The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 36, July 1932 - April, 1933 Page: 54

Southwestern Historical Quarterly

13th Some men from Holliday's 'train came up today; they
have pack mules and are going th[r]ough to Los Angelos.
Found six or eight men near out encampment last night, going
to Texas from California, they report an abundance of Careless
Weed and water on the desert; this is good news indeed and every
one rejoices at it.
Came ten miles today, found good grass near the river. Had a
bath and clean linnen; this is one of my greatest pleasures. . .
14 Saturday. Clear warm weather. Left camp at nine o'clock,
made fifteen miles to water and grass, water in the Gila, no grass
at all on the road.
Four of us were detailed to go with the Horses & Mules about one
mile from camp to graze; not having my Buffalow robe along I
caught a severe cold and have had a pain in the back all day.
15 Sunday. Warm summer day. Nights very cool, so much
so that extra clothing is required.
Left camp at nine o'clock, road very rough and dusty, made about
eighteen miles; found water and grass and said to be twelve miles
from the Colorado. It was quite an amusing sight to see the men
after getting into camp, their clothing and faces thickly covered
with dust; lines of perspiration in every direction on the face, they
looked as if ready for their part on the stage.
An Indian - probably a Yuma - came near camp on the fourth
watch, was hailed, gave no answer, and would have been shot if he
had not "vamosed."
16th Monday. Clear pleasant sunshine. Last night we had a
touch of old winter.
Remained in camp all day, while James has gone to the Colorado
to make arrangements for crossing his cattle. Erskin's camp is
about four miles below; he is in a quandary, whether to swim his
cattle or ferry; the price of ferrying is -- for cattle - $1.50 per
head; Man $2.00, Waggon $8. The ferryman offered, that he
would deliver him over entire for $1500.
After seeing the cattle empty and short of feed, for so long a
time, it astonished me to see how they would stuff themselves as
they did tonight; they looked as if they would bust.
17th Tuesday, fine day. Killed a beef yesterday, and as usual
each man was busy during the day roasting bones, steaks, narrow
guts and other nice parts.