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8th July Left Houston & taking a S.W. direction toward 99 the Sun burnt Prairie to Major B __ the next morning arrived at Col. Austin's on the Brazos Road at Oyster Creek. Cotton & Corn look pretty well although suffering from drought. The creeks on the Prairies between the "timbers" are without water, thus the cattle suffer, if great care be not taken. At Col A - the waters are 18 feet deep in a sandy ^soil & good water. Game is plentiful^generally but at this season game & birds are scarce - It is hot for travelling during the middle of the day, & a covered Buggy is preferable to horseback. All through Texas the Traveler can be accomodated at the Farm Houses and 'Entertainment' for Man & Beast for a dollar a night - that is supper on arrival in the evening - Bed - & breakfast the following Mg -

 The more opulent Farmers & Planters extend their hospitality with an unsparing hand, more particularly to the Emigrant.

10th Returned to Houston. Then on news from Corpus Christi that a large party of Mexicans are southward of that place at the San Gertrudes river, thus^ many of the Volunteers may be indulged in drawing their maiden swords upon the enemy. I was shown some fine specimens of Gold one from some 60 miles above Austin. Silver ore is said to be found above the same spot. A few persons in Houston have operated ? together leaving in August to commence mining operations