Muscatine journal. [volume] (Bloomington, Iowa) 1849-185?, 1853-09-23
J. MAHIN & SON.
ORIGINAL
Letter from Texas.
no. vi.


morning ride, without giving us an oppor
tunity Of gratifying our curiosity as regard
Its appearance. This was to be regretted
o. was very desirous Of seeing the i'm
provements in the immediate vicinity Of TIL
capital. But in this was doomed to dis
appointment, our arrival at and departur,
from the city both being at that hour which
precluded observation.
After breakfast, feeling much refreshed
I took the box with the driver, very intel.
ligent young man, and was much surprised
to find one who was evidently superior to
his present employment satisfied and happy
in his position. But in short time dis
covered the grand secret, why, as general
rule, the drivers almost universally were
far more polite and gentlemanly than in
most other sections Of the United States =
tho proprietors keep hostlers at each stand,
therefore the drivers have nothing to do
with the drudgery of the stable, and they
get so much per team for driving, and may
have as many teams as they can manage.
Our present one drove through to San An
tonic, which brought his wages to some
1920 per month and boarded. The effect OF
the system is, that the company commands
the services of the very best men, and the
safety and comfort of passengers insured.
soon discovered our proximity to the
mountains. The lofty hills, the tall cedars,
grayelly soil, all indicated that We were near
the base of the Colorado mountains, which
gave much interest to the beautiful, undu-
lating country VIC were passing over. 1t
were almost impossible 70 imagine more
romantic region than the one passed over
this day. The muskeete grass began to show
itself in great abundance. This celebrated
grass is highly priced by the stock-raisers
of western Texas; and, if it possesses the
nutriment ascribed to it, they have good
reasons for holding it in high esteem. 1t
has somewhat the appearance of our blue
grass, and bears quito large seed, which,
it is said, contains as much nourishment as
oats. Animals seek it with great avidity,
and soon grow fat. The inhabitants say
that horses and oxen will perform as much
labor on this food as as our northern ami
mails will upon oats.
To-day the muskeete wood began to show
itself more frequent. had heard much of
this peculiar growth of Texas, and had my
curiosity no little excited at the many des-
criptions given, but must confess I was
disappointed, both rs regards its size and
itscrooked growth. Still, in country
where timber is so scarce, the inhabitants
esteem it very highly, the principal use be-
ing for fencing, which is made after the
fashion of the old picket fence of the
French. And most rugged looking affairs
they are, but they answer the purpose, and
that is all any other fence can do, be it ever
so slightly. place it upon par with our
willow, of which family think it belongs.
To-day, list June,) l saw many wheat
fields in which the cradle was at work, il
being the usual time of harvest in this eli
mate, and find that this article of breadstuff
produces we'll under this mountain range.
1t appears that, no matter in what descrip-
ton of agriculture mau wishes to embark,
locality can be found in this State to suit
his purpose--be it either the productions of
the tropics or the smaller grains OF the
north.
About IL O'Clock NJ, we reached tho town
OF New Bronsfeldt. which contains AN en-
tire Dutch population Of soma 1900 or 1000,
and is surrounded by many fne farms.
did not have time to take notes, and can
not, therefore, say what time this colony
came over, hut learn it 10 in very healthy
and Hourishing condition. Their selection
of lands do credit to their judgment.
While our horses were changing, our dri-
yer introduced us to the city restaurant,
where we lunched upon pies and ginger
beer, the temperance principle being strictly
enforced in this city.
After re reshing ourselves, we started for
San Antonio, some 25 miles distant, hoping
to reach there 5efore night.
country, Notwithstanding tropical sun was
oxerting all his powers. again took my seat
upon the box; and, assure you, had no
cause to regret my temer,ty, for the scenery
between this and San Antonio is indelibly
stamped upon my memory II certainly is
the most rich and variegated ever saw
The widespread, almost hilly prairies,
stretching of to the Blue Mountains in the
distance, gave the perspectivea scenic effect,
which Inever before witnessed. Itappeared
that should never tire in gazing at thit
charming landscape.
At our next stand, we took dinner. The
house was kept by widow, whose husband
met with violent death some two years
previous, whose history was one of trial ant
hardship. Being one of the early pioneers
as matter Of necessity, she had to submi
to all the privat ons attending the settle
ment of new country. After escaping
both Mexioans and Indians, and the Stat
annexed to our Union, with handsome
plantation and oil the comforts of lif
around them--when their cares and suffer
ings had ceased and their bright prospect
for the future made life most desirable-h
fell in a private quarrel. The FIRST intima
ton the bereaved widow had of her irre
parable loss was the sight OF the corpse
brought into the house.
From what little saw Of her, it was evi
dent aha had heen accustomed to all the a