40

At a slight additional expense, the river might be made navigable throughout the year. There are nine shoals below Austin, in each of which the depth of water could be increased several inches by slight wing dams, except that near and above Columbus,. where the object would be accomplished by excavating thirty or forty feet in soft, soap stone.

The improvement of the Colorado would reduce the annual expense of transporting supplies in this department by at least $20,000.

Should the government remove the raft, the inhabitants of the valley of the Colorado would probably complete the opening of the river. More, than $20.,000 has been subscribed for that purpose.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. E. JOHNSTON.

Col. J. J. ALERT,

Chief Corps Topographical Engineers.

QUARTERMASTER GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington City, June 13, 1850:

SIR:

I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of the report of Captain S. G. French, Assistant Quartermaster, in relation to the road opened between San Antonio, Texas, and El Paso del: Norte, required by a resolution of the Senate dated 8th instant.

I remain, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. THOMAS,

Lieut. Col., Q. M. in charge of the office

Hon. GEO. W. CRAWFORD,

Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER'S OFFICE,.
San Antonio, Texas, December 21, 1849.

A report in relation to. the route over which the government train moved from San Antonio to El Paso del Norte, made in pursuance to orders. received from Major E. B. Babbitt, As Q. M. U. S. A.,. dated: May 30 ,1 1849.

S. G. FRENCH,

Captain and A Q. M.

In February last, Lieutenant Whiting, of the Engineers, and Lieutenant W. F. Smith, Topographical Engineers, left San Antonio for Paso del Norte, to explore the country, arid ascertain if it were possible to open a road for military and commercial purposes between: the two places. During their absence, the train to transport the government stores and the property of a battalion of the 3d infantry to El Paso was got in readiness, and ordered to proceed by way of Fredericksburg; but, when on the eve of starting, the return of the engineers, and their favorable report, induced the general commanding to change the route, and directions were