4. From Tucson to Maricopa Wells, (Pimos Villages,) is 99 miles. On this portion of the route the mail is carried by two men. Very few Indians are seen, and they are harmless. The Maricopa Wells are at the further end of a beautiful and fertile valley, occupied by the Pimos Indians, who raise corn and other grain in considerable quantities.--(See Journal.) On this portion of the route, and indeed, throughout the entire distance from San Antonio to San Diego, the road is well defined, and is a finely beaten level track, with just enough gravel for the most part to make it pleasant travelling. 5. From Maricopa Wells down the river Gila to Fort Yuma is 190 miles. On this portion of the route the grass, though not abundant, is yet sufficient for the maintainance of trains and herds.--(See Journal.) Few Indians on the route, and they not dangerous. The mail train between these points consists of three men. Fort Yuma is situated on the west bank of the Great Colorado of the West, and just opposite the junction of the Gila with that stream. There is a splendid large ferry-boat on the Colorado here, sufficient to cross a six-horse stage. The river is about as large as the Ohio at Wheeling. This portion of the road is travelled considerably by Californians who carry on mining operations in the Gadsden Purchase. It is the opinion of all who have seen that region that it possesses the finest silver mines in the world, together with fine quantities of gold on the streams north of the Gila. These mines are now little known and but slightly valued, because of the proximity of the Indians, and their remoteness from mining facilities. 6. From Fort Yuma to Carissa creek is 95 miles. This section embraces the “great bugbear” known as the “Great Colorado Desert.” Between the two points there are three watering places on the direct route, whilst there are others that may be reached by a slight deflection. The mail party here consists of two men. 7. From Carissa creek to San Diego is 85 miles, its whole extent. This is by a new route, and at present not open to wagons its whole extent, but which, by a little work in the mountain passes, can be made an excellent road. The mail is now carried over this new route. The old route, over which the stages have to pass, is 125 miles. Over this section the mail is carried by a single person. * * * * * Transcriber’s note Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice. Inconsistencies in italics, spelling, and hyphenization have been standardized. Spelling has been retained as originally published except for the changes below.