favorable consideration of the General-in-Chief and War Department. I was very anxious to have the exporation for aroad east from Fort Boise to the Forks of the Missouri made during the next summer, but under the circumstances I have authorized General Alvord to use his discretion on the subject.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
March 31, 1864.

Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Totten, Chief of Engineers, for remarks. To be returned.

By ordedr of Major-General Halleck:

J. C. KELTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Second indorsement.]

ENGINEER DEPARTMENT,

April 2, 1864.

The recommendation of the Chief of Engineers of the 10th of November, 1863, was conditional, dependent upon the time when officers and troops should be spared for the resumption of exploration in the Upper Missouri.

By order of General Totten:

I. C. WOODRUFF,

Major of Engieners, Assistant and Bureau.

[Third indorsement.]

APRIL 2, 1864.

General Avord's views approved.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

[Fourth indorsement.]

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

April 4, 1864.

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.

W. A. NICHOLS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Fifth indorsement.]

WAR DEPARTMENT,

April 6, 1864.

General Halleck's orders are approved.

By order of the Secretary of War:

ED. R. S. CANBY,

Brigadier-General and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, March 5, 1864.

Brigadier General B. ALVORD, U. S. Volunteers,

Commanding District of Oregon:

GENERAL: Your letter of the 20th ultimo, requesting authority to place troops in the field, &c., having been submitted to the general