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DIARY OF JOSEPH ALMOND 1874
Jan. 1 The necking of Mules has been missing some time and I cannot hear any word of them. Lizzie has not got home yet. We have been watering the horses and Bucks at the Wells nearly a week. (side margin) “2 mules”
Jan. 3 Lizzie got home to day about dinner time. She stopped at Mr. McIntyre last night. John Wade came about 4 o’clock.
Jan. 4 (Sunday) I went over to Mr. Wright s, Fred Franks, and to the Puerto, hunting the Mules but did not find them.
Jan. 5 Willie and I went up to Mr. Shaelffers to day. I saw his Bucks which he has just got from New York. They are a very fine lot. Went from there down the Creek hunting the mules but did not find them. Mr. Shaeffer told me that Monico had been at San Diego and [86]cut up deal when drunk. He saw a Warrant for him.
Jan. 8 I went up to San Diego to learn what Monico had been after. Found it pretty much as Shaeffer had said.
Jan. 10 Took the Bucks over to Mr. Reynolds and had them dipped . Paid Mr. Seymour $7 50 for Willies schooling.
Jan. 12 Monico and I went up to San Diego. He stood his trial, was fined $1000 and Costs amounting to $2350 in all.
Jan. 13 I started for Corpus by way of Banquetti. Called at Saunders. Met with Collins, Grey, & Moses. The last named Gentleman went down to Mr. McIntyres with me, where we stayed all night. I arrived at Corpus about noon on the 14th, sold my Wool, and left Corpus about half after three o’clock. Mr. McIntyre, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Benton were in town. I came up with them and we all stopped at Mr. McIntyres.
Jan. 15 We were stopped at Mr. McIntyres until about noon on account of Rain. Got home awhile before sundown,. Mr. Wade had bought Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Bentons, Mrs. Brydens, and my Wool, so we arranged to take it all in together and to commence loading up on Monday Morning. I engaged a Waggoner at San Diego, last Monday, but he will not be here in time. The grey horse I rode to Corpus is amissing and cannot be found no where around.
Jan. 17 I went over to Mr. Reynolds to try if I could get a Waggoner. He promised to let me have one if Hennard sent me with his Wagon.
Jan. 18 (Sunday) Fred Franks sent a man here today to drive my Wagon. I engaged him to take the Wool to Corpus and went over to tell Reynolds. The Grey horse was there. Mr. Reynolds found him in one of his Manadas. I brought the Scales over.
Jan. 19 I sent Willie over to Reynolds ’ with four (4) sacks of Wool (about 1490 lbs) and loaded the rest of it on my Wagons. Went over to the other side of the Agua Dulce with them. It was sundown when we got there and we found that Reynolds Wagons had gone by about half after three o’clock. Willie went on to try and catch up with them and I came home.
Jan. 20th I started for Corpus about 12 o’clock in the Ambulance. Got up to the Wagon at the Motts where I camped with them, and started early next morning. Got to Corpus about 10 o’clock. The Wagons got in about 2 o’clock in the evening. I arranged to have a Certificate laid on near the Carro Mott. Got out of Corpus about 4 o’clock on Friday evening. The Wagon started about 9 o’clock in the morning. I slept at Mr. McIntyres. Benton was there. He intended going back to Corpus on Sunday, expecting to get 3 Certificates from Austin by Mail. I got home today (Saturday) about noon. The Wagon arrived about 3 o’clock.
Jan. 25 (Sunday) I started back to Corpus by way of Banquetti. I had to ride John’s black pony because when the Remuda was got up, Selim and the brown horse were not in it and has not yet been heard tell of. (side margin) “2 horses” I got to Mr. Wade a little before eight o’clock. Next day I saw Mr. John Dix got a l640 acre Certificate put on near the Carro Mott. I got $10000 from Mr. Williams (he now owes me $3200 on his note) I borrowed $4000 from Mr. Wade. I left Corpus this morning (Tuesday) Came round by Charley Shaw s and got home about 8 o’clock.
Jan. 29 Had the Manada in the pen and marked 36 ewe lambs and 43 Wether lambs. (margin) Moved the Wool home today.
Jan. 30 Marked 20 ewe lambs and 13 Wether lambs. Counted the flock 687 Ewes and grown sheep and 480 lambs.
Jan. 31 Had the Wedder flock in the pen, picking out cockle burrs but did not finish it. Pablo Ynojoso got the Wagon.
Feb. 1 (Sunday) Had another __?__ with the Wedder flock. Still did not finish it. Counted it 1209, 148 of which are goats
Feb. 2 Had rain in the night which prevented us from penning the Wedder flock. It also prevented Natividad and Braharis from starting to Corpus. Pablo Ynojoso has not returned yet. He got the Wagon on Saturday to bring his things from San Diego. (margin) “Willie started to School this morning.”
Feb. 3 Pablo Ynojoso made some holes to plant trees in. After we had finished planting, we fenced.
Feb. 5 Pablo and Willie went with me to get some trees. We brought three home and planted them.
Feb. 6 & 7 Got more trees and planted them. Lizzie and Willie went over to Mr. Reynolds .
Feb. 8 (Sunday) Willie and me went to the Pintos to look for the missing horses & Mules but heard nothing of them. While we were away, Mr. Reynolds & Fred Franks came on their way home from San Diego.
Feb. 9 I engaged another Shepherd yesterday evening, named Cesario Hernandez . Pablo, him & I went to Mr. Reynolds in the Wagon this morning to get some trees on the Agua Dulce. Got 12 small ones. When we got home we found that Bentons flock and our Wedder flock had got mixed, through carelessness of the Shepherds.
Feb. 10 Had the mixed flock in the pen. Worked at it until near noon. Planted the trees today we brought from the Agua Dulce yesterday. When Willie came from School, he brought some ewes and lambs from Adams, which had got away from the Manada several days ago.
Feb. 11 Had the Manada in the pen this morning and counted 916 Grown Sheep and 441 Lambs. Monico started out to seek for some missing sheep and lambs. I also went out and up to Bentons Camp and round by Adams and brought home the two mules. We have 10 ewes and lambs in the field belonging to Benton. We found them this morning near here. (side margin) 2 mules found
Feb. 12 Had the other flock in the pen today and counted them 2,110. I started the Bucks and five goats over to Mr. Reynolds to be dipped. About noon I started myself to Mr. Reynolds. None of the men were at home. So I came back and went up to Mr. Benton Camp and left word with the boy for Benton to come to my pens in the morning.
Feb. 13 Commenced this morning with the Wedder flock. Cut out all the goats and counted 1050 Wedders. We then counted the Goats. We had the Manada in the pen and counted 850 grown sheep & 442 lambs. Then we had the large flock in and counted them 2119. Monico says he cut out from the Manada 22 ewes in lamb, leaves 828. (margin) Benton came over & got 18 ewes in lamb
Feb. 14 Monico, Willie and I went over to the Precinios and saw the flock of Pancho Besces. Found 4 ewes and 1 lamb.
Feb. 15 (Sunday) Mr. And Mrs. Reynolds, Fred Franks and Mr. Seymour came over today and took dinner. (margin) Monico reports 2 Ewes and 1 lamb died.
Feb. 16 I went up to San Diego today but did no good. Spence was not at home. I saw Mr. Staples who informed me he had bought the [87]Roseate Ranche.
Feb. 17 I started for Corpus by the Banquetti. Saw Mr. Fitch at the Puerto but did not see Johnson. I went to Mrs. Bryden s and stayed there all night. I saw Mr. Lovenskiold about the Miller tract. He told me to go and see Maria. I also saw John Dix who says that he will be up Surveying very soon. I left Corpus about 3 o’clock. Stayed all night at Mr. McIntyre s. Got home about 1 o’clock today, 19th.
Feb. 19 Pablo and Vidal were at work at the Water Hole.
Feb. 20 Worked at the Waterhole. Pablo Tabala brought 38 posts.
Feb. 21 I went over to Mr. Jocelyn’s and got a cow and calf.
Feb. 22 (Sunday) I mediated after dinner. I went out to see the flocks. I saw the Manada and large flock. There are 22 lambs in the flock. When I got home, found [88]Mr. Seymour who had been here all the evening. Willie started yesterday morning in the Ambulance for Corpus to bring up John & G. Woodman.
Feb. 23 John got here about 5 o’clock in the evening. Monico reports that he cut out 33 lambs this morning and commenced the Manada. Pablo, Vidal and I worked at the tank.
Feb. 24 Had the large flock in the pen today. Altered several lambs. Cut seven (7) out to put in the pasture. Monico reports 18 mere lambs in the Manada. Pablo Tabala brought fifty (50) posts today.
Feb. 25 We had the Manada in the pen today. Cut out 44 ewes in lamb, making in all 127 which have been put in to the large flock. Monico reports cutting out 72 Ewes and lambs this morning, making a Manada; making all together 64 lambs.
Feb. 26 Monico cut out 25 lambs this morning and started the flock to the Rocky Water hole. I went with the Wagon and Pablo and moved Camps. We put the old Manada on the Baril Creek. I saw Braharis who said they had 9 lambs this morning. Vidal was with the Manada which ought to have 88 lambs. Then at supper, Chappie Moore came. He is on his way to the Armagosa to get corn to plant. He stayed with us all night. A drizzling rain came on this evening.
Feb. 27 Pablo and Robie went to work making strings for kids. [89]Ohenio came seeking work. I engaged him and gave him fourteen (14) dollars to pay his account. He promised to come back to-morrow. I went over to camps in the evening and saw the flocks. Monico reported 25 lambs cut out this morning. Rained again all night last night but cleared off about 12 o’clock today.
Feb. 28 I went over to camps again today. Monico reported 12 lambs cut out this morning. John and George left this morning for Corpus. Willie took them in the Ambulance. Ohenio came a little before sundown.
March 1 (Sunday) Joe Buckow came today just as we sat down to dinner. Chappie Moore called again on his way home. Willie got home form Corpus about 5 o’clock. Monico came to the house this evening. He reports 22 lambs cut out this morning.
March 2 Joe, Pablo and Ohenio worked at the Water hole until 4 o’clock. I then went over to Camps. Found the old Manada camped near Dorothea. Had been with it to Water. Monico reported 34 lambs on Monday and 55 this morning.
March 4 Got home from Camps about 11 o’clock. Cut out 57 lambs this morning. Monico reports two (2) Ewes dead.
March 5 I went over to Camps yesterday evening. Cut out 57 lambs this morning. Came home by John Jocelyn’s and enquired for the bay horse. Robie found him today. Joe went down the Well and cleaned it out so that we can draw the bucket nearly full.
March 6 Took the Wagon and two Mules over to the sheep camp yesterday evening. We had the Manada in and I worked 165 Wedder lamb, 159 Ewe lambs and 1 Buck lamb. In all 325 counted, the Ewes 330. This morning we cut out 66 lambs. Lathem, from the La Garto, camped last night on the other side of the Water. He left us two legs of beef. Brought four barrels of Water home and watered the trees.
March 7 I started with the Wagon soon after dinner yesterday to Camps. Took Monico’s wife and her sister. We cut out 57 lambs this morning. I sent Monico back with the two. Today I stopped and marked 63 Ewe lambs, 59 Wether lambs and counted the Ewes 126. Willie and Monico got to camp just when I was finishing marking. I got home just about 7 o’clock.
March 10 I started with the Ambulance and two Mules on Sunday morning for Corpus but got no further than Mr. J. W. Dunns. It was quite dark when I got to John Dunns. Monday morning, about 7 o’clock, I got into Corpus. I found that the Judge had not come. He got into town about 2 o’clock in the evening. I saw him and he excused me from serving on the Grand Jury this term. I slept at John’s and started out of Corpus with John, this morning, about 6 o’clock.
March 11 Went over to Camps this morning early. Willie and Monico report 71 lambs on Sunday morning, 66 on Monday morning, 44 Tuesday morn and 60 this morning. In the evening John & Robie came over and we tailed and marked 130 Ewe lambs and 122 Wedder lambs. There are 3 marked lambs dead since I left for Corpus.
March 13 I went back to camps yesterday evening and John came home. Monico reports 52 lambs cut out yesterday morning and 47 this morning. I left camps this morning and helped to cut out 15 ewes and lambs from Dorotheas flock. When on my way home immediately after we got the sheep turned out this morning it commenced to rain and it has rained at intervals, all today. After I got home, we all went to work and planted grass on the dam.
March 14 John went over to camps. I planted more grass on the dam.
March 16 John got back yesterday morning. Reported 58 lambs on Saturday and 56 yesterday morning. I left for camps about sun down yesterday. We had 50 lambs. This morning Monico poisoned a large [90]Lobo this morning. I got home this evening before dark.
March 17 Joe planted more grass on the dam this morning. We commenced making a Cow pen. John Joceylin helped Robie over with 2 cows. We settled a/cs.
March 18 Pablo, Joe, and I went off for wood to fill in fence. We got back about nine o’clock at night. Tommy Headen was here when we came home. It appears he stayed at Mr. Adami’s last night. Johon had been over and reported 56 lambs this morning. (margin) Tommy Headen came. __?__ here __?__ money. 19th he wants to stay here and work for us.
March 19 Worked at cow pen. John came home and reports 27 lambs.
March 20 John went with Joe & Pablo for more wood to fill in fence. I went over to camps. Monico reported 18 lambs this morning. John left the Wagon at the Agua Dulce and got home about 8 o’clock. The Wagon got home about 9 o’clock.
March 21 Finished the cow pen fence in the evening. I started Willie over to Camps with the Wagon to be ready to move them in the morning. (margin) John started this morning to Corpus
March 22 (Sunday) I started over to Camps. Moved all away to Palo Hueco. A very wet and unpleasant day. Vidal brought the Manada to the Ranche.
March 23 Started to fence in the Water hole. Joe, Pablo, Vidal and myself worked at it all day. Monico reported 17 lambs on the 21st, 20 on the 22nd, and 20 today.
March 24 Joe, Pablo, Vidal and myself worked all day at the Waterhole fence. I sent for Braharis to come and take care of the Manada. Pablo Youfors and me had a quarrel this evening. He wants his a/c. Monico reported 12 lambs came this morning.
March 25 & 26 Worked at the Waterhole fence. Finished it this evening (Monday). John got back from Corpus yesterday.
March 27 Pablo and I started this morning with the pen for bucks. Joe and Vidal went to work at putting in posts in to the pasture fence. John started for Corpus this morning to attend a horse sale.
March 30 Marked but did not tail 250 Ewe lambs and 247 Wedder lambs. Counted the Ewes in Manada 564. John got home this evening from Corpus but did not buy anything.
March 31 Mr. Moses called this morning on his way to San Diego. In the evening, Joe, Pablo, Vidal commenced digging holes for the Waterhole fence.
April 1 Willie went over to Mr. Reynolds to borrow his plow and some Corn meal. Got the plow but no meal. We marked but did not tail 53 Ewe lambs and 54 Wedders.
April 2 Worked today at the Waterhole fence until noon. In the evening I started Joe and Vidal to Corpus.
April 6 I left for Corpus in the ambulance last Friday morning. I got down to Joe and Vidal before they started from Camps. The grey mule had gone off in he night. I got into Corpus about Sundown. I took a pair of Goats down to Mr. McIntyre s. Invited to hear the Episcopal Minister at night (Good Friday). The Wagons got in about 8 o’clock on Saturday morning. They camped at Mr. Dunn s and put the teams in the pasture. I got them started out again about 1 o’clock and I left town just at Sundown and got to Mr. 1874 Dunn s where I stayed all night. On Sunday Morning, I got up about half after 5 o’clock but did not find my horses until about six o’clock. When I got to Allen ’s Factory, I found the Wagons had not started. Four of the animals had gone off in the night but I met Joe at Geo. Pages with them. He said he found them at the Mexican Ranche. I got home yesterday evening at sundown.
(This appears to be a handwritten account of a shipwreck that may have been copied from a newspaper.) In a very short time all had died with the exception of eight men and one passenger who had ___?___ themselves to the chanuels few hours after the ship had struck with unexpected considerably
April _?_ Marked but did not tail 24 Ewe lambs and 29 Wedder lambs today. After cutting 19 out of Dorotheas flock, counted it 1178, including the fall lambs. Joe and Vidal got home just at sundown this evening.
April 7 John and Monico started today to buy goats. Joe commenced plowing.
April 8 Had Cesario’s flock in today. Cut out 1 Ewe and lamb, 39 wedders. Counted the balance 842, to be put to Dorothea’s flock to-morrow morning.
April 9 Cesario took his flock and put it into Dorotheo’s, then brought Ohenios Manada to the corral. Counted the ewes (690) then Cesario took charge of them. Ohenio left this evening. He owes $300. Joe plowed a piece of ground yesterday and the day before and planted it today.
April 10 Ohenio paid me $200 this morning and left.
April 12th (Sunday) I left yesterday evening for San Diego. I met John & Monico about half way between Alexis Paris ’ Ranche and San Diego. They had 52 Goats. I got to Spences about 7 o’clock. On my way up, I met with a young man called Ferguson from La Garteville. He went on with me to San Diego. At San Diego I met with Mr. Rogers, E. Corkill & Mr. Humphreys . I got home this evening at 6 o’clock.
April 16 I started with the Wagons on Tuesday morning. Got to Mr. Dunn’s about Sundown where I left the horses with the mules in the Pasture. (margin) Got 4 Cows from Jocelyn I got the Wagons loaded and started out a little before noon. I started about 2 o’clock and got up to the wagons at Jim Hobbs. (margin) Met Mr. F. Barnard and wife at Tooli Lake. We camped a little above Mr. McIntyres. I got home about 10 o’clock this morning. I find the wagons got here about two o’clock. As I went to Corpus I met Mr. & Mrs. F. Barnard at the Salt Lake, also Mr. Reynolds and Fred.
April 18 I went over to Mr. Reynolds with the Ambulance. Fixed the Wash house gallery rafter, then came round by Mr. Wright’s and brought Mrs. F. Barnard and Baby here.
April 19 (Sunday) Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Seymour, the three girls and Franky came over today. They left about six o’clock this evening.
April 20 Willie took Mrs. Barnard over to Mr. Wrights this morning. Lizzie & Joe went over with her.
April 21 Mr. Jocelyn came over today. We paid him for the cows I got last week. He told me that Pablo Paris’ man had seen some sheep and no shepherd with them. I started out in the evening to see Dorothea’s flock and told him to bring it over to the Corrals in the morning.
April 21 Coroteo came this morning to the Corral with his flock. We counted them and found that there lacked 43 of the number there should be. Monico and John went over to the Precinios Ranche but heard nothing of them.
April 22 Had the Other Manada in this morning and counted it. It came out pretty well. In the evening, John & Monico went to the Armagosa and came round by Benton’s Camp but heard nothing of the sheep. Lizzie went over to Wrights this morning and brought Mrs. Barnard back.
April 23 John went with the Wagons this morning for wood. They got back about Sundown.
April 24 I sent the men and wagons again for wood. John took the Ambulance with Lizzie, Mrs. Barnard and children to get [91]red currents. They all got back about Sundown.
April 25 I ought to have gone over to Mr. Reynolds today to fix his door & windows but I did not go on Account of Monico.
April 26 (Sunday) I took the Ambulance with Lizzie, Mary and Bessie up to Mr. Shaeffer s today. They spent a very pleasant and agreeable day. Did not get home until after dark.
April 27 I started Monico , Willie and Vidal to shear this morning, then went over to Mr. Reynolds and fixed the Wash house door and put in the Windows but did not finish them for want of suitable tools. I got home about four o’clock.
April 28 I started yesterday evening about half after five o’clock for the Palo M__?__ . Went by Mr. Shaeffer s. Had supper at Mr. Shaeffers and went on and saw Clemente. He promised to be here by next Monday or Tuesday. I came back by Mr. Shaeffer’s. Had breakfast there and got home between 10 & 11 o’clock when I was informed that Mr. F. Barnard had come yesterday evening soon after I left. About two o’clock this evening John started with Lizzie, Mary & Joe in the ambulance to San Diego. About five, Frank started back to Mr. Reynolds.
April 29 John got back this evening before Sundown from San Diego. Soon after they got back, Frank came over from Mr. Reynolds.
April 30 Frank started this morning back to Mr. Reynolds on his way home. Put the five Goats into the flock this evening.
May 1 John started in the ambulance with Mrs. F. Barnard over to Mr. Reynolds, intending to leave there tomorrow morning for Corpus. I rode over also and fixed the Windows in the Washhouse. The Wagons went for wood.
May 2 Willie and I shingled one side of the chicken house today. The Wagons went again for wood.
May 3 (Sunday) Joe went off today to Stillwells. He promised to be back tomorrow. He went to San Patricio last week but he got back on same day. I rode out to the dry ewe flock this evening and then went to the Armagosa to see the Shearers. Did not see them but was informed that they have gone to Ramon Garcia’s flock today. When I got home, I told Monico to have Doroteo’s flock in early in the morning.
May 4 Clemente came this morning and told me that the Shearers would be here this evening. We made all the preparations we could. They got here about Sundown.
May 5 We commenced shearing this morning. Five men, a boy and Willie sheared 390 sheep. We made 3 Bags of Wool.
May 6 Sheared 282 sheep today. Put up 3 bags of Wool, including Buck wool. I kept Robie at home today to herd the shorn sheep.
May 7 Mr. J. J. Dix , Col. Caldwell, his son & a Mexican boy came today. Said they were going to run the Pablo Paris line to find the Corner. Sheared 344 sheep. Put up 3 bags of Wool. I went over to Mr. Jocelyns after Sundown and saw Col. Caldwell.
May 8 After I got the shearers started this morning, I went up the Creek to where Col. Caldwell was surveying. Benton came the time I was there. He denied having ordered Pablo off the Carro Waterhole. Got home about one o’clock. Sheared 348 sheep and put up 3 bags of Wool.
May 9 Finished shearing the ewe flock and commenced with the Pastoreo. Sheared about 100 and put them back to the flock. 231 sheep shorn today.
May 11 Started for Corpus on Saturday after finishing shearing. Got in to Corpus about six o’clock yesterday morning, and back home about 12 o’clock at night.
May 12 Sheered 324 today making 432 in the Pastareo.
May 12 Got the flock all fixing, this morning. Ready to commence shearing, when it commenced raining and we had to quit. The Shearers went home. I moved the Wooden Cistern. Joe and Vidal fixed the fence for the Buck pen.
May 13 Willie started away first thing this morning to bring the Shearers. They all came except A__?__l. Sheared 241. Joe commenced [92]to bore this morning.
May 14 Sheared 359 sheep today. A Mr. Duval called. He is traveling for to sell fruit and shade trees. I gave him an order for $1100 worth.
May 15 Sheared 362 sheep today.
May 16 Finished the Wedder flock today and sheared 153 in Breharis’ Manada, making 333 shorn today.
May 18 I started off to San Diego on Saturday as soon as we finished shearing. I arranged with Don Pablo Paris to have the use of the Carro Mott. Mr. Luby went with me to Pablo Perez. He also gave me permission to use the Miller tract for which he informs me he is agent.
May 18 We finished this Manada to shearing 563 head. Monico went off yesterday morning and did not get back until afternoon today.
May 19 We got the other Manada in today and sheared 460 head.
May 20 Finished shearing today about 11 o’clock. Cleaned all up. Had the Manada put in the pen to brand in the morning with tar. Sheared 239. (margin) Monico & Vidal got their a/cs, this evening
May 21 Branded the ewes in Cesario’s Manada today. I then took the horses over to Mr. Reynolds for Water. I also took a horse over which Thomas Remmer rode over from his house yesterday evening. Mr. Reynolds told me that Monico had been there, this morning.
May 22 Branded the other Manada and the dry ewes today.
May 23 Put the tar Brand on the Wedder flock today. I went over to Mr. Reynolds in the morning.
May 24 (Sunday) I took the ambulance over to the old Cesario Ranche to get Remmer’s Valise and came down from there to Mr. Reynolds and got a barrel of flour which they brought up for me, yesterday. Bessie and Josey went with me.
May 25 I started Joe and Tom with the [93]shade this morning. At noon, I got them to go out with the Wagon to bring some branches to cover it with. Monico came with the money for Vidal and the rest of them. He also brought a Cart and oxen to take his things.
May 26 I put Joe with the dry ewes, Tom with Braharis’ Manada, and John with the Pastores. I directed Tom to go the Rosetis for Water but he got down nearly to the Puerto, the Agua Dulce.
May 27 I told Tom last night if no rain came he was to go with his flock for water but he did not go because he thought it would rain.
May 28 I went with the Goats to Water. After I got back, I started for San Diego to seek shepherds. I got to San Diego about eight o’clock. I met Charley Hoffman on his way to Benton s Camp. Mr. Luby has engaged me a shepherd. I stayed at Luby’s all night. Waited all day Friday but could not get another shepherd. Slept again at Mr. Luby’s. He had gone down to Precino’s to marry a couple but the Wedding did not come off.
May 30 I had an early breakfast this morning but did not get started for home so soon as I expected. Luby got home about eight o’clock this morning. I saw Charley Gravis. They are trading off their Sheep to a Mr. Harding & Owing. I was introduced by Mr. Duval to Mr. Harding this morning. About eleven o’clock, I started home with the Shepherd (Maximo Aranjo ). Got home about 2 o’clock.
May 31 (Sunday) I went over to Mr. Reynolds this morning but he and Bill Adams had started for Corpus.
June 3 I started for Corpus on Monday morning. Stopped at Mr. McIntyre ’s for dinner. Got to Mrs. Bryden’s about Sundown. Bessie was with me so stayed all night at Mrs. Brydens. Mr. Reynolds & Bill Adams had sold their wool and left. I went to the Lodge. Luby was examined as to his proficiency. I stayed all night again at Mr. Brydens and started this morning. Took dinner at Mr. McIntyres, again, where Fred Franks catched up with me. Charley Shaw called also. I got home about nine o’clock.
June 5 Cut out 170 old Ewes and lambs from the dry ewe flock. Left 1344. Put 12 Bucks among them. Moved them farther up the Creek and went with Joe for 2/3 barrels of water. Mr. Reynolds & Seymour were here when I got back.
June 6 I went over this Evening for more water. Called at Leonidio’s Camp with some wood. Got home just about Sundown.
June 7 (Sunday) Had Cesario’s Manada in the pen. Cut out 3 Bucks, lambs, and 8 Wedders & lambs. Joe went over yesterday evening to La Garteville. I expect him to bring two saddle trees from Rameys. __?__ went over to Mr. Reynolds this morning. He brought Andreas with him in the evening.
June 8 When we were making preparations to start the Wagons over to Mr. Reynolds to take his Wool into Corpus, we learned that Thomas had lost the Pastores. I started out to seek it. Thomas found it at the Carro Mott. George Reynolds, Jr. had come over and gone with Willie and the Wagons. I did not get away until near three o’clock. Mr. Reynolds had gone. I rode on after them but did not get to them until near the Gourd Mott, when I found them camped. Started very early on Tuesday morning with Mr. 1874 Reynolds in his ambulance. Stopped awhile at McGregors store. Got into Corpus about eleven o’clock. The Wagons got in with the Wool about 2 o’clock. Got unloaded and the Wool weighed by night. Did not get out of Corpus until Thursday evening about 4 o’clock. Got up to the Wagons at night, a little way above Mr. McIntyres. Had Alex Allen with us, who rode my horse up to Mr. Adamie’s next morning, where Mr. Reynolds had to call. From there, I rode home where I arrived a little before noon on Friday. Willie got home about 3 o’clock with only one Wagon. The wheel of the old Wagon broke at the Gourd Mott.
June 13 Had the Pastores in the pen this morning and cut out 238 Ewe lambs. Counted 1296 and put on 45 Bucks, after which Willie and Joe started for the Broken Wagon.
June 14 (Sunday) Put the 238 Ewe lambs into Cesario’s Manada. Willie and Joe got back with the Wagon this evening. Willie had been sick at the Agua Dulce. Joe told me yesterday that he was going over on a cow hunt, so we had a squaring up and I told him that I would not wait of him, anymore. If I wanted a man, I would get the first one I could. So he left this evening. The Bucks got away last night.
June 15 Joe’s horse was in the Remuda this morning. He came over and got him and took his Dun Horse away. I went over to Mr. Reynolds and down to Fred’s to tell them I could not start with my Wool tomorrow.
June 16 The Weather looks very squally this morning. There seemed to be a great deal of Rain all round but we have got none yet. I fixed the facings for Gallerys today.
June 17 I started with the Gallery floor. Got it laid as far as the door this evening.
June 18 I went on with the Gallery floor but the rain came and stopped me when I lacked about 8 ft of being done with it.
June 19 Willie and I started with the chicken house roof.
June 20 Finished the chicken house roof and had a regular cleaning up.
June 21 (Sunday) The Thunder showers have been going all round us for several days. Some times a few drops catching but we got it with a vengeance this evening. Between 3 & 4 o’clock lumps of ice fell almost the size of a hen’s egg. The wind blew with a tremendous force and the rain fell so quickly that in less than an ¾ of an hour, the Waterhole was full and the stream running past the side of it with a great force. Soon after, the storm 1874 subsided. John came from Camp and said he had very little rain there. Joe also came over from Mr. Adamie and told us he had joined [94]Wallace’s Company of Rangers. I have been very sick all day.
June 22 We cut the Bucks out of Maximo’s flock yesterday. Today they got away and have been sought for all round but not found.
June 23 Willie went over to Maximo’s Camp this morning and found him just starting over to get the bucks cut out again. The flock was put in the pen and Buck cut out and put in the pasture this morning. Willie has started with the Wagon to move Camps.
July 4 Started for Corpus in the ambulance with [95]Robie about 9 o’clock. Got down to Mr. McIntyres about 3 o’clock in the evening and in to Corpus about 7 o’clock. Got home on Tuesday evening just before dark. (margin) 1 Mule found, 1 still out
July 9 John Jocelyn came over today. I settled with him for 3 Cows, I got on the 3rd. Commenced the Wagon __?__.
July 11 Went to San Diego. Saw Mr. Luby but did not get any men. Saw Mr. Fly . Got home on Sunday evening. At the Armaragosa I found the Jack Mule. The roan Mule not found yet.
July 13 Ramon Garcia came over this morning with the Jack Mule. They did not find the Manada. The Roan Mule is in. The old black mule is not found yet.
July 14 Ramon Garcia sent a man (Iago) over this morning with two Mules as neither the roan or Black Mule are found yet. The Wagons are all loaded up and started about 12 o’clock. (margin) Mr. Reynolds got a __?__ full of Sugar.
July 18 Got home from Corpus before noon today. The Wagons into Corpus on Wednesday evening 15th. I sold the wool to Mr. Buckley at 23 ½ cents per lb. Got the wagons unloaded and the Wool weighed the same evening. Weighed 10554 lbs. Thursday 16th we got the Wagons started about noon. In the evening went out ot McLane Ranche with Mr. Reynolds, Benton, and McLane in Foggs Ambulance and saw the Bucks which are in very bad condition. I left Corpus on the Friday evening about half after three o’clock. Mrs. Bryden informed me she intended starting for Kansas on 1874 Monday night or Tuesday morning. I got to Mr. McIntyres before dark last night and left this morning early, for home.
July 19 (Sunday) The Dun horse was missing. He was tied to a log last night and has pulled it along with him.
July 20 The dun horse is not got yet. John has gone to the Precinios for a Shepherd who has been working for them. He went with a Mexican called Villireal from Piedras Pintas, who is seeking for a Manada of mares. On Saturday, when I got home from Corpus there was a Mexican here from __?__ near Conception, seeking for Leonicio who he says owes him fifty (50) dollars. He has promised to come back in October for him. By that time I expect he will be out of my debt.
July 21 John got back with Maximo about eleven o’clock last night. He got the Shepherd and left him with Maximo’s flock. We had Thomas’ flock in the pen this morning and cut out one large Wedder and fall Wedder lamb with worms which we doctored and put in the pasture. John has started for the Pintos after the Dun horse. Willie and Maximo has gone for Wood for Camps. We counted the Wedder flock 1281 sheep 43 Goats.
July 22 John did not get the Dun horse yesterday. He heard that John Corkill had gone on a horse hunt so he turned back. I have been working at cupboard yesterday and today.
July 24 John started for Corpus this Morning on Sam. I went over to Andreas’ camp and doctored a wormy lamb. Had another little spell at Cupboard.
July 26 (Sunday) I started yesterday evening about half after four o’clock for San Diego to try and get men but did not get any. I learned that The Fly Brothers and Steel were at the Lattes, having General Brown’s sheep turned over to them, which they bargained for some time since. I did not see Mr. Humphree. Mrs. Asa Brown informed me that he had started out this morning with a Man to help him buy Sheep. I left twenty (20) dollars with Mr. Luby (making 40 in all) and left for home where I arrived about 3 o’clock this evening. I saw Mr. Staples this morning who told me about his man getting shot by Ferguson, the 2nd Lieutenant in Wallaces Company. The shot took effect in the shoulder of the man but he is getting well again.
July 27 I took more Medicine yesterday evening and am very sick today.
July 28 I went over to Andras’ this morning and found another sheep with worms. I told him to bring the flock over to the pens tomorrow morning.
July 29 Andreas did not bring his flock this morning. I sent Willie over at noon to see him. He has to bring his flock to-morrow morning. Mr. Reynolds sent one of his men over this morning with my Mail and a note wanting to know if I had any 4 X 4 scantling. In the evening, he came over with the Wagon and Alex Allan . He got a piece of 4 X 4 and a piece of 2 X 3 to make a hay rake. John has not go back form Corpus yet. Took out the P__?__ys.
July 30 Andreas came early this morning with his flock. We cut out 3 sheep with worms. Counted the flock 1696. Finished the cupboard and cased 3 windows.
July 31 Had a little spell with the boys’ bedroom today.
Aug. 1st Commenced this morning to put Monicos house on to the Wagons. Got it on to the Wagon by night. Clemente came along with Olalio and paid Ramon Garcias $30. I bought the gray pacing pony from him.
Aug. 2nd (Sunday) Clemente came with the pony this morning. He helped move the house by driving one of the Wagons. We got it safely hauled. Mrs. Fitch and her sister with the two children came just as we got the harness off the Mules. Got the Wagons out after Sundown.
Aug. 6 I started on Monday morning for Corpus with the Ambulance and got there about Sundown. Mr. Luby had not left Corpus. He was [96]examined & Raised. Early on Tuesday morning, I went and saw Mr. McLane’s Bucks. I marked two. I bought all the things I wanted and had them put into Mr. Headen’s store on Tuesday night. I got an early start yesterday morning. Stayed at Mr. McIntyre’s about three hours. He has got Thomas Remmer shepherding for him. We spoke about his horse stock. He asks Ten dollars per head for them. Got home last night just about dark. John and I intend starting this evening to look after Wedder Goats. John and I got home yesterday evening with 107 goats. We bought 108 from Juan Gonzales in San Diego after going all round the Country. We were at Pedras Pintas. Saw Eugene A. Glover. Stayed with him on Friday night. (margin) When we got back from San Diego on Monday, two of the shepherds had gone off. We got back to San Diego on Saturday evening Mr. Luby had engaged a shepherd for me and have brought him down with the goats.
Aug. 16 (Sunday) I started on Thursday (13) in the Ambulance to Corpus. Got there by night and slept at Mr. Wade s. On Friday morning I went to Mr. McLanes and got the bucks. Put out (3) and went again after dinner and 1874 started for home with them. The three cost one hundred and ten (110) dollars. Stopped at Mr. McIntyres all night. I got home about 12 o’clock yesterday. I engaged three men last Wednesday, Rafael, Perfecto, & Felix. Rafael went off with the wagon to bring Perfecto and his (Rafaels) family. They had to be back on Saturday night, but they have not come yet. Felix started work on Thursday morning. I put him with the flock that got mixed when Leonicio and Santiago run away.
Aug. 17 Rafael came yesterday evening a little after Sundown. He broke the Wagon hou__?__ in the San Diego Creek. I expect to start for Corpus this morning to see Mr. Campbell s.
Aug. 19 We had Felix’s ewe flock in the pen this morning and in and out the lambs 601 and 3_?_. Ewes & lambs and 3 fall lambs in the flock we gave to Perfecto. On the evening of the 17th, I started for Corpus and next morning. John had Antonio’s flock in and cut out 725 lambs which he put to the others with Perfecto.
Aug. 23 (Sunday) I started for Corpus last Monday evening. Got to Corpus about noon on Tuesday. The steamship got in soon after and Mr. Campbell got his bucks out and took them to the Camps near the Dunlap house. On Wednesday morning, I went out and saw them and engaged four or five. Then started for home where I arrived about 2 o’clock on Thursday morning. I left home again in the evening on horseback and Willie went over to Mr. Reynolds and got his light Wagon. We got to Corpus about eleven o’clock on Friday morning and after a great deal of trouble with the Wagons and men that Mr. Campbell had engaged, we got start after Sundown and got out nearly to the Juan S__?__ Ranche. After a great deal of fixing and bother we made Nuecestown about two o’clock yesterday. We left about three o’clock and got to the Gourd Mott about half past eight where I parted with Mr. Campbell and Bob Adams who came with us from the Dunlap place and went on to the Kyman lake with Campbell. I got home between three and four o’clock this morning. Willie was pretty well worn out. Mr. Nichols called here today to see the bucks I had bought of Mr. Campbell. He wanted to know where he could see Mr. Campbell and his bucks. I told him to call at Adams’ and see Bob who could tell him better.
Aug 24 (Monday) We had Felix’s flock in again and cut out 345 Ewes in lamb and 5 fall lambs which we put with the Weaned lambs. We also had Antonio’s flock in from which we cut some old ewes out. Also some coarse ewes and put into Felix’s flock.
Aug. 25 John started this evening for San Diego to seek shepherds. Rafael, Willie & I worked at Rafael’s house and the field fence.
Aug. 26` Rafael and Willie helped me again at the fence.
Aug. 27 John get back about 1 o’clock from San Diego. He brought a man with him (Tomas Castano) whose debt is sixty (60) dollars. He took him down to Felix’s flock this evening and Felix came up. Settled with him by transfering his debt to Rafael and paying him for the time he worked.
Aug. 28 Willie and Rafael went for wood today. I fixed the door and windows in the boys room.
Aug. 29 We commenced today to clean out the shearing pens. John started again to San Diego to get men so that we may be able to commence shearing on Tuesday the first day in September.
Aug. 30 Clemente, Jose, Mario, Pablo Guzman and another boy cmae over from the Armaragosa this morning to learn when I would commence shearing. We fixed to start on Tuesday the first. Robie has gone over to Mr. Adams’. Willie has taken Mother, Bessie and Josey to Mr. Fitche’s. Five o’clock and neither John nor any of them came back yet.
Aug. 31 Robie got back last night just before dark. Willie came with Mother soon after. John got back today about 2 o’clock. He brought two men with him and one promised to be here with the Shearers tonight. The shearers came just abut Sundown but he did not come with them.
Sept. 1st When we expected to commence shearing we found the lamb flock had gone and after looking for it a long time, found it had mixed with the ewe flock. Willie found about 200 head a little way down the Creek which he brought up and we commenced shearing them. John and the shepherd brought the flock to the pen and we cut as many lambs from it as made 367 with them that Willie found, which were shorn.
Sept. 2 We cut out 372 lambs from the flock this morning which were shorn today.
Sept. 3 We cut out 396 lambs this morning which were shorn today but the shearers were not pleased because we cut out too many.
Sept. 4 We cut out the balance of the lambs this morning and would have been done shearing early but rain came very soon after dinner and we had to turn the sheep loose, after shearing 267, making 1402 shorn.
Sept. 6 (Sunday) After a wet night , we heard from Tomas by Meximo who went to get up the horses, that his (Tomas’) flock had gone off in the night. John and I started yesterday morning to look for it. I went in the direction of the Precinio’s and found about 200 of the shorn sheep but could not drive them home. I got them as far as the old Manada Camp where Andreos had his camp and left them there. Came home and found that John had got Tomas’ flock but he said there was some wanting. He brought them to Camp but did not find the Shepherd. I went with Perfecto in the evening to bring the shorn sheep but the storm was so severe that we could not drive them against it. So Perfecto stayed with them and I went to Mr. Jocelyn’s and stayed all night. This morning I went back to Perfecto and found that about twenty of the lambs were dead. We got as many of the live ones away as we could and put them with Antonio’s flock with some of the Ewes belonging to Tomas’ flock. I went back in the evening and got all except four which could not travel. John and Perfecto got there a little while after and packed them to camps on their horses.
Sept. 8 I have got home this evening a bout 5 o’clock from San Diego. Blas Madrid started yesterday morning with the Wagon to bring his family and I started about half after eleven o’clock and passed the Wagon a little on the other side of the Amaragosa Creek. I also found Moses and Benton on their way to San Diego and I went with them. The Precinct went unanimously against the Subsidy, 53 Votes being polled. I could not vote because I had not registered under the new Law. Charley Gravis very pressingly invited me to stay over night at his house, so I had the pleasure of doing so. Was very well treat. About 1 o’clock I left San Diego after seeing that the Wagon had left. When I came to the fork in the Road, I found by the Wagon tracts that Blas had gone on the San Antonio Road. I followed him and got up with him at the Muertocito Creek. I did not leave him until he had crossed the Creek on the Amaragosa road. I called at the Amaragosa but did no see Clemente. When I got home Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Franks were here. They left immediately after I got home saying they would be here early the next morning to go with John after the Bryden Sheep, which are mixing. John having seen them and a large lot of ours near the [97]Charce de Rockey.
Sept. 10 Messrs. Reynolds & Franks came early this morning and John took Perfecto with him. They got the sheep. John paid two men and three boys 10 dollars for getting some of the sheep out of the Creek. John, George & Fred got home by dinner. Perfecto got the flock home by Sundown. We had the sheep in the pen this morning which Perfecto brought home last night and counted them. There was 758. Two of them were shorn lambs. On account of the rain, we did not pen the shorn flock to count them. John moved the Camp to the hill, E.S.E. of the house. Rafael and Blas has been fixing a shade for the Bucks. Rafael has also been planting Bermuda Grass in the pasture. I have been fixing the Wagons.
Sept. 11 I moved the gutter from the Cistern this morning and have had a short spell fixing the top of the cistern. Blas and Rafael put what __?__ weed was hauled on the shade. Then I set Blas on the clean up a little and to make holes for to plant trees in this Winter. I took a Mexican over to Mr. Wright’s this evening to find out who it was that said I had killed two shepherds but it is evident he made it himself.
Sept. 12 Perfecto’s flock was missing this morning. We found it near the Palo Hueco Creek. I dried the wool which was in the barn. Bill Adams was over today. He told me he had seen the letter which Mr. Shaeffer got from Mr. Brenard about Mr. Campbell s Bucks.
Sept. 13 (Sunday) I had all the flocks in the pen today. Find that we lack 121 shorn sheep and 261 unshorn ones. We were at work in the pens until after one o’clock. Antonio’s flock has 1114. Tomas’ 1448 and 28 goats, in all 1476. The shearers got here this evening after Sundown. Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds were over today. They had Emma, Mary, and Franky with them.
Sept. 14 We re-commenced shearing this morning. Sheared 281, which finished the lambs and fall ewe lambs and 66 from the Wedder flock, making 350 in all. I went over to Mr. Wright’s camp and saw his shepherds about stopping my shepherd from taking my flock on to the Miller tract. While I was there Thos. Wright came and he said that my sheep were grazing down the Creek on his land. I gave him to understand that I had the Miller tract in my charge and had power to keep all other sheep from it. I then went up the Creek with Antonio’s rations.
Sept. 15 Sheared 398 Wedders in the evening. I went over to the Pinetas and oats & other things amounting to $8.40. Called at Mr. Reynolds and requested him to come over to my Ranche tomorrow evening. I got home about 9 o’clock.
Sept. 16 Sheared 404 Wedders to-day. Mr. Luby came between 7 & 8 o’clock but Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds did not come. The affair came off about 10 o’clock and then __?__ was sent off.
Sept. 17 Sheared 417 to-day which finished the Wedder flock. I was assessed by Mr. Luby this morning, viz: Homestead and land $109000 ___ 11 Horses $21000 ___2 Cattle $8 ___6 Mules $18000 ___Sheep and Goats $537500. Miscellaneous $40000, amounting to $7263. State Tax is 50, County 25, School 25, Bridge & Jail 37 ½ amounting to 1.37 ½ on every hundred dollars which with the poll tax amounts to $1010.38. Mr. Luby left after dinner. Mr. Smith got here this evening about Sundown with a Sewing Machine.
Sept. 18 Put in Antonio’s flock this morning. I put about 540 in the shearing pen but there was only 489 shorn in the evening. I went over to see Mr. Wright about the flock that mixed on Tuesday night. Ahead we agreed to let them remain in until after the shearing.
Sept. 19 Mr. Smith left yesterday for San Diego after he had given instructi9ns to them about the Sewing Machine. I gave him an Order on Mesrs. Headen & Co. for $2000. We sheared 267 ewes today. The rest of the flock are mixed up with the shorn ones and will have to be cut out before commencing to shear again.
Sept. 20 (Sunday) Aguapita came over today and I settled with him. His A/c was $860 for shearing 344 sheep.
Sept. 21 Josephine is seven years old today. We got the rest of Antonio’s flock in today but only sheared 189. It commenced raining and we cut the unshorn sheep into Tomas’ flock and sent the shorn ones to Antonio’s, making 958.
Sept. 22 Could not shear today, the pens were so wet. Mr. Reynolds called at the fence this morning. He was seeking four horses belonging to his shearers. He told us that our Pastores was over near Adams field.
Sept. 23 Got started to shear again this morning. Sheared 523 of Tomas’ flock. Rain commenced just as we were finishing.
Sept. 24 We could not shear this morning. I went over to the Penitas and got 1 Bushel of corn Meal. Saw Judge Gilpin on my way back. I got rain before I got to Mr. Reynolds. I left the Meal there for the Pedlar to bring it in the morning.
Sept 25 We had more rain in the night. I had a lot of black soil wheeled into the shearing pen. Smith called today. He had Mr. Martineau and John Caldwell with him. He confirmed the report about Mr. Nichols’ murder. He also told us about a Mr. Morgan shooting a Mexican.
Sept. 26 John took Perfecto to the flock today and brought Blas back. I set him to beating the soil in the shearing pen. Willie & Robie sheared seven bucks today. John went over to Antonio’s camp in the evening. Brought word back that a number of sheep were dead in the Camp.
Sept. 27 (Sunday) The flock had gone out in the night. John went up to Santiago’s Camp with Rations and found it. I went over to Antonios Camp and found that seven sheep had died in the night, making in all twenty in three days. Had the flock brought over to where the house stood. Put out salt. The Shearers came just at Sun down to be ready to commence to morrow if the Weather permits.
Sept 28 We cut 34 sheep this morning. It was very near Sun down when they were finished. Antonio came over while we were at breakfast this morning and reported one ewe dead. He came again at dinner time and informed us that he had lost his flock. The flock had gone out while he was over here this morning. John went up the Creek and found it. Mr. Thos. Wright came over to-day to see about cutting out the sheep. We arranged it for Wednesday morning, weather permitting.
Sept 29 Finished shearing the flocks today, 434 being the number shorn, cut out 189 and put with Antonio’s flock. Mr. Stephen was over today about the shearers. Tomas and his flock went over to his Camp and the flocks that got mixed were brought to the pens.
Sept 30 Got the mixed flock in the pen this morning. Mr. Thos. Wright came with a man. We separated the flock. I cut out the Wether lambs which left 979 in Perfecto’s flock. We put 3 of the bucks I got from Mr. Campbell and the 3 McLane Bucks into Antonio’s flock this evening. (side margin) There was ten (10) Bucks put in the other flock on the 1st of Oct.
Oct. 4 (Sunday). I started for Corpus on horseback on Thursday, the 1st after starting Rafael with the Wagon. Went by Mr. Fitch’s and got the Buggy Top to take to Corpus to get repaired. Met Mr. Reynolds at the Motts. He gave me the letter he had about Tobacco. I got into Corpus about 8 o’clock. Took my horse to Mr. Hunter ’s stable. Went to the old Teigler house and got supper. Wallace’s Comp. were in Corpus. I slept at Mr. Wades but was nearly eat up by Mesquetoes. On Friday morning the Wagon got in. I got 226 ft. of 1 X 6” put on and got loaded up with flour, oats, corn, and tar and the Wagon started soon after twelve o’clock. I catched up with it at old John Dunn ’s and we got up to the hill between the Motts & the Packery where we camped. On Saturday morning we started early and got stalled at Culvers Packery which stopped us a long time but we made home last night about 10 o’clock after a very severe time with Mesquetoes. When we got up this morning there was two flocks gone, Perfecto’s & Antonio’s. John found them away down on the Tekolate, a little below Mr. Wright s and the other farther away in nearly the same direction.
Oct. 5 I sent Willie & Rafael for Wood this morning. John and Blas went with the other Wagon to get brush to fix a pen where the house stood on the other side of the Creek. We fixed a pen there and Antonio took his flock there, this evening.
Oct. 8 John and I started early on Tuesday morning to Mr. Campbells for more bucks. We went by Lagartoville and saw Mr. Ramey about Saddle trees but he had none. We stopped at Long Hollow and eat dinner. After I had eat dinner, I went and saw Mr. McMaster. Saw the Wool he clipped from the sheep he bought from Mr. Cumins . We went on by way of McWhirters. He informed me that he had lost a number of lambs from [98]Lumbrice, but his loss was not so bad as it was last year. He lost about 800 lambs last year, nearly all his manada. Got to Mr. Campbells ranche a little after sundown. Thought I was not going to get any bucks but the next Morning he let me have four yearlings at forty (40) dollars each. They are very pretty sheep. We got away from Mr. Campbells pretty early but called at Mr. McKenzie s and he gave me a young he Goat from the one he got after I bought his other. I guess we stayed there nearly two hours. We also called at Mr. Olwyn Dix ’s and saw old Mrs. Dix. Olwyn was shearing. We came from there by way of Mr. Hennards. We got across the Lagarte Creek there and stopped to let the horses feed. While there a thunder storm threatened us. We had to come on the Prairie without any Road. It got dark on us soon after the storm attacked us. We got lost but pushed on and found ourselves at Mr. Reynolds’ Ranche. Got home about ten o’clock last night. Blas and Rafael had been for firewood both days. This morning, I set Blas to work digging the Garden. Rafael and I started with the field fence. John and I cut out some more bucks for Tomas’s flock which John took over. There is twenty (20) in his flock now. I intended putting the young bucks I brought yesterday evening into the flock but a storm of rain came up just at Sundown and the Bucks did not get fed in the flock nor did we get the others put in. We put the [99]Sanchos and young he Goats out with the few bucks that are left and penned them all together tonight.
Oct. 9 We went to work again at the fence. Finished it about ten o’clock and started on the Picket fence. Got several of the posts set. Put in the four bucks and old Spectator this evening.
Oct. 10 Cut out seven of the bucks this morning and put them into the pasture and put them in again this evening, after feeding them. Rafael and I worked at the fence. Blas in the Garden and Willie & Robie sheared 9 Bucks, which finished the Shearing.
Oct. 11 (Sunday) Put ten (10) more bucks into Tomas’s Flock and took one out with Worms in it. Counted the Flock (1370 including bucks and Goats). Mr. Jocelyn came over to-day and got some things. In the evening, I went over to Mr. Reynolds’ but did not see him. I met Wm. Adams who told me that Mr. Reynolds had a [101]mad buck. John started yesterday evening to San Diego and has not got back yet.
Oct. 12 John got back today from San Diego. He got a shepherd who is to be here on Wednesday, first. He gave the man two (2) dollars.
Oct. 18 (Sunday) The shepherd John engaged at San Diego came on Wednesday and commenced Work next morning 15th Oct. We had Tomas’ flock in the pen this morning and cut out four (4) bucks, twenty (20) ewes and seven (7) Goats, most of which are lame and some of them has Worms. One of the bucks and one of the ewes have been bit by a Lobo. After turning out the flock, we had a fuss with the Shepherd (Tomas). I went over to Mr. Reynolds’ in the evening and it was arranged to start to Corpus with his Wool in the Morning.
Oct. 29 On Monday the 19th inst., I started Rafael and Willie over to Mr. Reynolds ’ with the Wagons to take two loads of Wool to Corpus for him. He has offered me the chance of going with him in his Ambulance. So I accepted the offer and followed the Wagons over on horse back. We camped with the Wool Wagons, that night, at the McMaster Hollow and got into Corpus the next day (Tuesday) by one o’clock. The Wagons got in on Wednesday Morning about 9 o’clock. (margin) The Wagons took forty bu.of Corn over making out the 173 bu. I borrowed. We got the Wool off and Weighed by noon. Had the Wagons loaded up and started out just a little before Sundown. Mr. Reynolds and I started next day about 12 o’clock. I had sold my Wool on Tuesday evening So we arranged for the Wagons to come right back home and load my Wool. Mr. Ford Sims came up with us. I got a horse at Mr. Adamie and got home about midnight on Thursday. The Wagons got here early on Friday forenoon. While I was away there was another shepherd engaged in place of Tomas, who went off and left his flock on Sunday, the 18th Inst. We Weighed the Wool on Friday evening and found we had a little more than I expected. So I started for Mr. Reynolds very early on Saturday morning and requested Mr. Reynolds to send over two Wagons, so that they might not be too heavy loading. After his wagons left he and I went to Lagarteville to see some fine bucks that Mr. Williams had there at Mr. Robinson’s but did not purchase any. On Sunday the 25th, Mr. Reynolds and I met at Mr. Adamie ’s and he went down to Corpus in my Ambulance and left his horse for Dan Reid to ride him down. Dan and his Mother had come up with us on Thursday before. We passed the Wagons at Turkey Creek and got to Town about 7 or 8 o’clock. We slept at Mr. Wades. Mr. Reynolds had been summoned to attend the Petit Jury, so he had to go to the Court House before the Wagons got in. Got the Wool off and Weighed (84,491 lb) before 12 o’clock. Got loaded up and the Wagons out of town by sun down. I bought a Metate at Lane’s Store for $750. I did not get away from Corpus until yesterday morning when in Mr. Olwyn Dix ambulance, leading my buggy horses, I having left my ambulance at Dorrity’s Shop to get fixed. I came on with Olwyn until we got to the Rincon where Mr. Wilson’s Bucks were. Olwyn and Wilson were trying to trade, so I left riding one Grey and leading the other and got home about 12 o’clock last night. I have had a little spell at the cistern top today. Rafael and Blas have been cutting down cockleburrs.
Oct. 30 Willie started with Jesus to bring his family. I commenced with a house for them 7ft 9in X 5ft 9in.
Nov. 1 (Sunday) I went over to Mr. Reynolds this morning and took his [101]beam & pea. Robie went with me and he took the Saddle I brought up from Corpus. I saw Wilmeth who is leaving. I paid him $500. Mr. Reynolds had not got back from Corpus. I saw Bob Adams as I came home. He told me that Mr. Reynolds and Charley Gravis had bought 21 sheep from Mr. Wilson.
Nov. 3 Willie and Jesus got back yesterday with Jesus’ family. We put his house together but did not get it shingled. Mr. Reynolds and Fred Franks was here today with Mr. Roundtree.
Nov. 4 John moved Perfecto’s flock to Santiago’s camp and brought Santiago’s flock to the pens. Willie and I finished Jesus’ house and went to the ranche of Juan Torres and brought the cow and calf.
Nov. 5 Cut out the bucks from both flocks this morning and cut out 3 lambs from Santiago’s flock, making 5 lambs in all.
Nov. 10 On Saturday last, the 7th inst., I started for San Diego to see after Tomas. On Sunday morning, found that Sterling has got him and I went out where he has his sheep Camp. I saw Sterling who told me he would not pay the Account, so I came back to San Diego and on Monday, Luby sent Appolonio out to bring Tomas in. But Sterling came and gave an order on Collins for the Amount of the Account and two dollars & sixty cents for Costs. This morning, I engaged a shepherd to come the day after to-morrow And came off home, accompanied by Charlie Gravis who is going over to Mr. Reynolds for his Bucks. I saw Mr. F. W. Shaeffer at San Diego who told me not to send the Wagons for any more Wood on his land.
Nov. 18 John started last Thursday for Corpus. Rafael went with him. When Willie came with my Mail on Wednesday night, he brought word from Mr. Reynolds that George was cutting hay. So I went over on Thursday evening and saw Mr. Reynolds and arranged to send by Wagon and mules over on Friday and he would send Jim with them. So Friday morning, I made a hay frame and sent Willie over with the Wagons and all the horses and Mules for the other Wagon and Robie with him to help drive them. They got home again on Saturday near Sundown and got their load off. They started again on Sunday after dinner. Rafael got home on Sunday night. On Monday I started Jesus up the pastorea and put his boy with the ewe flock. The other shepherd came to the house and I settled with him. Soon after dinner Jim & Willie came with the hay, making four loads. I commenced lengthening the buggy house. Robie and me moved it square with this house. Last week, Jim & Willie brought Manuel with them. They started back for Camps about four o’clock, Manuel with them. Willie had turned his Wagon over in the Agua Dulce Creek.
Nov. 22 (Sunday) Rafael and John went and got some wood to the Camps on Friday (John came home Thursday evening) and Saturday. On Saturday (yesterday) I started about 4 o’clock for San Diego to look after Blas who left on the 12th to get the money owing to me and had not got back, Although he said he would be back in three days. It was late when I got there and I did not learn where he was until today at noon. I could not see either him or his employer, so I got Luby to look after him. I saw Col. Lafayette Caldwell but John Dix had not got back from Fort Ewell, I got home tonight about 9 o’clock.
Nov. 30 I started Monday the 23rd, for Corpus about eleven o’clock, riding one grey and leading the other. It was Sundown when I got to Mr. McIntyres so I stayed there all night. I left the big grey in Dunn’s Pasture and went into Corpus about one o’clock on Tuesday. The Firemen and Hook and Ladder Company had a Grand Parade. I stayed all night at Mr. Wades and went out to the Laureles on Wednesday. Got there about three o’clock. I saw
Mrs. Thomas. Stayed all night at Capt. Kenedy’s. I spoke to him about the land and got back to Corpus about three o’clock. On Thursday evening attending [102]“Called Convocation of the Chapter”, where J. Oesner, Meuly and Henry Kellar had the Mark and Past Masters degrees conferred on them. On Friday evening I rode out to Mr. J. M. Dunns and got the horse so that I might start off home as early as possible on Saturday. But it was afternoon before I got ready to put my things in the buggy. And then I was stopped again with the fire bell which was rung on account of Mrs. Patching s chimney being on fire. So it was half past two o’clock when I got started. I got up to Mr. McIntyre where I stayed all night. Yesterday morning, I started about half past eight and brought a Mr. Munroe up with me to Mr. Reynolds. He has been engaged by Mr. Roundtree to mind sheep for him. I got home about three o’clock yesterday evening and learn that Juan Allegrea has brought a load of the posts which he contracted to bring me on the fifteenth. This morning, we had the ewe flocks in from over the Creek and counted it. There are in it 1234 ewes. Willie and Manuel Grande started for Corpus with the Wagons to bring the Tobacco and other things. John also started on the Sorrel horse. He has gone back to Messrs. Headen & Co. After they left, I counted Perfecto’s flock. There are only 772 in it.
Dec. 1st Rafael and I went down to Palo Hueco today. Saw a Mexican from the Olmos, who has been trading for Bucks from Mr. Reynolds for Horses. In the evening, I tailed & marked 75 ewe lambs, 64 Wethers, & 8 Buck lambs. (side margin) Tailed 147 lambs. Mr. Jocelyn was over today & bought some tobacco and other things.
Dec. 12 I started on Saturday the, the 5th, about eleven o’clock for the Laurelles. Went by way for the Banquetti to see Elliff about a horse but he was not at home. I stayed all night at Jim Merrimans. Started a about half past eight on Sunday morning and arrived at Captain Kenedy’s just a Sundown. On Monday the 7th, I got into Corpus about three o’clock and bought what I wanted and left all at Headen’s Store. I attended the Lodge. It was election night. Foster was elected Master. I started from Corpus about nine o’clock next morning. Got home about six o’clock. On Wednesday, I went over the Russell Waterhole to see about dipping and came by Mr. Reynolds and got the mail. Thursday, the 10th, I had the Wedder flock in the pen. Jesus said some of the Goats had worms but they had not. After the Wedder flock went out, we had Santiago’s Ewe flock. Cut out all the Goats. Counted the flock, 1180. We then had Perfecto’s flock in. I counted them, 776. Then I put to it the Manada containing 127 Branded (winter) ewes, 55 ewes not branded and 130 young lambs. I then made two covers for the pans they [103]boil the Tobacco in. Yesterday, I made a small door for the buggy house and went and got the tent from the Mesquet. Today I cut out the large doors for the buggy house and planted three grape vines. Rafael came over from camps tonight. He said Willie stayed there with the Mules, then intended going for wood on Monday to bring to the Ranch. Mr. Henry Hill called here to day accompanied by Mr. Caldwell , son of the Presbyterian Minister at Corpus. Humphreys and Smith called on Wednesday on their way to San Diego. Humphreys told me that the Sale of the Sheep belonging to the late Mr. Nichels will be Jan. 5th.
Dec. 13 (Sunday) I went over this morning to the dipping place. They were busy dipping Thos. P. Wright’s sheep. I promised to put a long handle in a Hoe to drain out the ashes.
Dec. 14 Willie came home near Sundown and told me the Old Black mule & Jack and Fanacie had been set loose on Sunday night So they took only one Wagon for Wood. Rafael got here about dark.
Dec.15 Willie went to hunt the Mules. He got them near here with all the ropes on them.
Dec. 16 Willie took two Mules to bring the old Wagon from the dipping place. I sent the Hoe that I fixed with him. Lizzie and [104]Mrs. Thomas went over to see Mrs. Reynolds this evening.
Dec. 17 A very bad norther blew up to day with a drizzling rain. Sabino lost about 350 ewes from his flock. Rafael found them when he was herding Santiago’s flock, Santiago being sick.
Dec. 18 Rafael still herding Santiago’s flock. The Goats went down to the Palo Hueco today. I rode out up the Baril Creek and when I came down to the Camps, I found that the Goats had mixed with Perfecto’s flock and they were all in the pen together. We cut a number of them out and Robie & I brought them up home. It was long after dark when we got home.
Dec. 19 Counted Sabino’s flock this morning and there was only 846 sheep in it. I was told by Willie that there was some dead Goats over beside Jocelyn’s and some others that would not travel. So I started Willie with the Wagon after dinner and I went over on horseback myself. When we got there the dead goats were all skinned. So I went to John Jocelyn’s house and asked him for the skins. We had a bit of a row but he gave me the Skins, eleven. Mr. Hill was here to-day. He went __?__ to Benton __?__.
Dec. 20 (Sunday) We had the Wedder flock in the pen this morning and counted them (1801 sheep and 68 goats) We then had Santiago’s flock in. Cut out 250 ewes and put them to Sabino’s flock which made his flock number 1104. Then we counted 1245. After that we got in Perfecto’s flock and counted them 998 ewes, including (several of Mr. T. Wrights) and 148 young lambs.
Dec. 21 Rafael started early this morning for San Diego to seek shepherds. Mr. Reynolds came over and took Mrs. Thomas over to his house on Saturday.
Dec. 24 Rafael got home last night. He brought two men with him but one of them started back this morning with the Wagon to bring his family. The other (Jesus Alanis) was taken down to Santiago’s flock.
Dec. 25 Juan got back last night with the Wagon. He brought Blas with him but Blas would not commence until to-morrow. Juan did not bring his family. His wife had got into a Row with some other woman and she had to appear before the Justice of Peace. So he started back this evening. [105]Mr. Sutherland came here yesterday evening and stopped all night. He left for San Diego about 10 o’clock this morning. We had only a miserable sort of Christmas Day. Willie went over to Mr. Reynolds and little Walter Adamie was here.
Dec. 26 I went over to the dipping this morning. It was a very thick morning and I missed the direction and got down below the place. Mr. Comptons and Mr. Smiths sheep were dipped this morning and one flock of Mr. Bentons. About 2700 in all. I left just before dark and it was 8 o’clock when I got home.
Dec. 27 (Sunday) I went over to the dipping place. Benton’s sheep were all dipped. Perfecto’s flock stopped all night at the Cesario place to be ready for commencing with in the morning.
Dec. 28 Dipped Perfecto’s flock today. I expected the Pastores would be there by the time we were through but Jesus Alanis’ flock got there first so we dipped it.
Dec. 29 Dipped the Pastores, the Goats and the Bucks today and got about half through Jesus Uerto’s Ewe flock.
Dec. 30 Finished the balance of Jesus Uerto’s flock today, we had a very bad day and were very late of starting. Got them finished and I got home about noon.
Dec. 31st I went over to the dipping place this morning but there was no dipping going on, on Account of bad Weather.
[86] cut up deal - knifing [87] Roseate Ranche - Rosita Ranch [88] Mr. Seymour - one of first school teachers in area [89] Ohenio - Higenio [90] Lobo - single wolf (by itself) [91] red currants - wild Agarita berries [92] to bore - drill hole for water [93] shade - roof for shade, made of branches [94] Wallace’s Company of Rangers - Texas Rangers [95] Robie - Robert Gibson Almond (nickname) [96] examined & Raised - Masonic ritual [97] Charce de Rockey - Charco de Rocke (rocky pool) [98] Lumbrice - Lombrez, internal worms [99] Sanchos - “Pets” or motherless lambs or goat kids [100] mad buck - rabid buck [101] beam & pea - wool weight scale [102] “Called Convocation of the Chapter” - Masonic Lodge [103] boil the Tobacco - to make worming medicine for sheep [104] Mrs. Thomas - mid-wife for Hannah Reynolds’ expected baby [105] Mr. Sutherland - W. G. Sutherland, early educator who taught at the Adams Ranch School |