FORT YUMA. 153 
cross in but a small and indifferent scow, which could 
carry but one wagon at a time, and but a small number 
ofanimals. The entire number to be ferried over were 
one hundred and thirty-six mules and horses, twelve 
oxen, and seven wagons with their contents. Anxious 
that Lieutenant Whipple should not be detained a 
moment with the survey of the river Gila; which was 
to commence at its junction with the Colorado, and be 
carried to the point where the work was suspended in 
January, I directed his party to be moved over first, 
and as soon as the scow, which needed some repairs, 
could be made ready. The thermometer stood to-day 
in the shade at the Fort, where there was a current of 
air, at 105°; yet, as we were now quiet, it did not seem 
more oppressive than when in New York at 90°. 
June 11th. The startling news was brought me 
this morning, that the Yumas had entered our camp 
the preceding night, and stolen fifteen of our animals, 
including my valuable horse, the same that had been 
ridden by Mr. Gray in his journey across. He was 
the finest I had seen in the country, and had 
been brought to New Mexico from Kentucky. But 
this was trifling to the loss of so many riding and pack- 
mules, as it was impossible to replace them here. 
There had been two men on guard during the night; 
but they knew nothing of our loss until the animals 
Were missing in the morning, when the footprints of the - 
Ls Indians became visible. The animals, which had all 
_ been staked, or tied to trees, seemed to have been 
_ loosened and led away without the least noise by these 
_ accomplished marauders. I gave orders to take the 
trail and set off in pursuit, not with the expectation of 
