with the duty of making the preliminary examination of the country in the vicinity of the Cajori pass, with the view to the establishment of a com mand at that point as soon as possible; and Major Emory has been re quested to furnish any information that may be useful in determining the selection of a point at or near the mouth of the Gila river, for occupation as early as possible in the spring. To give greater protection to the emigrants to this country by the Gila river, a post of considerable strength should be established at the Pino's village. I have already reported to the War Department my inability, from the force assigned to this country, to make any establishment east of the Colorado. Much difficulty is apprehended in the management and control of the Indians in this country, from the fact that there is no recognised Indian country, and that in consequence it will be impossible, without the intervention of Congress, to regulate the intercourse and traffic with the Indians in such a manner as to prevent a too intimate contact of the whites and Indians, and collisions between federal and State authorities. Reports received about the first of this month from the emigrants by the northern route, represented them to be suffering greatly from destitution; and arrangements were immediately made for sending out relief to them. Information was received from General Smith that he had charged Major Rucker, 1st dragoons, with this duty; all the means of transportation that could be collected in the neighborhood was sent to the Upper Sacramento, and placed at the disposal of the officer charged with this duty. Subsequent information from the emigrants represents that the first accounts were greatly exaggerated, and they are coming over in much better condition than was at first apprehended. Instructions have been sent to the commanding officer at San Diego to send to Warner's pass to meet the emigrants by the Gila river, if he should learn that they are arriving in a destitute condition. I am still unable to send complete department returns. The returns for one or two months from some of the commands have failed to reach here, and the express from the south, due for nearly a month, has not yet arrived. The express rider has probably deserted and carried the mail with him. Brevet Major Kingsbury, 2d infantry, has been arrested, and in order to relieve him in the command of his company, I have been obliged to detach my aid-de-camp, Captain Westcott, who will probably be promoted to that company. The want of officers in this department is so great that I shall be obliged to retain the officers in command of the escort with the collector and the Arkansas emigrants, now on their march to this country. The same reasons will prevent the selection (although greatly needed) of an aid-de-camp until after the arrival of other officers. Major McKinstry, assistant quartermaster, who has reported to me in arrest, under instructions from Major Emory, commanding the escort of the boundary commission, has been assigned to temporary duty in this department; his arrest being suspended until the instructions of the War Department can be received. Assistant Surgeon W. S. Booth will be continued in service until the |