.MTAzNA.NjkyMzk
Timber could be procured from the same point as from McClellan Creek. The bottoms are somewhat extensive and I think subject to overflow in places, wild grass for hay can be found.
3rd. Sweetwater, at the longitude of McClellan Creek I have not been but think that water could not be found so far West. East of this, say 15 miles and from that to near its mouth, the water is excellent. It is a swift running stream and I am informed that the Indians say it never dries, but an abundance of water is found there at all times. There is but little timber found for building purposes. I did not see any stone. Adobies I think could be made. No evidence of coal. The grass in places is very good, the country surrounding is more or less sandy. Shin oak abound to a considerable extent, the valley is not extensive, but little hay could be obtained, it is not much subject to overflow, the nearest timber is found on Gageby Creek or the Washita. There is less timber on Sweetwater than either McClellan Creek or the North Fork. I think there is probably more on the latter than on either of the other two. The grass I think is found most abundant on Sweetwater for grazing purposes and for hay on the North Fork.
(Sgt.) W. Davis Jr.
1st Lieut. 10th Cavy.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fort Sill, I.T., Dec. 9. 1874.
Asst. Adjt. Gen'l Dept. of Texas
Sir:
I have the honor to make the following statement in reply to the questions asked by the Asst. Adjt. General, Dept. of Texas.
1st. I visited McClellan Creek twice in the year 1871. Water was found standing in large pools, but quite deep and sweet, the water near the mouth of this stream runs in the sand. In 1874 the stream was very much swollen on account of heavy rains. I think water can be found in the stream all the year round, but I don't think it will be running unless an unusually wet season. The water near the mouth of McClellan Creek is salty and brackish and in the year 1871 we were compelled to dig for water for both men and animals of the Command a few miles below the mouth of McClellan Creek in the North Fork. The Sweetwater has good water about four miles from the mouth. I cannot say as to the permanency of the water in this stream as I was never on this stream about the longitude of the mouth of McClellan Creek except in a wet season but I am of the opinion that water can be had about 15 miles below the longitude referred to at all times. The North Fork never has running water except in wet seasons and as a general thing it is salty and brackish.