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57 18th. Crossed the Cibolo; where was an opportunity of observing the geological formation of these prairies, seen to be about two feet mould, then rounded pebbles of limestone. Deer are beginning to be seen in great numbers and not shy. Three or four miles from the Cibolo saw in the road large specimens of fossil shells apparently of the oyster genus, in calcereous stuff x

One & a half miles E of the Salado river is the "Mott" small clump of trees, where Capt. Dawson unfortunately got surrounded by an overwhelming force of Mexicans with Artillery under General Woll last September. I am informed that When Dawson saw his unprotected position & that he could not expect? a junctan? with Caldwell, who was on the Salado his advice? was to fall back upon Billingsly's Company which was safely protected in a hollow. but Mr S __ & others cried out somewhat vauntingly, "We came here to fight". "Then let us fight" answered Dawson calmly.  They commenced with the rifles; the enemy began to play upon the grape &