At this place the river makes what is termed “the big bend” of the Gila; the road lies nearly due east and west, while the river makes a horse shoe, probably four times as long as the distance from the Maricopa to Tazotal, at which place the road touches the river again. By the schedule of distances you will perceive it is forty miles from Maricopa to Tazotal. We started from Maricopa Wells at 3 p. m. and drove all night, reaching Tazotal for our breakfast camp a little after sunrise. Made 69 miles to-day. _September 2._--After breakfast this morning we made a drive of ten miles, and then lay by to avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day. The four of us take turns in sleeping and herding mules. Fed our animals on the Mesquit beans, of which there is a great abundance along the Gila river. Started from camp at 3 o’clock p. m.; about sunset met the mail party of August 24, from San Diego, equipped in the same excellent manner for the service as the party of August 9. The train I had come on with from El Paso, together with the addition made by Mr. Tivey, was waiting at Tucson for this mail; to expedite its progress, I had brought two men to the Maricopa station to take it back to Tucson, (see journal of August 30,) but I had also left orders with these men not to wait any longer than sunset to-night, as the conductor and train must return to La Mesilla at once to be in time to bring westward, from El Paso to Tucson, the mail of September 9, from San Antonio. In view of these orders, together with the certainty of not being able to make the connexion at Tucson, I turned this party back to Fort Yuma. I gave instructions to the conductor of this mail to equip himself and two men for a light service of three days’ duration, and to be in readiness to take the next mail, namely, that of September 9, from San Diego, and carry it with all possible speed to Maricopa station, at which place the carriage, or an escort for Tucson, would thereafter be waiting to receive it. We drove until 10 p. m., then camped on the banks of the Gila, waiting for the moon to rise before attempting to cross. Moon rose nearly full, and at about 12 o’clock we crossed and recrossed the Gila, leaving ourselves on the southern bank from which we started. Drove until about three o’clock in the morning. Made 40 miles to-day. _September 3._--Started at daylight. Camped about four hours at noon to rest ourselves and animals. Started at four o’clock, and drove till dark. Started again at ten o’clock, p. m., and drove till two o’clock in the morning. Made 56 miles to-day.