APPENDIX A.—PROGRESS OF THE SURVEY. 
121 
carried me, assuring me that it was the only practicable wagon route to the Sangre de Cristo. 
But I have discovered, in searching along the summit level, a very low depression, by which we 
can pass through, instead of over, the hills, where the muleteer paths usually go. This new 
pass, to a branch of the Huerfano, presents no real obstruction to any kind of a road. 
The route is well grassed, and our animals are in fine condition, having recruited, while our 
labors in road-making and exploring the mountains have been more onerous than in the plains. 
The character and place of my duties have prevented the usual reports on the 1st of the 
month. Should our exertions be favored, as thus far, I hope to make the September report, and 
forward by the California mail, from some place in Utah. But all representations concur in 
presenting a difficult region to traverse to the Great Basin. 
I beg leave to enclose a communication to the honorable Secretary of War, with the request 
that it be presented to him. 
It was my desire to make a more detailed account, but illness prevents my writing more to¬ 
night, and the train has received orders, and is prepared for an early departure towards the north 
to-morrow morning. I will only add that I followed the Kansas River valley to the new fort 
(Riley) on Pawnee river, and crossing, took a very level and direct route on the northerly side; 
crossed the Nepeholla (Solomon’s fork) and Saline rivers by ferrying on rafts of logs, as they were 
swollen by recent rains; and then, cutting off the southern bend of the Kansas at the Smoky Hill, 
passed in the same direction to the Walnut creek and Pawnee forks of the Arkansas. Availing 
myself of Captain Woodruff’s sketches, and the reconnoissance I made, the true route for a 
military road would be by way of those creeks, to a point on the Arkansas, above Fort Atkin¬ 
son, which would subserve both the Santa F6 and Fort Massachusetts or Taos directions. 
I now proceed to the north, to the Coochetopa Pass, intending to survey the Robideau Pass 
on the way, which, I think, must present a more direct route to California than the one I have 
discovered, the latter being on the Taos course, and too far south, if any place of crossing the 
mountains feasible for a road can be had further north. 
Then, under guidance of Watkin Leroux, we are to go to the Spanish trail, from which place 
he is to return, in order to join Lieutenant Whipple. 
I have the honor to be, Colonel, your obedient servant, 
J. W. GUNNISON, 
Captain Top. Engs., Commanding Central Pacific Railroad Survey. 
Colonel J. J. Abert, 
Chief Topographical Engineers. 
IV. — Letter, dated September 20, 1853 , Camp No. 70, Grand river, Utah Territory, from Captain 
Gunnison to Colonel J. J. Abert, reporting the progress of the survey. 
Camp No. 70, Grand River, Utah Territory, 
September 20, 1853. 
Sir : I have the honor to report the operations upon the Central Pacific Railroad Survey since 
it was placed under my direction, in May. 
The party for the survey was organized and directed to St. Louis, where the requisite pur¬ 
chases were made. By the aid of Colonel R. Campbell, the business of fitting out was much 
expedited. The teams were bought and rendezvoused near Westport, and I proceeded to Fort 
Leavenworth for the escort, which has proved very efficient in many respects of guard and for 
labor, under the command of Brevet Captain Morris, and Lieutenant Baker, of the Mounted 
Rifles. In the march, and other duties, I have been greatly assisted by an experienced officer, 
Lieutenant E. G. Beckwith, of the Artillery. 
16 g 
