The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-11-14
ence of the New Orleans Crescentl
In CAMP. Is MILES WEST OF !
San Antonio, Texas, Nov. l, 1868.


In CAMP, Is MILxs WEST OF
San Antonio, Texas, Nov. l, 1865.
My Dear Colond-In my hurriedly written
letter from San Antonio, only briefly adverted
to some of the interesting peculiarlties of that
place. Yesterday, by politeness of Col. Wade,
son of the senator Of that name, and major of the
9th cavalry. we were driven to the ruins of the
Mission of St. Joseph, one of the most interesting
Of the ten similar decaying structures in the valley
OF the San Antonio river. The long outer walls
originally incosing the church and its attachments,
scarcely show trace of its former existence.
The church itself is well preserved in its architec-
tural outlines, being surmounied by bell tower
and a well shaped dome, which, like the body Of
the edifce, are constructed of lime stone. Within
the gallery and pulpit are gone, and only the
rudest description of an altar suggests the idea
of place Of worship. Only few poor Mexicans,
whose huts are standing almost under the walls of
the Mission, offer their private deyotions at this
venerable but neglected shrine. Passing from
the auditorium and ascending a flight of steps on
the right OF the altar, we pass through q stout
door into another department of the pile, the
apartments of which were probably used for the
domestic purposes of the original occupants.
These opened upon a gallery looking into the
courtyard through stsne arches. On the ground
OF cellar floor of this wing was large open apart
ment. evidently devoted to the secure keeping of
cattle, at time when care had to be taken to pre-
vent the depredations OF Indians In room opening
+ ON the gallery were pended festoons of corn,
jerked betfau red pepper belonging to miserable
Mexican family making its domicl In q room
leading from the church near the altar. Beauti-
fully carved doors of mountain cedar opened from
Il q and other apartments. The dingy walls out
side and in showed occasional traces Of ornsmen-
tai figures In colors, similar to fresco painting.
The sculpturing of the facade is extensive elabor
ate and beautiful, Notwithstanding the vandal at
tacks of time and relic hunters. The door ia sur
mounted by statues in bas-relief Of the Virgin and
st. Joseph, fankng magnificent scroll-work, in
which flowers, leaves, cherubs shells etc., are
RI / am n
vinced that these beautiful remains of art are the
work Of the priests who founded these missions.
The order OF st. Francisco, whose devoted members
planted these temples Of safety and worship in
the wilderness SO many years ago, included not
merely men of extraordinary religious zeal and
energy, but of refined accomplishments and taste
for the arts, which here found expression In the
plastic limestone of the San Antonio valley.
II time and space favored would be glad to
write more Of these Missions. The one have
attempted briefly to describe bears the date of
17Sl. There are nine similar buildings In the
valley Of San Antonio. forming a part Of the
grand Gordon OF Missions extending from the
Gulf to California and whose establishme was
commenced by the Spanish Jesuits not long,
believe, after the capture of Mexico by Cortez.
We left San Antonio, to-day, with new and
enlarged escort. As we approach the Indian
country the dangers of the route are supposed to
increase. We have five wagons, an ambulance,
and an escort of twenty-five men of the 35th In
fantry. OF these, five are to accompany us the
round trip for the purpose of handling our traps,
pitching and striking cur tents, etc. Two others
are detailed to look out for the mules, and keep
them from going too far astray while grazing.
The duty Of the remaining fifteen is to act as
guard of the train, and particularly of the pay
masters ssfe. In addition to these are six dri-
vers, the cook of the psymaster's mess, and wag
ou-mssier. Adding to these, paymaster Walker,
himself, his clerk (Mr. Hoytl and your cores
popdeDt, and our present company amounts to
thirty three souls. Our motive power consists of
1sxfr a. rxnutoo and. horaa 0uro
pointments a scale not less complete. They
consist of q new hospital tent, wall tent shelter
tent. three cots. abundant blankets and robes for
bedding, mess chest, four chairs. three tables,
ETC., etc.
We are encamped tonight near raviue eigh
teen miles from San Antonio, and almo encircled
by the tslest hills we have yet seen In Texas. Be-
fore leaving San Antonio we had the pleasure Of
taking from the postoffice copies OF the CREs-
from the 25th to the 29th ult. inclusive, and
the exciting nature of its local intelligence has
kept as deeply interested. Ii will perhaps be
fortnight before the news Of the result OF the
impending presidential election will overtake US.
We had ascended hills for eight miles TO-DAY
before losing sight OF San Antonio. From that
distance the city, in its wild setting, presented
a singular and beautiful appearance. The re-
maDing ten miles ere through a rolling country,
and the road for q portion of the distance was
quite stony. Fields inclosed by stone walls met
our view for the first time in Texas.
The country which we have thus far traversed
Is sadly deficient in timber--a want which only
railroads can supply. Lands in the vicinity of
San Antonio may be obtained for prices ten times
less than the cost OF fencing them. 1t will at
once be seen in what degree the agricultural
progress of the State is retarted by this great
deficiency, and the impulse which il would receive
by an improved transportation. A railroad to the
coast or TO the northwest, communicating with
the Mississippi valley, would not only speedily
and largely enhance the values of land, cattle
and productions in general, but let in a stream of
immigration TO redeem the State from q wilder
ness and the lawlessness which pervades some
portions OF its sparsely settled territory. At
present land can be bought for a song. Not long
since Col. Terrell, paymaster stationed at San
Antonio, purchased $500 acres Of good land,
within ten miles Of the prosperous German town
of New Braunsfels, for one hundred dollars. BE
has also purchased tracts Of land in the vicinity of
San Antonio for less than the original cost Of
location and survey.
Before leaving entirely the subject OF San An
tonic, will mention that the enterprising citizens
have recently organized jockey club, purchased
grounds, and constructed q track short distance
below the city. They are now about organizing
an agricultural association for Western Texas,
and propose to have two days initial exhibition
some time this month. A preliminary meeting.
for the furtheraDce Of this project, was held at
the Mengen Hotel last evening.
bad the pleasure Of calling at the Offices OF
the Herald and the Express, where. as the repre-
sentative Of the CREscKST, was warmly vel
coined. The Herald receives daily telegrsphic
dispatches. Both papers are edited with spirit
and ability the former BY Mr.. Logan and the lat
ter by Major Moore. The interests Of Texas