10115, 10116. (letter) Hd'qrs. Camp McPherson, A.T., April 30th, 1868, 1st Lieut. Thomas F. Wright, A.A.A.G. Dist of Arizona, Tucson, A.T.

Hd ' qrs. Camp McPherson, A. T. April 30th, 1868 1st Lieut. Thomas F. Wright A. A. A.G. Dist. of Arizona Tucson, A. T. Sir: In compliance with G. O. No. 2, Hd ' qrs. Dist. of Arizona March 28th, 1868- directing that Commanders of Posts at which buildings are being erected or replaced, will report monthly as to the progress of the work. I have the honor to submit the following . In pursuance with verbal orders of the Dept. Commander given Dec. 22nd, 1867 a stone house was begun on the 1st of January last, and during the present month has been completed. The following are its dimensions— Length ( inside) 100 feet Width (inside) 22 feet Height of walls 12 feet The material used in its construction were, for the walls & floor, rough stones, such as are found in the vicinity of the post, for the roof, shingles, for the partitions, " adobes . " The stone house is of ample capacity to shelter the entire post supply of Q. M. & Subsistence Stores. The building is in every respect an excellent one, and has been constructed entirely by the labor of the troops . The lumber expended in its construction was furnished upon Requisition approved by Bvt. Maj. Gen. McDowell. During the past month a Carpenter and Blacksmith Shop has been, built, (14 X 14ft.) . Materials used for walls, stone , for roofs, mud cement. The Mens Quarters are built of split logs set upright in the ground and covered with shelter tents. These rude huts were erected during the past winter and are now in use . The dimensions of each are, length, 16 ft., width, 7 ft. ; designed to accommodate eight (8) men. The officers of the post are living in tents. During the past, the garrison, were much afflicted with malarious diseases. It is believed that the sickness was , in part, due to the fact, that the post is located in too proximity to the bed of Date Creek. In obedience to orders from Bvt. Brig. Gen. Devin, Comdr. close Sect. Hd ' qrs. Camp McPherson, April 30th, 1868 Continued— Dept. I am now engaged in removing the quarters of the officers and men to a more elevated, and what is hoped will prove a more healthy location, on a mesa one hundred yards distant from the present camp. There is no growing timber in the vicinity of the post, from which suitable sticks can be obtained for the frames and beams necessary in building adobe houses. If a few thousand feet of sawed lumber could be furnished, the changes now in progress would be very materially forwarded, and at the same time the conditions of the garrison changed from a situation of positive discomfort , to one approaching its opposite . respectfully, Very obd't servt., Your W. Davis, 14th Infantry, Capt . Comd 'g. Post.