Unknown to B. C. Cutler, May 26, 1862

Lieut. B. C. CUTLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Column from California:

I have the honor to report as follows in regard to procuring supplies at this post, and first as to the resources of the immediate vicinity: The extreme lateness of the season occasions a scarcity of breadstutts. No flour was to be found here, and all the wheat, in quantity 50,000 pounds, was held by one party. For currentconsumption the purchase of this was imperative at the exorbitant price of 6 cents per pound. Flour from this purchase will cost the Government $9 per 100 pounds, less the quantity of bran and shorts taken for forage. A small mill within two miles of town is now in our possession. It is a water power, but cannot be served more than twenty out of twenty-four hours, during which time it turns out 1,200 pounds of flour. The quantity of flour available from the above wheat amounts in round numbers to 24,000 rations. In from two to three weeks the standing and now nearly ripe harvest of wheat in the vicinity will be gathered. It is estimated that 100,000 pounds will be offered for sale, and, should there not be a pressing necessity for its purchase, the price will abate. The introduction of a train load of wheat from the Pimas would have a good effect to thatend. The ravages of the Apaches have cut off the supply of cattle; but ten head fit for beef could be procured on the spot. A. contract has been made with J. M. Elias for fresh beef at 10 cents per pound for the command for thirty days, terminating June 25. Nosmall rations can be procured here. All such must [be] introduced from the Government depots. The necessary supply of fresh vegetables for the health of the command can be obtained. The immediate supply of forage barely furnishes the command; 20,000 pounds of barley have been purchased at 33 cents per pound, with bran and shorts at 24 cents. Good hay from mesquite grass is delivered to the assistant quartermaster at $16 per ton. I am of opinion that 200,000 pounds barley will be offered for sale”here from the fields now ready to be cut, and venture to hope that a lower price will buy it than is now demanded. The general commanding will observe that the expenses of maintaining this command here are for the present high. Ihaveused every exertion compatible with our necessities toward a proper economy, but I have to regret being so situated as to be compelled to submit to such heavy expenses. As to supplies from Sonora, the matter is still vague. Communication has been almost entirely cut off. Thenews of our being here and of our want will soon spread; with some of our troops protecting the road to Santa Cruz and Magdalena, supplies ot flour, corn, and cattle may be looked for from that region. Some expelled Unionists, men of business, will shortly return to this post, and through them supplies will most probably be obtainable. There are two good blacksmith shops here and a carpenter shop, all worked by Government. Enough charcoal for present uses, and more can be made, considerable iron, a few horse and about 200 pounds mule shoes. No nails are as yet discovered, but may be as things develop daily. Some wagon timber is here, but inferior to that at Fort Stanford, where a supply exists.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,