On the 21st we were heartily glad to move. We ascended a very steep side of a hill near us, and came to perhaps the first true range of table-land. The ground was flat, and sprinkled with misquite trees, and there was excellent pasture for the cattle. For four days we continued to traverse it to the N.W. Throughout the whole distance was an almost endless "dog village," or mounds at the mouths of the burrows of the prairie-dog, a species of marmot. The water-holes filled by some late rains, and some fresh-water streams running E., greatly aided our progress. On the fourth day we reached a district of fine white sand covered with dwarf oaks from 1 to 3 feet high, bounded on the N. by a bright stream of fresh water. On the 24th it was estimated that our latitude was 34° 20' and longitude 101° 25' W. of Greenwich, but I do not think the observations were correct.

On the 25th of August, after proceeding a short distance, we came to a salt stream, and were unable to bring the waggons across the ravines until near sunset. On the 26th, after getting over a few miles of rugged ground, we again ascended on another range of table-land. On reaching it, the scene changed. From dark and gloomy gullies, sandy ravines, and stunted cedars, through which we had been struggling, there was suddenly before us a fine green pasture, a flat prairie, with misquite-trees, and a most cheerful prospect. On the second day we passed a very wide white sandy bed of a stream then dry; and on the fourth day reached a river running E., which the Mexicans subsequently told us was the Quintufue, a branch of the Palo Duro, and a tributary of the Red River, having made about 70 miles N.W. on this level. Here we disturbed the camp of a very large body of Caygua Indians. We did not see them until they had removed, and fruitlessly endeavoured to enter into communication with them.

On the 29th, at the distance of about six miles from the river, we came to a precipitous edge of the table-land. On our left was a lofty escarpment of a level line of high ground. On the 30th we were compelled to return to the river. This day some Indians cut off and killed five of our party; among them a young Englishman, the only son of Major-General Trevor Hull. Some Mexicans, who afterwards fell in with the Indians, told us that our men in defending themselves had killed a chief and several Indians; but they had carried off their dead before we could reach the bodies of our companions.

Our provisions were at this time nearly exhausted. We had no salt, sugar, or coffee; and were reduced to a pound and a half per man, bones included, of lean beef. In this emergency it was determined that ninety men should be sent forward to San Miguel for provisions and guides, and they left us on the evening of the 31st. The Indians having stolen my horse a few days before, I was obliged to remain with the party on the Quintufue.

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Adapted from Thomas Falconer
"Notes on a Journey through Texas and New Mexico, in the Years 1841 and 1842"