Geo. B. Currey, October 16, 1864

Camp No. 104, on Birch Oreek, October 16, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report for the information of the general commanding the district that on the morning of the 26th ultimo I broke up camp at Camp Alvord and began the movements as contemplated in my letter of the 25th ultimo. With the cavalry I moved north-northeast along the eastern base of Sieen’s range of mountains for twentyseven miles and then crossed over to the west side. In the mountains saw some fresh Indian tracks passing northeast. After crossing the mountains I had to bear along the western base of the mountains in a southwest direction for ten miles in order to find water, which I found in a small creek, one of the head branches of the South Fork of Malheur

Indian trail leading toward the east end of Malheur Lake. Taking the direction of the Indian trail in a north-northwest direction, passing a short distance to the east of Malheur Lake and in sight of it, came to the conclusion that the Indians had divided up, a portion of their tracks turning to the right down the Malheur and the remainder going toward the waters of John Days River. Turning to the right, 1 followed along the emigrant road toward the mouth of Malheur. On the afternoon of the 4th instant, after camping, three citizens with twelve head of horses came up the road and encamped about half a mile above me on the river. They stated that they were endeavoring to make their way to Virginia City, Nev. Ter. Early the next morning they came down and reported all their stock stolen by the Indians, and about the same time the packmaster reported four Government mules gone. I sent men out to look forthe stock, who upon returning reported Indian tracks after the stock going up the river. Being suspicious that the white men were concerned in the affair, and my stock being much fatigued, I did not deem it advisable to make an extended pursuit, feeling well convinced that not less than five or six days’ hard riding would bring me up with the rogues. The three citizens referred to came back with me to within one day’s march of the crossing of the old emigrant road with the Malheur River, and then without notice took to the hills. Upon my arrival at the old emigrant road I learned from the settlers that several days prior to my arrival three white men and one Indian had driven off twenty-six head of horses and mules belonging to the settlers, that they were pursued and thirteen head taken back. This confirmed my first suspicions that these fellows were rascals, and leaves me only to regret I did not arrest them. I have no doubt they are in league with the Indians, but at the time did not feel fully authorized to arrest them. The emigrant road down Malheur River is very crooked, rocky, and mountainous, and in my opinion entirely useless as a wagon road. I arrived at the old emigrant road on the 12th, and on the 13th reached this camp. From Camp Alvord to this place I marched every day excepting one. On that day I remained in camp to rest my animals, because on the previous day 1 did not get into camp until several hours after dark. Lieutenant Pepoon with the wagon train joined me at this camp on the 13th instant. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 5th instant on yesterday. In the morning I take up the line of march for Fort Walla Walla and will arrive there as soon as possible. Lieutenant Hobart with detacnment of Company A joined me at this camp.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,