The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-11-06

were struck Of O'Clock and although Il was sun
drizElipg we pushed forward crossed The Colorado,
where we found good timber; we passed several
groves Of post oak timter on the ridges; this, how
ever, 10 for the most part short and scrubby march
I'd but ten miles; found plenty Of CLAIMS, OF which
we made soup; we saw Eve or six very large herds
Of deer and also . dog town; have been told that
in passing through their villages during the summer
the clatter OF their barking Is 80 incessant that it
surrounded by the busy bum of q large CITY.
On the 18th we crossed the San Saba stream Of
beautiful clear water, containing great quantities OF
fish; seems TO be avorite resort of the turkeys;
We saw an immense humber; also quantity Of wild
geese and ducks; Col. j. shot very large turkey
Immediately behind his tent
On Monday, the l4th, we reached Fort Mason,
after mornings march Of fourteen miles; We were
our journeys end, at least for time, we can defy
the elements our march on the whole has been q
pleasant one; since the 9th of November we have
Notwithstanding al the exposures incident to
sucn trip during the winter months. we
have lost but few men by death and have
had no sickness OF consequence everyone
The horses, am sory, to say, We have not been
equally fortunate with, having lost great number
by diff. rent diseases, and have been compelled to
abandon many. The remaining ones look badly,
recruit. We encamped in Q beautiful valley imme-
diately below Fort Mason, which is situated on
high hill each and all Of us rejoicing to have reach
ed our destination.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Jan. 30, 1856.
Fort Mason is most beautifully located. 1t is
built on high hill, commanding fine view Of the
surrounding country to the distance of at least
thirty miles. The garrison is now in rather dila
one story high, surrounded by porches, and though
very much out of repair, might with trifing ex-
pense be made very comfortable quarters. Il was,
unfortunately for us, intended for 2 two-company
quence Of whiohthe troops viii be compelled to pass
the winter in camp. Five Of our officers having
brought their families; each win be limited to 9
single room and q kitchen, which is all the room
titled BY rank to four rooms and kitchen gene
rously relinquished all but one limiting his family
to single apartment, IN order that every lady in
his regiment should be under shelter. The country
proving rapidly. From the fort finely cultivated
farms can be seen, where two years since were
nothing but prairie and forest. There is an alum
dance Of timber and fine spring water. We have,
also weekly mail and the neighboring farmers
keep us we'll supplied in butter, milk, eggs and
poultry. 1t is generally acknowledged to be the
most desirable post in Texas. Game is very album
dant; the command keep us constantly supplied
with fresh venison and wild turkeys. The time is
evidently near at hand when this post viii be en-
tirely abandoned by the military and the troops
moved to q more distant station. Up to this date
little has occurred to vary the continued monotony
OF camp lie. xu6 t6vcI8l COuphule6 DcluK lOCatcQ
more in reference to protection from northers than
any military system, were employed principally in
looking after their own comforts and the wants Of
their animals. As spring advances drills will COM
mence, and new life be infused into our now quiet
camp. Preparations must be made for q removal to
some more distant place, as it Is supposed so large
command cannot, and will not, be required here
At all events, whatever happens. there win be
ample business to keep all employed, and make time
pass round quickly and happily, occupation being,
after all, the secret OF happiness.
Taking advantage of this quiet. have been in
duced TO visit San Antonio, which is but lis miles
through Fredericksburg, German settlement. stu
ated on tributary of the Perchinales; the inhab-
tants, with the exception Of one family, are entirely
German, and all seem to be industrious, hard
on the Perchinales, Of q very large size and fine
flavor, from which quantities of wine are made an
nualy in Fredericksburg. Lager beer Is used by
these good people TO great extent. Three days
charming city, which reached in time to battle in
the lmpid waters oftbe beau ful San antonio before
dinner. This stream flows through the centre OF the
town; it is fifty feet wide and very deep, possess
ing the peculiarly of never rising or falling, az
other streams do. San Antonio contains some very
fire gardens, all watered by artificial rTigating
citchts, leading from the San Antonio and San
Pedro rivers In one garden pomegranates, bana-
mas. figs, almonds, oranges and lemons are Guilt
waited with great success. 1 never before saw ex-
rene wealth, and the most atect poverty so strik.
ngly contrasted as in this city. Ia every dire .ton
are handsome residences, furnished magnifcently,
choicest fruits and flowers are cultivated surround
ed by miserable Mexican novels, in which the in
mates live in filth and idleness-
The population Is estimated at from 5000
although some Of almost every nation may
be seen daily In the streets. There are but
few educated Spanisrds in the city. probably not
more than bali dozen families Of the upper class.
1t has become completely Ameiicanized within the
last few years, the Mexicans who remain being OF
the most degraded Character. There are many OBJ.
jects q interest about sun Antonio; the Alamo in
tin atey connected Will the history Of Texas would
in itfelf afford theme worthy OF the poet and his
torisn. For detailed account of this celebrated
building | must refer you 10 the history OF the
State. II was IN the oeferce OF the Alamo
that Colon,l Travis fell \ few years ago il
was quite dilapidatcd. II has since been
repaired, and is now used for store houses
and tae Quartemaster's department. A few miles
from the town are the Spanish missions. The
Conception Is three miles from town, 'san Jose,p
SIX Both are now in ruins, but sufficient traces
st remain 20 show that they were once magnificent
structures. That Of San jose, the prettiest Is built
of q soft lime stone, which IL very abundant here.
This stone Is extremely porous, and admits OF
slifht polish: when hewn and exposed 70 the air II
becomes hard and durable. The front OF the build
Ing II contracted of this and - beautifully deco
rated with fine carving. II Is still 10 good preserva
ton. but the back part a the ediice built with
rough masonry. and Is now in ruins. Over the main
entrance arc three figures the size OF c still quite
perfect-our Saviour and two apostles. surrounded
by wreath OF cherubims, most beautifully carved.
Tie front was painted somewhat in the manner ~
Illuminated Bibles. The building is immense,
occupying large space. Ii Is situated
In the centre Of o square, around which
are houses connected with each other, no doubt
once the residences OF the re,ainers. The cost must
have been enormous The whole place IL now entire
" deserted; with the exception OF two old Mexicans
no living creature WAS TO be seen. One side window
IL srrikingly beautiful, IL IL most elaborately
wrought In hon on the top j. a cross OF iron; on
the different turrets 1 saw innumerahle beautiful
vines and the brilliant flowers Of the snowy ca ,tus
seeming TO show that even their ephemeral beauty
was esstransitorytha the mightiest works Of man.
II IL melancholy 70 look upon this movement OF
fallen greatness. No more striking proof could be
exhibited the utter nsignfcancc Of human power;
nothing could more plainly show how truly "po vers
depart possessions vanish and opinions change