REVIEW OF ROUTE. 
13B 
suitable connection might be established between their sources, either by following down the 
valley of the Rio Grande, or, more directly, by exploring for a route from the headwaters of 
Pajarito creek to some point on the Rio Grande, near the Mesilla valley.* As San Francisco, 
however, must necessarily be the terminus of the main branch of the Pacific railroad, to follow 
the Gila would increase the distance several hundred miles. This divergence may be avoided 
by continuing upon the route we have now traversed. 
Between Rio Grande and the Colorado, we passed through a region which, though to a 
great extent fertile in nutritious grasses, and abounding in woodlands, springs, and streams, 
possesses the disadvantage of being intersected by several mountain chains. But, through them, 
we have discovered passes that render the route practicable, if not easy ; and the knowledge 
now possessed of the country is sufficient to point out for examination many short lines of inter¬ 
section, where, doubtless, the length of the trail might be shortened, or the grades diminished. 
From the Colorado to the upper waters of Mojave river—thought he soil is more waterless and 
barren—there is no serious obstacle to the construction of a railway. Upon either side of our 
trail, a better line doubtless exists ; and, to connect with a pass to Tulare valley and San Fran¬ 
cisco, it is believed that our general route will be found highly favorable. 
A constant succession of light showers has occurred during the day. Night brings no sign 
of approaching fair weather. 
March 18— Camp 150.—At daybreak the camp equipage w r as nearly as wet as when it was 
gathered up from the water of Rio Colorado; and the once goodly tents, now shaved down to 
shreds to diminish the weight to be transported, afforded little protection from the incessant 
rain. The poor mules, with curved back, and four feet drawn into a bunch, looked the picture 
of discomfort, as with ill grace they submitted to the galling packs. Recommencing cur ope¬ 
rations, the descent, for a few miles, was along the steep and rocky bed of Cajon creek, which 
has received several tributaries, and is now a good-sized mountain rivulet. Six miles brought 
us to a spur which followed the right bank of the creek, and separated it from a smaller ravine 
called £< E1 puerto de los Negros.” 
We now left the road which leads to San Bernardino, and to the military post at Jarupa, 
and turned westward along the base of the mountain chain towards Los Angeles. The cold 
-Note. —About the time that this report was ready to be submitted to the department, a letter was received by the Chief of the 
Corps of Topographical Engineers, containing information in regard to this subject. By his kind permission it has been copied, 
and is herewith subjoined. The writer, for many years, has been stationed in New Mexico, and has bestowed much attention 
upon the character of the country, particularly with reference to the object in view. His opinions are therefore entitled to great 
consideration. The map referred to has not yet been received at the bureau. 
Headquarters Third Infantry, Fort Fillmore, N. M., 
September 7, 1855. 
Colonel : I have the honor to inform you that I have given a map of a reconnaissance made by me, over and through the 
Sacramento and White mountain ranges, to Lieut. Parke, of your corps, to deliver to you. Its chief value consists in exhibiting 
a pass, and the only one in the whole range of what may be called the Guadalupe, Sacramento, Capitan, and White mountains, 
in almost a plain, going east, by ascending the Tulirosa to its head, crossing a dividing ridge with easy slopes of a short dis¬ 
tance, (the only elevation of the whole route,) and then descending the Cerrissa to its junction with the Rnidosa; thence to the 
junction of the Bonita—which forms the Honda, which empties into the Pecos—turns to the south of the Capitan mountain, 
opening into the extended plain of the Pecos, reaching as high as Anton Chico. 
The Ruidosa, Cerrissa, and Tulirosa are densely covered with the largest and finest pine timber found within the limits of New 
Mexico. 
This map may be useful to you at this particular time, by showing how the best survey, east and west of the Rio Grande, can 
be connected, with the least expense, in making the Pacific railway. I refer to Captain Whipple’s survey up the Canadian, with 
Lieut. Parke’s down the Gila. 
The distance from the southeast point of the Capitan to Anton Chico is estimated at about one hundred miles ; it has never 
been surveyed. The map contains the other distances, as taken by viameter, to the Bonita: from that crossing to the southeast 
point of Capitan is not over ten miles. 
I have the honor, Colonel, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
D. J. MILES, 
Lieutenant Colonel , Third Infantry. 
Colonel J. J. Abert, 
Chief Topographical Bureau , Washington City , D. C. 
