Left Parker's Bluff
at 2 o'clock; roads very muddy and one balky horse to contend with. The driver
insisted that he would do very well after he became heated. As the sun was very
warm the horse accommodated us by getting heated very soon and gave us very
little trouble. Within about four miles of Palestine one hind wheel of the
coach gave way and we sank very gently into the road. After considerable delay we
placed a sliding pole under the axle and went on our way rejoicing, on foot. We
strolled into Palestine about 5 o'clock in the afternoon. It has an older and
more settled look than the towns in western Texas. The court house square is
shaded by very pretty sycamore trees. It is situated in a hilly, red clay
region. About one-third of the buildings are brick and the balance are framed
buildings. We discovered here some defect in our transportation tickets, and
will have to pay our way to Rusk. It will be just my luck to have to pay all
the way to Richmond, Va. I have already paid out since the war commenced five
times as much for the privilege of serving in the ranks as the government has
paid me, but I am perfectly willing to give all I have if the sacrifice will
aid my country in achieving its liberty.
SOURCE: John Camden
West, A Texan in Search of a Fight: Being
the Diary and Letters of a Private Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, p. 14-5
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