Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-09-12
From the San Francisco Herald.
Remarkable Spring Discovered


We have been allowed to make the follow.
ing interesting extracts from the unpublished
journal Of Mr.. 5. N. Carralho, artist. of his
journey from Great Salt Lake to Los Angeles,
through the Cajon Pass;
MUDDY RIVER CAMP, Sunday, May %, 1854.
At about O'clock, p. m, the order was given
to fill up the water cans, as we were about to
commence our journey over the dreaded Jor-
nado, of sixty miles, without water or grass.
Immediately all hands were engaged in sun.
plying themselves with water--eyery vessel
that could possibly contain liquid being used
for that purpose -canteens, bottles, cans, kegs,
&c. AT A o'clock, having harnessed up the
horses, and saddlen the mules, we were on the
road, which led through loose, sandy and
stony ravine. 1t was very heavy, and tried the
mettle of our already wearied animals We
travelled thus for eleven miles, and then grad
nally assembled the table land on harder and
better road; cool north wind tempered the
heat of the atmosphere, and we continued the
Journey through this sterile country until mid
night, when we halted and refreshed our ami
mails with water from our reservoirs.
After rest of three hours, we resumed our
journey, and by 10 o'clock a. M, we had crossed
this dreaded desert, without any accident to our
wagons or animals. We camped on a narrow
stream of deliciousy cool water, about twelve
to eighteen inches wide, which distributes itself
about half mile lower down in meadow,
covered with luxuriant grasses. This camp
ground is called by the Spaniards Las We
gas. Once more we had plenty Of grass for
our fatigued animals, and we determined to
rest here for the day. During our Journey
we passed a number of deserted wagons, chairs,
tables, &c. An ox-train from Little Salt Lake
had preceded us about ten days and it was
not difficult to follow their trail, for in the space
of one hour counted the putrid carcasses of
nineteen oxen and horses. What q lesson to
those who venture on such joulIey unad-
visedly and unprepared! The strong north
wind, which blew all day. raised a cloud of
dust which almost blinded me, although had
goggles and a green veil to protect my eyes
however the delightful and refreshing water
of this oasis soon purified me; and felt
now, having crossed the desert breakfasted,
and bathed, much more comfortable, both men.
tally and physically. The Acacia is the only
tree on this stream.
May 3o.-We remarked at camp all day yes.
terday, and at 10 this morning we were on the
road to Cottonwood Springs, some 20 miles
| distant, where we will find water and grass
and then will commence journey over another
desert of 55 miles. We followed up this little
| stream for about three miles, when the road
turned a little to the right; but was anxious
to see the head of the stream for, from the
appearance of the surrounding country, /
| judged it to be very near. Farley Pratt, sew
eral other gentlemen, and myself, continued
up the stream, and after ride of half mile,
we came to large spring, IS feet wide and 40
long, surrounded by acacias5in full bloom.
We approached through an opening, and found
1T to contain the clearest and most delicious
water ever tasted; the bottom appeared to be
| not more than two feet from the surface and
to consist of white sand. Farley Pratt pre-
pared himself for battle, and soon his BODY
divided the crystal waters. While was con-
sidering whether should go in, heard Mr..
Pratt calling TO me that it was impossible to
sink the water was so buoyant. hardly be.
lieyed it, and to be able TO speak certainly, /
also undressed and jumped in.
What was my delight and establishment to
find that all my efforts to sink were futile.
raised my body out of the water, and suddenly
lowered myself, but bounced upwards as if /
bad struck springing- board; walked about
the water up to my armpts, just the same as
# had been walking on dry land. The water,
instead of being about two feet deep, was over
ffteen-the length of the longest test.pole we
had along. II is positively impossible for a
man to sink over his head in It; the sand ON
the banks is very fine and white the tempera.
ture of the water is 7S0 Fahrenheit. / can form
no idea as to the cause Of this singular phe.
nomena. Great Salt Lake also possesses this
quality, but this water is perfectly sweet. In
the absence of any other name, / have called
1t the Buoyant Spring. have never heard It
spoken OF as possessing this quality, and should
hike some of the SaVans to explain the cause of
buoyancy We fingered in the spring for IF
teen minutes, when we dressed and resumed
our ride, highly delighted and gratiied by our
exploration. made drawings Of this spot and
surrounding mountains.