The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 52, July 1948 - April, 1949 Page: 387
512 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Mason County, Texas, 1845-1870
passed through Preston, Texas, and arrived at the Cross Timbers
on December 9. Christmas was spent in camp, and the troops
arrived at Fort Belknap on December 27. The headquarters,
with companies B, C, D, G, H, and I, were ordered to proceed
to Fort Mason, and after crossing the Brazos, Colorado, and San
Saba rivers, reached the fort on January 14, 1856. The quarters
were not sufficient for the families; but tents were erected for
the men, some of the families occupied rooms in the barracks,
and others found places in the valley north of the post where a
few picket and stone houses had been constructed.
The companies had been there a short time when pursuits
were made against Waco and Lipan Indians beyond Fort Terrett.
The Indians were routed, but the skirmishes frequently caused
hardships and bloodshed for the soldiers. How many raids were
repulsed and by whom is not recorded in any available material.
In June, after Colonel Johnston" had been ordered to San An-
tonio on April 2, Companies B and G fought against the Co-
manches while Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee was at Fort
Mason.0o
During the summer the "Fort Mason Derby" was held; this
event was carried out after the fashion of the then popular sport
of having races for the amusement of the soldiers and the ladies.
Captain Nathan G. Evans matched his famous horse, Bumble
Bee, against Lieutenant Walter H. Jenifer's Gray Eagle for one
thousand yards and repeat. It was during a general court-martial
session at Fort Mason when Colonel Johnston, Major Thomas,
and other officers were present. Lieutenant Van Camp was Bum-
ble Bee's rider, while Lieutenant Jenifer rode his own Gray
Eagle. It was an exciting derby; "the women waved their hand-
kerchiefs, the officers and men cheered themselves hoarse and the
field was wild with excitement." The ladies had bet gloves and
handkerchiefs; the men, baskets of champagne-or a pay account.
When the judges gave the final "go," Van Camp made a dash
for the inside, but Gray Eagle would not budge. Van Camp
started back, but Captain Evans yelled, "Go on," so that Bumble
Bee went on by himself. The race was started over, and Bumble
9lbid., 44-45-
20A. L. Long, Memoirs of Robert E. Lee (New York, 1886), 178.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 52, July 1948 - April, 1949, periodical, 1949; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101121/m1/396/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.