An understanding existed between Mr. Birch and myself, that your department desired to have the new mail service commence at once, and to have it pushed, if possible, to an early and vigorous success. It had been from the first determined to spare neither money nor labor, if either, or both combined, could by any possibility produce the desired result. I had determined to go myself over the road and back again, in as short a period of time as was consistent with the proper discharge of my duties as superintendent. I had planned to leave San Antonio on the 1st of August for El Paso, with a train consisting of coaches, mules, rations, arms, men and general equipment, to be placed on that portion of our road situated in Arizona Territory, between El Paso and the Pimos villages. I had further planned to reach El Paso in season to purchase the necessary mules with which to carry forward, in person, the mail for San Diego of 9th August. This mail I estimated would overtake me on the 21st or 22d at the last named place.] _July 29._--After examining the subject thoroughly for several days past, I saw but one way in which to bring about the results I had in view within the time required. This was to purchase or hire the entire stock of mules and coaches used on the San Antonio and Santa Fé line, owned and run by G. H. Giddings, of San Antonio. Mr. Giddings had treated me with every possible consideration, and during the time I had been in San Antonio had rendered me as much assistance as though he had had a personal interest in the success of the enterprise. On the 26th I opened to him the matter of this purchase which I desired to make, and to-day made a conditional purchase of all the mules, coaches, and other property used on his mail route. The bringing of this property under my superintendence, in conjunction with the stock I had already purchased, would enable me to perform our mail service of twice a month, and also Mr. Giddings’ contract of once a month, with less stock than if the two lines had been run separately. One of the most advantageous features of this arrangement with Mr. Giddings was his agreement to go to El Paso with the mail of August 9, there to remain as agent of this line during my necessary absence in California. _July 31._--This morning I despatched the train of coaches, men, and supplies, referred to July 29. I shall take this train with me, and distribute it along the road wherever it is needed, principally to the west of El Paso. This train, the fourth that had gone from San Antonio, and the third one I had sent off, consisted of three coaches and harness; seventeen men well armed with rifles, and a Colt’s pistol to each; thirty-eight mules; about four thousand pounds weight of rations, and equipments for the upper end of the line; ten saddles and accoutrements; also all the smaller articles usually sent forward in one of our mail trains.