It is very doubtful if he will be able to find a wagon road to that river below Fort Mojave. Six wagons have already come here from that point, and report a good road.

I judge the number of miners is about the same as that last summer, when General Clark was here; probably more of them Americans than at that time. Large numbers have come here from California, and returned, not being able to procure provisions. The trains with us sell their loading readily and at good prices. There is no flour here excepting what they bring. It sells at $30 per hundred.

There is great scarcity of water in the mining districts, having had no rains as yet. Those having claims think they will do well if they get water.

The Tonto Apaches have stolen a number of horses from the miners the past two weeks. I apprehend some trouble with them on account of it. Ten men of Captain Hargrave's company (C), First California Volunteers, were left at Fort Wingate, they being at the time of our departure on escort duty at Fort Canby. I would respectfully request that they may be ordered to join their company as soon as practicable.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD B. WILLIS,

Major First California Infantry.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, December 22, 1863.

Major General WILLIAM B. FRANKLIN,

Commanding Troops in Western Louisiana, New Iberia:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that assurances may be given to such of the regiments as re-enlist as veterans that they shall be permitted to go home and have a furlough of thirty days in their States within their present term of service, and that these furloughs to a regiment in a body will commence immediately, and be continued at the rate of at least two regiments every thirty days.

Blanks have been prepared here, and will, go up to you to-morrow.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[CHAS. P. STONE.]

Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, December 22, 1863.

Major General WILLIAM B. FRANKLIN,

Commanding Troops in Western Louisiana, New Iberia:

GENERAL: Colonel Molineux is appointed commissioner for Major-General Banks to meet commissioner of Major-General Taylor at Red River Landing on the 1st of January, 1864, or as soon thereafter as practicable to both commissioners.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[CHAS. P. STONE.]

Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.