38 ESTIMATE FOR ARTESIAN WELLS. 
For each additional well. $5,472 00 
Total cost of four wells. 35,932 00 
From which deduct sale of mules, wagons, and-boring instruments... 7,400 00 
Final cost. 28,532 00 
The estimates for tanks or shallow wells would approach nearly to the same sum. The cost 
of tools would he less, and the time would he somewhat shorter, hut there would he no import¬ 
ant difference in the estimates. 
The estimated cost of artesian wells upon the Llano Estacado is very large, and has been 
made with a view to every possible contingency which may arise. I consider it in all respects 
sufficient, and with such an amount I would feel certain of success. 
The construction of these wells on the Staked Plain is alone necessary for the establishment 
of a route of travel across the plains in all respects favorable, and one which, with great advan¬ 
tage to our Indian relations, can be occupied by a chain of military posts, which, in their loca^- 
tions, will fulfil every condition necessary or desirable in selecting sites for military posts in 
the Indian country. The establishment of such a route, and one thus protected, will open to 
settlement and cultivation an immense region of fertile country which is now alone occupied by 
bands of wild Indians. It seems but proper, therefore, that I should invite the attention of the 
department to the great importance of .considering favorably the estimates which I have 
presented; and I do so with the full conviction that the sum asked for will insure complete 
