_October 22._--This morning I despatched two more coaches and fourteen animals heavily laden with every description of supplies for the line. They go round to Carissa creek by the road, while I shall take the shorter mountain trail to-morrow. _October 23._--Left San Diego on horseback this morning, accompanied by Mr. Doyle and one of my through passengers, of whom I had several. _October 25._--Passed the day in the mountains at our corral, branding a mulada of seventy-five animals, which I had purchased for the line. _October 27._--Reached Carissa creek, the place of rendezvous, early this afternoon, with our _mulada_; found the coaches waiting. My party now consisted of twelve men, with three coaches, seventy-two animals, and everything necessary for our stage purposes. Our progress to Fort Yuma was slow. We left Carissa creek the 28th October and reached the fort November 2d; the delay arose from the fact that fifty-nine of our animals strayed away, detaining us two days in finding them in the desert. _November 5._--To-day the mail came in from the east, bringing to me the melancholy news of Mr. Birch’s death. This intelligence very naturally alarmed the parties at Colorado city, who had been furnishing our men with supplies. Feeling myself perfectly sure that Mr. Birch’s death would have no influence in disarranging the affairs of the line, I assured the parties of my determination to continue, as I had planned, to San Antonio, and to see that the business was properly cared for. Mr. Doyle, who had accompanied me thus far from San Diego, joined with me in assuring our creditors here that we would both continue in as vigorous a superintendence as ever of the interests of the mail. The Steamer General Jesup came up the river to-day with a cargo for the quartermaster at the post. This steamer is one of two boats owned by Johnson & Co., who are the government contractors for transporting all supplies from the mouth of the river to Fort Yuma. This boat would be a credit to her owners and builders by comparison with steamboats anywhere. _November 7._--Left Fort Yuma to-day; had with me two of the coaches with which I originally started, loaded with supplies; I had also seventy-nine of the mules. Left coach and relays at the fort. _November 9._--To-day we left Peterman’s station, (on the bank of the Gila,) consisting of a log house and excellent corral, built since I passed here. Peterman told me he had built this station, which he intended making his permanent residence, in order to obtain the business of the mail line. I purchased of him several tons of mezquit beans, besides contracting for a supply of hay.