revo.
luton, or some other horrible thing. # would be
extremely provoking to have to retrace our stems
after we have got thus far, and incurred SO much
expense and trouble. We could, il we felt dis
posed to do it, go through any how, but it would
be attended with danger and great inconvenience.
The proposition was made. but Immediately re-
jected by the majority Of the party.
March 1.-THE courier that was sent to Mon
terey returned this morning, and we can pass on
without any difficulty; SO we start tomorrow. /
have just been told that the poor man that was
sick on the road is dead, and as be was Catholic
he is to be buried this afternoon in the Catholic
grave yard, with all the ceremonies Of their faith
II he had not been Catholic they would not have
let him been buried in their graveyard.
March 1S.--Camp was reused at o'clock and
after we had got breakfast and packed onr mules.
we started on our road once more, and about 12
o'clock arrived at small place called Labela the
sun was intensely hot This being village of no
note, we remained only long enough to have our
passport countersigned, and went on to the town
of Candida, about seventeen miles from Lampassus.
and camped in the Alcalde's yard, which he has
kindly given us for the night. 1 never suffered
more with the heat of the sun in my life than 1
have to day in fact, feared that would have a
stroke o. the sun. We found it very difficult to
get any thing to eat for supper, for it was Sunday
March 19.-As some Of want mules, we do
intend leaving this place to-day, but try if we
can find any Candida is pretty little town,
situated at the foot of range of mountains, with
about three Thousand inhabitants. They appear to
be intelligent, and mostly well ad.'caIed. There
are several wealthy families among them, and
met with two three young men that were edu-
Gated in the United States. They are very hos
pitable, and said to be friendly disposed to the
Americans. The town is well watered with
streams running through most of the streets-hav-
ing also fine shade trees, which, to us, appeared
most beautiful when entered the town from our
hot and dusty march. Heretofore have said moth
ing about my feelings on this journey, but must
say that never felt so discouraged or so great a
desire to abandon any thing as do now, and if
could replace the money that have expended, l
do really think | would back out and return to
fiew Orleans. tbs not on account of the priva-
tions and hardships, for the greater they are the
more is my desire to proceed. | have frequently
been annoyed and vexed and often very much
fatigued, but never felt discouraged for never un-
til now, felt so utterly lonely. But must not give
A., L. fo-1 Il r -
feel so now if it was not that not well to-day,
and last night had touch of my old complaint
pain in the breast and paptaton of the heart, which
always makes me feel low-spirited, and causes me
to notice things that generally would not mind.
have been hunting for mule all over town, but
could lind none for sale, except couple that thew
ask S45 each for, which is than can afford
to give. While writing, see man bringing in
two mules for sale, and must see if l can buy one
of them. Well, have bought one of the mules for
$50, and it looks like very good one, so hope
we will not loose him. | have just returned from
taking bath, and | feel much better l think.
after eating my supper, and taking good nights
rest will be all right again.
March 20.-We are now on the road again, and
our mule works admirably. If my poor horses
back was well, would get along first rate Our
road has somewhat changed in appearance here
toiore have been travelling over fiat prairies or
rolling ground but to-day for the first time our
road runs over rough mountain passes, and the
rugged bleak sides of the mountains have sort Of
solemn grandeur about them that is quite pleasing
as change. We are now camped, during the |
heat OF the day, near water-hole, about twelve |
miles from Candida About o'clock we again
took the road, and travelled until 10 P. M, and |
camped for the night-having come about thirty |
miles this day.
March 21.-Camp was reused at o'clock, and |
not having sufficient water with us, we left with
out breakfast, and travelled about sixteen miles, and
are camped at water-hole We have Just |
had our breakfast and fed our animals My poor |
horse has nearly given out it with the great
est difficulty that could get him thus far. Being
guard last night, have had but little rest so
am just about to lay down for little nap before |
we take the road again. We left this place about
a, and travelled until after dark and then camped
for the night without Matchmaking about twenty
seven miles this day.
March 22,-Took the road at daylight, and |
arrived at beautiful cool spring about O'clock
watered animals and ourselves, and then went |
on to Monclova, which place we reached about |
9 q CloChS r. M dUOut twenty miles THIS |
day, all of which distance Ned and had to walk |
and drive, and drag our horses along with us and
in this manner we had to go through the town, |
(which is more than mile long,) to the great
amusement of the natives. We have rented a |
yard for ourselves and animals, and here we intend
remaining until we get properly prepared to go
on to Chihuahua.
March 23.-Monclova is the Capital of the State |
of Coahua, and is quite large place. We are |
able to get wheat bread here, as wheat is the prn-
cipal production They have flour mills, black |
smith shops, drug-store American, or rather
French Doctor, Orom New Orleans,) and any |
quantity of other stores shoemakers, etc. 1t looks
more like place where people do something for |
living than any we have yet been in. There is |
beautiful walk (or "almade," as it is called,) to
the right of the town. 1t is about quarter Of |
mile long. 1t has a wide walk in the centre, |
paved with stones, and gravel walk on each side |
of it, There four Of beautiful tall shade |
trees that traverse the whole extent of the walks
their foliage is dense that it almost entirely ex-
cludes the burning rays of the mid day sun. There
are eight beautiful seats, hewn out Of solid stone
nlaeed nj short distances along the ualks Tlir a