I thought we had started with some of the most shabby animals that the province could afford, but some of those which were left at Ybicaba by General Wood’s party were even worse than the two left by us. These animals were such as had been in use for the military service, and were turned out upon such pasturage as the lands around the city of São Paulo would furnish, which, from notice under a former date, may be inferred would not have the effect of improving their flesh or strength. Of such as the President had, gave he unto us; and we were thankful for the small service they rendered in getting us to places where we were generously supplied by our friends with better animals.
A few of the public animals were retained for the trip by General Wood’s party, and we kept two mules in service that were improved by the regular feeding, with comparatively light work under our pack-saddle.
As we are booked to remain as the guests of Senor Vergueiro to-morrow, it is expected that some of the camaradas will proceed with this drove of emaciated horses and mules in advance, so as to allow them to move leisurely. Some of them are scarcely able to drag their bare bones along, and they will accordingly go in light-moving order, without incumbrance of any sort.
The entire number of horses and mules belonging to both parties amounts to thirty-three, and there are about one-half the number belonging to parties at different points on the road, who had furnished them for the expedition, while perhaps there are a half dozen of the public animals in service, leaving ten of the nondescripts going loose.
Tuesday, November 14, 1865.
The following items are furnished by Senor José Vergueiro as the standard valuation of articles in this section:
| Horses. | Prices. | |
|---|---|---|
| Tamed and broken | $25.00 to | $40.00 |
| Untamed | 20.00 to | 25.00 |
| Mares | 4.00 to | 6.00 |
| Stallions same as castrated. | ||
| Jacks | 50.00 to | 100.00 |
| Mules. | Prices. | |
| Broken for pack-mules | $30.00 to | $35.00 |
| Riding | 40.00 to | 50.00 |
| Untamed, by the lot | 12.50 to | 15.00 |
| Pack-saddles | 10.00 | |
| Ox-hides, (sun-dried) | 1.00 to | 2.50 |
| Oxen for work, (pair) | 30.00 to | 40.00 |
| Hogs. | Prices. | |
| For fattening, (each) | $4.00 to | $5.00 |
| Fattened (neat) per pound | 4½ to | 5 cents. |
| Breeders, (each) | $3.00 to | $4.00 |
| Pigs, (according to stock) | 1.00 to | 7.00 |
| Sheep, (not much grown) | 75 to | 1.00 |
| Goats | 1.00 to | 1.50 |
| Cows, (milch, by lot) | 7.00 to | 7.50 |
| Cows, (milking, single) | 12.50 to | 15.00 |
| Calves | 2.50 | |
| Bulls, (according to breed) | 30.00 to | 50.00 |
| Bullocks, (not fattened) | 10.00 to | 11.00 |
| Bullocks, (fattened) | 12.50 to | 20.00 |
| Negroes. | Prices. | |
| Men, women and children together | $500.00 to | $750.00 |
| Men separately | 900.00 to | 1000.00 |
| Hire of men and women from Minas | 40.00 to | 60.00 |
The above with feed, clothing and medical attention by year.
| Corn, (now 50 cents to 75 cents,) average per bushel | 25 | |
| Beans, (now $3.00 to $5.00,) average per bush. | 75 to | 1.00 |
| Rice, (now $4.00 to $5.00,) „ „ „ | 75 to | 1.25 |
| Cotton in seed, per hundred pounds | 3.75 to | 4.00 |
| Coffee, (retail in country,) per pound | 8 to | 12 |
| Leather, per side | 1.50 to | 2.50 |
| [[20]]Hats, (home-made,) of fur, $2.00 to $2.50; of wool, $1.00 to | ||
| $1.50. | ||
Dom João Guilheoma D’Aguier Whitaker, Juiz de Direita, da Comarca de São João de Rio Claro, informs us that he has been directed by his family connection and friends to put at the service of our people, when they may arrive at Santos, a sufficient number of mules to transport them and their effects.