Unknown, August 3, 1863

Camp No. 33, on Camas Prairie, August 3, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of my entire command in this valley on the Ist instant. I arrived myself with 100 cavalry on the night of the 30th ultimo, leaving the remainder of the cavalry and the infantry, under command of Major Rinearson, to bring up the supply train. On the march from Fort Boisé hither and since my arrival here I have kept scouting parties out on each side of the route, north and southward, in search of Indians, but thus far have been unable to find any evidence of their presence in the vicinity of the road later than two or three weeks ago. Two detachments are out at present with three days’ supplies, one toward Snake River and one toward the source of Salmon and Boisé Rivers. From the information received from emigrants and others recently over the route from Fort Hall to this place, I am Jed to believe that the principal number of the Indians who were here in the early spring are now in the vicinity of Fort Hall, for the ostensible purpose of making a treaty with General Connor. Those perhaps who are more hostile are near Salmon Falls, or on the south side of Snake River. This is an extensive and fertile valley. It is thirty miles in length and from six to eight miles in width, and is watered by many fine streams that take their rise in the mountain range dividing the waters of Salmon and Boisé Rivers from those of Malade River, and crossing the valley at intervals of from two to four miles run southward into Malade River, which flows at the south side of the valley and in an easterly direction. The growth of grass throughout the entire valley is luxuriant, and the mountains on either side afford pine timber in large tracts or spots, not more than five miles distant from the margin of the valley. I shall leave Major Rinearson with the two infantry companies and a part of the cavalry at or near this place, and send sixty or seventy mules back to Fort Boisé for additional supplies, whilst I shall proceed myself, with cavalry only, to Fort Hall. The health of my command is good and the animals are in fair condition.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,