37 CONSTRUCTION OF EAILEOAD. 



I respectfully recommend as being highly favorable for such locations. These are : 1st. On 

 the uijper Mimbres, or Copper Mine region ; 2d. The valley of the Grila, near the junction of 

 the ISauz ; and, 3d. The Eio San Pedro^ near its junction with the Gila. These three points 

 form centres from which combined and heavy blows can be dealt, and which, taken in connec- 

 tion with those on the Kio Grande, and also with the aid of the Pimas, who are very active and 

 formidable enemies of the Apaches, and between whom an incessant war is waging, form a line 

 which, I think, will ultimately effectually intercept all parties attempting to cross it. These 

 Indians lead a purely nomadic life, and although not numerous it will require a large force to 

 keep them in check ; they being divided up into numerous small bands and parties, occupying 

 the canons and gorges of the mountains, which are difficult of access, and where elusion is easy. 

 Treaties are of avail only so long as they suit the convenience of these Indians, and until they 

 are exterminated, or their nature changed, the presence of troops in the country is required, 

 might being the only law for which they have any respect. 



At the Mimbres wood, water, and grass abound ; besides, there are patches of bottom land 

 capable of being cultivated. There is also an abundance of timber for building purposes. 



At the mouth of Sauz grass is reported by Major Emory, in 1846, to be scarce, and of an 

 inferior quality ; but he also reports that the Gila bottom, for a long distance at the base of 

 Mount Graham, is from three to six miles wide, and can be easily irrigated from the waters of 

 the Gila. Cotton-wood and willow fringe the river. Mesquite is also found. Up the Sauz he 

 notes many trails leading to San Bernardino, Fronteras, and Tucson, doubtless the same that 

 we encountered, showing full well the importance of this point being occupied. At the mouth 

 of the San Pedro an abundance of grass is found ; also a large area which can be readily irri- 

 gated. Cotton-wood and mesquite abound. The supplies for these posts can be drawn from 

 either the Kio Grande or Fort Yuma. It would be better, probably, to supply the Copper Mines 

 and the Sauz from Fort Fillmore, while San Pedro would be supplied from Fort Yuma. 



To do this better, however, a' road will have to be made for about twenty-four miles down the 

 Gila, where it debouches upon the Pimas plains ; thence to Fort Yuma a good natural road is 

 found, with the exception of a few points, where deep sand is encountered and rough ascents 

 and descents of the mesas. Below the Pimas grass is very scarce. In the summer and fall 

 months the mesquite bean answers a good purpose in the way of forage. It will probably be 

 found that Guaymas may be a good point for the distribution of supplies for this district of 

 country. The distance thence to Tucson is about three hundred miles, and it is believed this 

 interesting country presents no obstacles to the location of a good wagon-road. 



From Fort Fillmore to the Mimbres and Sauz most excellent natural roads are found, with 

 an abundance of grass. Wood is scarce, and during and immediately after the rainy season the 

 supply of water is sufficient. 



After a complete and effective chastisement, it will be necessary to occupy only two of the 

 above mentioned posts, and these, in my opinion, will afford full and sufficient protection to the 

 working parties along the line of road. To the emigrant, ever careful and anxious about the 

 strength and condition of his animals, the advantages gained by the San Pedro and Gila route 

 over the Tucson are indeed great and very important. The distance is, however, increased 

 fourteen* miles, but at the same time we have an abundant supply of water and wood through- 

 out, and most excellent grass for more than half the distance, whilst by the Tucson route there 

 is encountered a stretch of seventy-five miles, without a drop of permanent water. The San 



*If the ruad via San Xavier is taken, tliis distance will be reduced to seven miles. 



