J. R. West, May 13, 1862

LIEUTENANT: The Apaches made a foray in this vicinity this morning and killed three Pimas. Captain Pishou’s cavalry is looking after them, but I have little hopes of their coming up with them. The Pimas and Maricopas complain bitterly that the Apaches have firearms and that they can get none. If the colonel commanding can procure some arms for issue to them it would be of much benefit to us in our negotiations about supplies. The manta, calico, flannel, and drills arrived yesterday. About 30,000 pounds wheat have been taken in since, and nearly all outstanding credits redeemed. Yet there is no guarantee how long the flow of grain will continue, as there are no means of ascertaining how much they have in reserve. But when the new harvest ripens an abundance can be procured, say 400,000 pounds. Blue drills, blue and orange prints, red flannel, indigo blue drills, paints, beads, and tobacco, if furnished in the required quantity, will do all that is necessary for the supply of grain. Cattle are very scarce. 1 have only been able to procure six. The majority of the stock is poor, and they will not sell their work cattle. The condition of the flour mill here, and the little probability of being able to transport that at Tucson to this point to any great advantage, induces the suggestion to have a small mill sent for from San Francisco at once. A millwright to put it up could also, with such material as is to be found here, soon erect a horsepower. A shaft, large drum, and belts (leather) from San Francisco are all that would be required.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,