The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 29, July 1925 - April, 1926 Page: 39
330 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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From Texas to California in 1849
of Country-I think if Uncle Stephen could see it he would no
longer hesitate about moveing to Texas. We all enjoy fine health,
and I think will continue to do so should we not be afflited with
the gout. Our living is superior to anything I have heretofore
known in the way of Camp life and the credit, of course, is due to
Mrs. Harris. ladies are the life and light of our existence and
their absence is as much felt in the camp as in the palace.
May 1st. I have allowed several days to pass without making
any addition to my Journal, but now that I have a few leasure
moments I will record the few incidents that have transpired, al-
though there may but little appear that will either interest or
amuse.
On the 27th we passed the Colorado, and encamped near a spring
of good cool water opposite the town of Lagrange. Lagrange is
situated on the East bank of the Colorado, and contains a popu-
lation of about twelve hundred. The buildings are exclusively
frame, some of which present quite a handsome appearance. The
business of the place, like all inland towns is confined to its im-
mediate vicinity-A company of emigrants for California was
enrolled at this place on the 28th and [John] Murcherson elected
Captain.2 Maj. Whiting arrived here yesterday with a company
from the Northern States-the whole Country seems to be in a
commotion, and every town and neighborhood is represented in
the vast Cavalcade now moveing towards the gold region.3
The Texians have strong faith in finding gold this side of the
Sacramento valley. There are many fine plantations on this side
the River, and the cotton, corn, wheat etc. speak well for the soil.
I have noticed cedar in considerable quantities and some pine
2See Major John Murchison to Rev. Chauncey Richardson, June 25,
1849, and note 56 in appendix.
sNo newspaper notice of this party leaving Harrisburg, or passing
through Houston, has been found, but the Mercantile Advertiser (Hous-
ton), May 5, 1849, made the following notes concerning the emigrant
parties near LaGrange: "On Thursday, April 12th, a small company
from Pittsburg, Pa., bound for California, passed through LaGrange.
They had light wagons and carried all necessities for living and mining.
And on Friday, 27th, a company from Harrisburg, bound for the same
golden land. They had light wagons and pack mules; and with them
was one female (Mrs. Harris). They were all in good health and spirits,
and getting along very well, although there had been some heavy rains
since they started. On Saturday, the 28th, a company numbering about
30 persons from New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, headed by Sam Whit-
ing, formerly of Austin, passed through that town. They landed some-
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 29, July 1925 - April, 1926, periodical, 1926; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth117141/m1/47/: accessed April 20, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.