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 in 
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 stoppimg; to prepare 
for it, therefore, we encamped for the day in a mez- 
quit grove near the river. 
The kegs and canteens were filled with water pre- 
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, our 
course being east by north. We entered at once upon 
the great plateau or desert, where the road was level 
and hard. The animals moved off at a quick gait, and 
had seemingly got the idea that they were approach- 
ing grassy fields. About fifteen miles brought us to 
