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DIARY OF JOSEPH ALMOND 1863
Feb. 7, 1863 Just returned about midnight after herding the Sheep seventy days instead of fifteen as I expected. Antonio never came back to me and I never got a Shepherd until yesterday evening. I left the Round lake with the Sheep the last day of the Year with John Williams to help me. I went on foot and he driving the Cart. We got up to the Palo Ventana early in the evening of the first of January 1863. Found Headens Sheep at my old Camp. However the Shepherd moved them to the other side and I got my old Camp ground again,. Since then I have herded the Sheep until last night when I got the Shepherd and came off home immediately.
Feb. 8 (Sunday) Went down to Mr. Bryden s & from there to George Reynolds to enquire about the Sorrel Horse. Saw Cooling about hauling up the Shed.
Feb. 9 Went to Corpus and pulled the Shed to pieces for Coling to bring up on Tuesday. Saw Wm. Corkhill at Rankins just as I was leaving for home.
Feb. 10 Arranged with Mr. Bryden to take 1 ½ Bush. of Corn up to his Ranche for me and I would meet him there next morning, with the bucks out of my flock. I went to seek the Bay horse with Mr. Wade but I did not find him. So I had to go on with the Grey. I stopped on the road a long time to let Bryden come up with me, but he did not come. So I went on to his Ranche and got there a little after dark. Found Hiram Chamberlain camped there. Been on the road to San Antonio with Mules from Captain King s.
Feb. 11 Started early for my Camp (after learning from[17]Esidro that Bryden had stopped to be at Wm. Corkhill s Wedding). Took out the Bucks. Went to Beldens to pay $37.25 in Specie for the Shepherd and to pay $6 in Paper for my shoes. Came back and drove the Bucks down to Brydens Corels. Found them in the Pass just at Sun down. and went over to Saturnina’s. Found Bryden there with the Corn and I found out that his Bucks had been moved up the Creek.
Feb. 12 Took the Corn up to Luis and came back to the Carrels. Had breakfast at the house, then took the Bucks up to Pablo’s flock which he had herded down to meet me. I then started for Captain Kings where I reached just a little after Sun down. Found McCoy there on his way to Brownsville with Kinghorn and his Family. Mr. Martin also was there.
Feb. 13 Had the [18]Vicaro to bring in the old Gotch. Went to the S__?__ to look for the Sorrel but could not find him. When I came back the Gotch was tied at the house of the Corporal __?__, where I got him.
Feb. 14 After breakfast, I got the horse up and saddled all ready for starting. When I asked the Captain if he had any Saddle. He had only one which had no girth on it. I took it and he gave me a Grass Rope then. I left I think about 11 o’clock. Came by Mr. Perham s and enquired there for my horse. Had a glass of milk with cold beef & mutton. Came through the Prairie home where I landed a little after dark.
Feb. 20 Hired a boy called Manuel to mind the Ewes & lambs.
Feb. 23 Counted the flock and tailed 36 young lambs. Started for the Precinos. Got to Wm. Corkills Camp just before dark.
Feb. 24 Bought twenty one Wethers of Wm. Corkill and brought them over to Palo Ventana, except one I sent home by Peter Kershaw. Just when I was preparing for supper, Adams came up to the camp on his way to the Pinetas to see Mr. Belden.
Feb. 25 Left about nine o’clock for home. Met Bryden with the Wagon and Mr. Taylor on his mare on their way to the Mott, about a mile above Fusselman’s, where they intend having the Britton Sheep to lamb. Came on home where I arrived about dark.
Feb. 26 Went out with John to get up a beef and found the Sorrel horse with the Black Mare and Grey horse. Got a beef up for John. Killed the Mutton and helped John to kill the beef.
Feb. 28 Started early for Goliad. Got there according to order on Monday the 2nd March. Was Muster in as Confederate State Soldiers for three months. Called and saw Mrs. Russel. Drew our raties and got about four miles out of town and Camped.
Mar. 4 Arrived home about half after ten o’clock in the Morning. Found that Bennett had been here and left four hundred dollars to buy Mr. Stephens house but he would not sell it until he was ready to leave the place.
Mar. 5 Bennett came to see about the house and I went to Corpus to see Gore but Gore would not sell his house. I had a look at the ten pin alley but when I came back, Bennett wanted not have anything to do with it.
Mar. 6 Went up to the Sheep Camp and found that the lambing was going on very rapidly and see I would have to stop a good deal at the Camp.
Mar. 7 Lost my horse __?__ something had cut the rope in two. Got __?__ Mule and came again on the Saturday night.
Mar. 8 (Sunday) Went out to the Corkill Timber to seek the one eyed horse but could not find him.
Mar. 9 Bryden informed me that Esidro had found my horse and him staked at the Ranche. So I made up my mind not to go up till next day with Bryden in the Wagon.
Mar. 10 Went with Bryden as far as the Rancho where I stayed all night. Next morning went to the Camp and there until Saturday night.
Mar. 16 Started for the Camp about four o’clock. Got to Taylor’s Tent where I slept all night. Started early in the Morning and got to the Camp just as they were turning out the Manada.
Mar. 18 Went down to see Bryden. He told me that Bennett had bought the McEver ’s house and that they wanted me to move it. Went back to my Camp. Immediately after I got back a cart load of Women & children came from Bartelos.
Mar. 19 Started very early for Palo Alto. When I got there, nobody had been there so I stayed about three hours and then came home.
Mar. 20 Left home about three o’clock in the evening with Mr. Bryden, Mrs. Bryden, Miss Marsh and Lizzie. Got to Mr. Taylors Camp just about Sundown where we stayed all night.
Mar. 21 Got up early and went in search of the horses which we had hobbled last night. When three of them were missing, found two of them very readily but could not find my one eyed horse. So they all started for the Ranche and I went back a little way and found him caught up by a loop in the rope. I then went after them and met with an express rider going to Capt. Kings. To him I sold my horse. Went on to the Rancho where we had an early dinner and Lizzie & I went up to the Palo Ventana where we stopped until evening and came back to the ranch.
Mar. 22 (Sunday) Made a very early start with Lizzie to the Camp at Palo Ventana where we had breakfast, then came back to the Rancho from there. We came to Taylors Camp where we had dinner, then came on home. Mrs. Bryden, Hogarth and myself taking Spence’s in our Rout. Arrived home a little before dark.
Mar. 23 Went out with John to hunt for the Black mare but could not find her. Came home about noon. In the evening took 1 ¼ Bush. of Corn to Kinghorns’ Mill.
Mar. 24 Mr. Hogarth and I made up our Minds to go up to Camp today. Saw a cow and calf of Johns going from water. Went out to run it in and met Bennett looking after me to go and move the house. Got the calf into John’s Pen. Then went off with Bennett and Hogarth to Banquete. Called on Engledow and got a certificate for Luis. Went on with Hogarth to Brydens where I left him and went to the [19]Puerto to get a horse. Then went to the Ranche where I stayed all night.
Mar. 25 Left very early for the Ventana. Had breakfast and then went to work, Tailing and Marking 544 Lambs after which I went to Palo Alto where I arrived just about dark.
Mar. 26 Went to work at the house with the assistance of Ward, Ingram , Bennett, & two Mexicans. We got away on Saturday 28th and got as far as Banquete. On Sunday evening we got to the Puerto and on Monday, got the house off. When I went round by the Sheep Camp and then down the Prairie, home, where I arrived about 4 o’clock.
Mar. 31 Went down to McCoy s’ to see if I could buy any nails for Bennett s house. He had none so I went on to Dunn ’s but they had sold all they had and I had to go without any.
April 1st Went off between 9 & 10 o’clock, round by Brydens Rancho. Saw Bryden who had just been cutting out a [20]Manada of Portranquas’. Went up and saw Luis and left a little Turpentine with him. He informed me that 4 lambs & 1 Ewe had died. From there I went down to the Puerto and camped on the Creek with Bennett.
April 2 Fixed Bennett house on Blocks and did as much to it as we were able for Want of Nails. Camped on the Creek.
April 3 Left with Bennett’s Mexican for Bryden ’s Rancho where I got the Paint and came on to the Motts. Went on down to Brydens and he informed me he had sent up twenty Buck to Flock.
April 4 Went out up the River as far as Ashton Bottom. Found a heifer with a young Calf. Brought it home, it being the first calf I have got in this year. Went to Hobbs to borrow the Wagon & Scantlings for Bryden As he had gone up the River to Coopers from Hobbs’, I went to Colings and saw Brydens Wagon. When I was there, the Cattle Hunters were just coming in with the Herd. So I joined them and came on to Reynolds, where Wade cut our cattle out. There was only one calf belonging to me. The Dryer Cow had got away with a very young calf. We came on to Wade’s Pen and Branded my Calf, it being the first one I have branded this year.
April 6 Started for Corpus with Hogarth & Bryden. Called at McCoys. Saw the old speckled Cow which McCoy had got in to his pen. Went on to Corpus and commenced pulling down the Kitchen & Gallery. Went to Rankins, had supper. Lizzie and Mrs. Bryden came down just before Sundown. From there went to C. Dunns and stopped all night.
April 7 Got on with pulling down the Kitchen. Coling and Ned Taylor came with the Wagons and we got the house loaded just before dark. Lizzie & I went to Mrs. Ranahan’s and stopped all night.
April 8 Got all right and started about eleven o’clock. Went on very well until the nails gave way and we were obliged to stop and fix it with some nails that Mr. Bryden got at John Dunn’s. Went on and got to McCoys when we were obliged to stop again for the same cause. We concluded to stop all night and come the next day and fix it good.
April 9 Hogarth, Bryden & I went down & fixed the house good. Had dinner at McCoys and drove home. The speckled cow got home just about Sundown.
April 10 Left the Motts about twelve o’clock with the Oxen. Got over the Oso and camped. When coming across Blucher ’s prairie saw the Cattle hunters coming home with the herd. They had the Dryer cow and another one belonging to me.
April 11 Got a very early start and got to Banquete very well. Camped there after a very good day.
April 12 (Sunday) Got an early start again and made the Rancho early in the evening and got one Wagon unloaded.
April 13 Got the house off the Wagons and all fixed up.
April 14 Nearly got the Kitchen fixed.
April 15 Started early for the Camp and saw Luis before he took the sheep out. He reported 19 Lambs and 2 Ewes dead. Came back and Bryden and I started for [21]Motts in the Wagon. Got home in the evening about four o’clock.
April 16 Found that John had been on a cattle hunt from the Round lake downwards and that he had got 3 Cows & calves of ours. Bryden, Hogarth, Mrs. Bryden, Mrs. Dunn and Johny, Sarah and Maggy Beynon with Noakes &
Mrs. Noakes & Ellen Ludwig went with Lizzie and me to gather [22]grapes in Ashtons Bottom. Had a very good day.
April 17 Branded 3 Calves at John’s Pen. Went with John to McKenzie’s and got two Cows & Calves of his. After that, went up to Wards Place with Hogarth, Mrs. Bryden and Lizzie to gather more grapes and try to find the Sorrel Horse & old Gotch but could not find them.
April 18 Went out again to look for the Sorrel & Gotch but could not find them. Went and paid my taxes and was assessed for the present year . My Assessment amount to about $3356.
April 19 (Sunday) Went out again to look for the Horses. Could not find them. We had a severe thunder storm and heavy rain last night for about two hours, between 10 & 12 o’clock. So that they will not come to the river for Water for some time. Had Mrs. Bryden & Mrs. Dunn in the evening. They stayed supper and Mr. Hogarth came from the Agua Dulce. And Mr. Bryden came after he had come back from Santa Gertrudis, just abut dark.
April 20 Worked on the old Buggy Wheel.
April 21 “ “ “ “ “ “
April 22 Dressed the wound on the Black Mare’s Colt and went to Camp.
April 23 Two lambs died in camp overnight. Came down to Brydens Rancho. Got a Billy Goat. Helped Bryden & Taylor to count the Britton Wether Flock (680). Fixed Saturninos Coffee Mill. Went to Camp with the Goat and then came home. Mr. Noakes was sketching four Southdown Ewes.
April 24 & 25 Worked at the Buggy Wheel.
April 26 (Sunday) Went and spent the day at Brydens.
April 27 Worked at the Buggy in the Evening. Got John to help to hook the wheels, then finished them and put them on.
April 28 Started about 10 o’clock with Bryden for his Rancho. When we got to Fredericks, found that the Mexican had found only one yoke of Oxen which he had lost two or three days before, when Fred had whipped him. Bryden and I started back to the Banquete and found one Yoke and went back with it. Soon after the Mexican came with the other, so we hitched 1863 them up and got started about Sundown. Had not gone far till one of the Oxen got snake bit, but we went on till we got to Taylors Camp, where we stopped all night.
April 29 Got up to the Rancho about 10 o’clock. Got the following of the [23]Press made and got Bryden to take $7 to Luis and $4 ½ to Manuel but he did not see them. So he left the money with Juan’s Wife. It came on a very wet night so we slept in Saturnino’s house.
April 30 A very wet Morning. It cleared out about nine o’clock when we prepared to leave for home. Got away about ten. Arrived at our house about three.
May 1st Went out and got the Noakes Cow on Cox’s Prairie. Then went and helped Bryden to shell corn.
May 2 Took a Bushel of Corn to Kinghorn s but he could not grind it. Went to seek the Black Parish Cow but could not find it.
May 3 At home all day.
May 4 Went down to Corpus with Mr. & Mrs. Bryden, expecting to get some corn meal but was disappointed. Bought a [24]Mosquito Bar off Whitie Miller. Left Corpus at dark with Pat Dunn. Got out to their house when it began to Rain. I stayed there over two hours, when it got quite fair. When I came home, it was about one o’clock when I arrived.
May 5 Went to Hobbs’ to see if he would grind me the Corn. Came and took the Corn along and fixed up the Mill. Then went out to seek for the [25]necking but did not find it. Got wet as I was coming home.
May 6 Went out with Tom Wright and J. Wade to see if we go out to get any Cows & Calves. Got three of Wright and one of Wades’ but left Wade’s on Blucher’s Prairie because the Calf could not travel. Fixed Lizzie’s Saddle.
May 7 Fixed Hobb’s Mill and waited to see if he could grind the Corn but could not because of no Wind.
May 8 Went to Judge Doak’s and shelled two Bushels of Corn, making in all three Bushels that I have borrowed from Mr. Bryden. In the evening, went to Hobbs to grind the first bushel but only got about half of it done. 1863 May 9 Went out to seek for the horses. Didn’t find them. Came back and went to Hobb’s Mill & finished grinding the corn. Went out in the evening & found the Sorrel & Gotch horse.
May 11 Went out to Brydens Rancho. Got here just at Sundown and stayed all night.
May 12 Started early for the Camp and got the Bucks out of the flock. Engaged Fernando [26]Sisnaro as Shepherd and lent him to Mr. Adams. Left a Bushel of Corn. Luis reported one Ewe & two lambs dead. Came down to Brydens Rancho again and fixed Mr. Hogarth’s Cart. Bryden had left for Brownsville, soon after. I went away in the morning.
May 13 Finished shingling the Kitchen. Started for home about nine o’clock. Got home in good time and worked at the Cow Pen Fence until dark. It rains and is like a wet night.
May 14 It rained very little last night. Had another job at the Cow Pen Fence. Mr. Orchard came about eleven o’clock and stayed with us. About three hours after he left, a Mr. Edward Hickey called, looking after horses. He lives on the Aransas and has some Merino Bucks. After he left, I went out to meet the Cow Hunters. Met them just beside Reynolds House. John had five cows & a Yearling of his own and three of Mine. We cut them out and brought them to Mr. Stephens Pen, because we thought there was not time to get them home before the Thunder Storm came. It caught us just as we had got them penned, so we made for home as fast as possible.
May 15 Got the Cows & Calves home. Then went out with John to hunt for a Beef and young Calves. Got four for John. One had two Calves sucking her. Went out again in the Evening and found the old Muley Cow in Cox’s Prairie. Got her in.
May 16 Went out again to seek for a beef. Got in a two year old one & a sucking yearling. Turned the beef out again and kept the Cow & Yearling up.
May 17 (Sunday) Lizzie & I went down to Bryden ’s after dinner. From there went to Mr. Noakes and his Pictures of the Battles at the Bombardment of Corpus Christi camp. Back to Bryden s & stayed for supper.
May 20 Went down to Corpus Christi to get two Bushels of Corn ground. Stayed all night at Rankins and did not see Gen. Magruder, although there was a supper and Ball at Teiglers Hall in honor of the occasion. Next morning, got my Meal and bought 100 lbs. of Flour for fifty Dollars at Patchings. Got started about 10 o’clock. When I got home, found my Meal was about 16 lbs. Short Weight.
May 21 Went out with John to see if we could get any young Calves on the other side of the Oso. Found two of his and the Dun Merryweather Cow of Mine but lost them and gave up and came home. Went again to the head of the Oso to seek for the Dun cow but could not find her. Came home and turned the Black Mare, the Paint and Major out. The old Gotch did not go with them.
May 24 (Sunday) Went out to seek the Black Mare so that I might put the Gotch with her. Got them in but the Gotch was gone when I came back with her. He came up in the evening and I turned them all out.
May 25 Shelled corn all day for the Shearing. Got in Dolly in the evening.
May 26 Helped Bryden to fix the Wagon and get ready for going to the Shearing. In the evening, John brought in the Dunn Merryweather Cow.
May 27 Started for the Camp about a quarter of an hour after Sunrise. Got up about the middle of the day. Gave Luis fourteen quarts of Corn, then went down to Brydens Shearing pen to be ready to commence Shearing the next morning. Luis reported one Ewe died.
May 28 Commenced shearing on Bryden ’s Wedder Flock with eleven Shearers. Then went through all Bryden s Flock except the Britton Flocks. After that took Mr. Hogarth’s and on Friday the 12th of June with my Flock and finished on the Saturday about noon. Shearing 1000 sheep. Mr. Hogarth and I started for home about 4 o’clock and brought Bryden’s Wagon with 2 Wedders. Got to Banquete a little before Sundown and helped Bryden off with a load of Wool at Mrs. Morgan s Store. Came on and I went into the Creek with the Wagon and got bogged. So that we had to strip off our clothes and unload the Wagon, to get it out. Was quite dark when we started from there and about eleven o’clock when we got home.
June 14 (Sunday) John came over and killed the Mutton for us and informed me that he had branded three calves for me and that George Reynolds had branded a very large calf just Yesterday. Went down to Brydens in the evening and found that Reynolds had not Branded the Calf. So I went up to Orchards Pen and Branded it. It was a Brindled Bull Calf from a little dun heifer. After that hitched up the Wagon and drove by Taylors house and got his box. Left the Wagon at the Gate and turned the horses into the field.
June 15 Started about Sun rise for Bryden s Rancho. Met Bryden a little above the [27]Chicharonie Mott. He was mad because Hogarth had not come.
June 21 (Sunday) Mr. Wright came and told me of a Yearling of mine with some one else’s Mark. Went and got it in and Branded it. It was a Brown Bull with white head. The Mother of it about the same color. In the evening Bryden hitched up the Horse Wagon and we all went out to Ludwigs and had a Blow out with Water Melons. Wrote to Father by Matamoras.
June 22 Branded 7 more Calves. Went round the Hills to try to find John’s Dolly Cow. Did not see it. Went off to the Banqueti after Bryden & Hogarth got there. Just as they were starting for the Rancho with the Wagons, went on to the Chicherone Mott and loaded Brydens Bricks and went on to Saturnino’s.
June 23 Loaded the Wagon with Wool. Went to my Sheep Camp. Marked the Manada Lambs - 79.
June 24 Marked the Lambs in the Flock - 125. Came down to Brydens Rancho & loaded the last of the Wool but before we got it away, it rained. Cleared out a little, then we started. Before we got down to the Crossing, it Rained worse than ever. Got over the Creek but in crossing, the Wagon Bed shifted. So we took out the oxen and went to Saturnino’s and stopped all night.
June 25 After a rainy night, went down and fixed the Wagon Bed. Came back to Saturninos. Had dinner, then came off home. Called at Spences and brought a Mule Colt for Johnny.
June 26 Learned that the [28]Militia people had got back from San Antonio on Wednesday evening but had resisted the Officers at San Antonio and would not stay.
July 4 Mr. Bryden & Mr. Hogarth came from Ventana. Mr. Bryden with the Wagon came about three o’clock in the evening. Told us that Moses had been taken out up the Creek by three or four men to hang him for having beeves in his Pen belonging other people. Mr. Hogarth came by Scotts and heard __?__, my Shepherd had been selling Ewes. I ought to have gone off immediately but am too Sick to go and look after it. Hogarth brought word for Bryden to go back to the Rancho because Hiram Chamberlain had come for the Mules.
July 5 (Sunday) Still very sick. Have taken some of Robertson’s Pills. Bryden came back from the Rancho in the evening about 4 o’clock.
July 6 Had a Picnic and a Graping Party out to the Bluffs and got a few very good Grapes and let the Children have a holiday. I could do nothing but lie in Camp all day.
July 7 John got us a Cow and Calf in but they got away again.
July 8 Got in a blue cow and calf. It got away again with the Rope at the Calf. Mr. Taylor got it beside Wright s Marsh and tied it there. Had a run after Bridget with a young Calf, but did not get her in. Lizzie & her Mother has gone off to pay Mrs. Coling a visit on the Paint & Grey.
July 9 Got to be a good deal better in the evening. Went down to Judge Doaks & shelled about four Bush. Corn. Saw Hogarth, McCoy, John, and several others. Went up about Sandfords & hunted down. Got one Cow and Calf of mine. I got three at home, coming in to Water. Branded six about Sundown.
July 11 Watched about home for cows & calf, but got none for myself except one that belonged to John which he had promised to Lizzie over three years ago. I took it to his pen but he said I was to take it over home, so I took it. I also run a cow in for Holbath ’s.
July 12 (Sunday) One of the Soldiers that are camped in the flats below the Motts, preached this Morning. We had a very heavy Rain the time the Preaching was going on. I remain at home all day as I had taken [29]blue Mass the Night before.
July 13 Still very sick. Went down to Bryden s and saw Bryden & Hogarth at work shelling Corn. Bryden had seen Luis and he had had a good deal of confidence to Bryden.
July 14 Started for the Camp,. Went up by way of McIntyres. Saw him and Mrs. McIntyre . They have moved back to their own house from the [30]Laureles. Left word with Spence to keep McIntyre Cow in until I came up & branded the Calf. Went on by way of Scott s and heard from Mr. Scott that Luis had sold twenty two Ewes to a Mexican called Juan de Dios a Gambe that has been going among the Camps. Went on from Scotts to Mr. Brydens Rancho, just as Bryden & Hogarth got there.
July 15 Started early with some Corn on one of Brydens Horses. Found Luis in Camp and Manuel with him. I accused him about selling the Ewes. He denied it until I persisted that he had sold them, when he admitted that he had sold eight old ones. I marked 14 more lambs in the Manada and turned them out to put in the flock. Just as we were putting it in, Scott and his son James came up. He said after I left yesterday evening, he questioned the Shepherds about the selling of my ewes and found that it was a man called Manuel Benavides that Luis had sold the Ewes to . He was about with goods. We put in the flock but could not divide them, the fences were so bad, so we turned them out again. Scott and James went down with me to Brydens Pens. We talked the affair over to very little purpose. Helped Bryden with the pens, the balance of the evening.
July 16 Bryden & I started before Sunrise for my Camp. Found Luis and another man milking. Talked to him to try to get it out of him what number of Sheep he had sold. But could get no more out of him but that he had sold eight. He considers the job a very light affair and thinks if he pays me eight Dollars, that will do. Came back to breakfast and I had to go out almost to the Leona Motts for the Mare. She had strayed so far with the hobbles. Saturnino thinks she is in Colt. Helped Bryden till afternoon, then started home by way of the Puerta. It came a little shower of Rain just as I got to Berrys’ Rancho. So I stayed awhile until it got fair. Then went on to John Walkers. Found that Bennet had gone to Santa Gertrudis the day after I had made the Coffin for Madre. Saw John Walker about the money for Wade s beef but he could not pay me as he has no money. Saw Willie Corkill at John Walkers seeking for a yoke of oxen that McClane had lost on his way up from Corpus Christi. Came on home by way of Banquete and got home about nine o’clock.
July 21 Started about 3 o’clock with Bryden , Hogarth, McKenzie & Irvine. (McKenzie & Irvine are Men seeking for a House and place for to keep Sheep) for the Camp. Got to Brydens just after Sundown. Stayed all night.
July 22 Started immediately after breakfast for my own Camp with Fernando’s Father who had come to take him away. We went on together to the Amargosa where they stayed. I stayed awhile, then went on to San Diego. Saw Grey and he recommended that I should cite Luis and Manuel Benevides before him. Came on toward Los Precinos. Camped about five miles from it.
July 23 Started at Sunrise and came to McClane’s Pens where I took breakfast and stayed until evening. Then came over to Brydens House. Stopped all night.
July 24 Took 14 qts. Corn to Luis and then left for home where I arrived about 3 o’clock. He reported five sheep dead.
July 25 Worked at the Bench. Fixed a knife. Made shavings to dye with, had a spell at old Jeff __?__ etc.
July 31 Left home about nine o’clock for the Camp. Stopped beside McMaster s and took a cup of Coffee. Pn __?__ informed me that John and I had a good many steers up the River where he had been hunting a short time ago. Went on to my Camp and from there down to Brydens Rancho where I found Mrs. Bryden, Mr. Hogarth and Bryden. Slept there.
August 1st Left Brydens Rancho before Sunrise for my Camp. Had breakfast, then left for home. Arrived about 1 o’clock.
Aug. 3 Election held in the Schoolroom. Mr. Taylor called upon me to act as Judge. Polled 15 County votes and 17 State votes. The Cattle Hunters came home from the Agua Dulce where they had started for last Thursday. John branded the young speckled Cow’s Calf at Staples’ Ranch and brought Bridget home with him. Killed one of John’s yearlings.
Aug. 4 Hunted round the Water holes but got nothing.
Aug. 5 Went over to Hobbs very early to see John before starting for Corpus to load up with Cotton for Brownsville. Saw them get hitched up. Came home and milked. Got a calf into the pen for Adams. Went down to the River below Wrights and I saw Taylor who had put a Calf in for John. I got another for him. Got one for Taylor, then went up to the Bluff and got one for myself. Came home and stopped till about 5 o’clock. Then went down to Brydens and Branded a Heifer Calf for John. Came up to his house and Branded the Mule colt.
Aug. 6 Watched the Watering places. Got a heifer with a crippled bull calf. Went up to the Bluff to seek the grey horse but could not find him. Came home about 4 o’clock. Got a cow and calf of Johns on the way home. Got the Calf to my pen without the Cow. Went over and Branded 7 Calves and one at home. These with ones Branded at Brydens in the evening before, making 9.
Aug. 7 Got a Cow and Calf in my pen for George Reynolds, one of Captain King s & one of Brittons. Could not find the Grey.
Aug. 8 Got two Cows in of Johns & Branded them. Brought Johns young horse in and got my Colt out, try and gentle him.
Aug. 10 Got another Cow in for John. Saw the dark blue Cow but she had not her Calf with her. Repaired Bryden s Wagon pins. Branded John’s Calf. Still cannot find the Grey.
Aug. 11 Took George Reynolds’ Cow home. Got a young Ren_?_ Rim(?) Cow. Went out to meet the Cow Hunters. Found them above Allens with a Herd, just got together. Nothing in it for the Motts. Came down and made a Divide-up at Flints field. Got a Cow for John, one for Hughes, one for Littig, and one of Orchards. That finished up. —had branded one Bull Calf for me and one Calf for John. McIntyre had branded the Calf that Spence had up and I found that Thomas has a Calf in, belonging me.
Aug. 12 Went up to Allens and got the Cow that Thomas had with a deal of trouble. Got it down to the Bluffs and left it there until near Sundown. Went up again and got it down after a very great deal of trouble on account of the Calf being so poor and unable to travel.
Aug. 14 Got a Bushel of Corn down from Kinghorns that Sarah had bought this morning.
Aug. 15 Took half a Bushel of the Corn to Hobb’s Mill to Grind for Sarah. Got it ground a little before Sundown.
Aug. 17 Stayed about home all day. In the Evening, Lizzies washpot to be got over. I advise s__?__ a__?__. All well.
Aug. 18 Mrs. Bryden was sick all the time she has been here. Went home in the evening, very unwell.
Aug. 22 Took another half Bushel of Corn and got it ground at Hobbs Mill.
Aug. 23 Went down to Brydens about ten o’clock and found that John had been taken with a Congestive Chill this morning about four o’clock. Have very little hope of his Recovery.
Aug. 25 Johnney Bryden no better. The Dr. came yester evening. Reports are very bad. Went down to Corpus with the Paint and Cart to get some corn. I got about half a Bushel Corn meal and 16 lbs. Peas, 2 lbs. Sugar but could not get any Corn.
Aug. 26 Went off to the Camp on the Sorrell. In going up past Gibb’s House, saw the Grey Horse. Tried to pen him at Hughes pen but could not run him, until I could not get the Sorrell to stir. Did not get him. Went on with the Sorrell although he was very tired. Got to C__?__ Camp just at dark. Left the horse there and carried the corn to the Camp on my Back. Came back and got my horse, then went down to Saturnino’s house. (Luis reported 12 Sheep dead, 10 Ewes & two Wedders.) From there I went down to about where Wares company was Camped and lay down about 12 o’clock.
Aug. 27 Got up early and started for home. Met Dr. Merriman near the Corkill
timber. Told me that John Bryden was dead. Had died last night at 9 o’clock. Needed all the haste I could to get home. When I got here, found Mr. Noakes and Hogarth making the Coffin at my bench and helped them and got it finished about noon When they went down with it, I went down about three o’clock. The funeral was at four. He was buried in their lot, Taylor officiating. Left 100 Dollars with Rankin for Corn.
Aug. 28 Went to Corpus again to seek Corn, but could not get any. Saw Captain King about the Wool but did not sell it.
Aug. 29 Branded three calves for self, 1 for King , 1 for Britton, 1 for Mrs. Patching.
Aug. 31 Went again to Corpus with Bryden . Called at Judge Cody’s Bank. Bought all the coin that Cody had to spare. Called at Mrs. Dryers but she had no corn to spare. Went on board “Cora” with Captain King. Saw Pfeuffer who said I was not drafted but that John Wade was. Went up to Captain Kings House. Had Dinner. Sold the Wool at 6 ¼ cents per lb. Got home about 7 o’clock.
Sept. 2 Went down to Brydens and fixed his [31]Ox Bough. Cut some wood for Sarah after dinner. Started with Bryden and Harris for the Camp by way of Scott’s. Got some Corn for Bryden. Went on past the Chicarone Motts and camped there.
Sept. 3 Got up the Saturnine’s before Breakfast. Took 21 qts. of Corn up to my Camp, which I borrowed from Bryden . Found that Luis had a Manada of 24 Lambs, that the Water was nearly done and I won’t have to move the Sheep to some other place. Went up to Adams Camp. Had dinner, went to Beldens. Came back then went down to Brydens Rancho.. Hobbled my horse, then went and helped Bryden to load the Wagon with Posts. When I came back, the horse was gone and I cannot find him.
Sept. 4 Helped Bryden to cut out 242 Wedders to send to Brownsville by Antonio. Came on to Banquete in his Wagon where we made a Bale of Wool for Bryden, and heard of Wm. Ashton shooting Marcus Fussellman.
Sept. 5 Finish the Bale of Wool and Marked the others with HK. While we were busy, Mr. Booth came up in a Wagon from Brownsville. Sally Skull and her husband who were camped close to us had a [32]row this morning. Got away from the Banquete about 11 o’clock.
Sept. 7 Went down to Codys with Bryden Wagon. From there I rode into Corpus and found that Mr. Rankin had succeeded in buying twelve bushels of Corn for me. Went on to the Wharf and helped Williams to get out of the Boat. Came back to Cody s and brought 11 Bushels of Corn up for Bryden.
Sept. 8 Started up with the paint and Cart to the Camp. Got up to Saturnino’s where I stopped and had coffee. George Reynolds came with Booth about two horses that Bryden was selling him. Got up to my Camp about dark. Luis report 4 head dead.
Sept. 9 Started down to Brydens Pens (after engaging Severiano as Shepherd) with the sheep. Altered 88 Lambs. Left the flocks at the pens. Started for Santa Gertrudis on Bryden s horse, Charlie. Got to Passo Ancho soon after dark and camped with W. Corkill and all the Linn Family.
Sept. 10 Made a very early start and got to the Franketos when it began to Rain. Made Alsops before I got much wet. Stayed there to Breakfast, then went and saw Reuben Holbein. Got the money for the Wool $267.50. Had dinner, then came back to Ventana.
Sept. 11 Found that the Flock had not left on account of the Rain. Gave the man his money $120. Got Luis 1 lb. Of Tobacco, then started for the Chicharone Mott. Got two Wedders and two of the lambs I altered. Then came to John Fogg s where I got a bag of Flour for Frank Byler. Got home at 9 o’clock with the help of Noakes horse which I brought for him.
Sept. 12 Went down to Corpus with the Mare & Cart. Got a load of the Corn but there was none ground. Got 5 lbs. Of Sugar and came home where I arrived just about dark.
Sept. 14 Went out to seek the Grey horse. Met with Ben Gibbs and Kinghorn . Went through by McGregors Swamp. Found the Grey with Wm. Gibb’s Mare but could not drive them out. Went on and caught up with Ben & Kinghorn. Went through the timber. Left them and came round by the Corkill timber. Found the old Sorrell Horse and Mr. Cox’s Buggy horses which I brought home. Just when I got to Kinghorns, I got a heavy thunder Shower which stopped me from going out to Bryden’s Rancho.
Sept. 15 Started for Brydens Rancho. Left some corn at my Camp. Found that Bryden had just left for Santa Gertrudis. After putting out his Bucks, came home same night.
Sept. 16 Stayed home all day.
Sept. 17 Went out with John to hunt Steers for a Man named Williams who is camped at “Palo Blanco” and buying them for Work Steers. Got 11 of Johns and one of Mine.
Sept. 18 Went down to Corpus for the Balance of the corn and the Meal. Got home a little after dark.
Sept. 19 Started for the Camp with Corn on the Gotch. Bryden accompanied me a little on the way to Flint’s. He bound away for Goliad. Stayed until one o’clock at Flints, waiting for the nigger to come and [33]neck two Steers. Got off and the Gotch kicked up and lost nearly all the Corn about a mile for Camp. Left camp about Sun down for home.
Sept. 21 Started about three o’clock for the Camp after settling with John for Note & other things. Got there very late at night with the Cart and Corn and that black mare which I intend to wean the colt from.
Sept. 22 Went up to Saturninos in the evening. Saw Noakes & Hogarth . They had been Tailing and Altering Hogarth s Lambs. Hogarth intended to go the the “Aransas Creek” next day and Noakes to the “La Garta”.
Sept. 23 Stayed at the camp all day. Luis came in sick.
Sept. 24 Came off home after cutting out the young Lambs. After I had been home 2 or 3 hours, Bryden called on his way home from Goliad on a [34]furlough of eight days. Went back to the Camp, arrived about Midnight.
Sept. 25 After cutting out the Lambs, went up to Saturnino’s. Told him that Bryden had come home and would be up on Saturday. Came back to camp with a little Turpentine.
Sept. 26 Waited at the camp until about 6 o’clock in the evening for Bryden but he did not come. So I started for home with two Lambs for John’s Child. Got here between seven & eight o’clock and found that Mrs. Bryden had been taken sick that Morning, so that Bryden could not come. Went down and saw Lizzy and her kin. Doctor was there and staying all night.
Sept. 28 Started up to Brydens Rancho to bring down the Wagon. Found the Creek flooded so that I was up to the Saddle Skirts. In passing the Chicherone Mott, took the Mare up with me to Saturnino’s. It was so dark that I could scarcely find the house.
Sept. 29 Left the Rancho as soon as I got the Horses in and came down to the Camp. Had to go round by the Precinos Road to get across. Called at Fogg’s Store and got a pair of shoes.
Sept. 30 Went down to Codys for Corn for Bryden . From there into Corpus with McCoy and saw Dr. Haley and got a Mixture for Mrs. Bryden. Came back and got 13 Bush. Corn.
Oct. 1 Started again for Brydens Rancho with the Wagon. 5 Bags of Corn, 1 Bale of Tobacco, and 1 Bush. Corn for my Shepherds.
Oct. 2 Came down to my Camp with the Mare and Paint and moved the Flock and Manada up to the Palo Ventana. Luis stopped at the Chicheroni. Said he was going to the Cassa Blanco that day with Dwyer. Vicaro got the Sheep to the Camp a little after dark. Had a Ewe die on the way, making 5 Head died since the last report. Came down to Veto’s Camp and slept.
Oct. 3 Got 25 Bucks out of Brydens Buck Flock and took them up to my flock. Found that one more had died over night. Came back with the Cart by Saturnino’s with a Mutton. Found a pup that I had lost in going up the day before. Had a cup of Coffee at the old Camp. Got home just at dark.
Oct. 4 (Sunday) Adams called on his way to the [35]La Garta. Borrowed 50 lbs. Flour. Stayed dinner, then left for the Camp.
Oct. 6 Went with Bryden up the his Rancho. Stayed all night.
Oct. 7 Went along way out to seek the Gotch. Came back and found him near the house. Bryden went with me to my camp. We engaged Severino Garza and the boy Manuel. Came off home by way of McIntyres. His wife had Roasted Corn.
Oct. 8 Stayed at home. Shelled Corn etc. Bryden & Reynolds called on their way to the Rancho to Seek after __?__.
Oct. 9 Went out to seek the horses. Did not find one. Came back about dinner time. Finished the Corn. Traded the old [36]Ambulance to Kershaw for three Mares and one Colt. About bedtime, Reynolds called and told me he had bought Hogarth ’s Sheep.
Oct. 10 Started off on a Cattle Hunt on the old Gotch. Roundup at McCoys Tank. Got nothing. Went on down to Dunlap s and camped. Went into see Captain King about McCoys Fence Crew. He had gone to Santa Gertrudis.
Oct. 11 Went down the Prairie to the Encinal. Camped there.
Oct. 12 Came on up by the Oso Rancho. Got the Rankin brown Cow. Had dinner, then went on to Worthington ’s Rancho where we had a Rodeo. Got a cow and Calf for John. Came on to Ball ’s and penned.
Oct. 13 Found when we got up that half the Cattle had got out of the Pen, among them, John’s cow & calf. Came on house, penned at Reynolds and heard that Lizzy was sick. Came home.
Oct. 14 Took the Mare and Cart and went up to the Camp with corn for the Shepherds and salt for the Sheep. Got some Salt for the Britton Flock at Saturnino’s and took to Antonio.
Oct. 15 Tailed and Marked 276 Lambs & Marked 6 Kids. Left the Cart at Saturninos and Brought the Wagon and a Mutton.
Oct. 16 & 17 Helped John to Brand his Colts. Got the Grey horse and found that he had a necking on.
Oct. 19 Watched the Watering Place. Put a Cow in for Stephens and got one for John but nothing for myself. In the evening, I fixed Mrs. Blackwell ’s doors.
Oct. 20 Helped Taylor to fix Brydens Wagon tires & started in the evening with Bryden and Brown for Brydens Rancho.
Oct. 21 Went up to my Camp with Bryden ’s Wagon and Rations for Veto & Antonio. Brought the Wagon down to the Motts. Bryden started for Goliad.
Oct. 22 A cold wet Norther blowing this Morning. Stayed about home all day. Taylor started for Brownsville with butter & eggs. Called to me and got the bill & $20.85.
$20.85 Sent for by Mr. Taylor Oct. 21, 1863
See Richard Gallagher and asked him the name of the Store Keeper that Mr. Wade purchased the dry goods for Mr. Hobbs and himself and when you get to Brownsville, call at this Store and request him to give you the A/C. The __?__ was made about the 3rd day of August.
½ doz. Cups & Saucers 1.00 ½ --Plates 1.00 3 Ball s of Candle Wick .50 4 Pint. Tins .50 1 Dressing Comb & one Fine Comb. .75 1 Broom .25 1 Bottle of Sweet Oil .50 ¼ Gross of Matches 1.00 1 Tin Tea Pott .50 One Pair of Women’s Shoes No. 4 2.00 1 Pair of Girls Shoes 8 ¾ in long} 1 --- -- Boys ----- 8 ¾ -- ---- }Strong 7.00 1 --- -- ----- ----- 7 -- --- } 1 --- -- Childs ---- 5 ½ -- ---- } 6 Boxes of Concentrated Lye, if --- no Lye 5.00 1 Box of Soap 1 Box Blacking .25 2 Milk Pans – 11 in. across .75 ____ Sent 21.00
Oct. 23 Norther still blowing and very cold but no Rain. Sun Shining. Got a cow and big calf in the Rincon for John.
Oct. 24 Norther still blowing with the sun shining. Went out by the Corkill Timber and round by Cox’s Prairie but did not find the Sorrel horses. Saw a horse of Mrs. Dryer.
Oct. 25 (Sunday) Norther still continues
Oct. 26 Went up to Sheep Camp. Called at Saturninos and learned the Shearers was gone.
Oct. 27 Took the Bucks out of the Flock. Came home by Saturnino’s. Hunted up the Ewes. Brought a Wedder for Mrs. Bryden and one for Mrs. A.
Oct. 28 Killed the Wedder for Mrs. Bryden . Went to look for the horse. Killed the Mutton.
Oct. 29 Started very early for Corpus Christi. Called at McCoys with a little parcel. Got down to Corpus soon after Sun up. I saw Capt. King, O’Conner and brought my “Spree” from Rankins. Pen her at Peterson s and branded the Calf. Seek the cows together. Lost “Spree’s” Calf above Dunlaps house. Got home about Sundown.
Oct. 30 A cold Norther. Stayed at home. Real cold day.
Oct. 31 Got in a Calf for John, a yearling bull for myself, and a heifer.
Nov. 3 Went down to Corpus to see O’Conner about his Grinage Debt. The Negroes were sold and $2825, one third to be paid down.
Nov. 4, 5, 6, 7 Stayed about home, hunting for the Sorrel horse.
Nov. 8 (Sunday) Quite a showery day, especially in the evening.
Talley Sheet
Feb. 11, 1863 Took the bucks out of the Flock
Feb. 23 Counted the Flock 192 lambs, Grown sheep 1563
Feb. 24 Bought 21 Wedders of Wm. Corkill
March 25 Tailed & Marked 504; 36 Tailed __?__ Wedders 540
April 1 Luis reported 4 Lambs and 1 Ewe dead
April 2 Mr. Bryden sent 20 Bucks to the Flock
May 12 Took the Bucks out of the Flock on the __?__ of May
H B Total
May 4 Branded 1 1
May 17 ----------- 3 3
May 16 ----------- 3 3 6
May 27 Luis reported one Ewe dead
June 13 ---------- 1 2 1
June 20 Got home from the Sheep Shearing about 2 o’clock after getting all the Wool baled and Weighed and all except two Wagon loads housed at the Banquete. My Wool weighed Bale No 1 - 490 lbs 2 - 534 3 - 532 4 - 567 5 - 494 6 - 558 7 - 426 8 - 348 Total 3949 lbs.
[17] Esidro - Ysidro (Spanish) [18] Vicaro - Vaquero, cowboy [19] Puerto - the Puerto Ranch; the Puerto de Agua Dulce or the Port on the Agua Dulce Creek, owned by Captain Kenedy and later owned by Captain King [20] Mãnada - a flock of breeding sheep, 1 buck and many ewes [21] Motts or Mott or Mota - usually Nuecestown, but also used for any large group of trees; a landmark [22] grapes - wild Mustang grapes growing along creeks [23] Press - wool press for packing shorn wool [24] Mosquito Bar - mosquito netting to cover bed [25] necking - wooden ox-bow and harness to neck two oxen together [26] Sisnaro - Cisnero [27] Chickaronie - Chicharone: hog or pork cracklings [28] Militia people - mounted militia, Civil War home guard [29] blue Mass - medicine [30] Laureles - N.E. section of the King Ranch [31] Ox Bough - Ox-bow, wooden yoke for a team of oxen [32] row - loud argument [33] neck two steers - to yoke two steers together to train as oxen [34] furlough - military holiday pass from militia duty [35] La Garta, Lu Garter - Lagarto Creek (alligator) [36] Ambulance - covered wagon with seats for passengers |