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Show -15- sold for any consideration, as there is neither water nor vegetation, and the excessive heat and drifting sands make it extremely difficult to cross over it, owing to which there has been great suffering, loss of life and property. It would be difficult to estimate the amount of property and stock lost on this desert of death (as called by the Mexicans). I lost myself, at one time, some $30,000 worth of sheep that I had driven thus far from New Mexico. I consider the entire section (named by you) not only valueless, but a great barrier to the prosperity of the State of California and to the General Government, and if water could be introduced on it, it would be a blessing to mankind. * * * I witnessed, in 1849 (after the overflow of New River), luxuriant growth of grass and other vegetation along and adjacent to the course taken by the water. Yours, respectfully, John Rains, o. m. wozencraft. Quite a number more of letters were furnished and published in the report, all of the same tenor. We deem it sufficient to offer but one additional letter, of Col. J. J. Abert, Chief Topographical Engineers, in reply to the Secretary of War: Bureau of Topographical Engineers, Washington, May 17, 1860. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the reference to this Bureau of the letter of the Hon. M. S. Latham, of the 11th instant, with your directions to report "whether the Colorado desert, from the many surveys, &c, of Army officers, is not looked upon as a serious barrier to Government service." |
