The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 53, July 1949 - April, 1950 Page: 71

Notes and Documents

WIV. reema's Report oi the igJhth Ailitary
Department
Edited by M. L. CRIMMINS
(Continued)
Heavy rains delayed my departure for Fort Clark, on the Las
Moras, till July 29th. By a new road just opened the distance between
the two posts is reduced to 40 miles-course N.N.E. I was advised to
take this route but found it quite rough, rather scantily watered, and,
owing to the recent rains, very heavy, so much so that it required
three days to accomplish the journey. In dry weather it is probably
a good road. Much of the country traversed is prairie and the grazing
is generally good. There are no settlements after leaving Eagle Pass.
XIII.-FoRT CLARK- (Inspected August 1, 1853.)
The post is situated on the west side of the Las Moras River, within
200 yards of its head spring, and about 6 miles south of the Las Moras
mountain, which rises to an elevation of some 500 feet above the
surrounding country. In ascending the Rio Grande from its mouth
the Las Moras is its first tributary from the American side. It is said
to be thirty miles long and to flow through lands of the finest quality
for agricultural purposes. Nothing certainly could exceed the richness
of the soil in the vicinity of its headwaters. The troops are now in
tents, but are engaged in constructing quarters (some of which are
nearly completed). The ground for this purpose was leased from
S. A. Maverick of San Antonio, July 30, 1852, for twenty years, but
may be vacated at the pleasure of the government. It extends from
the head spring some 8 miles down the Las Moras, the breadth vary-
ing from 1i/2 to 2 miles. The terms are $50 per month, payable quar-
terly, with the privilege of taking from the tract as much hay, fuel,
stone, and timber as may be required for the use of the post. All mail
matter comes through San Antonio, being brought weekly by special
express.
I regard Fort Clark as a point of primary importance, being the
limit of arable land in the direction of El Paso, and from its salient
position looking both to the Rio Grande and Indian frontiers. It
ought to have a strong garrison of horse and foot, and it is well fitted
for a Cavalry station, timber for building stables being convenient,
and an abundance of excellent grazing in the immediate vicinity.
Capt. J. H. King,78 Ist Infantry, is the permanent commander of
7RJohn Haskell King was breveted colonel on September 20o, 1863, for gallantry
at Chickamauga; brigadier general on March 13, 1865, for gallantry at Ruff Station,