208 FORT YUMA 
we again struck the river near a point where our sur.” 
veying parties had had a station, and had remained 
several days. There we found an abundance of mez 
quit and willows, but no appearance of grass. Near us 
was a sluice, which a year before was the main branch 
of the river, the stream having since found another 
channel. We bivouacked at this place, doubtful whe- 
ther we should find as good feed for the mules by 
proceeding further, the mezquit beans being now 1 
the best state for the animals. 
June 29th. Before the sun had risen we were 
again on our way, intending to stop at the last water- 
ing place, five or six miles in advance. My desire 
was to keep the animals fresh and in good condition 
for the march across the long desert which lay before 
us, and to give the soldiers a day’s rest before setting 
out. The Gila here makes a bend to the north, and 
is not’again seen from the road until it reaches the 
‘ Coco-Maricopa villages, forty-five miles distant. As 
there is no water the whole distance, the journey must 
be made in one march, without stopping ; to prepare 
for it, therefore, we encamped for the’ day in a me 
quit grove near. the river. 
* The kegs and canteens were filled with water PT 
paratory for the journey; and in order to give the 
soldiers a little the start of us, they set off at four 
o'clock. The train left an hour and a half later, 
course being east by north. We entered at once UP 
the great plateau or desert, where the road was ee 
and hard. The animals moved off at a quick galt, i 
had seemingly got the idea that they were approae™ 
ing grassy fields. About fifteen miles brought ¥ to 
