New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-10-12
CAPT. MARCYS EXPEDITION.
DISCOVERY OF THE HEAD WATERS OF THE
BIG WICHITA AND THE BRAZos, AND OF

DISCOVERY OF THE HEAD WATERS OF THE
BIG WICHITA AND THE BRAZos, AND OF
IMMENSE FIELDS OF GYPSUM.
The Fort Smith Ark Herald publishes an inter
estpg letter from Dr. Shumard, Surgeon and Geoo-
pist of Capt. Marcy expedition, dated " In camp,
anear River Brazos, 40 miles above Fort Belknap,
"Texas, AIs. l0."
We Learn from il that the expedition consisting OF
Capt Marcy, Mag. Neghbors, Mr.. Parker and DR..
Shumard together with four soldiers and five Della
ware Indians, after severe suffering from heat
end thirst succeeded in reaching the head of the Big
Wichita and subsequently the head Of the Brazos.
Dr. Shumard says:
The Wichisa River takes its origin in a system Of
high bluffs, the borders of the Lano Estscado,l
which, at the head Of the river form regular semi
circle or horseshoe and from which are sent out a
number of small streams, convergng at the distance
of two or three miles from the main river which, from
IFS source 10 its month through high bluff banks
composed mostly OF clay and red gypsum. The water
of this stream, well that Of the Brazos and Red
River their bitter taste 10 the gypsum, through
extensive beds of which all of them dow According
TO apays sis il ieds Glauber and EPSON salts well
az other substances.
Having reached the head of the Wichita, the party
struck OF in search Of the of the Brazos They
proceeded due south and reached the Brszos after
travelling about 20 miles. The Doctor says:
The river, where we first struck IL, runs Ike the
Wichita through high bluff banks, composed of red
clay and gy psum. The water, which was about four
feet deep, was as clear cry stall. but intensely
bitter that our horses would hardly drink il. After
veling about - miles in northern direction we came
TO high bill on the prairie from which we obtained
an exreI sive view Of the surrounding country In
due north direction at the distance Of about 80 miles
appeared two mountains, each shaped Ike = trun.
Gated core and at least 500 feet above the level Of
the surrounding plain. These marked the hesd Of
the stream. From them the stream could be dis
tircty seen like cord Of silver meanderng through
the prairie 10 the spot which we stood. Beyond
the mountains appeared line Of high bluffs, the
LIano Estsosdo which, in the distance looked ike
clouds fioatipg upon the horizon. Having now salts
fsciorly ascersined the source Of the river, We de-
cided unanimously to return.
The party, 2tr an absence Of nine dsys, during
which they travelled three hundred miles, returned
10 camp Dr. ShumArd says they obtained otenty
correct geographical a. well a. geological knewA4s
Of this Heretofore UNEMPLOYED region but msae seve
ri highly important discoveies which may hersai-
ter be Of copiidersble importance to Government =
well a. to the public generally. He sdds:
In this connection It may be veil to state that gun
arabic has been discovered In inexhsustibls qusnd+
ties and Of The very best quality, while have bsea
enabled to trace the gypeum field several hundred
miles further than when on Red River trip. Near
the head Of the Wchifa River il presents the enor.
NOUS thickness Of seven hundred feet and 10 Of the
very pureet quality With regard to the character Of
the county we explored the wachta River. have
emily say that !; Is complete barren waste, tetsly