Santa Cruz and Sonvita valleys is about one hundred miles in length, and two miles in width; wherever cultivated producing two abundant crops of grain annually, and now having a population, including the miners near Tubac, of about three thousand souls, exclusive of Indians, (many of whom are semi-civilized and cultivate largely,) raising about twenty-five thousand (25,000) bushels of grain annually. From the same gentleman I learn that the last year's crop on the Rio Grande, between El Paso and Doña Ana, was about one hundred thousand (100,000) bushels of grain, besides a large crop of grapes; also, that on the Gila there is raised by the Pimo and Maricopa Indians a sufficient amount of corn and wheat to maintain six thousand souls, besides furnishing large amounts to the mail company and travellers; and that below their villages settlers are rapidly coming in. Thus it will be seen that this country is not entirely a desert; that besides being a transit for emigrants, it has within itself resources and capacities for settlement worthy of attention. With its mild, healthful climate, and immense mineral resources, this country must greatly improve, even without the impetus of a Pacific railroad. the shortest route across the desert belt of country separating the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and as the favored route for speed and safety of a large majority of our emigrating population, this road should possess every improvement possible to render it worthy of the interests connected with it and the government from whence the improvements emanate. As In view of these facts, I would respectfully suggest the following further improvements upon the road: Consisting of a bridge across the Rio Grande, near Frontera; the increase in size, of the tanks now constructed, and their protection and permanency secured by lining them with stone; and the sinking of experimental wells to a depth of from one to two hundred feet, in the basins and valleys passed over. The bridge would be about six hundred (600) feet span, with rock foundations, and good building stone convenient; costing about $50,000. The improvement of the tanks, and lining them with stone, will require about $25,000, and the experimental wells about $25,000 more. The two latter items, and particularly the lining of the tanks, I consider of vital importance to the road and Territory. In fact, it is absolutely necessary to the preservation of the work already executed that this should be done; without lining or a constant supervision the tanks will fill up, and the wells cave in; it was not within the means of the former appropriation to perfect them, and should now be done. The sinking of wells along the valley and basin formations will solve a problem of great importance to this whole region of country, as to whether there is a sufficient amount of rain fall to form subterranean reservoirs. Also, since it was not possible during the time our parties were in the field, to construct any works for the retention of water on the Mimbres, some provision should be made for the immediate execution of that work. I append hereto a "table of amount of work executed," showing the kind and quantity, and the increase in water provided for by the tanks, &c.; also an incomplete "table of temperatures," taken during the hurry of exploration, but which may serve to show the extreme mildness of the winter along the route; a "meteorological record at Fort Fillmore, on the Rio Grande," kindly furnished me by Dr. G. E. Cooper, United States army, and a "table of distances," accompanied by "a few practical hints to emigrants." I have to express my obligations to G. C. Wharton, civil engineer, and Messrs. Hume and Cress, assistants, for their valuable services during the prosecution of the work. Accompanying this report you will find the maps, drawn on a scale of one six-hundred-thousandth, (00000,) representing in two divisions the line of road from El Paso to Fort Yuma. The notes upon the maps will sufficiently explain them. Hoping that, if possible, more time may be allowed me for a revision of this report, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. LEACH, Esq., Superintendent. Engineer of Road. Total excavation = 57,525 yards: Earth, 46,538 yards; rock, 10,987 yards. Increase in watering facilities, in gallons, 311,528, which is less than true amount, as a cubic foot is considered as containing 6 gallons when it really contains nearly 6. = Much clearing of loose stone from roadway was done, which was not measured, and is not presented in the table. |