Muscatine journal. [volume] (Bloomington, Iowa) 1849-185?, 1853-08-12

drink. Our driver continued about thirty
miles further, over similar soil. The
same absence of animation l may ex.
cept the long line of OK teams, vending
their way to Houston, with their cottor
loaded wagons, a few hands working upon
the Houston Railroad, the sleek. looking
stock indolently wandering about this thei,
favored home, and the herds of deer, gazing
upon our coach and four apologies, as
much as to say, gentlemen, you are in
fringing upon the reserved rights of us free
and independent Texas citizens" We did
not stop to ask their opinions upon annex
alton, but l am convinced they took us for
party of fllibusters, as in most cases, like
their Mexican brethren, when our proximity
became nearer than safety counciled, they
took to their heels, thereby showing the
white feather. To our great qualification,
after crossing this region of sand, the
scene, as if by magic. changed. Beautiful
groves of timber and farm houses became
more frequent; large fields of corn, already
in silk, and cotton plantations, greeted our
vision. l was informed that we had passed
over the poorest portion Of our route, which
afterwards found to be the case. Peace
and plenty appeared to abound, though
found, from experience, the demizens Of
Texas, like their more northern brethren,
understood the principle of high tariff,
when they were the collectors and thyir
pockets the custom house. We might truly
say, in most instances, "we were strangers
and were taken in," if stopping at log
house and paying fifty cents for scanty
meal, or disbursing the same amount for
the privilege of trying to rest a few hours
On bundle of Spanish moss, more wavy
than the sea, and sheets the fac simiie (in
coior) of the moss, may be deemed so.-
Nevertheless assu me the ground that trav-
elers have no right to grumble. If they
cannot make UP their minds to take things
as they are, they have no business to travels
therefore, do not understand me as COM
planning, but only take the privilege of sta
ting my views.
Twelve O'Clock at night brought US to the
fourishing town of Washington; and
much regret that a two-hours' stay did not
permit me to see the lions, for the short pc
riod allotted for rest must be improved
Any one referring to the map can see It's
location; and SO far as a star-lit night and
information obtained from others can be
relied upon, should judge it desirable
location. ltpresents very fine appearance,
and founding my opinion upon the price of
rents, it must strike the stranger as a place
of much trade, which am informed ia the
case. Situated amidst fertile country,
quite well improved, and only sixty miles
from Houston, with an anticipated rail
road, Washington has received, since Texas
has been annexed, an impetus which places
her upon very respectable footing, and
now contains some two thousand popula.
tion.
Punctual TO the time, We were called upon
to take our seats, and with lamps lit, horn
blowing. we were off for our next principle
pOiheS u'iy leu US
a very desirable country and quite well i'm
proved, alternately relieved by timber and
prairie, the latter to a great extent predom-
mating, and though tired and fatigued with
stage riding, the weather and scenery were
truly enchanting and in great measure
renumerated me for the evil was undergo
ing.
The Valley Of the Brazos is perfect
paradise, and cold must be the mind that
could pass through it with indifference.
Among our passengers was an elderly lady,
widow from Illinois. She told me she had
witnessed all the struggles of her adopted
State for independence; had suffered much.
but now life and liberty being granted to her
by annexation, she wished for no other
home, and hoped that no circumstances
might occur to induce her to leave it.. It
was here she wished to live, it was here she
wished to die.
Three O'Clock P. NJ. brought us to Lagrange
when, after slight supper, flung myself
upon my'old friend, the moss, for two
hours nap. C.