R. F. Maury to First Lieut. F. MEARS, October 11, 1862

SIR:

I have the honor to report our arrival on the return trip at this camp in excellent health. As when going up Snake River, the Indians have been very shy of our camp, keeping almost entirely on the opposite bank of the river, although whenever possible they have visited the emigrant camps with much sang froid and impudence. They have studiously avoided, with the exception of a very few at the falls, our camps to such an extent even that on the appearance of a few of our men in any camp they would immediately leave. it is a satisfaction to report also that with the exception of an occasional loss, first by straying of a few heads of stock, I have not learned of the loss, or any material damage to, of a single individual between Fort Walla Walia and Rock Creek, some seventy miles above Salmon Falls, although in a few instances parties of emigrants have been much exposed. ‘This, I think, is mainly attributable to the presence of this expedition. We learn from emigrants that the fact of our coming was generally known before our arrival, and our long stay on the river served no doubt to keep up effectually the intimidation. Their disposition on exposed parts of the road has been aggressive and warlike. The lost party of emigrants, Hiram Smith, of Portland, and party of about sixty persons, are now with us, having been lost and detained some four or five weeks in the mountains of Humboldt River. They are worn out and almost entirely destitute of supplies. I shall supply them with such articles and give such assistance generally as we can spare until they reach the settlements, which I hope will meet your approbation.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,