AND THE ADJACENT COUNTRY. 165 
“ The adoption of this plan would incur no additional outlay commen- 
surate with.the object in view, which can never be attempted under 
more favorable auspices. My opinion as to the superfluity of men now 
with the Commissioner, you will find supported by letters now in your 
department. : . 
“My views relative to the great expense of subsisting a large party of 
men and animals at El Paso during the ensuing winter, will be corrobo- 
rated by Colonel J. Rogers, special Indian agent, who is familiar with 
the present state of the country; while the opinions which I have ex- 
pressed, relative to the importance of the explorations proposed by Mr. 
Bartlett, you can assure yourself of by reference to the accompanying 
condensed narrative, which, you will observe, confirms the opinion pub- 
lished by the Hon. T. Butler King as to the fertility of the valley of the 
Colorado, and its future importance to our country. 
“To display the feasibility of a journey from EZ Paso to Guaymas, I 
have also inclosed a narrative of a journey through that region. 
“ Very respectfully your obedient servant, 
“T, G. STRAIN, 
“ Lieut. U.S. Navy, attached to Boundary Survey. 
*“ Hon, Avex. H. H. Srvarz, 
Secretary of the Interior.” 
_ The distinguished gentlemen then at the head of 
the Interior Department, ever anxious to promote the 
Cause of science, and particularly where the acquisition. 
of ‘knowledge of our newly acquired possessions was 
concerned, thought favorably of my suggestion, and 
the plan of Lieut. Strain, and, as I was informed, would 
have permitted that officer to carry it into effect. Be- 
: fore, however, he had an opportunity to do so, Brvt. 
Lt. Col. Graham had been detailed as Principal Astrono- 
mer, &c., to the Commission, and Mr. Stuart deemed it 
Proper to refer Lieutenant Strain’s letter and papers 
to him. The plan, strange as it may appear, was 
objected to by Colonel Graham. In reply, he remark- 
