Edwin A. Rigg to B. C. Cutler, September 14, 1864

CAPTAIN:

I have the honor to report for the information of the department commander that pursuant to instructions and department General Orders, No. 12, current series, I left Fort Craig, N. Mex., on the 16th day of May for Las Cruces, N. Mex., to organize and get into the field the companies designated to form the expedition against the Apache Indians and to establish Fort Goodwin, Ariz. Ter., on the Gila River near the confluence of the Rio de Sauz, the exact site to be located by Lieut. Col. Nelson H. Davis, assistant inspector-general, U. S. Army. I arrived with the headquarters First Infantry California Volunteers, Surgeon Whitney, Apache Expedition, and Lieut. W. A. Thompson, First Infantry California Volunteers, adjutant Apache Expedition, at Las Cruces, N. Mex., on the morning of the 18th. On my arrival at Las Cruces I found that all the companies designated in the order had not arrived there. I also found that sufficient transportation could not be furnished without delay, and that the beef-cattle intended for the expedition had not arrived. I, however, set to work to get off such of the troops as were present.

On the 20th, the cattle having arrived, I sent forward a band to rendezvous at the Rio Miembres, in charge of seventeen men of Company E, First Cavalry California Volunteers. On the 22d, Company D, First

Infantry California Volunteers, marched as escort to Ochoa’s train (citizen), which was also ordered to rendezvous atthe Rio Miembres or Hot Springs. On the 23d, Captain Wellman, with the men present of Company E, First Cavalry California Volunteers, left in charge of the balance of the beef-cattle with instructions to rendezvous at the Miembres. 24th, Company C, Fifth California Infantry, and Company H, First California Infantry, with Surg. J. H. Prentiss, First Cavalry California Volunteers, the whole under the command of Maj. J. Smith, Fifth California Infantry, marched with instructions to proceed to the Cienega de Sauz and there await further orders. This command was rationed for twenty days and the men furnished with two pairs of shoes each and

Lieut. Col. Nelson H. Davis, inspector-general, to the effect that he had found no place suitable for a post, and recommended that the conmand go to the Burro Mountains and Cienega Navajo, making a depot at Cienega Grande, to ascertain from Captain Whitlock, Fifth California Infantry, commanding camp at Rio Miembres, as to the practicability of a route for wagons by express. I ordered Maj. Joseph Smith with his command to halt at the Miembres until further orders, also Ochoa’s train. On the 27th, reported to department headquarters that all the companies had gone forward, Companies A and E, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, having marched that day for the Cienega de Sauz, rationed and furnished as the other detachments; Company I, First Infantry New Mexico Volunteers, had not yet arrived from Fort Union. Also forwarded to department headquarters copies of all orders issued to the command up to that date; also list of stores forwarded for want of transportation. The bulk of the stores still remained at Las Cruces. On the 30th, after being satisfied that my presence in Las Cruces could not be of further use, and directing Lieut. S. R. De Long, acting assistant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence, to remain and forward the stores as expeditiously as possible, I left in person for the front. Arrived at the Picacho at 9 p. m., and on the night of the 31st arrived at Cook’s Cañon.

June 1, arrived at the Rio Miembres and found that Major Smith’s command had gone forward, taking the Burro Canon route. Captain Whitlock, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, was not positive about the practicability of the route suggested by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, viz, via Burro Mountains. Major Smith having misunderstood his orders and gone on, I sent a detachment of ten men and one noncommissioned officer, Company O, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to follow him, and ordered Captain Wellman with Company E, First Cavalry California Volunteers, in charge of all of our cattle, to follow on the same route; that if insurmountable difficulties occurred that Major Smith would have abundant assistance to get out. I directed Lieutenant Martin, commanding Company D, First Infantry California Volunteers, to proceed with Ochoa’s train by way of Cow Springs and Soldier’s Farewell to the valley of the San Simon, either by Steen’s Peak or Leitendorf’s Wells, as Ochoa might elect, and thence down that valley to where Lieutenant-Colonel Davis suggested a depot should be established. June 2, this morning Companies A and E, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, arrived with O’Rear’s Government train loaded with quartermaster’s stores. I directed them to move together from the Miembres and to move early to the valley of the San Simon, and thence down that valley to the Cienega Grande, a point designated by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, inspector-general, as a proper place for a depot. Having started the different detachments and done all that in my judgment could be done, I preferred to leave myself and get to the front, so that I could ascertain from personal observation the difficulties, if any, that would have to be encountered. June 3, wrote to Lieutenant-Colonel Davis informing him of my whereabouts and the routes taken by the different detachments, and asking that guides be sent me who knew where the Cienega Grande was, or the point selected for Fort Goodwin, impressing upon him the importance of there being no delay, otherwise it would work prejudicial to myself, the time of most of the men in the command being short, and it was necessary to get to work. At2p.m.marched with the men left of Company O, First Cavalry California Volunteers, for Cow Springs; arrived at 5 p.m. June 4, broke camp at 2 a. m.; arrived at Soldier’s Farewell at 6 a. m., passing all the trains on the road. Found water in tanks, but little grass. Having no forage for our animals, and these being all old cavalry horses, worked hard before starting, turned out; breakfasted; 12 m. hitched up and moved on to Barney’s Station. Little grass and miserable water. June 5, broke camp at 4 a.m. Ochoa’s train coming in, and another to follow (O’Rear’s), and doubtful of water sufficient for all at Steen’s Peak, took the road I traveled in 1861 for Leitendorf’s Wells; arrived at 9 a. m.; found water and good grass; grazed until 11 a. m. and moved on to the Cienega de Sauz, where we arrived all up at5 p.m. Found an abundance of fine grass, and, as is usual here, an abundance of good water.

June 6, turned out the stock to graze until dinner. After dinner sent all forward except a small detachment with instructions to camp as near the San Simon as they could find water and grass. I remained in camp to intercept the mail from Las Cruces and California. Remained until 4p.m. The mail not arriving, moved down to camp; sent a detail of six mounted men back with our mail, with instructions to go on until the mail party from Las Cruces was met. They met the party, and in a few hours returned with our mail. To-day many Indian fires were seen burning in the Chiricahua Range of mountains south of us. Ochoa’s train came in to San Simon Station to-day. No water. Compelled to come up to our camp for water and to filltanks. June7, visited Ochoa’s camp and consented (their animals having but little water after leaving Soldier’s Farewell) to move their camp up to good grass and water and lay over one or two days. Sent a detachment of twenty men from Company O, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to explore for the cienega where Whitlock had his last fight with the Indians, alluded to by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis in his communication of the 16th of May, and to report on the practicability of taking wagons to it, as well as water, wood, and grass. Took from Lieutenant Martin small water-tank, 300 gallons’ capacity, and gave him one from Captain Frink’s command, who arrived in the interval, and at 1 p.m. moved down the valley of the San Simon or Rio de Sauz. Made dry camp at 6 p.m.; distance from camp eight and two-tenths miles. At midnight Sergeant Grelely 2], of Company ©, commanding detachment in search of Whitlock’s Cienega, came in and reported having found plenty of water and good grass, and reported Major Smith’s command in camp all right. Road practicable for wagons. The safe arrival of Smith’s command was a relief. I had fears that he could not get through. June 8, broke camp at 4 a. m.; halted at 9 a.m.; gave the animals water and moved on, using the light ambulance to break the road, which was sandy, and in places hard to pull through. The country became more rolling as we approached the entrance to the small valley leading down from the Cienega Whitlock or Cienega Navajo, or Cienega Pass, as Captain Anderson calls it.

This cienega, or water, is three miles from the main valley. It narrows as you pass up to opposite where Captain Whitlock had his fight with the Indians. The water is impregated with sulphur, but good. June 9, broke camp about 3 p. m. and continued down the valley, leaving a board at the mouth or entrance of the valley, instructing the trains to camp there and send the animals up for water. Camped at 7 p. m. (dry camp.) The roads rough, but no difficulty in getting wagons over it. June 10, broke camp at 4 a.m. Daybreak found us where Mounts Graham and San Marcial (so named by Colonel Davis) could plainly be traced. Rested and grazed our animals for an hour, when we resumed our march. At7a.m. found good water in an arroyo and good grass. Turned out the stock and took breakfast. We were now approaching within a few miles of the Gila River and drawing up to it. 9.30 a.m. saddled up and resumed our march; thinking to strike the Gila within a few miles, I took a few men and pushed ahead. Soon struck into the valley of the Gila proper, and Smith’s trail. Followed it up until about 1p.m. Finding the river making a bend off to the north, struck for the river direct. Watered and grazed our animals, and struck off to the southwest, where we came suddenly upon Smith’s camp, He informed me that Captain Thayer, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, was out looking for the Cienega Grande. In a short time Captain Thayer returned and reported finding the Cienega Chiquita or Bonita, discovered by Captain Anderson, Fifth U.S. Infantry. Knowing that the Cienega Grande was but a few miles east of that, we all camped near together.

June 11, broke camp at an early hour and hauled up to the small clenega, being anxious to establish the depot and get the troops in the field while our stores were coming up, and awaiting Colonel Davis’ report on selection of site for Fort Goodwin. This cienega is southsoutheast from the point where we struck the river and seven miles and a half from it. Fine water and perhaps 300 acres of good land that could be irrigated and cultivated. Took four men and rode over to the Cienega Grande. Found it and explored most of it. The surface of most of it was covered with a thick crust of alkali, through which our animals sank into deep sand; again over a thick growth of grass, covering marshy ground. I could find none of the fine land reported by Colonel Davis, and the water was difficult of access. To bring the trains there would involve time, and in my opinion, when there, not a good place foradepot. I ordered the command back to the river, where they all arrived about 5 p. m. and made camp, which I called Camp Goodwin and where I established the depot. June 12, command busy unloading stores and putting up shades. June 13, sent Major Smith, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, with an escort to thoroughly explore the Cienega Grande. His report in detail was forwarded for the information of the department commander. Ochoa’s supply train arrived, and not knowing when I could hear from Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, and desirous of getting my troops in the field, I unloaded his train here. Atlla.m.a guide came in and reported that he came from Captain Shaw, First New Mexico Volunteer Cavalry. Captain Shaw soon reported in person. His orders showed that he had come from Fort Wingate, N. Mex. Copies of his orders and report to me of his scout, together with correspondence, was forwarded for the information of the department and district commanders. At 2 p. m. Captain Tidball, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, arrived in camp with instructions and information as to the site selected for Fort Goodwin. It was unfortunate that the captain did not arrive one day sooner, because

Ochoa’s train was unloaded, which involved the hauling of all the stores by our own trains from Camp Goodwin to Fort Goodwin, making in distance the round trip of some sixty-five miles. Captain Tidball also brought Juan Arroyo, guide. Those that I had proved to be entirely ignorant of that country. June 14, Captain Wellman, First Cavalry California Volunteers, arrived with our beef-herd. I sent his command with the herd to Cienega Bonita (I call it Anderson’s Cienega.) Major Smith’s report on the route by Burro Mountains was promptly forwarded for the information of the district and department commanders. June 15, busily engaged in putting the stores under shelter. June 16, left this morning with Captain Tidball at 5.30 for Fort Goodwin with the light ambulance. Madea plain track for the trains to follow. Camped at 3 p.m. Distance traveled twelve miles. June 17, broke camp at 6.30 a. m. and crossed (short cut) where the River Gila bends again to the northwest. Camped on the river at 3 p. m. near the locality selected for Fort Goodwin. June 18, in company with Captain Tidball and an escort of twenty men explored and selected a site for Fort Goodwin, as Lieutenant-Colonel Davis directed, in the valley of the Tulerosa. The description and sketch of this valley have been forwarded to department headquarters. June 19, Captain Tidball, having accomplished what he was sent for, returned to his post at Fort Bowie. Apache Pass. June 20, took twenty men of the First Cavalry California Volunteers and returned to the Tulerosa. Explored it well up toward the mountains for grass. Found grass scarce; several patches only of grama grass. The valley isthe most beautiful one Lhaveseenin Arizona. Thespring heads far up and furnishes water sufficient to irrigate all the lands fit to be cultivated. It has evidently been a place of great resort for the Indians. ‘Trails are leading to it from various directions and have the appearance of being much used. The main trail to Sonora passes here leading through Graham’s Pass. .

June 21, took Lieutenant Lambert, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, and on foot explored lower end of valley. Camped the command on west side of stream under a fine shade made by large mesquite trees. These are the largest of the species that I have ever seen. Some of them are as large and wide-spreading as theoak. Detailed First Lieutenant Lambert, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, to survey and define the boundaries and limits of Fort Goodwin, as near as practicable to be six square miles in area, taking as near as possible the site of Fort Goodwin as a center. June 22, command clearing underbrush and making camp comfortable. At12m.LieutenantThompsonand noncommissioned staff arrived in camp. Captains Thayer and Harrover, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, having arrived with their commands, were detailed to lay out the camp. Orders issued for the various calls and rules and regulations to govern the camp were published. June 23, reported to district headquarters that Fort Goodwin had been located. Sent trains and ambulance to Camp Goodwin to bring down the troops. June 24, sent Wagon-master Smith with train to Camp Goodwin to bring down troops and stores. Every man for duty ordered to report to Captain Thayer for police duty. June 25, issued General Orders, No. 3, which related to the government of the camp and preservation of the purity of the water. June 26, directed Captain Wellman, who had arrived with the herd of beef-cattle, to turn the same over to Lieut. S. R. De Long, First Infantry California Volunteers, acting commissary of subsistence. June 27, command engaged in clearIng away underbrush and building brush houses for their comfort. June 28, party sent out exploring for grass. June 29, to-morrow being last of the month, command relieved from duty to prepare for inspectionand muster. June 30, inspected and mustered the command to-day at the post. At 5 p.m. proceeded to Camp Smith and inspected and mustered the cavalry in that camp.

July 1, command diligently at work pitching tents and preparing store-rooms for the supplies. July 2, command at work as on day previous. Notified Major Blakeney, First Cavalry California Volunteers, commanding Camp Goodwin, distant east from this post thirty-two miles, that transportation had been sent to his camp to move all the stores there and break camp. Directed him to place a party in ambush around camp, so that if Indians came in after his command had left to surprise and kill them; to keep a party along the river all the way down to Camp Smith, located on the Gila River two and a half miles north of Fort Goodwin. Sent detachment of cavalry in charge of the mail to Fort Bowie to proceed up the valley of the San Simon via Whitlock’s Cienega, there to remain until the arrival of the mails from California and Las Cruces, N. Mex.; then to return without delay to Fort Goodwin. July 3, wrote to district commander suggesting that in view of many of the troops of this command going out of service in August that a weekly express be put on to connect with one from Fort Goodwin (at Camp Miembres), schedule time to be arranged at district headquarters. Transmitted to department headquarters through district headquarters journal of march of the headquarters of the expedition from Las Cruces to Fort Goodwin, Ariz. Ter. Reported to district headquarters that on the trip from here to Fort Bowie the mail party were attacked in the Chiricahua Mountains by Indians. They were repulsed, wounding several and capturing four burros. The detachment was commanded by Corporal Hayes, Company E, First Cavalry California Volunteers., To-morrow being the anniversary of American Independence, orders were issued that all labor will be suspended by the troops of this command. July 4, at 8 a. m. the troops were paraded, and in the absence of heavy ordnance a volley of musketry was fired, as the flag of our country was elevated on a temporary flag-staff, after which Lieut. John Lambert, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, delivered an ap]fropriate address. July 5, published an order prohibiting the cutting of ash and walnut in this valley. Ordered Maj. Joseph Smith, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, to take the field against the Indians for twenty days. The following companies comprise his command: Companies A, Fifth Infantry; D, First Infantry, and Lieut.’ Porter Haden with fifteen men of Company O, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to be rationed for twenty days, two days of which to be cooked and carried in the men’s haversacks, the field of operations to be the headwaters of the Negrito, Bonito, and Prieto Rivers. Copy of order forwarded through district headquarters for the information of the department commander; also directed Captain Thayer, commanding Company ©, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, to take the field for twenty days, rationed and fitted out as Major Smith’s command, the field of operations to be striking west from Fort Goodwin down the south bank of the Gila, and to operate on the San Carlos and its tributaries. July 6, directed Capt. D. B. Haskell, commanding Company H, First California Infantry, to scout through Mount San Marcial for seven days, the rations to be carried in the men’s haversacks. Thermometer indicated the weather to-day at 7 a. m. 790, 1 p. m. 950, 7 p. m. 879. ma

July 7, the usual routine of camp duty. Thermometer indicates the weather to-day at 7 a.m. 79°, 1 p.m. 959, 7 p.m. 879. July 8, directed

First Lieut. Charles P. Nichols with twenty men of Company C, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to proceed by way of the head of the Tulerosa Valley and through the mountains to the Valley de los Playas, and define the wagon road suggested by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, inspector-general, U. S. Army, to connect Fort Goodwin, Ariz. Ter., with the main (overland) road to Tucson, and to make a full report in writing on his return as to practicability for a wagon road, on wood, water, grass, and such other information as he may deem necessary having reference to a good wagon road. He was also instructed that if he met with a transportation train en route to Fort Goodwin to return with it by the most practicable route. Copy of his order in detail sent through district headquarters for information of the department commander. July 9, acting assistant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence directed to make application for a sufficient guard to protect their herds from Indians, and will see that they are safely corraled at night and properly guarded. July 10, sent Lieutenant Stockwell, First Cavalry California Volunteers, with ten men and one non-commissioned officer of Company E, First Cavalry California Volunteers, in charge of mail matter for Major Smith’s command in the field. He was directed to proceed to Pueblo Viejo (old town), on the Gila River, some fifteen miles above where Camp Goodwin was located, where he would meet an express from Major Smith, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, then scouting on the Negrito, Prieto, and Bonito tivers. July 11, Captain Haskell returned from his seven days’ scout and reported having scouted through Mount Turnbull. Found many deserted rancherias but no Indians, they evidently having left about the time Colonel Davis was exploring this valley for a site for Fort Goodwin. Found but little water, which was obtained by digging. A full report from Captain Haskell was forwarded through district headquarters for the information of the department commander. July 12, directed Lieutenant Smith, First California Infantry, with a detachment of twenty men of Company H, same regiment, to proceed in charge of O’Rear’s train to the Rio Miembres for stores, Col. G. W. Bowie, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, commanding District of Arizona, having notified me that stores would be sent there, and from that point I would have to furnish the transportation and escort. Lieutenant Smith was directed to go by the Cienega Navajo (or Whitlock’s) and by Major Smith’s route to the Rio Miembres. An odometer was furnished this officer to ascertain the exact distance, and instructed to report all particulars in reference to this route.

July 13, Captain Kennedy, First Cavalry California Volunteers, in charge of Government supply train from Tucson, reported by special express his arrival at the cienega beyond Graham’s Pass, and requested that water be sent out to meet him. Directed Captain Harrover, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, to take twenty-five men of his company to take two water-tanks filled with water in charge, and two Government wagons with as niuch water as could be hauled in barrels and kegs for the use of Captain Kennedy’s command and the animals under his charge; also, a sufficient number of spades, shovels, and picks to make a road through Graham’s Pass, if necessary; after meeting Captain Kennedy to return with him to this post. The route taken by Captain Kennedy was suggested by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis as a short route to Fort Goodwin from Tucson. The route proved entirely practicable for wagons. Captain Kennedy’s report was forwarded through district headquarters for the information of the department commander, Col. King Woolsey’s command of seventy-six miners arrived to-day from Fort Whipple, via Big Rump Valley, Pinal Creek, San Carlos River, and the Gila. Colonel Woolsey made a report in detail, which was forwarded through district headquarters for the information of the department commander. He reported thirty acres of wheat and about forty acres of corn on Pinal Creek cultivated by the Apache Indians. The wheat being ripe, I thought it would be well to send a force into that section of country at once to prevent the Indians from thrashing and caching it in the mountains for winter use. I directed a command under Maj. Thomas J. Blakeney, First Cavalry California Volunteers, with the understanding that Colonel Woolsey, in command of a company of Arizona miners, should join him on the 30th of July after exploring the headwaters of the Negrito and Prieto Rivers, passing thence along the south base of the Sierra Blanea and Mogollon Mountains to the headwaters of the San Carlos River. His report in detail relating to that scout was forwarded to department headquarters.* The report shows that the San Carlos heads and runs in direction not shown on any map that I have seen. July 14, Captain Kennedy, First Cavalry California Volunteers, in charge of Government train, reported to-day all in good condition. Wagon-master Wingate’s train, brought in by Captain Kennedy, was forwarded as directed, to report to Maj. William McCleave, First Cavalry California Volunteers, acting assistant quartermaster at Las Cruces, N. Mex.

July 16, reported to Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, assistant inspectorgeneral, the safe arrival of Government trains at Tucson. It is the opinion of Captains Kennedy and Nichols, First Cavalry California Volunteers, that water can be found nearer than the cienega in the valley south of Mount Graham, by digging. The distance from Fort Goodwin via Graham’s Pass to first water is thirty miles. Upon further examination It is probable that water can be found much nearer. One problem is settled. A good road for wagons from Tucson to the valley of the Gila through the valley of the San Pedro and Arivaypa is perfectly practicable and a much nearer route to Las Cruces, N. Mex., than theone by Apache Pass. The valley of the Gila is a fine one from the San Carlos to and above the mouth of the San Francisco and Prieto, and can easily be irrigated. The banks of the Gila being steep, the stream can by means of dams be turned on the ground and the whole valley cultivated. If the Rio Negrito and Prieto should prove as rich in minerals as It is expected, then this valley will soon be thickly populated. The locating of Fort Goodwin has settled the reign of the murdering Apaches who have held itso long. Their race is nearly run. Extinetion is only a question of time. Published orders in detail for troops to take the field —Company E, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, and Company I, First Infantry New Mexico Volunteers, and a detachment of Company E, First Cavalry California Voiunteers. Copies of these orders and instructions to Major Blakeney, First Cavalry California Volunteers, were forwarded for the information of the department commander through district headquarters. July 17, sent party of nine men in charge of Sergeant Harshaw, Company K, First Infantry California Volunteers, to Fort Bowie with instructions to go by Graham’s Pass and Ewell’s Station, striking the old overland road near the latter point, to observe the character of the road, and on his return to report in writing as to distance, wood, water, and grass. From Sergeant Harshaw’s report it will be seen that this route is preferable to the trail through the Chiricahua Mountains or by San Simon, the country being open and small parties not so liable to be attacked by

Indians. The route is also shorter. Sergeant Harshaw’s report was forwarded to department headquarters. July 18, wrote to Governor Goodwin, Governor of Arizona, in reply to his communication of 9th of June, informing him of the operations of troops from this command. Forwarded Colonel Woolsey’s report to department headquarters; also Captain Kennedy’s and Captain Nichols’, First Cavalry California Volunteers, reports in detail. The report of the latter refers to the valley of the San Pedro and Arivaypa, and is full of interest in view of opening communication by that route to Tucson and Port Lobos, on the Gulf of California. Major Blakeney’s command were inspected and marched from Fort Goodwin at 5 p.m. The barrels of the men’s muskets were blacked and every precaution taken to get the command to where the Indians were that could be. Major Blakeney was also furnished with good guides, who knew just where to go to find Indians. July 19, it rained to-day nearly all day, which cannot be other than beneficial to the grass in this vicinity, which will also be of great service to our animals. July 20, sent express to meet subsistence train and bring it up, the acting commissary of subsistence being out of the important parts of the ration, and troops expected in from the field. For want of transportation the quantity of stores on hand could not be increased so as to keep troops out as long as was desirable. July 21, with two or three men thoroughly examined the vicinity for six or eight miles for grass. Was successful in finding more than I expected, but not in sufficient quantity to afford grazing for any great length of time for the post herd and furnish hay for cavalry horses. Rain would help grass here very much. July 22, weather warm and showery during the day. July 23, inspected the troops at the post. During the day express arrived in charge of mail. Received Captain Plympton’s report of scout made by Captain Pfeiffer, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers; also report of one train (subsistence) being within one day’s march of Fort Goodwin. This relieved my anxiety about subsistence.

July 24, the usual routine of garrison duty here, cutting timber and completing quarters and store-rooms. July 25, Maj. Joseph Smith, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, returned from his scout on the headwaters of Prieto, Negrito, and San Francisco Rivers yesterday. He found but five Indians, they having left that section of country. The party he found hoisted the white flag and desired to have a talk with Lieutenant Martin, First Infantry California Volunteers. Major Smith met them. They said that they were desirous for peace and would come in and bring their families, and would go then with him to camp, but moved off in another direction, when Major Smith opened fire on them. Out of eighteen he could count but fourteen who reached the cañon leading to the mountain. Major Smith reports that the region of country has all the appearance of being a gold-bearing country. Copper can be found in inexhaustible quantities. Major Smith’s report in detail was forwarded through district headquarters to department headquarters. July 26, verbally notified Major Smith that on the 28th he would be required to take the field again. July 27, having heard that Major Blakeney, First Cavalry California Volunteers, was not successful in accomplishing what he was sent to do, I ordered Maj. Joseph Smith, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, with all the men for duty in Company A, Fifth Infantry, and H, First Infantry California Volunteers, and E, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to proceed to the San Carlos on the 28th and join Major Blakeney’s command, then av Pinal Creek, Major Smith was to take command of the whole; his detachment to be rationed for thirty days. Although he had, with Company A, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, only returned from a twenty days’ scout on the 24th, every one went to work with alacrity to get off promptly. I also furnished Major Smith with a copy of Captain Plympton’s letter and route of Captain Pfeiffer, First Cavalry of New Mexico, against the Apaches from Fort Canby to the Sierra Blanca. With department commander’s indorsement thereon instructed him to make a depot on the San Carlos and fit out an expedition as the general commanding directed. Also to have the force left in charge of depot collect the grain found there and stored in wagons to be sent to Fort Goodwin. Copies of orders and instructions were forwarded through district headquarters for the information of the department commander. I also transmitted through district headquarters sketch of the valley of the Tulerosa, in which Fort Goodwin is located. This sketch was made from the then unfinished survey of Lieutenant Lambert, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, together with a plan for a four-company post. This valley is certainly a beautiful one, and with care all the land north of the spring to the Gila can be made to produce crops which will add to (about 600 acres) the lands now fit for growing crops and for gardens. Aside from this, in a strategical point of view, in case of foreign war, the site is a fine one. There is but one pass into this valley or the valley of the Gila within many miles that artillery could be brought through, and that can be easily so fortified that it would require a large force to force it. The water is abundant, yet the volume of it can be increased, and is as pure as any mountain stream I have ever seen. I directed Lieutenant Lambert to survey a reserve for the post, which survey has been forwarded to department headquarters. Near the post a deposit of fine salt was found, the extent of which I had not time to examine at the time. Reports of Major Smith with sub-reports of Captain Frink, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers; Lieutenant Martin, First Infantry California Volunteers, with a journal of his route, were all forwarded to-day to department headquarters. Captain Thayer’s report of operations on the San Carlos was forwarded yesterday, and I would take this occasion to say that for energy and perseverance but few officers surpass him. July 28 and 29, nothing of interest. July 30, for several days we have had showers, accompanied by high wind. l i 5 August 1, I directed Captain Thompson, First Infantry California Volunteers, to take twelve men of his company and one non-commissioned officer and scout for five days through Mount San Marcial for Indians, the men to carry their rations. Captain Thompson was also directed to report on mineral indications. Captain Thompson’s report forwarded to department headquarters. August 2, special express arrived ordering me to send into Las Cruces, N. Mex., in time to be mustered out of service on the 31st instant, Companies D and H, First Infantry California Volunteers; Companies E and O, First Cavalry Cal ifornia Volunteers, and to repair in person to Fort Craig, N. Mex., to muster out commissioned and non-commissioned staff of my regiment. To do this, troops in the field had to be recalled, which I regret, for the reason that they had become acquainted with the country, and guides had been procured that knew where to find Indians. Another month in the field would have resulted in clearing the Indians from the Prieto to Big Rump. As it is, the Indians have for a time (except in small parties) left for Big Rump Valley, the Mogollon, and Sierra Blanca. Major Blakeney’s report will show for itself. I cannot help but state «hat he at least exercised bad judgment. This is my opinion, that if

Major Smith or Colonel Woolsey had arrived in time, from 200 to 500 Apaches would have come in. His zeal for an Indian boy resulted in stampeding the whole rancheria. Maj. Joseph Smith is an excellent officer, possesses energy, and exercises good judgment in handling his men, and at all timesready for any duty. The men under my command did their whole duty cheerfully. No better men could be found in any department. As directed, I turned over the command to Major Smith, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, and started for Las Cruces on the 11th of August, where I arrived on the 21st. Visited Franklin, Tex., district headquarters, on the 22d; returned on the 24th to Las Cruces and continued on that night to Fort Craig, where I arrived on the 27th. For three or four days we had to haul our wagons by hand, and one day made but three-quarters of a mile. The unusual rains had so softened the ground that animals and wagons mired down at every step. It, however, has done much good to the grass. The Gila, San Simon de Sauz, and, in fact, the whole country from Fort Goodwin to Fort Craig, resembles our eastern meadows. The San Simon or Rio de Sauz I found quite a stream, and for many years, this I believe is the first that a running stream has run through this valley emptying into the Gila River. I was obliged to hug the mesas up to and near Whitlock’s Cienega to cross it. I had in charge an Apache boy taken by Major Blakeney’s command. He seemed to be well contented, and showed no disposition to get away, and was apparently much attached to my servant, but on the fourth or fifth night, near where Whitlock had his last fight, he escaped. No doubt he recognized the locality, and perhaps some of his people were in that vicinity. The results of the expedition are not barren. The Gila Valley and the sources of all the tributaries of the Gila have been thoroughly explored. The Apaches have been run out of that country, and with a few good troops stationed at Fort Goodwin, with a co-operation from the various. posts north, this tribe will soon be compelled to surrender. I am, captain,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,