The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-04-08
TERMs--Two DOLLARS PER ANNum,1
BY W. A. LEE AND HUGH WILSON.

|
ter. AS we drew near the place, an extended
lawn carpeted with luxuriant green appeared
on our left. and then tricking itse If away to the
South AS far as the eye could reach. Numer-
Gus herds were quietly grazing upon the rich
pastures bordering on the water course, and in
every direction was heard the lowing of the
cattle and we saw the visible indications of q
settled community and We rejoiced to find
ourselves once more within the precincts of
we'll civilization. pedestrian can travel with
much greater ease and facility over an undu-
lating country than perfect lev ell be.
cause the friction upon the muscles Of the body
is lessened IN great measure, by the uneven.
ness of a rolling country.
Our camp surrounded collection ofmineral
springs, which formed at great distance by
their united waters, a considerable stream
They are called Ojo de Agua or the Eye of
Waters. We were put to it to night to get a
sufficient supply ofwood to cook our scanty
rations. In some instances we made use Of Ger.
! tain excrements gathered from the plains
| which We found excellent substi titute for
| fuel and one in common use among the ma
| tives. Our camp presented grotesque ap-
pearance this evening, all wore similar
uniform of dust. which rendered the members
of the various companies und istingu ishable.
Morning of the l3th.-We were ordered for.
ward at an earlier hour than usual, and the
command to fall into line, came so unexpected
ly, that many of US fell into ranks armed " i,h
niusket in one hand and cup of hot coffee
in the other. Last night Gen. Qui:man re
ceived despatch from Gen. Worth, notifying
him that a large force Of the enemy were hang
ing upon our hanks. and doubtless were pre-.
medtating a demonstration Of some kind con.
sequently the column was marched in battle
order and the advance and rear guards were
strengthened from yesterday.
| 1t once more becomes my painful task to re-
cord the fate oftwo more of my unfortuun late
comrades the two Rigiells who we're broth.
ers in Capt. Walkers Co. X. Jacob Rig.lell
was reported by the Surgeon, to be in a DIVING
| condition, and was lef: to the care and burial
| of the natives HIS brother who was a non.
commissioned officer remained with him, and
at the imminent peril Of his own life. He fell
into the hands of the enemy. and after six
months Of captivity. he made his escape and
succeeded in reaching his home in safety. The
country passed over to day, still wore pretty
much the same barren aspect We have not
crossed stream of water in the past 60 miles
OF our travel. The plains are void Of spon,u.
neous vegetation. from the total absence f
moisture. Wherever there is water we in vari.
ably find settlement, which is pointed out at
great distance either by the spires of church
or some lofty trees. In the flernoon We reached
III timof an artificial Lake Of great siz. aud
depth. And here we once more encamped,
having heard nothing farther from Gen. Worth
OF the enemy. Gen. Worth's division Rested
here last night. and he is not far from US at
this time. We were again hard pressed to re I
iuei 10 cook our scanty rat"ns. The army
Quarter masters have brought along small
supply from 7tpsyaguaieo. but when divided is
hardly small stick to a man. We made use
OF the w'thered leaves Of the Maguey. which
answered the purpose quite we'll. This night
we were visited with stampede and the loss
, OF many fine animals was the conseouence
Gen. Qultman received another express from
from Gen. Worth being of the sam. purport o
the former.
Morning of the l4th.-The air came fresh and
rnre from the mountains, and rcdolent Of the
perfume Of the ripening harvest fields of c. orr
and wheat with which the valleys are decked
The men and animals all appeared in bette,
spirits. as did the Colonel who now took his
station at the head of the line. remounted on
another geldng The camp was scarcely clear
ed, before it was visited by number of h. II
starved wretches. some Of whom were mothers
with infants, tied to their backs The beei
bones and bits of crackers scattered abou,
promised them rich harvest. One fellow
stood wrapped in a greasy blanket, and hold
ing up bottle Of 3fescal or whiskey, which he
offered to sell by the drink but finally offered
the whole for fifty cents. and he met with G
ready purchaser. Only once tasted some o
this liquor it is distilled from the juice of the
Agave or Mexican Maguey, and is about a,
strong as pure alchohol and will kill mar
equally as quick. Two miles from camp W.
met the Duigencia or Mexican stage coach en-
route for Jalapa- twas constructed similarly te
our own stage coaches, and was drawn by min,
mules and stood pretty good chaoce of being
robbed as many times ere it reached its desti
nation.
(To BE CoNrINUEp.)