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Show 28 forage, to be obtained while going from the north to the south from the lower Mormon settlements, and from Prescott outward to the north, while en route for the Utah country. Water is convenient at practicable, if not always convenient, intervals, and, except at points noted, is sufficient for company commands. Grass is plentiful all along the plateau westward from the Little Colorado, and at such other points as are specified. This Hue could be materially shortened by leaving the Little Colorado at the point denominated upon atlas- sheet No. 75 as the " Cascades," thence one day's march to reach Cosnino Caves on the regular mail- route from Santa Fe to Prescott; and again still materially lessened in length by leaving the Little Colorado at Moen- copie Wash, striking the road above mentioned at Sniveler's Holes; but it is not known that water exists along this route from the Little Colorado to Suiveley's Holes, except at a place marked uCrater Lake" on sheet 75. The Moqui ludians, however, iu their trading expeditions to Prescott, follow a trail from the Little Colorado at the above point, which leads via Crater Lake, and I have been informed that water exists somewhere on that trail between Crater Lake and the Little Colorado. If true, the distance from the Little Colorado to Sniveley's Holes could be reduced to three days' march, and a road for wagons ought to be constructed with little trouble. It is estimated that by making this road the distance from Salt Lake City to Prescott, via the Utah Southern Railroad, to such point as it is soon likely to reach in the valley of the Sevier, thence via Panquitch, mouth of the Paria, Little Colorado, Crater Lake, & c., would be reduced to six hundred and forty- eight miles, while via Beaver and mouth of the Virgin it would be 647.56 miles. Either route could then be used, but preference should be given to the one via Paria for reasons above given; and, iu addition, the fact, which will be shown by profiles soon to be published, that the gradients are much steeper along the former. As there is no practicable north and south line from the fortieth parallel to our southern border, between the western base of the Sierras and the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, this one could be made to play a conspicuous part in the transit and Interchange of troops and supplies from the north to the south. Utah. can in this way be brought into communication with Northern Arizona, and travel from Montana and Idaho, reaching the vicinity of Salt Lake, can take advantage of this route, which, as a direct north and south line, could only be shprtened by the discovery of a passage of the Colorado River in the Grand Canon immediately to the west of the point at which it is intersected by the continuation of the line shown on atlas- sheet No. 67 as Hurricane Ledge. It is, however, believed impracticable to asceud the steep canon- cliffs on the southern side; but whether or not more detailed observations in this vicinity might develop a practicable outlet to the south, it is impossible to say. A glance at sheets 67 and 75, placed in juxtaposition, will show the advantage, in directness, of such a route, that would ensue provided it can be shown to be practicable. FROM THE VALLEY OF THE ARKANSAS TO NORTHEASTERN AND EASTERN ARIZONA. The furnishing of supplies to the Military Department of Arizona, or at least the eastern portion thereof, from the East, instead of from San Francisco, by a long ocean transit to the mouth of the Colorado, thence |