Geo. B. Currey, May 16, 1864

Camp No. 16, on Owyhee River, at mouth, May 16, 1864, Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 25th ultimo at Camp No. 3, on Umatilla River, Oreg.; also letter of the 27th at Camp No. —, on Malheur River, Oreg. Until I arrived at the Malheur River it was my opinion that up that stream would be my most practicable route to Malheur and Harney Lakes, and in accordance with that opinion I ordered the infantry detachment to join me there. While there I received information which I deemed sufficiently reliable to act upon that a band of about 150 Indians were engaged in making preparations for fishing on the Owyhee about seventy miles from its mouth. This induced me to move to this place, where I met the detachment of infantry. I will move forward with the cavalry in the morning, clear the river of any Indians who may be found on it, and select a location for my depot. My troops are in fine health and spirits. The animals look remarkably well. I hope to be able to bring my men under fire within five days from this. Of this, however, I cannot speak certain. Grass thus far good. Yesterday we had a fine rain, and last night a splended thunder shower. The late fall of rain will not only benefit the grass, but be of great utility in determining the age of Indian signs. I have heard of no late depredations, but much solicitude is evinced by the few settlers along the road for some sheep drovers who are driving about 4,000 head of sheep on the road leading from Queen’s River to the Owyhee Mines. I hope to be able to so engage the Indians that they will have little time to attend to sheep drovers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,