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98 9th Crossing Mile creek arrived at the town of Travis which is well situated. Travis - its vicinity is in a thriving condition & this section may be recommended to European Emigrants & particularly as laying between the Brazos & Colorado rivers. From Travis to Jacksonville 14 miles, rolling country & thickly situated with plantations & farms. We had to swim a branch of New Years Creek & intended to have remained for the night about 1 1/2 miles on the other side, but found it was inconvenient to receive us, the family being sick. It was now past sun down, but we pushed on through dense woods having been informed that we could be accomodated about three or four miles off. We came to another branch of New Years creek & owing to a large Sycamore that had fallen into the creek & the darkness of the night got out of the road or rather trail & could not find it again. Now then commenced our difficulties - pitch dark - high & steep banks - creek full of water - quick sands - thick brush full of spiney briars &c - My companion dismounted waded up & down the stream in the hope of finding an outlet - not even a trail could be seen. I had made up my mind to light a fire & camp down for the night, for we had with us some dried beef for our supper;