[From the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, Series I, vol. 50, Parts 1 and 2]

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[OR I-50-1, pp. 381-385]

JULY 20-AUGUST 17, 1864.—Expedition from Fort Boise to Boonville, Idaho Ter.

Report of Col. Reuben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry.

Headquarters,

Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., August 19, 1864.

            Sir : As indicated in letter of 19th July, I left this post on the next day, relinquishing temporarily the command to Captain Seidenstriker, and joined Lieutenant Funk in camp some six miles from Boonville (Owyhee mines). Moved next day to the immediate vicinity of Boonville, and on ascertaining that the party of citizens referred to in letter of 19th had left some six or seven days previously for the Indian camp, from which the first party had been repulsed with the loss of Jordan, a prominent resident of Boonville, distant only forty miles, I determined to lay over the next day with hopes of learning by express directly from them, and to learn by inquiry, if possible, something of the country and obtain the services of some one who had been through it. Failing in both instances, and acting upon the conclusion that the Indians had left the camp referred to and had scattered, proceeding most probably west, I resumed the march on the 24th, going down Jordan Creek, west from Boonville some twelve miles. Here the detachment sent with Captain Currey's supplies joined us. Leaving it and pursuing a southwest course, with the calculation of passing the camp where Jordan was killed some forty or fifty miles to the west, and expecting to strike the Owyhee River 100 miles above the mouth of Jordan Creek and 175 or 200 from its mouth, then to turn east if I failed to discover the Indians or their sign, and search the waters of Middle River (Bruneau) ; thence north to Ruby City or Boonville. Previous to dispatching the force from the post I had requested, through the citizens who made the representations upon which I acted in outfitting the expedition, that they would not make any demonstrations against the Indian camp until a force sufficient to destroy them could be concentrated; that to get them to fight in considerable force was very desirable; that a premature movement might render the efforts of the military, as well as citizens, valueless ; that I would take force and material sufficient, I thought, to beat any party of Indians that could possibly be in that part of the country, however strong their position might be naturally. We continued the march at the rate of ten to fifteen miles per day, examining particularly with scouts the cañons of the streams that flow to the west (our right), and the mountains that divide the waters that run directly to Snake River and the Owyhee (our left). The cavalry performing this duty traveled daily from twenty-five to thirty miles, the country being generally well watered and grass abundant, though terribly rocky and cut up with immense cañons. These running across our course generally, and frequently at the points first touched, impassable for footmen even, gave us much trouble. No Indian trails, old or new, being discovered, showed that the country ahead was rough, if not impracticable ; but thinking that when they did move from fear they could not find a more suitable country for defense, I preserved the course first determined upon as closely as possible, keeping up the examination of the country on either side. After making some seventy- five miles old signs became quite common, and on the evening of the 30th a scouting party discovered fresh signs on a mountain thickly covered with cedar. (The Owyhee here bends east almost to the foot of the mountains, the foothills and narrow strip of table-land bordering the river being cut every mile or two by cañons, some of which we found utterly impassable.) The party proved to be small, and were camped nearly on the summit of the mountain. The camp was deserted with their meals on the fire, leaving also behind the usual appendages of Indian camps—dogs and skins.

            The next morning the scouting party to the right discovered the same Indians, six men and—women, in their flight from the party on the left. Pursuit was made immediately, necessarily on foot, but the Indians succeeded in outfooting the party from one to another of the many cañons that enter the main Owyhee here. Thorough search was made of all, but we failed to discover them. Not having any animals with them made it more difficult to trace them. The effort being abandoned, and feeling satisfied that they were not (on account of the absence of animals and evidences of the sign in the vicinity) any portion of the main party of which we hoped to discover a sign, we continued our course, though to keep it we were compelled to make a detour north of east some fifteen miles in order to pass these cañons. On again obtaining our course we struck in the evening the return trail of the citizens. Two or three miles to the east we found also their outward trail. From indications in this vicinity I concluded that they had overtaken the Indians and dispersed them. Heavy showers of rain having fallen since their attack prevented any discovery of signs indicating the route by which the Indians escaped, though I concluded on reasonable grounds that they had gone to the Humboldt or Queen's River Mountains, and having reached a point as far south as I expected to go, and from the nature of the force with me, mostly infantry, and from all the attendant circumstances, that it would require several weeks with a force capable of moving more rapidly than that with me to discover their hiding place, I determined, with much disappointment, to move east to determine if possible whether any part of the original band had gone to the waters that flow directly to Snake River, thence north to Boonville, thinking perhaps some might yet be concealed in the mountains. From this camp, distant about 100 miles south of the mouth of Jordan Creek, the Snow Mountains (Steen's) were plainly visible to the northwest, the Queen's River to the west, the Humboldt to the southwest, and the Goose Creek to the south. To the east the mountains break into high table-land, covered with volcanic rock and sage brush, with good grass in frequent places. Our camp was near, I think, the forty-second parallel of latitude, the country in every direction presenting the same general character. Here was the only crossing of the Owyhee accessible to animals that we had found, and in one instance only besides that, a foot-trail to the river, the bed of which, when seen from the tops of the immense walls that inclose it, looks like a small brook. We reached this camp August 2, and reconnoitered sufficiently to determine the condition of affairs. I marched east on the 3d, crossing, as usual, many terrific cañons. A great many old Indian trails and camps were seen, but none presented any evidence of use for the last ten or twelve months. Most of the trails—all, in fact, that were well defined—coming from the south and east and centering toward the crossing of the Owyhee referred to. In all the camps were evidences of much stock having been butchered. On this day (the 3d) we marched some eighteen miles, keeping up, as usual, vigilant scouting, without any discoveries more than those referred to above.

            On the 4th scouting parties reported the discovery of the camp where Jordan was killed. I moved to it and camped for the day with a view to determine the probable number who had occupied it, as well as to ascertain if possible whether the band had separated and pursued different routes. Scouting parties of the cavalry under Lieutenants White and Hobart were kept busy the balance of the day, while the camp and its vicinity were minutely examined by the infantry, from all of which I concluded that no separation had taken place ; that there were in the band from 300 to 400 men, women, and children, the latter undoubtedly largely predominating, with not to exceed twenty-five head of horses and mules. Evidences, however, of the butchery of many of recent dates were found in this as well as the camp occupied previously. The flight from the camp was evidently precipitated, and took place some four or five days after the killing of Jordan. From this camp we marched northeast through the mountains and struck the head of Jordan Creek above Silver City on the 8th. Went into camp near Boonville; determined on account of reports from Camas Prairie and Salmon Falls that I could not, as previously expected, establish a camp in Jordan Creek Valley, the limited number of men under my control not permitting attention to both at the same time, while the settlements on the prairie and the travel by Salmon Falls, on account of their proximity and general disposition of the force of the district, were more directly under my charge. Rested one day in camp near Boonville and resumed the march, intending to go on the Lower Owyhee in the vicinity of the fisheries, thinking that the operations of Captain Currey might have driven some from the Malheur to them. On inspection of the infantry I found them all quite or nearly barefooted, having worn out two pairs of shoes each in twenty-days' march. With the exception of the camp at Boonville, the command did not sleep two nights in any one camp. I directed the infantry to proceed to Fort Boise under command of Lieutenant Funk, and proceeded with Lieutenants White and Hobart and twenty-four men of the cavalry to the fisheries, which we reached on the night of the 12th, making a night march to them with the hope of surprising any party that might be there. Reached their old camps quietly, but found that they had not only not been occupied since last February or March, when they left on account of the approach of Major Rinearson with troops, but that not an Indian had visited that part of the river since. We examined the country for several miles up and down the river without the discovery of any sign except that of the last winter. Found a mule which was abandoned by Major Rinearson's party and two Indian ponies and the fresh sign of two head of cattle. The latter no doubt were abandoned by the Indians in their flight last spring. They were wilder, if possible, than deer, and after spending the best part of a day in ineffectual efforts to capture them returned to camp and left next morning, August 14, for Fort Boise, which we reached at daylight on morning of 17th, making a night march of thirty-five miles across the desert between Snake River and the Boise on account of the heat and scarcity of water. We were absent twenty-eight days. No casualties or untoward events of any nature occurred during the trip. The spirit and endurance of officers and men were highly satisfactory and commendable. I have been thus particular, at the risk of being tedious on account of uninteresting details, in order that the general may understand why the expedition failed to accomplish the wished-for results—the destruction of the band of Indians, as well as our efforts to deserve better success.

            Although as I learned after my return to Boonville that the party of citizens returned the evening of the morning upon which I left Jordan Creek, I was not apprised of the information they had acquired or their conclusion as to where the Indians had gone. Members of the party informed me that previous to their overtaking the party which they attacked the band had separated, the one which they followed taking all the stock so far as they could determine, the other party going southeast, traces of which we failed to discover on account of the heavy showers of rain before alluded to. The party killed and scalped according to their own account thirty-five. The scalps were brought in. The number of men killed is stated by different parties from 2 to 7, remainder women and children. Some few men were seen to escape at the first attack which took place about 5 p. m. I could not learn that there was any large number of men. After dark the citizens retired, having lost 2 men killed. The next morning the entire party had disappeared, and pursuit was not attempted. Infants were thrown against rocks and killed. The circumstances of our difficulties with these savages are no doubt very aggravating, but their conduct is no palliation for brutalizing our own race. I conclude that if the general belief as to the number of men belonging to the band, say 125, is correct, which I think is very near correct, and that if the band divided, that the party attacked was composed of the women and children, with only a very few men ; also that these Indians are the same which Major Rinearson disturbed last March at the fisheries of the Lower Owyhee; that there was not, except the small party referred to before, any other Indians on the east side of the Owyhee from its mouth to the most southern point reached by us, and that these crossed to the west side, leaving the vicinity of the river. I shall keep the cavalry here busy.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. F. MAURY,

Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,

            Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.

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[OR I-50-1, pp. 386-390]

AUGUST 27-OCTOBER 6, 1864.—Expedition from Fort Boise to Salmon Falls,

Idaho Ter., with skirmishes.

REPORTS.

            No. 1.—Col. Reuben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry.

            No. 2.—Lieut. Charles Hobart, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding expedition.

            No. 3.—Lieut. Charles F. West, First Washington Territory Infantry.

No. 1.

Reports of Col. Reuben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry.

Headquarters,

Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., September 17, 1864.

            Sir : Letters to the 14th have been received from Lieutenant Hobart. He was then with the cavalry of his command at Three Islands, about thirty miles below Salmon Falls, and was hastening by night marches to the Upper Bruneau, where he had been informed, through a prisoner captured on the 13th, of a camp of fifteen or twenty lodges with considerable stock. On the 13th the lieutenant found and attacked a considerable camp above the Three Islands, killing five men and wounding others. They were a party that had lately stolen some flour, &c., at the crossing of the Malade River. The flour was found in their camp. I have heretofore neglected to mention that Lieutenant Hobart while en route to Salmon Falls met Mr. Z. Van Orman, the uncle of the Van Orman children, with one of the children—supposed to be—(he obtained it, I think, through the Indian agent. Salt Lake, last winter), and employed him as guide and interpreter. His familiarity with their language, as well as personal knowledge of many Indians, makes him of great service. The Indian killed was from the Owyhee. I hope to hear in a few days the result of Lieutenant Hobart's visit to the Bruneau. The activity and zeal of Lieutenant Hobart and command deserve credit and commendation. Lieutenant West with most of the infantry had gone up Snake River expecting to reach the Great Falls and Rock Creek, where some small thefts have been reported.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. F. MAURY,

Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.

First Lieut. John W. Hopkins,

            First Oregon Cavalry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.,

                        Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.

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Headquarters,

Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., September 23, 1864.

            Sir : Letters to the 16th instant have been received from Lieutenant Hobart. He was then a few miles above the mouth of Bruneau River, where he had found a camp of thirty or forty Indians on an island. By night marching he had surprised it, and throwing a shell in its midst at daylight succeeded in driving them from the island, where eight of the party were killed. Their camp and considerable plunder were destroyed. From Lieutenant Hobart's dispatches I am confirmed in the opinion that the Indians who have usually resorted to the Upper Owyhee at his season to hunt and fish, have sought the Snake River to avoid the movements of Captain Currey's command. The river was searched equally as closely in 1862 and 1863 as now, but there are evidently many more Indians on it now than then. The lieutenant expected to move rapidly to the head of Bruneau Valley, but it is feared that the escape of some during the last skirmish may alarm the camp supposed to be there in time to enable them to make their escape. The overland escort has been heard from this side of Salmon Falls. All well, and will probably reach this place in a few days.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. F. MAURY,

Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.

First Lieut. J. W. Hopkins,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.

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Headquarters,

Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., September 28, 1864.

            Sir: Nothing direct has been received from Lieutenant Hobart's command since my advices of the 23d instant. Reports have, however, reached me that the Lieutenant himself with his mounted men was in the vicinity of a camp of about seventy-five Indians who had offered him battle. This is supposed to be in the valley of the Bruneau, Other reports say that in the conflict which ensued twenty or twenty-five Indians were killed. Lieutenant West had returned to Rock Creek near the Great Falls in consequence of information that more stock had been stolen, probably by the lower party that took the cattle of the Overland Mail Company. The information is that he had discovered their camp and was preparing to attack it. These are only reports, but in the absence of direct information, and knowing the anxiety that will be felt for these small parties, I have thought it best to mention them. Directions have been forwarded to Lieutenant Hobart in obedience to Special Orders, No. 117, current series, from district headquarters. Previous to the reception of this it was in contemplation to keep the command out till 1st November or after. Depredations were extensive and serious last winter by Indians from the west of Snake River. I think they will be equally as bad, if not worse, the coming winter. The means of preventing or punishing for such depredations are totally inadequate.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. F. MAURY,

Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.

Lieut. John W. Hopkins,

            First Oregon Cavalry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,

                        District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.

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Headquarters,

Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., October 12, 1864.

            Sir : I have the honor to forward herewith the reports of Lieutenant Hobart's operations in the vicinity of Salmon Falls, on the west side of Snake River. The conduct of officers (Lieutenants Hobart and West) and men is satisfactory and commendable. The expedition was not so completely effective as was in the first place anticipated, on account of the necessity for their return to this post in accordance with orders to join Captain Currey's command. Lieutenant Hobart's views in regard to the Indians west of Snake River accord fully with my own, and I ask the serious attention of the general to them. The force here is less, certainly not more, than the most ordinary prudence would consider essential for the care and protection of the property at the post. Already reports have reached me of depredations on the Malheur River, near the emigrant road, In the loss of some sixteen head of horses stolen by Indians, and also the loss of several men on the west side of the Owyhee River, on the Humboldt road, a few days after the evacuation of Camp Alvord. Governor Lyon has made a treaty with those who have been living during the summer, through my permission and protection, on the Upper Boise, and I hope to be able to collect the 200 or 300 who have been in the vicinity of Camas Prairie in time to meet him when he visits that section. These treaties, as removing many difficulties in settling a new country, are very desirable, but without reservations and a small appropriation for their support and means of cultivating the soil they cannot have any very great effect upon the preservation of peace. However, except by misunderstanding, I do not anticipate any difficulty with either of these bands.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. F. MAURY,

Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,

            Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.

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No. 2.

Report of Lieut. Charles Hobart, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding expedition.

Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., October 8, 1864.

            Sir: I have the honor to report that in conformity with orders received from the commanding officer of Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., I started on an expedition against the Snake Indians. The expedition consisted of twenty-one cavalry and twenty-eight infantry, the latter under command of Second Lieut. Charles F. West, First Washington Territory Infantry. We left Fort Boise on the 27th of August and arrived at Salmon Falls Creek, on the south side of Snake River, distant 123 miles from Fort Boise, on the 7th day of September. Soon after arriving I learned that parties of Indians had been stealing stock from near the ferry above Salmon Falls, and that on the night before I arrived fifteen head of mules had been stolen from a man named McFarland, thirteen of which had been recovered. I started a party of men under command of Sergeant Wood, of Company A, First Oregon Cavalry. He followed on the trail of the missing stock and came upon the Indians on the north side of the river about twenty-five miles above Salmon Falls, and succeeded in killing three warriors, one of whom I have since learned was named Ebigon, a medicine man among the Owyhee tribes, and in recapturing 1 mule, 1 horse, and a work ox. On the return of Sergeant Wood I sent the surplus stores and supplies to a place on the north side of Snake River nearly opposite Salmon Falls, leaving in charge a party of eight of the infantry, reserving twenty days' rations for eighteen cavalry and four infantry, which were mounted on mules, and reserving fifteen days' rations for fifteen infantry who were to start with Lieutenant West. Lieutenant West was instructed to proceed up Snake River to the Shoshone Falls ; from there to the head of Rock Creek and the adjoining country. Lieutenant West's report is herewith respectfully transmitted. I left the Salmon Falls Creek and camped at Salmon Falls. Started next morning at 2 o'clock, and about daylight came upon the remainder of the Indians of Ebigon's band, and in a running fight killed six and wounded some who escaped across Snake River, and who I learn have since died. After being sixteen hours in the saddle we camped at Mountain Camp. The next day we had one or two slight skirmishes with the Indians and succeeded in killing one and wounding another. We camped that night at the Three Islands, and early next morning sent parties up on both sides of Snake River to capture parties of Indians who had fired at us from the opposite side of the river. After the return of these parties, without being able to accomplish their object, having received information that a party of Indians were on an island in the river ten miles below us, I started at 1 in the morning, and succeeded in killing eight of them. I had them surrounded, and had it not been for the haste and excitement of the men sent on the east side of the river would have killed the whole party. After returning to Three Islands I started for the Bruneau, having learned from the statements of prisoners that a large party of Indians was there. I marched at night and reached the Bruneau at daylight, but found that the Indians had left. Returning to Salmon Falls from the Bruneau, I had intended to make a trip to the Goose Creek Mountains, but receiving orders to return to Fort Boise, I arrived there on the 5th of October. In conclusion, I would state that it is my opinion and firm belief that most of the Indians have established their winter quarters in the Goose Creek Mountains, and that from that point they will totally deprive the country of stock from Fort Hall to Old's Ferry, unless measures are promptly taken to prevent their movements.

            I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES HOBART,

First Lieutenant, First Oregon Cavalry.

First Lieut. F. B. White,

            Adjutant First Oregon Cavalry, Fort Boise, Idaho Ter.

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No. 3.

Report of Lieut. Charles F. West, First Washington Territory Infantry.

Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., October 1, 1864.

            Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of my action whilst in command of a detachment from your command:

            On the 13th September after leaving Salmon Falls Creek I went with a detachment of fifteen men of my company and camped that night on a creek about nine miles distant. Next day continued traveling up Snake River, camping at the point where the emigrant road runs down to the river; distance, twelve miles. [On the] 15th marched about sixteen miles up Snake River, where I found it impracticable to get any farther, as the river runs into a deep cañon, where neither men nor animals could get a foothold. At this place I found four lodges quite recently vacated. On the 16th retraced my steps and endeavored to go up a creek called Rock Creek, but found it impossible to get the animals through on account of the roughness of the place. I therefore had to return to my camp of the 14th instant, as no chance to get out of the cañon presented itself before. On the 17th got out of the cañon and went to the station known as Canyon Station, on Rock Creek ; distance, about fourteen miles. On the 18th continued traveling up Rock Creek, and at night camped above the next station ; distance, nineteen miles. On the 19th left the animals at camp, but sent a party up Dry Creek to see if any signs of Indians could be discovered about that place. The party returned about 9 p. m. without success. On the 20th sent a party out to some prominent points of the road to the right, whilst I went to the left toward Snake River. Both parties returned to camp on the next day equally unsuccessful. As my rations were giving out I commenced retracing my steps. On the 21st camped on the crossing of Rock Creek, and on the 22d on Snake River. Whilst camped at the crossing of Rock Creek I went with a detachment of men over to the falls, situate about six miles due north from the crossing of the creek. Found them to be three falls, the first of twenty feet, the second about twenty-five feet, and the third ninety-six feet, making a total fall of 141 feet. On the 23d returned to Salmon Falls. Whilst there I received information that on the day after my departure a lot of stock had been run off from the upper station on Rock Creek. I made my arrangements to start back that night, but on examination I found nearly all my mules barefooted, and as Captain Crawford kindly offered me the services of his blacksmith, I laid over until next day at noon. I arrived at Rock Creek with nine men on same day at noon ; distance, forty-five miles. About 9 a. m. next day started up Rock Creek and traveled about twenty miles above the station, but found nothing to induce me to believe that the cattle had been run in that direction. I returned about six miles and turned up a creek running into Rock Creek, but found no signs whatever. I camped there that night, and on the 26^th made over the hills in the direction of a fire that had been started that morning. I found, however, that it had been made by a couple of men who had started out the night before in quest of the cattle. These men found the cattle about eight miles from camp and returned with them to the station at Rock Creek. I therefore retraced my steps to the station, and thence to Salmon Falls, arriving at the latter place on the 28th instant. I am under many obligations to Capt. Le Roy Crawford, assistant quartermaster, commanding emigrant escort, for his kindness in furnishing me with saddles, &c., and for shoeing my mules on my return to Rock Creek.

            I have the honor, sir, to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. F. WEST,

Second Lieut., First Washington Ter. Infty., Comdg. Detachment.

First Lieut. Charles Hobart,

            Commanding Expedition Against the Snake Indians.

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[OR I-50-2, p. 886]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, July 1, 1864.

Adjutant-General of the Army,

            Washington D. C. :

            Sir: I have to report my arrival at this place on the 29th ultimo, and that I have this day assumed command of the Department of the Pacific.

            Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding Department.

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General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 31.                        )                                               San Francisco, Cal., July 1, 1864.

            1. Pursuant to General Orders, No. 201, from the War Department, Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell this day assumes command of the department.

            2. Brig. Gen. George Wright will continue in command of the District of California, headquarters at Sacramento.

            3. The department staff will until further orders remain as at present, with the exception of Lieut. Col. E. B. Babbitt, deputy quartermaster-general, chief of the quartermaster's department, who has been relieved by Special Orders, No. 195, current series, from the War Department. He will be succeeded by Maj. R. W. Kirkham, who is announced as chief of the quartermaster's department, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.

            4. The following officers are aides-de-camp to Major-General McDowell, viz: Capt. Franklin Haven, additional aide-de-camp; Capt. James D. W. Cutting, additional aide-de-camp.

            By command of Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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[OR I-50-2, pp. 887-888]

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., near Great Salt Lake City, July 1, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,

            Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco. Cal.:

            Colonel : I have the honor and the pleasure to report for the information of the department commander that affairs in this district have assumed and still maintain a most peaceful and propitious aspect. The policy pursued toward the Indians has had a most happy effect. That policy, as you are aware, involved certain and speedy punishment for past offenses, compelling them to sue for a suspension of hostilities, and on the resumption of peace, kindness and leniency toward the redskins. They fully understand that honesty and peace constitute their best and safest policy. In consequence every chief of any importance in the district has given in his adhesion with profuse promises of future good conduct. Throughout the length and breadth of the Territory peace exists with all the wandering and heretofore savage and marauding bands. During the past winter and spring at various times the several chiefs and petty leaders have visited Camp Douglas, where they have been kindly received and hospitably treated by the command. In default of ability on the part of the Indian Department to provide fully for their wants, and also in pursuance of what was esteemed sound policy, I have from time to time distributed among them small quantities of provisions, such as flour, sugar, &c., to meet their immediate necessities, and in testimony of the good will of the military authorities toward them as long as they behave themselves and manifest a peaceful disposition. As a marked instance of the beneficial results and effects of the policy pursued I beg leave to invite your attention to the inclosed official report of Major Gallagher, commanding Fort Bridger, relative to the restoration of nineteen head of horses stolen last year from miners near Beaver Head by a wandering baud of Shoshones. Measures have been taken to enable the owners of the stock to prove property and reclaim it. So far, then, as Indian matters are concerned I have to report peace throughout the Territory, and except the continued and frequent violation of the anti-polygamic law of Congress by the Mormons, and a covert and deep-rooted hostility to the Government by the leaders, affairs in this Territory may be said to be wearing a cheerful aspect beyond any former period. Instances of outrages upon unsuspecting and innocent emigrants by Indians and whites which so long disgraced this Territory are of very rare occurrence, if indeed they have not ceased entirely. This peaceful and happy condition of affairs has enabled me to pursue most vigorously the policy heretofore indicated of settling the Mormon question by peaceful means in the early development of the undoubtedly rich mineral wealth of the Territory. Wherever it could be done without interference with military duties, commanders of companies and posts have been directed to allow parties of soldiers to prospect the country and open its mines. Such disposition of the force under my command as would insure protection to citizens (miners) throughout the Territory against threatened interference by the Mormons has been made, and the country already feels the beneficial influences resulting from such a course. Miners and others, Gentiles, are flocking hither in considerable numbers, and the day is not far distant when a loyal Gentile population, acting in concert with the now oppressed but dissatisfied saints, will peacefully revolutionize the odious system of church domination which has so long bound down a deluded and ignorant community and threatened the peace and welfare of the people and country. You will permit me, however, to add that the present state of affairs and future prospects are predicated upon the presence and continuance of an ample force of military in this district. If from any cause the quota of troops in this Territory should be withdrawn or permitted to fall much below the number now here the result would be disastrous indeed. The Indians incited by bad white men could not be relied on to maintain peace toward the emigration, the old system of church despotism would revive in tenfold vigor, the working of mines by Gentiles or disenthralled Mormons would be checked, if not entirely stopped, and the Territory would lapse again into its normal condition of disloyalty and abject subserviency to a traitorous church organization and open and avowed treason to the national Government. I have also the pleasure to report that the crops of the Territory are in a most prosperous condition, and a bountiful harvest beyond any former precedent is confidently anticipated. It is an axiom of political economy that a people raised above poverty and want with pecuniary independence opened cannot long remain in ignorance and the abject tools of despotism.

            I have the honor to remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

Fort Bridger, Wash. Ter., June 20, 1864.

Capt. M. G. Lewis,

            Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Utah :

            Sir: I have the honor to report to the general commanding that one of Washakee's Indians, named Wo-an-gant, brought to this post yesterday nineteen horses which had been stolen and delivered them into my charge, making the following statement: He says that being out hunting in the Wind River Mountains he came to four lodges of Indians, and that they are a branch of the Snake tribe called by the Shoshones, Sheepeaters. They informed him that they had stolen twenty-three horses from white men who were mining or prospecting some two months before near Beaver Head. This Indian says he told them that a treaty had been made with the whites last summer, which was the first information they had of it. They delivered up to him twenty horses (three having got away from them) to be brought by him to Fort Bridger. One of the horses was kept by one of Washakee's Indians, which I think I can get. Nineteen of the horses are here, which I shall keep until I know the wishes of the general in regard to them.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. A. GALLAGHER,

Major Third California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 889-890]

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah, near Great Salt Lake City, July 3, 1864.

[Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum:]

            Colonel: I have the honor to inform the department commander that I have recently become cognizant of a persistent effort on the part of a few merchants and traders doing business in Great Salt Lake City to institute a forced change in the currency of the Territory, viz, from national Treasury notes to gold coin. Without knowing whether the movement had its origin in a desire to depreciate the national currency, and to this extent weaken the arm of Government, or in the selfish greed for gain, or, as is most probable, both combined, my first impulse was to arrest the originators on the first overt act to that end, and crush out at once and forever so unpatriotic and suicidal a policy. I have, however, on reflection, deemed it proper to submit the facts to the department commander, and ask for specific instructions on the subject should the attempt be actually made. You are respectfully informed that up to this time the only currency of the Territory has been that established by the Government—legal-tender notes—and notwithstanding the product of northern mines, in dust, there is not sufficient gold and silver coin in the Territory to suffice for one day's need in commerce, trade, and barter.

            The only effect of the forcible measures threatened to be inaugurated by the merchants would therefore be to depreciate to an enormous extent the current value of the national currency, and disseminate among a suspicious people the opinion that the Government was fast going to pieces, and its pledged securities little better than blank paper. The efforts of bad men among them to sneer at the impotence of the Government and depreciate it in any manner would be furthered, and our great nation become a byword and reproach among a deluded community, already deeply inoculated with enmity and disloyalty toward it. In almost every other community the inevitable laws of trade would check and prevent the inauguration of so suicidal a policy as that indicated under the circumstances existing in this Territory, but it is greatly to be feared that unless some stringent measures are authorized, a very few disloyal and greedy merchants, owing and neither feeling any allegiance to nor regard for the nation, may consummate a most disastrous stroke in the forcible change of the currency. The whole matter is respectfully submitted to the department commander for early instructions, by telegraph, if deemed advisable.

            I remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDWARD CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 893-894]

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., near Great Salt Lake City, July 9, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army,

                        Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: Referring to the letter I had the honor of addressing you on the 2d instant relative to the attempt to depreciate the national currency by inaugurating in Utah a gold and silver currency, I beg leave to state that I have had reason since that date for modifying my opinion in relation thereto and the statements therein made. I then entertained and expressed the opinion that this unpatriotic movement had no other or deeper origin than the greed or disloyalty of certain merchants in Great Salt Lake City. It has since been rendered patent to all the world that the real origin of the movement was Brigham Young, the traitor head of the Mormon Church and people. On last Sabbath in the tabernacle one of the twelve apostles, the supple tool of Brigham Young, announced to the congregation the new policy, and counseled (which is here equivalent to an order) a gold currency in contradiction to that provided by the nation. It was announced that $12 per hundred would be charged for flour, and that a convention would be called early in August to establish prices under the new policy. The next day the one article of Hour rose in our markets from $15 to $23 per hundred, and it is still rising in price. If other evidence were necessary of the deep complicity of Brigham Young in this as in all other unpatriotic movements designed to cripple the Government and lead his dupes to the very verge of treason, the following single extract from the leading editorial article in the last issue of the Deseret News, July 7, the quasi organ of the church, which draws its whole inspiration from Brigham himself, would be sufficient. The whole article is replete with economic solecism and the crudest fallacies concerning currency, and is leveled directly at the integrity of national Treasury notes. A single paragraph will suffice:

            Mechanics, laborers, producers, and all concerned will understand at a glance that we deem greenbacks the most uncertain in value of all the commodities in their possession, and we trust will govern themselves accordingly, lest, though retiring at night with pockets overflowing with currency, they awake bankrupt.

            In addition to this a daily paper has recently been started in the city, nominally under the control of T. B. H. Stenhouse, the nation's Mormon postmaster in Great Salt Lake City, but really an offshoot of the church organ. This paper, called the Telegraph, under the guise of commercial articles, as well as in its leading editorials, is daily engaged in puffing up the movement, insidiously bearing the national currency and advocating gold as the basis of trade, barter, and commerce. The word has gone forth to the people from the tabernacle, from the church organ, and its little coadjutor, while the high priest of iniquity and hypocrisy is perambulating the Territory, instilling the poison into the popular ear and striking a most fatal blow at the vital interests of the Territory, as well as at the currency of the nation. The convention will assemble early in August proximo, to more fully carry out the behests and traitorous designs of Brigham Young, a man hardly second in disloyalty and evil intent to Jeff. Davis himself. Without dwelling on the details of the effects of this unpatriotic movement, I beg leave again to ask for instructions from the department commander as to the course to be pursued, and for authority to check this most villainous undertaking of rank and deeply dyed traitors.

            I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 895-896]

Sacramento, July 11, 1864—8.30 a. m.

Col. R. C. Drum:

            Arrangements made for protection of overland stages, mounted or in carriages, on Wednesday.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General.

__________

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, July 11, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General,

                        Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :

            Colonel : Inclosed herewith is a copy of my letter of instructions to Lieutenant Knight, Second Cavalry, commanding a detachment of cavalry which will march hence to-morrow. Knight is shrewd and active, and if it is possible I think he is the man to capture those robbers.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

[Inclosure]

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, July 11, 1864.

Lieut. W. L. Knight,

            Second California Volunteer Cavalry,

                        Comdg. Detach. for Special Service, Camp Union, Sacramento:

            Sir : You have been selected to command a detachment of two noncommissioned officers and ten privates of the Second California Cavalry, detailed for special service. The object is to afford protection to the overland mail stage between Folsom and Carson City. Bands of robbers infest the whole route and have very lately stopped the stages and robbed them of treasure. The robbers are well armed and mounted. You will march from Camp Union to-morrow and proceed by the way of Folsom and Placerville to Lake Tahoe. The quartermaster's department will furnish you with one six-mule wagon, which will convey thirty days' rations for your men, two tents, and the necessary cooking utensils. See that your pistols and carbines are in order and that you have an ample supply of ammunition. On your march and after reaching the lake consult freely with the proprietors and agents of the stage company and afford every possible protection against robbery, and use your utmost exertions to arrest the robbers. You will first go through to the lake, but you can change your position to different points according to your judgment. Occasionally it may be well to throw six or eight men fully armed into the stage secretly at night. They should be in the rear stage, on the alert, ready to spring out should the advance stage be stopped. I will have arrangements made with the Overland Mail Company so that you can get forage for your animals at their different stations. Get the exact daily allowance for your horses and mules and give the agents receipts. I rely fully upon your well-known activity and energy not only to give protection to the stages, but to capture the robbers. Report to me when you change your position, and at least three times a week besides.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 899-900]

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., near Great Salt Lake City, July 12, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R, C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: For the information of the general commanding the department I have the honor to inform you that I have deemed it advisable to establish a provost guard in Great Salt Lake City, and for that purpose issued the necessary orders on the 9th instant, a copy of which has been duly forwarded to department headquarters. The main motives which at this time impelled this course are briefly as follows: The people of this Territory, under the implicit guidance of Brigham Young, are steeped in disloyalty and omit no opportunity of making display of it and injuring the Government by every means in their power. The recent gold currency movement (more fully adverted to in previous communications) has its origin in the disloyalty of the church authorities and their determination to depreciate the national currency. Wherever the arch traitor Brigham Young has been recently among the settlements instilling his poison in the minds of the people. Treasury notes are depreciated to a mere tithe of their value, and in not a few instances refused and repudiated altogether. I am in hopes that the establishment of a provost guard in the city, under the command of discreet officers, may be beneficial in its effect of checking, if not defeating altogether, the machinations of those bold, bad men. In addition to this, it has long been apparent that there was necessity for such guard to take care of soldiers visiting the city, and to prevent noisy demonstrations of disloyalty by emigrants passing through to California and Nevada.

            I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding District.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 901-902]

Camp Douglas, July 13, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General :

            Encouraged by the unfavorable news from the East, the Mormons are assuming a very hostile attitude. They have about 1,000 men under arms and are still assembling, and threaten to drive my provost guard from the city; alleged excuse for armed demonstration, the presence of the provost guard in the city. My command is much scattered, having only 300 men at this camp. If conflict takes place, which I will endeavor to avoid, can hold my position until re-enforced from neighboring Territories.

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 904]

Camp Douglas, July 15, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General:

            Finding that I am prepared to resist any attack, and knowing that the city is at the mercy of my guns and will be surely destroyed if my troops are attacked, the Mormons seem to be quieting down somewhat, although armed forces are assembling inside of Brigham's yard, and having nightly drills with artillery and infantry. My impression is that there is no immediate probability of conflict. The excitement is dying away among the masses of the people; still in many parts of the Territory the national currency is openly repudiated under the dictation of the church. The leaders are buying up from the emigrants and others all the arms and ammunition possible.

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

San Francisco, July 15, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor,

            Salt Lake City :

            The major general commanding the department approves of your determination to avoid a conflict with the Mormons. Do so by all means. Is there not some other cause than the mere presence of the guard in the city? Examine closely. Remove the guards and troops sooner than their presence should cause a war.

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 906-907]

Special Orders,            )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific;

No. 115.                      )                                               San Francisco, Cal., July 10, 1864.

* * * * * * * * * *

            5. Maj. Edward McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will proceed to Camp Douglas, near Salt Lake City, and report to Brig. Gen. P. Edward Connor, commanding District of Utah, for duty. The major will assume command of the Second Regiment of Cavalry California Volunteers. The quartermaster's department will advance to Major McGarry sufficient funds to enable him to reach his destination without delay.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 909-910]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, July 16, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor,

            Commanding District of Utah:

            General : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of July 1, reporting the peaceable state of affairs in your district, and of July 2, reporting the determination of a few Salt Lake merchants to initiate a forced change in the currency of the Territory, and requesting the instruction of the department commander in relation to the course you shall take in the matter, it having been your first impulse to crush out at once and forever so unpatriotic and suicidal a policy. Soon after the receipt of these letters came your telegrams of the 13th, received last night, and of the 15th, received today, reporting a threatened insurrection on the part of the Mormons, on the alleged pretext of the presence of the provost guard in Salt Lake City. Last night I telegraphed you in answer to yours of the 13th as follows: "The major-general commanding the department approves of your determination to avoid a conflict with the Mormons. Do so by all means. Is there not some other cause than the mere presence of the guard in the city? Examine closely. Remove the guard and troops rather than their presence should cost a war." The major-general commanding directs me to say that he has every confidence in your discretion and good Judgment, as he has in your zeal and ability, and is certain he will not have to appeal to these high qualities in vain. The condition of affairs at Salt Lake as reported by you is very critical, not only as regards your own command, but as regards this department and the whole country. The question is, are we at this time, and as we are now situated, in a condition to undertake to carry on a war against the Mormons—for any cause whatever—if it can possibly be avoided; not whether there are not matters that require to be changed, bad government and worse morals to be corrected, and the authority of the National Government to be more thoroughly enforced; but can we not pass all these by for the present, at least, and thus avoid weakening the General Government, now taxed to its utmost and struggling for its very existence. Your forces are very few and scattered—so the general finds those in the other districts—so undoubtedly will be found those in the Territories adjoining you. To send you the forces necessary to resist the Mormons, much more to assail them, would require more means and men than could be gathered together and sent to you from this coast; to send away those which could be had would leave it in the hands of secessionists, and that at a time the inhabitants are looking with anxiety to the troubled and critical state of foreign affairs.

            A war with the Mormons would be the opportunity which our domestic enemies would not fail to improve, and it is not too much to say that at this time such a war would prove fatal to the Union cause in this department. Under these circumstances, the major-general considers that it is the course of true patriotism for you not to embark in any hostilities, nor suffer yourself to be drawn into any course which will lead to hostilities. It is infinitely better that you should, under the present circumstances, avoid contact with them. The object of troops being at this time in Utah is to protect the overland route and not to endeavor to correct the evil conduct, manifest as it is, of the inhabitants of that Territory. This undoubtedly will tax your forbearance and your prudence to the utmost, but the general trusts it will not do so in vain. At this distance the general is unable to give you specific instructions as to the particular things to be done or to be avoided, and must necessarily leave the details in your hands.

            To insure this dispatch reaching you it is sent by the hands of that excellent officer Major McGarry, whom you will retain, if you require him, at the headquarters of his regiment. He is informed of the contents of this dispatch, so that he may communicate them in case he has to destroy it. It would be well, however, if they were kept by you in strict confidence. A telegraphic cipher is also sent.

            Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Salt Lake City, July 16, 1864.

Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General:

            The excitement is fast abating; any indication of weakness or vacillation on my part would precipitate trouble. The presence of the provost guard was simply the excuse for the development of the innate and persistent disloyalty of the church leaders, who seek to force me into some position which will secure my removal and a consequent overthrow of my policy in Utah. The removal of the provost guard under the circumstances would be disastrous in the extreme. My opinion is decided that a firm front presented to their armed demonstrations will alone secure peace and counteract the machinations of the traitor leaders of this fanatical and deluded people.

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 911]

Camp at the Western Base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains,

110 Miles east of Fort Klamath, July 18, 1864.

Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army,

            Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel : Yesterday the petty chief and two others of the band of Indians of this vicinity came into camp by my direction, and with them a party of men representing themselves to be from Owyhee and ostensibly bound for Surprise Valley and the settlements of Northern California. The Indians came unarmed and remained at camp last night. This morning, after gaining what information I could respecting their country, numbers, &c., I dismissed them and sent them from camp in company with the two Indian messengers who had brought them. Soon after their departure the messengers returned and stated that the other three had been ambushed and fired upon by four of the party of citizens who came yesterday, and they thought all were killed. I immediately dispatched a detachment of ten men in pursuit, who succeeded only in finding the body of a Mr. Burton, one of the attacking party, with all of his equipments. These were brought to camp, and subsequently two of the survivors came in, and shortly after the other arrived with a detachment which I had sent to re-enforce the first sent out. The object of the attack upon these Indians was to get possession of some horses which they were reported to have, but for which the aggressors set up no claim whatever, neither for themselves nor for anybody else. The only excuse offered in justification of the act is that about a year ago the leader of the party (the four) lost some stock on the Malheur, and, to use one of their own expressions in the premises, this was their first chance to get even. They got possession of two horses, but the unarmed Indians being joined just then by armed comrades, the result is as stated. Both of the horses, however, remained near Burton's body, and have been brought in with it. They are inferior animals and poorly repay the cost of getting them. No evidence being at hand that their ownership is not properly vested in the Indians, I shall direct their return to them. No Indian depredations are reported to have been committed in this vicinity, though the principal traveled route from Red Bluff and Fort Crook to John Day's River and vicinity passes directly through the country which these Indians occupy. Several trains with families are on the road to the southward of me, and these I have notified to hurry forward to this point. I shall halt here a few days until I can ascertain, if possible, what the result of this affair will be.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

C. S. DREW,

Lieutenant- Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers,

Commanding Fort Klamath and Owyhee Expedition.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 912-913]

Special. Orders,           )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 156.                      )                                               San Francisco, Cal., July 19, 1864.

            1. Col. Francis J. Lippitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers will repair to Fort Miller and assume command of his regiment, headquarters Fort Miller. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.

            2. Lieut. Col. William Jones, Second Cavalry California Volunteers will proceed to Camp Douglas, near Salt Lake City, and report to Brig. Gen. P. Edward Connor, commanding District of Utah The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, July 19, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor, U. S. Volunteers,

            Commanding District of Utah:

            General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of Special Orders, No. 53, from your headquarters, appointing a provost-marshal and detailing a company as a provost guard to be quartered in the city of Salt Lake. The necessity for posting a guard in the city is not apparent to the commanding general, while on the other hand much dissatisfaction may result from such a movement. If the object was to keep soldiers out of the city and return stragglers or loungers to their companies it might have been accomplished by sending a patrol from Camp Douglas daily. The order above referred to will be revoked and the guard withdrawn.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 914]

San Francisco, July 20, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor,

            Salt Lake City:

            In answer to your letter of the 9th and telegram of 13th instant, the major-general commanding directs me to say that he does not at this day deem it expedient to interfere by military force to regulate the currency in the District of Utah.

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 915-916]

Susanville, Cal., July 22, 1864.

Col. R. C, Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Sir : I have visited the Indian country agreeably to orders from headquarters Fort Churchill, and found no Indians but what were peaceable. I have also visited Surprise Valley. The Indians are also quiet there, and I have every reason to believe that they will give the settlers in that portion of the country no trouble. I can see no use for troops in this portion of the country. It is very expensive, as I have to pay for forage and subsistence, legal tenders being very low. If agreeable to the general commanding I should like to be ordered back to Fort Churchill. Several of my men being sick and having no physician along with me, I have been obliged to employ one. Should the general commanding deem it necessary to have troops stationed in this part of the country I would recommend Surprise Valley as headquarters, as it is a splendid valley for animals to graze. The expense of keeping a company or two there would be but little.

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

A. B. WELLS

Captain Company D, First Batt. Nevada Territory Vol. Cavalry.

[First indorsement.]

            Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Wright, commanding District of California.

            By order:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA,

Sacramento, August 4, 1864.

            Referred to Major McDermit, commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., for special report. Return letter of Captain Wells to this office.

            By order of Brigadier-General Wright:

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 916-917]

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., near Great Salt Lake City, July 24, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army,

                        Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :

            Colonel : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt at the hands of Major McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, of your dispatch of the 16th instant, communicating to me the views of the major-general commanding the department in reference to present and future Mormon complications in Utah, and also your favor of same date inclosing a telegraphic cipher.

            Last night I telegraphed you as follows:

            McGarry has arrived; all quiet. The wishes of the commanding general will be strictly complied with.

            With the addition of three or four companies from Fort Churchill I will be responsible for the protection of the overland mail and the peaceable solution of the Mormon question. I am aware how difficult it must be, even after the fullest exposition in writing, for one at a distance to fully comprehend the state of affairs existing in this Territory, and I feel sensible of the high honor done me by the commanding general in his expressions of reliance on my judgment and discretion. At the same time I am thankful for the very full exposition you have given me of the views of the commanding general, and take this occasion to repeat that they shall be implicitly observed by me, with the confident hope that nothing shall occur in my power to prevent which will cause him to feel that his reliance in me has been misplaced. For manifest reasons some of the acts performed by me or things done may at a distance appear a deviation from the peaceful policy which is at once my own aim and the desire of the general commanding, but I beg leave respectfully to assure you that those acts have been at times absolutely necessary to insure peace, and certainly always, in my judgment, calculated to promote it. The commanding general by this time, I presume, fully understands that in case of a foreign war the overland mail would stand in far more danger from the Mormons than from Indians or other foes, and to protect that route it is necessary that the former should understand most fully that there is not only the intention but there is also the power to hold them in check. The presence of the troops here, while giving no just cause of offense, and without infringing in the least upon the rights of any citizen, is potent to prevent difficulties and obstructions which would assuredly result in war. The exhibition of firmness and determination, accompanied by a display of force, will, I am confident, secure peace and prevent complications. Such addition to my present command as has been asked for, and which I hope is in the power of the general commanding to give, I am confident will enable me to do all that is necessary, and I have no hesitation in pledging myself to the maintenance of peace in Utah without compromising the dignity of my Government or pandering in the least to the threats or expostulations of the treasonable organization which holds so great a sway in this Territory. So long as my guns command the city as they do, and the force under my command is not too much reduced, I have no fear and will be responsible for the result. Brigham Young will not commence hostilities, I think, and I need hardly say that I will not inaugurate them so long as peace is possible without dishonor. I trust that I fully appreciate the anxiety with which the commanding general, in view of the circumstances surrounding him, regards the possibility of conflict in this Territory, and so appreciating, I need hardly add that nothing will be done by me tending to complicate the undoubtedly bad state of affairs existing here.

            I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 918-919]

General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific

No. 38                         )                                               San Francisco, Cal., July 25, 1864

            I. The arrest of a prominent citizen on the charge among of endeavoring other disloyal practices, to excite certain citizens to armed organization against the Government of the United States, on the pretext that they were to be prevented by the U. S. military forces from exercising their right to vote at the coming Presidential election, is deemed a suitable occasion to inform all concerned that it is made no part of the duty of the U. S. military authorities, and that there is neither an intention nor the slightest wish on their part, to interfere in any way whatever to influence even, much less to control or restrain, any one in the full and free exercise of his right to vote for whomsoever he pleases.

            II. No armed organization will be suffered in the department save those sanctioned by competent constituted authority.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 921]

Special Orders,            )                                               Headquarters District of Utah,

                                                                                    Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.,

No. 59.                        )                                   Near Great Salt Lake City, July 26, 1864.

            Maj. Edward McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will proceed to Camp Connor, Utah Ter., and assume command of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers.

            By command of Brigadier-General Connor:

M. G. LEWIS,

Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Volunteers.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 923-924]

San Francisco, July 27, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor,

            Commanding District of Utah, Salt Lake City:

            The general is willing a small police guard (less than a company) shall be kept in the city of Great Salt Lake for police purposes, connected with the troops, to prevent them committing any disorders or being absent without authority, but let it have nothing to do with the Mormon question. The companies of Third Infantry at Ruby will be relieved by a company from Fort Churchill, and you can draw them in as soon as relieved. The four companies of cavalry now at Fort Churchill will be sent to replace the troops at Camp Douglas who are mustered out. Two of these companies will come to you dismounted and will be mounted and equipped by you from the horses and equipments of the men of Second Cavalry as they are mustered out.

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 39.                        )                                               San Francisco, Cal., July 28, 1864.

            As soon as the necessary transportation can be procured the following movements of troops will be carried into effect in the order in which they are numbered:

            1. Company A, Nevada Territory infantry, will proceed to the Smoke Creek country and relieve the company of cavalry now operating there. When relieved the latter will return to Fort Churchill, preparatory to marching to Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.

            2. Company B, Nevada Territory infantry, will proceed to and take post at Camp Ruby. As soon after its arrival as practicable Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, Third Infantry California Volunteers, with the two companies (B and E) of his regiment, will take up the line of march for Camp Douglas.

            3. Companies C, D, E, and F, Nevada Territory Cavalry, will proceed by squadron to Camp Douglas, the dismounted companies marching first and some days in advance of the mounted squadron. The dismounted companies will be mounted and equipped in Utah from the horses and equipments of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers as the men of the latter regiment are mustered out of the service.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 925-926]

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, August 1, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: I beg leave to call the attention of the commanding general to the embarrassment existing in the department in consequence of the depreciation of Treasury notes, now worth only 40 cents on the dollar. As a circulating medium Treasury notes are not used on this coast, consequently when an officer draws his pay the first thing to be done is to convert his notes into specie, and if the proceeds are sufficient to enable him to pay his mess bill he will be very fortunate. For example, all my pay and allowances for last mouth barely sufficed to pay for the board of myself and Mrs. Wright. The subject is one of grave consideration. Our officers are patriotic and devoted to the Union; they give their services freely to the Government. Many of them have families to support, and unless they happen to have means independent of their pay it is absolutely impossible for them to get along. Some time since an order was sent from Washington directing that the troops in this department should be paid one-half in specie, but the authority was revoked on the following day. If authority was given for half pay and the commutation for quarters and fuel for officers stationed in cities to be paid in specie it would relieve us exceedingly. It is with extreme reluctance that I make this appeal to our Government, knowing as I do the embarrassment under which it is laboring to meet the demands against it. General McDowell, having served long in the eastern States, will comprehend our difficulties here, and I most earnestly request the general to use his influence to relieve us.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

San Francisco, August 1, 1864,

Maj. Charles McDermit,

            Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg. Fort Churchill:

            The four companies of Nevada cavalry are ordered to Salt Lake. One company of Nevada infantry relieves the cavalry company in Smoke Creek region, and one company goes to Camp Ruby; the other remains at Fort Churchill.

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 932]

San Francisco, August 5, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor,

            Salt Lake City:

            Have the Indian troubles east of Salt Lake been settled?

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Camp Douglas, August 5, 1864.

(Received 9.30 p. m. 6th.)

Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General:

            All settled before I left Bridger last Saturday. Do not apprehend any further trouble from Indians.

P. E. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Fort Churchill, August 6, 1864—8.30 a. m.

Col. R. C. Drum:

            Order No. 39 received. Company C, Nevada infantry, have returned. Company A will leave for Smoke Creek on Tuesday, 9th instant. Other companies will leave as per orders as soon as transportation arrives. Will quartermaster turn over to Company A, infantry, six horses.

C. McDERMIT,

Commanding Post.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 933]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., August 8, 1864.

Lieut. E. D. Waite,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Sacramento, Cal.:

            Sir: I have the honor to herewith return Captain Wells' letter of July 22, 1864.[1] I would respectfully report for the information of the general commanding district that some trouble has recently taken place between the whites and Indians of Surprise Valley; to what extent I am unable at this time to state, but expect a report from Captain Wells in a few days, he having gone with a part of his company to the point where the disturbance took place. When I hear from him I will report at once to district headquarters. The Indians inhabiting Surprise Valley and that vicinity are of the Bannock and Pitt River tribes; also a few renegades from the Pi-Utes, and in order to prevent future troubles in this section of the country I am of the opinion it will be necessary to have some troops stationed in or near Surprise Valley.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. McDERMIT,

Major, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.

[Indorsement.]

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, August 12, 1864.

            Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters, with the recommendation that the infantry company ordered to the Smoke Creek country by General Orders, No. 39, current series, be kept there for the present.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 936]

Headquarters, District of California,

August 9, 1864.

Lieut. William L. Knight,

            Friday''s Station, near Lake Tahoe:

            Mr. McLane thinks there is no necessity for your remaining. Return to Camp Union with your party.

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, August 9, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor, U. S. Volunteers,

            Commanding District of Utah :

            General: I am instructed to inform you that since the general orders directing the movements of troops from Fort Churchill have been issued, the commanding general has directed the chief quartermaster at these headquarters to mount the two companies of Nevada cavalry previous to the commencement of the march.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 937-938]

General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 40.                        )                                   San Francisco, Cal., August 10, 1864.

            I. Owing to the great scarcity and high price of hay and grain in this department, costing the Government in certain places as high, respectively, as 8 1/2 and 23 1/4 cents per pound, the greatest economy consistent with efficiency must be enforced.

            Where companies of cavalry are at their posts or camps and not engaged in active duty only half rations of grain will be fed the public animals. When what is called oat hay (oats cut green when the grain is in the milk) is supplied, but quarter rations of grain will be allowed. Commanding officers of cavalry companies will report monthly to department headquarters the amount and kind of forage they have used, and officers of the quartermaster's department will make similar monthly reports to their chief at department headquarters of the amount and kind they have used.

            By command of Major-General McDowell

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 938-942]

Office Provost-Marshal,

Middle District of California,

Sacramento, August 10, 1864.

Brig. Gen. John S. Mason,

            Acting Assistant Provost Marshal- General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Sir: I have the honor to report the result of my investigations of the secret work of the association called "The Knights of the Columbian Star,'' through Hiram Potter, one of their number. This has been a very tedious and slow business, for the reason that the whole system is so cloaked and guarded that but few of the members really know anything about it. The organization, as near as I can now determine, is as follows : There is a governor-general for the State, and a lieutenant-governor- general for each locality, who has a deputy lieutenant-governor-general to assist him. There are no large meetings held of the order in their capacity as an association, but a few only of the officers and trusted members get together to initiate new members and devise the work which is to be carried out. Potter has only lately learned that there is a third degree, which he has not yet obtained, but it is proposed to give it to him soon. I may here remark that it is one of the cardinal principles of the order that no member of an inferior degree knows of a higher until he is prepared and expected to receive it. In the first degree, which is called thirty-three defenders, the candidate is first examined and [if] found to be a suitable person for their use, he is then sworn in a solemn and imposing manner. The substance of the obligation is that he will not support in any election or employ in business an abolitionist if any other person can be had; that he will obey his officers in all things; that he will resist the enforcement of any and all unconstitutional laws by the Administration, his officers being the judges of the unconstitutionality of the laws; that he will furnish himself with a ride or double-barrel shotgun if possible, and positively to furnish a revolver pistol and bowie knife, and always to keep on hand a supply of ammunition for a three-days' hunt. After taking this obligation they are invested with the signs, password, and grip, to enable them to recognize their brothers and make themselves known, which are: First, to attract attention of any brother present, take hold of the breast of the coat or about the third button, carrying the hands about an inch out from the body and back twice, as if in the act of fitting the coat to your body. The answer to this sign is to throw the left hand to the small of the back carelessly. This satisfies the party that they are recognized, but they will have no communication until they have been further proved. After selecting a proper place the challenger proceeds to prove his brother as follows: Q. "Do you know Jones?" A. "What Jones?" Q. " Preacher Jones." A. "Yes." Q. " Have you the password?" A. "I have." Q. "Will you give it to me?" A. " That is not the way I obtained it." Q. " What will you do with it?" A. "I will divide it with you." Q. "Well, you divide it, and begin." A. "No; you begin." Q. "No, you begin; the word is yours." A. "Death." Q. "To." A. "All." Q. "Traitors." They then take hands, giving the grip, which is given by inserting the little finger between the little finger and the next one and then clasping the hands, the questioner giving one shake and saying "Right," the answering man another shake and saying " Brother." This completes the proof of each belonging to the thirty-third or first degree, and any communication between them is proper. So far neither man is supposed to know that any other or higher degree exists. But for the purpose of explanation we will suppose that they both have the second degree, or what is called the fifty-seventh degree, meaning " constitution." The first hailing sign in this degree is made by taking off the hat with the left hand, bringing it down to the side of the head, and placing the right hand on the top of the head in an easy, careless manner; this is answered by taking off the hat with the left hand in the same manner. Test sign follows: The thumb and forefinger of left hand rub the under lip; the answer is made by touching the pit of the stomach with the thumb and forefinger of right hand, as in the act of holding a pen. This having been properly answered the question maybe asked: "Have you the password?" Upon the reply in the affirmative the password is given with the same ceremony as before, being divided. The word is "Andalusia," being divided An-da-lu-sia. The questioner then asks, "Have you the sacred password? "and upon au affirmative answer the same process of getting is observed, with this difference, that this word is lettered. The word is " Eloi." After this the grip is given. The right hand of each is placed together and thrust up until each grasps the wrist of the other, and the questioner gives one shake, saying "Right;" the other party then reaches with the left hand and takes the left hand of the questioner in the same manner, giving it one shake, and says " Brother." This completes the proof of membership in the second degree. There are some other signs for special occasions. Sign of caution or danger: Place the left hand upon the breast and raise the right vertically, the elbow as high as the shoulders. Sign of distress: Clasp the hands together, unlocking the fingers; raise them to the chin, saying, "Santa Maria." Sign of recognition on horseback: Grasping the left breast of the coat with left hand, giving two moves of the hand and coat about two inches and back, the party answering salutes with right hand. There is a night sign, made by clasping the hands and calling out "Ho!" which is answered by saying "Hi!" Before being invested with these signs the candidate is carefully examined as to his age, occupation, residence, former place of residence, birthplace, what military service he has done, his opinions upon the political views of the day, State rights, slavery, the right to resist unconstitutional laws, &c. If this examination is satisfactory, he is sworn. The oath is very long and elaborate. The substance only can be given, which is to resist the election of Lincoln for President by all possible means, including the force of arms; to adhere to and obey the call of the governor- general of the State or the lieutenant-governor-general of your district in all cases and at all times; that you will resist any and all unconstitutional laws by the Administration; that you will adhere to and support the old State rights doctrines and the right of each State to govern itself; that you will support the right of each State to protect itself, and assist it to carry out the right to maintain slavery or any other domestic institution to which it is entitled, by force of arms if necessary; that you will resist with arms any attempt upon the part of the U. S. authorities to execute any unconstitutional law of any kind or character, your officers being the judges of the unconstitutionality. In addition to this, Potter says he has ascertained that there is a third degree, and has the promise of having it conferred upon him. Beriah Brown, editor of the Press in San Francisco, is the present governor-general of the State; C. L. Weller, who has lately been arrested, is lieutenant governor-general of the State, or of the district of San Francisco; not certain as to the extent of his jurisdiction. It is contemplated to elect a governor-general of the Pacific Coast, including Nevada Territory and Idaho, who shall have the general supervision of the order. Joseph P. Hoge, of San Francisco, is talked of for that position. This will not be done until after the nomination at the Chicago Convention, when a meeting of the governors and lieutenant governors is to be held at some point not yet known. Each member of the order pays money into its treasury, and when parties cannot get arms for themselves they are to be furnished by the society, the intention being that every man who is with them shall be armed for instant service when required by his officers. They only make one member of the fifty-seventh degree for from three to seven of the thirty-third degree, and it may well be imagined that the third degree is still less in number than the second and still more dangerous, all the power resting in a small council or single governor. The officers in the Sacramento district are: General J. L. English, lieutenant-governor- general ; J. C. Goods, deputy; Thomas Edwards, secretary, and A. A. Bennett, treasurer. Ex-Governor John Bigler is a prominent member, and has lately left as a delegate to the Chicago Convention; he is reported as having carried $100 in money to be delivered to the rebel sanitary fund ; the money was sent from here to Maggie Perry in San Francisco, to be delivered to Bigler there. John R. Ridge, at present of Nevada City, was a traveling agent of the order, and is now an officer in the Nevada district. Doctor Fox, of San Francisco is one of the most active agents of the order in the State. He estimates that there are 24,000 men at present in the order and reliable for their purposes, and that this order, with the Knights of the Golden Circle and the men they can control, will reach 50,000. The actual number is very hard to arrive at by any one below the head of the order, or a general agent, as the utmost secrecy prevails between all its parts, and all are subject to the power of an officer whom they do not know. Amongst themselves it is freely talked of that there will be war in California; they expect it and are all the time providing for it. General J. L. English here talks peace, and the other officers and prominent men say he is an old fogy and afraid he will lose his property. Whenever they feel strong enough to make resistance to the laws they intend to do it. This seems to be the tendency of all the circumstances that come to my knowledge, and their conversation reported by Potter will bear no other construction. There is also a regular system of raising money to be transmitted East under pretense of giving to the rebel sanitary for rebel prisoners. Since I reported to you that trouble was expected in San Francisco at the time of the meeting an order has been issued by Governor Brown (as is reported) that all Democrats cease to carry arms until further orders, but to have them always ready where they can find them. In relation to the arms heretofore spoken of, the only further information we have been able to gain is that the muskets, "about 1,000," were under the control of Don Juan de Dias, a Mexican, who disappeared about two weeks since, and whether the arms went with him or not cannot be ascertained. The result of my observation is that the secret political organization is very powerful and very dangerous. Second, that the moving power which controls it is in sympathy with and acting for the benefit of the Southern rebellion. Third, that it is most important now to ascertain exactly who they are and what they are doing. Fourth, that more men should be employed in this service unknown to each other, so that their information may be compared. Almost any man who takes upon himself these obligations is more or less unreliable to us, and I do not feel safe in relying altogether upon one man, more especially as I have some reason to believe that he does not push his inquiries as fast as he might, or else keeps back something that he ought to inform us of.

            I submit, then, this matter to you, in addition to what I have heretofore reported, for your consideration and advice.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT ROBINSON,

Captain and Provost-Marshal.

__________

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., August 10, 1864.

Lieut. E. D. Waite,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Sacramento, Cal.:

            Sir : I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a message received from Governor J. W. Nye at 3 p. m. on yesterday. Major George, Major Purdy, and Captain Calder, with fifty men of his company (F), First Nevada Cavalry, proceeded at once to Dayton. When they arrived there the excitement had partially subsided, and this morning when the command left Dayton the mob had dispersed and everything was perfectly quiet.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. McDERMIT,

Major, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.

            (Same to Col. R. C. Drum, assistant adjutant-general, San Francisco, Cal.)

[Inclosure.]

Carson City, August 9, 1864.

Major McDermit,

            Fort Churchill:

            Send immediately fifty men to Dayton. A. vigilance committee has hung one man, and more are in danger. Come yourself, if possible. I will meet you there.

JAS. W. NYE.

__________

San Francisco, August 10, 1864.

Maj. Charles McDermit,

            Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Fort Churchill:

            What is the occasion of sending a company of cavalry to Dayton?

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Fort Churchill, August 10, 1864—4 p. m.

Col. R. C. Drum :

            By request of Governor J. W. Nye to suppress a mob. All is quiet now at Dayton, and the troops have returned.

CHAS. McDERMIT,

Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 945]

City Point, Va., August 15, 1864—1 p. m.

(Received 11 a. m. 16th.)

Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War:

            At this particular time it is of great importance that we should have on the Pacific Coast not only good military commanders, but men who will give satisfaction to the people. From what I learn unofficially, we lack this both in the selection of a commander for the department and for the District of Oregon and Washington. I know Alvord well. I do not think he is fit for the command, and he ought to be called East. He is a good man in his intentions and would do well to place on any kind of a board, but I know of no other duty he is eminently suited for. McDowell, if I am not wrongly informed, is likely to do more harm than good where he is. I am in favor of Halleck for that department. He is acquainted with the people and can combine civil with military administration, which is required in that department. McDowell is only a soldier and has never been anything else. It would not be necessary to send anyone to relieve Alvord at present—simply to order him East would be sufficient. If Halleck cannot be spared from where he is, then to restore Wright would do. Have you any information from the Pacific Coast leading you to the same conclusion as to the necessity for a change ?

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 947-949]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, August 17, 1864.

Adjutant-General of the Army,

            War Department, Washington, D. C.:

            Sir: I have to report as follows concerning the state of the department for the month of July : In the District of Oregon there have been some small parties of troops sent out to guard emigrant routes, and there is a difficulty existing with the Quilliute tribe of Indians, who refuse to surrender the murderers of Cook. The district commander proposes to send an expedition to force them to do so. In the District of Humboldt Indian difficulties are now quieted, and the superintendent of Indian affairs has gone up to make arrangements for establishing an Indian reservation on the Trinity River at Fort Gaston. It was the intention of my predecessor to remove the Indians in this section to Catalina Island, and he had for this purpose taken possession of the island. But the Indian Department has refused to have the Indians removed, and requires them to be kept in the section in which they now live. In the expeditions made after hostile Indians many are taken as prisoners, and as in the case in the Humboldt District, sometimes several hundred have to be fed from the military supplies. The Commissary Department at Washington refuses to allow their officers to issue subsistence to Indians, save in small quantities when visiting military posts, and refuses to permit any regular daily or periodical issues. This they urge is the duty of the Indian Department. On the other hand the Indian Department decide that they cannot feed Indians who are prisoners in the hands of the military; that the military have always fed their own prisoners; that they cannot refund money disbursed by officers over whom they have no control; that if Indians are turned over to them at their reservations they will be provided for, &c. These clashing routine decisions of these departments tend embarrass the service, which requires a course not provided for by the Regulations. We have now several hundred Indians in our custody. Some were brought in; some came in and surrendered. Their country has been scoured by our military parties and their food destroyed and no Indian agent present. We have been obliged to feed them till the Indian Department receives them. To refuse to do so would drive them to the necessity of committing fresh depredations, and thus reopen the war. Having fed refugees from slavery and prisoners of war in the East, I am at a loss to see any reason for not doing the same to the red man in the West in cases where we have taken him from his country and destroyed his means of subsisting and there is no agent at hand with food to keep him from starving, or from fighting that he may not starve. The officer of the commissary department at this station and the Indian superintendent here are doing all they can to soften these impracticable rules and save the frontier from the fresh outbreak which a compliance with them would unquestionably produce.

            In the District of Utah matters have been in a very delicate state with the Mormons. On the 1st of July Brigadier-General Connor, who is stationed near Great Salt Lake City, telegraphed me that the Mormons were arming to drive him out of the city; that they had 1,000 men under arms, and were still gathering; that he could hold his position till re-enforced from neighboring Territories. I transmit herewith (marked A, B, C, D, E, F) the correspondence had with him in the matter.[2] General Connor bears the reputation of being a good soldier, and his last letter shows he deserves the reputation.

            In the District of California the sympathizers and friends, more or less active of the rebels from time to time, give evidences of a desire, if not a design, to embarrass, if not openly oppose, the Government. On the evening of Thursday, July 21, Mr. C. L. Weller, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, addressed a public meeting in such terms as to make me Judge the public safety would be best guarded by taking prompt and decided measures. I, accordingly, ordered him arrested and confined on Alcatraz Island, which was done. Efforts were made by his friends to obtain a writ of habeas corpus, but thus far without success, the feeling of the courts being in accord with the law suspending the writ in such cases. I send herewith the papers bearing on the case (marked A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H).[3] At the instance of many citizens, and on the assurance that Mr. Weller would be faithful to his oath, if he took it, and believing that all the good had resulted from his arrest that was expected, I have to-day ordered his release on his taking the oath and giving bonds together with three loyal citizens for $25,000. A few other arrests of persons of minor importance have been made, and the persons released on the same terms (except as to amount of bond) as Mr. Weller.

            In the District of Southern California, the secession element is reported to be greater in proportion than elsewhere, and it is in that quarter that principally an outbreak is looked for. No open hostile movements have as yet been made.

            I have, in compliance with "general orders," seized a large quantity of arms and munitions of war, which were being taken out of the country, nominally to go to the Colorado River, but in reality to so to Mexico. They have been ordered for safe-keeping to Benicia Arsenal Part of them were seized in Half Moon Bay after they had eluded the custom-house officers. A French ship of war has been in this harbor for the last six weeks. She is said to be taking in supplies for the French fleet at Acapulco. At the request of the collector, made at my instance, I have seized and hold a war vessel just built, said to be for the Peruvian Government. There were, the collector states, suspicious circumstances connected with her. The Peruvian consul states that she is built for his Government.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

__________

War Department,

Washington City, August 18, 1864—7 p. m.

Lieutenant-General Grant:

            Frequent complaints have reached the Department in respect to General Alvord and I had determined to supersede him as soon as a good officer could be spared. But as you think his presence not indispensable he shall be relieved at once. No complaint from any source has been made against General McDowell to the Department and I had not heard that his administration was objectionable to any one. He appears to be acting in entire harmony with the Governor of California. There had been frequent applications for the removal of General Wright, but as his administration was acceptable to the Department they were for a long time resisted. McDowell has been in command for a very short period. He is believed to be an officer of good administrative faculty, although unfortunate in the field, and to be rigidly honest. To make a change so soon ought to require some very good reason for its justification. You know as I do that no man can please all sides in any department, much less in California. But in this as in all other matters relating to military affairs it is the desire of the Department to conform to your judgment. In respect to General Halleck it would be extremely difficult to spare him since Canby has gone.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 950]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, August 18, 1864.

Commanding Officer at Fort Churchill:

            Sir: The major-general commanding the department instructs me to inform you that the provost guard at Virginia City will consist of twenty-five enlisted men, selected from one of the Nevada Territory cavalry companies under the command of a subaltern. The men and officers selected as above directed will not accompany the movement directed in General Orders, No. 39, current series, from these headquarters.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 951]

Hon. Edwin M. Stanton,

            Secretary of War:

            I know nothing officially of any dissatisfaction with McDowell's administration in California, but, as stated in my previous dispatch, have heard that he was not liked. I know that the Pacific Coast requires a commanding officer of firmness enough to do his duty in spite of opposition, but without interference with civil rights and without trying to enforce his own peculiar opinions upon the community. I am not well enough acquainted with General McDowell to judge how he will do, and therefore do not ask his removal unless there is something known at your office demanding it.  

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 958]

Special Orders,            )                                               Headquarters District of Utah,

                                                                                    Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.,

No. 65.                        )                       Near Great Salt Lake City, August 27, 1864.

            Captain Price's company (M), Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will proceed on Monday next to Camp Connor, Utah Ter., and report to the commanding officer of that post for duty.

            By command of Brigadier-General Connor:

M. G. LEWIS,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 960]

Special Orders,                        )                       Hdqrs., Department of the Pacific,

No. 189.                                  )                       San Francisco, Cal., August 30, 1864.

* * * * * * *

            3. Maj. Milo George, Nevada Cavalry, will proceed with the last company of his regiment leaving Fort Churchill to Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.

* * * * * * *

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, August 30, 1864.

Capt. J. C. Doughty,

            Second California Cavalry, Comdg. Camp Bidwell, Cal. :

            Captain: Herewith inclosed is a copy of a letter[4] from General John Bidwell to General McDowell, dated the 13th of August, 1864, inclosing one from Mr. Havens, of Susanville, dated the 7th of August. The general commanding directs that you take half of your company with a wagon and thirty days' provisions and make an exploration of Surprise Valley. This examination is to be made with a view of ascertaining if there is any necessity for a military post in that quarter. Your report will be full and complete as to the extent of the valley, its distance and direction from Susanville, number of inhabitants, character and number of the Indians living in or visiting the valley, character of the country, wood, and water, and what resources may be relied on for subsisting men and animals, and the best point for locating a military post should it be deemed advisable to establish one; also the character of the roads leading to the valley. It is not expected that you will be absent from Camp Bidwell later than the 30th of September, unless some urgent necessity should render it necessary for you to remain longer in the valley, in which case you will send an express to Chico, reporting the facts. You will leave your lieutenant in charge of Camp Bidwell.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 961-963]

Vancouver, Wash. Ter., August 31, 1864.

Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,

            Chief of Staff:

            I beg to ask for the same authority for continuing, consolidating, mustering in, and mustering out volunteer regiments or companies in the State of Oregon and the Territories in the Department of the Pacific, as has been given in your telegram of August 18 for California. The troops, old and new, for Oregon and Nevada not to exceed in all for each a regiment of cavalry and a regiment of infantry. The troops for Washington Territory not to exceed a regiment of infantry. Those for Idaho and Utah not to exceed four companies of cavalry or infantry in each, as the state of the service from time to time may require.

I. McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding Department.

            I concur in the above.

ADDISON C. GIBBS,

Governor of Oregon.

__________

Markleeville, August 31, 1864.

Major-General McDowell :

            Dear Sir : We, the undersigned citizens of Alpine County, desire to communicate to you as the commanding officer of the Department of the Pacific a few facts which we are sure should be in your possession, and which will before long affect our State and Nation seriously. We will be as brief as possible, knowing that your time must be to some extent taken up with communications from the interior. You must be aware ere this of a secret organization, ramified throughout the State, which has for its object a system of guerrilla warfare and wholesale plundering. All this (learned through a detective whom we have had at work and through Governor Nye, of Nevada Territory,) is to be ushered in by a general uprising of the secesh forces. We have had our eyes upon that branch of that organization here in our place, and have taken such precautionary measures that they have become alarmed and they are now stealing away by ones and twos to the place of rendezvous, which we learn is in the neighborhood of San Fernando Mission, Lower California, and from what we glean from detective source, we are satisfied that there they are now congregating, ostensibly to mine but really to raid, and have a good supply of arms and ammunition and provisions. We are no alarmists and we confide to you, as our commanding officer, what we believe to be true from the evidence before us. The programme is to rendezvous there, and when the time of rising comes to sound the tocsin of war on our coast, aided by the French in Mexico, the Mormons and Indians on our east, and the secesh among us, by a bold stroke take the State out of the Union and erect a Pacific republic. We learn that on the 7th of September a steamer will leave San Francisco for Lower California, and we write this to-day so that you may be able to take advantage of that steamer to send a spy there to ascertain the correctness of this statement. We have written Governor Low before of this organization ; also to Governor Nye, but these matters have so impressed us here that we felt it our duty to lay them before you. There is a military company here, but at present unarmed, which company hereby, through its commanding officer, tenders its services to move at once when ordered. That a great day is coming upon the people of this coast we feel satisfied and we may as well realize it first as last; for our part we expect it and we are ready. These forces are organizing and drop off for the rendezvous in small squads, the hard times favoring this emigration movement. One Stepfield, who we feel sure has a commission from Jeff. Davis, is the grand sanhedrim here, and he has a man by the name of Edwards with him in the capacity of a spy. They have gone and the men are following one at a time. We have abundant testimony here obtained from men who belonged to the organization, but drew out when they found out the real object. This testimony we do not like to commit to paper, but you can have it when you deem it necessary. We will not trust more to paper now. Should you at any time need our services either here or elsewhere, command us.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servants,

D. C. MITCHELL,

Captain Alpine Rifles.

O. F. THORNTON,

Of Mount Bullion.

G. W. MAULL.

W. I. JOHNSTON,

County Treasurer.

            P. S.—This was written for General McDowell, but since it was written we learn that you are in command in San Francisco and we direct to you.

            Respectfully,

D. C. MITCHELL.

 

[Indorsement.]

Headquarters District of California,

San Francisco, September 4, 1864.

            Respectfully referred to department headquarters. Came addressed to me and receipt acknowledged to Captain Mitchell.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 964-965]

Susanville, Lassen County,

September l, 1864.

General Mason,

            Provost-Marshal, San Francisco:

            Dear Sir: The signs of the times in this section of our indicative State are of approaching danger to the interests of the cause of our Union. The unguarded expressions of disloyalty given utterance to by many of our citizens, the fact of the existence of secret organizations our midst among men known in to be unfriendly to the country, the knowledge that a design upon the part of the Democratic party to interfere with our approaching elections is contemplated, and, we verily believe will be attempted, the fact that we are a border county where deeds of political atrocity may be perpetrated with more of impunity than other sections of our State because of the many chances of escape of offenders, and the many occurrences coming almost everyday within our own observation of activity and energy upon the part of those whom we know to design the destruction of our Government, the almost daily appearance of strangers in our midst of secession proclivity, holding close and earnest communion with secessionists dwelling here have excited in our minds an intense anxiety and fear of impending evil We would most respectfully represent to you that in view of this state of affairs we, as Union men, are making all preparations within our power to meet whatever emergency may require at our hands. We have organized a military company composed exclusively of staunch Union, men, only needing a sufficient number of arms to render them efficient in time of danger and for which we have made application to the State, representing that nearly all of the available arms of this county have been secured by secessionists. We have a league of Union hearts, solemnly pledged to the defense of the country whenever necessity requires. We have Union clubs and a universal disposition manifest upon the part of the Union element to do and suffer all things for our own safety and that of our State and country. Believing, in view, then, of this condition of things, that the appointment of a deputy provost-marshal would have a happy tendency to keep down these insurrectionary movements threatened us and would the better enable us to preserve the peace and maintain the dignity and safety of this State, we would respectfully and earnestly pray you the appointment of Frank Drake deputy provost-marshal for Lassen County.

            We remain, respectfully, your humble servants,

JNO. S. WARD,

WIT DE HAVEN,

T. E. WARD,

E. R. NICOLES,

J. R. LOCKWOOD,

[And 16 others.]

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 966-967]

Camp Douglas, September 1, 1864.

(Received 10 a. m. 2d.)

Col. R. C. Drum:

            All quiet. I assumed command of Camp Douglas to-day. The furnaces in Rush Valley are a decided success. Much rejoicing among miners. Brigham left for a six weeks' trip to the southern settlements this morning to subdue the growing spirit of resistance to his authority. The tocsin of his downfall is sounding.

P. EDWARD CONNOR.

__________

Office Actg. Asst. Provost-Marshal-General of California and Nevada Territory,

San Francisco, Cal., September 3, 1864.

Brig. Gen. James B. Fey,

            Provost-Marshal- General United States, Washington, D. C.:

            Sir : I have the honor to inclose a copy of a report from Capt. Robert Robinson relative to a secret organization in this State, inimical to the Government.[5] From facts obtained from Captain Jackson, provost-marshal of Southern District, and from an entirely different source I am certain that there is really a large number in the first degree. Believing it to be very important to know fully the extent and objects of this organization, I have authorized a second detective for service with Captain Robinson, and also sent one to Visalia, and authorized Captain Jackson to send one to Los Angeles. I do not think there will be any danger here until after the election, when if their party is defeated, it is highly probable that they may declare for a Pacific republic; at least, it is talked of in many parts of the State A resistance to the draft is one of the objects of the organization Another fact connected with the organization is that great activity prevails throughout the State amongst Copperheads in getting arms repaired and obtaining supplies of powder, &c. These reports reach me daily from all parts of the State. I think we will be able to learn enough about them to be able to thwart them, whatever their intentions may be. I will report to you soon as I obtain any further reliable information. On the 24th instant I telegraphed you with reference to printing the enrollment lists as required by Circular, No. 101, of 1863. I asked for instructions on this point on January 13 by telegraph, again on March 29, and also by letter of January 30. I did not authorize the printing of the lists here from the fact that the cost of printing would be very great, and I did not see how the corrections of the lists could be made satisfactorily. In the first place the districts are very large. The population of the State and of the different districts is constantly changing; the discovery of new mines, or the failure of old ones, the abundance of rain or the dryness of different localities causes the change of whole communities. A town will be in full operation one day and deserted the next. The difficulty of obtaining reliable enrolling officers at any price, and of getting any at all at present rates, the difficulty of traveling in the thinly settled districts, and in fact, a thousand difficulties are in the way of making the enrollment correct. I have thought that it was not intended to draft in this State. I do not think it would prove efficient, as it would take more men to bring in the deserters than we have force. Men can be obtained without a draft, and the great probabilities are that it could not be enforced, consequently I have thought it would be better not to expend large sums in making a careful correction as it would be better to hear causes of exemption after notification of draft, if one should take place, and if not, make such corrections as we may be able to do from the limited means at our disposal, and only rely on the new enrollment next year for a more complete list. You will oblige me by giving full instructions with reference to this coast. I think the number of deputies should be increased to at least four for each district. That authority should be given for payments to be made on contracts, &c., on their approval here, instead of having to wait until we hear from Washington, keeping parties out of their money for at least sixty days. That all contracts, salaries, &c., should be at fixed rates in gold, payments to be made in legal tenders, taking their market value on the day payment is made.

            Since writing the above I have received your telegrams with reference to printing, &c., and will carry out the instructions as fully as practicable.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. S. MASON,

Brigadier- General of Volunteers,

Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal-General, California and Nevada.

[Indorsement.]

Provost-Marshal General's Office,

Washington, D. C, September 29, 1864.

            Respectfully referred to Major-General McDowell, commanding Department of the Pacific, at San Francisco, Cal.

JAMES B. FRY,

Provost-Marshal- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 968-969]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 4, 1864.

Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: I have the honor to inclose two messages of yesterday from Governor J. W. Nye. I have this day forwarded the fifty men and two officers, Company C, Nevada cavalry, and 100 rifle-muskets, and accouterments as per his order. The Governor, provost-marshal, and several prominent citizens of this Territory have informed me that they are in possession of sufficient reliable information to induce them to believe that the secessionists are thoroughly organized in this Territory, and will attack one or more important points between the 7th and 15th of this month. The citizens (Union) are organizing home guards in all the towns of the Territory, and Governor Nye has ordered me to furnish them with arms. I cannot believe there is any serious apprehensions of an outbreak on the part of the secessionists, but the Governor and others appear to be well posted in regard to the plans of those who are opposed to the cause of our country, and therefore I am prepared for any emergency. Inclosed you will find copy of Post Orders, No. 96.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. McDERMIT,

Major, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

Carson City, September 3, 1864—3 p. m.

Major McDermit:

            Two incendiary fires at this place last night and one other attempt; fear a vigilance committee. Send me fifty men to-day, well armed, if possible. Send me 100 arms and ammunition. Answer.

JAS. W. NYE.

[Inclosure No. 2.]

Carson City, September 3, 1864—8 p. m.

Major McDermit :

            No change in affairs. Apprehensions of evil still existing. Send arms early as possible; also the men.

J. W. NYE.

[Inclosure No. 3.]

Orders,            )                                                                                   Headquarters,

No. 96.            )                                   Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 4, 1864.

            I. Company B, Nevada Infantry, is relieved from duty at this post and will be in readiness to take up the line of march for Fort Ruby, Nev. Ter., at 5 a. m. tomorrow, to take post there.

            II. Capt. A. N. Runyon, assistant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistance, will furnish the necessary transportation and twenty days' rations.

            III. Company commanders will issue to the men of their respective companies twenty rounds of ball cartridges each, and will at retreat every evening have their companies to turn out with arms for inspection.

            By order:

C. McDERMIT,

Major, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.

WM. H. CLARK,

            First Lieutenant, Post Adjutant.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 975-976]

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, September 11, 1864.

Maj. Charles McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry, Comdg. Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

            Major : Your letter of the 7th instant with inclosed communication from a few of the citizens of Susanville, Lassen County, have been laid before the general commanding the district, who desires you to assure the citizens of Lassen that they need not entertain any apprehensions that their peace and quiet will be disturbed either by Indians or secessionists. A company of cavalry under Captain Doughty is now on its march through the northeastern counties of the State, and will make a reconnaissance of Surprise Valley, having in view the establishment of a post in that quarter should it be deemed necessary. The general desires that you require frequent reports from Captain Hassett in relation to status of the country he is operating in, and that you communicate freely with these headquarters on the subject.

            Respectfully, &c.,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 13, 1864.

Lieut. E. D. Waite,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Sacramento, Cal. :

            Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter in which the general commanding wishes to know what special reason Governor Nye had in asking for the issue of arms to the home guards. For the last two months the Governor, provost-marshal, and other prominent citizens in this Territory have been in possession of such information that induces them to believe that as soon as the troops leave this post the secessionists intend giving trouble, and therefore the loyal citizens have formed themselves into organized companies styled the home guards for their own protection, and have called on the Governor to furnish them arms. I have issued 380 muskets and accouterments on the Governor's order, but when he made the last demand for 200 I requested him to get an order from you for me to make the issue, as I did not wish to do so without authority from you to do so. Inclosed you will find invoices of arms and equipments which the Governor informed me he procured from the Secretary of War for the use of the Territory when he was at Washington in 1863, and he believes these arms are at Benicia Arsenal awaiting transportation to this post. We have remaining on hand at this post 240 muskets and accouterments, 108 percussion rifles, 85 Starr pistols, and 120,000 ball cartridges.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. McDERMIT,

Major, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 978-979]

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, September 16, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco :

            Colonel: Inclosed herewith is a letter this day received from Major McDermit, commanding Fort Churchill.[6] I know nothing about the understanding between Governor Nye and the Secretary of War. The Governor appears to have gained the impression from the Secretary that the arms were sent out to be turned over to the Territory, but no such intention was communicated to me. They were sent invoiced as usual to the commanding officer. I have directed Major McDermit to report when and by what authority he issued the 380 stand of arms and accouterments,

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, September 16, 1864.

Lieut. Col. E. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: I have a communication from Captain Mellen, commanding Fort Crook, with letters from Union men in that quarter in relation to movements of certain rebel sympathizers in the northeastern counties of the State. I have directed Captain Mellen to be watchful and vigilant and to keep me fully advised on the subject, in order that I may throw troops into that quarter should the disturbances prove of a serious nature. As the November election approaches the excitement will increase. We have a powerful opposition to contend with but with union and harmony in our ranks I have no fears of the result

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, September 16, 1864.

Capt. H. B. Mellen,

            Second California Cavalry, Commanding Fort Crook:

            Captain: Your letter of the 10th instant, covering one from Mr. J. Root, of Susanville, and also one from Mr. T. W. Hinchman, of Red Bluff, has been laid before the general commanding. Captain Doughty, Second California Cavalry, with a detachment of his company, is now making a reconnaissance of Surprise Valley with a view to the establishment of a military post in that section should it be deemed necessary, and Lieutenant Close, First Nevada Territory Infantry, is also on a scout with thirty men from Camp Susan, near Susanville, where Captain Hassett, same regiment, is stationed with his company. The general desires that he may be kept fully advised of any further suspicious movements of the parties mentioned in your letter, or any others, and that you exercise watchfulness and vigilance in thwarting any intents hostile to the Government.

            Respectfully,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 979-981]

Austin, September 17, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor:

            Dear Sir: The undersigned, loyal citizens of this Government, believing in the supremacy of Federal laws, the perpetuity of the Union, and the defeat of traitors and the suppression of the rebellion both in words and acts, beg leave to represent the necessity of having a proper military force in this place. Copperheadism and secession are rampant in this city, and as it is the first place of any consequence reached by the emigrants, the numerical force of those opposed to our Government promises to be in the ascendant, which element will be kept in subjection by the presence of Federal soldiers. The approaching election increases the necessity, and as forage and accommodations here are abundant and as cavalry troops are soon expected in our midst we earnestly request that you will take such measures to give us a sufficient force (military) until the November election as will protect Union interests, humble rebels, and defend the true interests of the Government. This step we deem necessary for the cause of our country and the success of our political canvass, and without your aid we may be defeated in spite of our patriotic efforts and purposes. There is no time to be lost, and by your immediate attention and compliance with our request you will accomplish much good to a cause to which our lives are devoted.

            Very truly, your Union fellow-citizens,

T. A. WATTERSON.

RICHARD BROWN.

I. W. MORGAN.

S. B. MOORE.

THOMAS WREN.

H. G. WORTHINGTON.

D. R. ASHLEY.

MULF. NICKERSON.

THOS. J. TESSNANT.

MORZ MILLER.

[First indorsement.]

Austin, Nev. Ter., September 18, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor:

            General: Although but a comparative stranger in Austin, having just arrived here with my company on the march to Fort Ruby, I fully indorse the foregoing statement and believe it to be entirely correct, and am satisfied that Austin and the Reese River country not only require an armed force till after the November election, but permanently.

            Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE A. THURSTON,

Captain Company B, First Infantry Nevada Territory Vols.

[Second indorsement.]

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., September 22, 1864.

            Respectfully referred to the department commander, with the recommendation that if practicable a detachment of cavalry from Fort Churchill be stationed at or near Austin until after the November election. From my knowledge of the people of Austin and the emigration this year from the East, as well as from the character of the petitioners, I have no doubt that the interests of loyal citizens and of the Government would be subserved by such military protection as is asked for. I have at present under my command no available troops for that purpose.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

__________

War Department,

Washington City, D. C, September 18, 1864.

Governor James W. Nye,

            Carson City, Nev. Ter.:

            The arms requested by you when in Washington, to wit, three mountain howitzers and 1,000 Springfield muskets, were issued by the Ordnance Bureau pursuant to my order. Neither this Department nor the Ordnance Bureau has any information showing the stoppage of the arms at Benicia, and such stoppage, if it has been made, is unauthorized. The commanding officer at Benicia has been telegraphed upon the subject, and to forward them immediately. When they arrive you are authorized to issue them to your militia as you think most expedient for the service.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Headquarters District of Utah,

                                                                                    Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.,

No. 69.                        )                       Near Great Salt Lake City, September 19, 1864.

            I. Maj. Edward McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, with the headquarters and companies of his regiment stationed at Camp Connor, Utah Ter., will march for this post at as early a day as practicable, and will report to the post commander for duty.

* * * * * * *

            By command of Brigadier-General Connor:

M. G. LEWIS,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 982]

Carson, September 21, 1864—3.30 p. m.

Major-General McDowell :

            Can the remaining troops at Fort Churchill be detained for a few days until I can have a personal interview with you in regard to our peculiar situation ? Have you received my communication sent some weeks since? Will you cause the arms at Benicia destined for this Territory to be forwarded? I have authority from War Department to distribute them.

JAMES W. NYE,

Governor of the Territory of Nevada.

__________

San Francisco, September 21, 1864.

Governor J. W. Nye,

            Carson City, Nev. Ter.:

            Your request for temporary delay in movement of troops is granted. Shall be glad to see you, and would go at once to Carson if it were possible for me to leave here at this time. Your letter was received on my return from Oregon.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding.

__________

San Francisco, September 21, 1864.

Maj. Charles McDermit,

            Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

            Stop all movement of troops from Fort Churchill to Salt Lake until further orders.

            By order:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 986-987]

Office Provost-Marshal, Nevada Territory,

Virginia City, Nev. Ter., September 24, 1864.

Major McDermit,

            Commandant of Fort Churchill:

            Sir : I am quite apprehensive of trouble with the Miners' League on Tuesday next—perhaps before. They have assumed a belligerent attitude, and have undertaken to coerce the employers into their measures. It must not, it shall not, be done. When this came to my knowledge I telegraphed to General McDowell to countermand the order for the removal of the troops from the fort; hence the order. I have been here from Carson two days, and am fully impressed with the belief that the peace of the Territory depends upon the presence of the two companies of cavalry from Sunday evening till Tuesday. I hope you will send them, with a plenty of ammunition. Do so, and oblige.

            Yours, truly,

JAMES W. NYE,

Governor of the Territory of Nevada.

__________

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 24, 1864.

Governor J. W. Nye,

            Virginia City, Nev. Ter.:

            Governor : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date, requesting me to send the two cavalry companies to Virginia City. Inclosed you will find a telegram from headquarters Department of the Pacific of date September 5, 1864, in which you will perceive that it is out of my power to send troops as per your request, unless you obtain an order from General Wright, commanding the district, for me to do so. The troops will be in readiness to march at a moment's warning.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. McDERMIT,

Major, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.

[Inclosure.]

San Francisco, September 5, 1864.

Maj. Charles McDermit,

            Fort Churchill:

            * * * Report to General Wright condition of affairs in Nevada Territory and act on instructions received from him.

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Office Provost-Marshal, Nevada Territory,

Virginia City, Nev. Ter,, September 24, 1864.

Major McDermit,

            Commanding Post, Fort Churchill :

            Major: In view of the request forwarded by the governor for the troops to assemble here, I would state that they had better bring with them their field and camp equipments, rations, and tents, as they can be camped on guard limits, and my own grounds, and perfectly free from the populace, and without incurring extra expenses. As we are without forage, Runyon should come up and place it in quarters.

            Respectfully, yours,

J. L. VAN BOKKELEN,

Captain

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 990-991]

Carson City, September 25, 1864.

Major McDermit,

            Fort Churchill:

            Received this p. m. telegram from General Wright as follows:

J. W. Nye (for Major McDermit):

            Send cavalry force to Virginia City, as requested by the Governor.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General.

J. W. NYE.

__________

State of California, Executive Department,

Sacramento, September 26, 1864.

Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell,

            Commanding Department of the Pacific:

            General: I am informed that the troops at Fort Ruby (a portion of Third Infantry California Volunteers) have not moved as yet toward Salt Lake. If such be the case, the correctness of which you can ascertain by telegraph, I would suggest and urge that, instead of those men being marched 250 miles away from home in order to reach headquarters to be discharged, that you give instructions to the post commander at Fort Ruby to retain them at that point until their time expires which will be in a few days, and let them be discharged and mustered out at that post in order that they may be able to return home before winter sets in.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. F. LOW,

Governor.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 992]

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, September 26, 1864.

Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :

            Colonel : Last evening I received a telegram from Governor Nye saying that the peace of the Territory required the presence of the cavalry force now at Fort Churchill at Virginia City for two days. I directed Major McDermit to send the force as requested by the Governor. I have telegraphed Major McDermit to let me know the condition of affairs at Virginia City and full particulars by mail.

            Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Orders,            )                                                                                   Headquarters,

No. 106.          )                                   Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 26, 1864.

            I. Agreeably to instructions from headquarters District of California, of date September 25, 1864, Companies D and E, Nevada Cavalry, under command of Maj. Milo George, will provide themselves with three days' rations and proceed to Virginia City, Nev. Ter , to-day at 8.30 a. m., and upon their arrival there the commanding officer will report to Governor J. W. Nye for instructions.

            II. Capt. A. N. Runyon, assistant quartermaster, will furnish the necessary transportation, forage, and fuel for the command.

            By order:

C. McDERMIT,

Major, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.

__________

San Francisco, September 26, 1864.

General P. E. Connor,

            Salt Lake City:

            Order Major McGarry with headquarters of Second Cavalry to take post at Camp Union, Sacramento.

            By order;

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 994-995]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 20, 1864.

Lieut. E. D. Waite,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Sacramento City, Cal. :

            Lieutenant: I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter from Governor Nye, of date September 24, requesting me to send the two cavalry companies to Virginia City, Nev. Ter.,[7] also a copy of my reply and telegram from the Governor, including one from the general commanding the district, ordering me to send cavalry force to Virginia City as requested by the Governor.[8] I also inclose a copy of Post Orders, No. 100, directing the movements of the two cavalry companies.[9] The Governor's letter to me of the 24th of September will explain to the general the condition of affairs in Virginia City. I don't anticipate any serious trouble at Virginia City or any other place in this Territory at present.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. McDERMIT,

Major, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.

__________

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, September 26, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco:

            Colonel: I have before me the petitions of the citizens of Owen's River Valley and Surprise Valley asking for military protection against hostile Indians. An exploration of Surprise Valley is now being made by Captain Doughty, Second Cavalry, and a detachment from Captain Hassett's company of Nevada infantry. I am expecting daily to receive reports which will enable me to lay before the general my views in full as to the necessity of stationing troops in the valley. As to the petition from Owen's River Valley, I do not believe it either necessary or expedient to send troops there at this time. I believe that light, movable columns, traversing through remote, sparse settlements exposed to Indian depredations at certain seasons of the year, are preferable to permanent stations and much less expensive to the Government.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Headquarters District of Utah,

                                                                                    Camp Douglas. Utah Ter.,

No. 74.                        )                       Near Great Salt Lake City, September 27, 1864.

            I. Pursuant to orders from department headquarters, Maj. Edward McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, with the headquarters of his regiment will proceed to Camp Union, Sacramento, Cal., and report to Brigadier-General Wright, commanding District of California, for duty.

* * * * * * *

            By command of Brigadier-General Connor:

CHAS. H. HEMPSTEAD,

Captain and Commissary of Subsistence, U. S. Volunteers.

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, September 28, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th instant. Captain Starr, with his company, will march hence to-morrow from Mariposa. Inclosed herewith is a copy of my instructions to the captain.[10] The wishes of the general as conveyed to me in your letter will be attended to. Inclosed I send you two telegrams, 26th and 27th of September, from Major McDermit.[11] I have not granted the leave, but will do so when the condition of affairs at Virginia City will justify it. Should General McDowell determine to visit Fort Churchill and Virginia City please let me know, as I do not wish Major McDermit to be absent at the time.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 210.                      )                                   San Francisco, Cal., September 29, 1864.

* * * * * * *

            7. As fast as the companies of the Third California Volunteer Infantry at Utah shall be diminished by the expiration of the terms of service of the enlisted men, so as to call for it, they will be consolidated under such special instructions as shall be given by Brigadier-General Connor into such number of companies of the maximum organization as will contain all the men of that regiment who remain in service. General Connor will select the officers to command these consolidated companies, and those not so retained will be mustered out of service. The field and staff of the regiment will also be mustered out of service as it is reduced; the colonel, major, and assistant surgeon and regimental staff when the regiment is below five companies, and the lieutenant-colonel and surgeon when the number falls below three full companies.

            8. No infantry recruits will be sent from California to Utah till further orders. Those now at Camp Union will be retained there.

* * * * * * *

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 996-997]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, October 1, 1864.

His Excellency, F. F. Low,

            Governor of California, Sacramento:

            Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your three letters of the 26th ultimo. Immediate steps were taken in the matter of the troops at Fort Ruby, as you will have seen from the copy of the order in the case which was sent you. It had been represented to me that many of the men of the Third Regiment there had acquired interests in Utah, and it was asked they might be mustered out there, and they were ordered to Great Salt Lake City, as there only could the Pay Department place a paymaster to pay them off, and then, only in Utah was there a mustering officer.

            I have promised in the best practicable way I could command to meet your views, and those of others interested in the question, and now every man of the regiment at Fort Ruby has his choice as to the place of his discharge—Utah or California.

            The copy of our telegram to the Secretary of War has been sent to you, and I have given orders to the commanding officer at Benicia Arsenal to furnish the ammunition you require in the way you designate.

            I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding Department.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 999-1000]

Sacramento, October 3, 1864—1 p. m.

Col. R. C. Drum:

            Cavalry sent to Virginia City have returned to Fort Churchill. All quiet.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General.

__________

Office Provost-Marshal, Middle Dist. of California,

Sacramento, Cal., October 3, 1864.

Brig. Gen. John S, Mason,

            Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal- General, San Francisco, Cal. :

            Sir: It is in contemplation of the secret order to call together camps of their men. The officers in authority here are expecting to receive the order every day, and have given out the password by which the men can enter the camps. It is this: When challenged by the sentinel with the words "Who comes there?" or "Who goes there?" they answer "I." The sentinel then asks, "Where are you going?"—A. "Home." The sentinel then asks, "Where is your home!"—A. "Dixie." This admits the member of the order to pass any of their sentinels, and, as they say, will admit a person into any Confederate camp here or at the South. This password has been given out so lately that I only got it this morning.

ROBERT ROBINSON,

Captain and Provost-Marshal.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, October 3, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor, U. S. Volunteers,

            Commanding District of Utah:

            General: I have the honor to transmit herewith inclosed, by direction of the major-general commanding, a copy of his letter to the Governor of Utah Territory relative to raising for service on the overland route four companies of infantry in that Territory. The general desires you to afford all facilities in your power to raise these companies in Utah, as it may be difficult to send you forces from this part of the department. The general is gratified at the announcement made in your letter of the 22d ultimo that the condition of affairs in your district is such as not to require additional forces from this side, where it is probable they may be required.

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

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure.]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, October 3, 1864.

His Excellency J. Duane Doty,

            Governor of Utah, Great Salt Lake City:

            Sir : I telegraphed for and have received authority to raise, to the extent the circumstances of the service may require, certain forces in the several States and Territories of this department. The Governors of California and Oregon joined with me in the application for the quota arbitrarily established for their respective States, but you were too far off to be consulted at the time, and I therefore asked in advance of doing so for authority to raise not to exceed four companies from Utah, in case they should be necessary. I have supposed it might become expedient and that it might be possible to raise that number in addition to the recruits the forces now there might be able to make in the Territory among its loyal inhabitants. Under the authority, therefore, given to that effect from the War Department, I have the honor to request that you will, in connection with the provost-marshal-general's department, raise by voluntary enlistment for the service of the United States four companies of infantry, to be mustered into service at Great Salt Lake City, or such other points as may be determined upon and shall be most convenient. As the U. S. forces in Utah are simply for the protection of the overland communications and the keeping the peace between the whites and Indians and maintaining the authority of the United States, and have no special reference to the Mormons, I have supposed the raising of these companies, if practicable to do so, would meet with no opposition from that community. Will you please write me fully on this question?  If the companies can be raised I need hardly say it is of great importance that the officers to command them and the battalion should be men not only of character and education and judgment, but of unquestionable loyalty to the United States. The acting assistant provost-marshal, Brigadier-General Mason, will confer with you concerning the details of this duty, and Brigadier-General Connor, commanding District of Utah, will aid you in every way within his power to get these companies into the service at the earliest day practicable, so as to meet in part the deficiencies arising from the muster out of the principal part of the forces under his command.

            I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

IRVIN MCDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1002]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

Oakland, October 5, 1864.

Brig. Gen. George Wright,

            Commanding District of California, Sacramento:

            It is reported to me by Mr. A. T. Lawton and William T. Coleman that a serious riot is threatened to-night or to-morrow in Virginia City. I am not informed as to the nature or cause of the anticipated riot, but wish, whatever may be the cause, you would take such measures as may be in your power to aid the constituted authorities to suppress it. Telegraph to Fort Churchill and Governor Nye and let me know what is done. I leave for Sacramento to-morrow evening.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

Oakland, October 5, 1864.

Major McDermit,

            Commanding Fort Churchill:

            It is reported to me by Mr. A. T. Lawton and William T. Coleman that a serious riot is threatened to-night or to-morrow at Virginia City. Hold your command in readiness to march to that place at a moment's notice, or march there at once if you know yourself of any necessity requiring your presence. General Wright and Governor Nye may call on you immediately. If either does, do what you can to aid the civil authorities to maintain order.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

Oakland, October 5, 1864.

His Excellency Governor Nye,

            Carson City, Nev. Ter.:

            It is reported to me by Mr. Lawton and William T. Coleman that a serious riot is threatened to-night or to-morrow at Virginia City. I am not informed as to the cause, but have telegraphed General Wright and Major McDermit to render all assistance in their power to the constituted authorities to suppress it. Call on them for what you want that they can give.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1004-1005]

Sacramento, October 6, 1864—10 a. m.

Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell,

            San Francisco:

            I telegraphed at 10 last night to Governor Nye and Major McDermit. No answer at this hour. Telegraph from Major McDermit at 10 last night says: "Captain Wells' cavalry company will be in Virginia City by daylight to-morrow."

            10.25 A. M.—Governor Nye telegraphs me from Virginia City and says there is apprehension of difficulty. He will attend to it in person and advise me in case of danger.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Virginia, October 6, 1864—9 a. m.

Major-General McDowell:

            I have been on guard all night. The peace of the community shall be preserved. The troops have arrived from the fort. I will take command of the forces myself. I want the troops to remain until this trouble is over. I will keep you advised and will see you at San Francisco within four days.

JAMES W. NYE,

Governor.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1007]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

Sacramento, Cal,, October 8, 1864.

Governor James W. Nye,

            Carson City, Nev. Ter.:

            I am here on my way to Nevada. Will be in Virginia City Tuesday afternoon or evening.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

__________

San Francisco, October 8, 1864.

Mai. Charles McDermit,

            Fort Churchill:

            Let cavalry remain in Virginia. General McDowell leaves Sacramento today for that place.

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1008-1009]

Office Provost-Marshal, Middle Dist. of California,

Sacramento, Cal., October 10, 1864.

Brig. Gen. John S. Mason,

            Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal General:

            Sir : Agreeably to your request I send herewith a copy of so much of a former report as gives the work of the two degrees of the order. I do this because the work was first learned as it was given and used in Nevada Territory. I give in this the modifications as the work is now used here and as I suppose it is used over there, as I am informed that the same instructions have been sent over. First modification: The password of thirty-third degree is curtailed by leaving out the word " all," and thus given as before, " Death to traitors." Second modification: The password, "Andalusia," which was used as a test password in the second degree or fifty-seventh degree, is now used as a password to enter the meetings of the thirty-third, and is given as follows: The person wishing to enter gives one distinct rap. Q. "Who is there?" A. "Friend." Q. "Have you the password?" A. "I have." Q. "Give it." A. "Andalusia." Addition by new instructions: To enter a military or other camp of the order, to the usual hail of " Who goes there?" A. " I." Q. " Where are you going?" A. " I am going home." Q. "Where is your home?" A. " Home in Dixie." This will admit to any of their camps either here or in the Confederate Army. If a fifty-seventh is in trouble and desires to find a brother of that degree, he will clasp his hands together, bring them up to his chin and lower them down again, walking and repeating the sign until he is noticed by a brother. I may add that at the approaching election there is to be a lieutenant in each election precinct who may call as many assistants as he wants to keep order and assert the rights of the party. The word to bring them to the rescue will be " Santa Maria." After dark the signal will be made by clapping the hands thus: Two claps, a pause; two claps, a pause; then two claps—that is, three couplets of claps of the hands.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT ROBINSON,

Captain and Provost-Marshal.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Headquarters District of Utah,

                                                                                                Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.,

No. 79.                        )                       Near Great Salt Lake City, October 11, 1864.

            I. Maj. John M. O'Neill, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will proceed without delay to Fort Bridger, Utah Ter., and relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Williams, First Battalion Nevada Cavalry, in the command of that post.

            II. Lieutenant-Colonel Williams will, upon being relieved, proceed to Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., and report to the commanding officer for duty. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.

            By command of Brigadier-General Connor:

M. G. LEWIS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1010-1011]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

Virginia City, October 13, 1864.

His Excellency James W. Nye,

            Governor of Nevada Territory :

            Sir: I have the honor to acquaint you that I have received authority from the War Department to call on you, from time to time, as the circumstances of the service may require, for, not to exceed in all at any one time, one regiment of volunteer infantry and one regiment of volunteer cavalry, to be mustered into the service of the United States as other volunteer regiments under existing laws and regulations. Under this authority I have to request you will please raise as soon as possible enough companies of infantry to complete, with those already in service from Nevada, a full regiment of infantry. Brigadier-General Mason will confer with you, and give all the information necessary as to details for this service.

            I have the honor to be, Governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding Department.

__________

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah, near Great Salt Lake City, October 14, 1864.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

            Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

(Through Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell, commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.)

            General : I have the honor to ask from the honorable Secretary of War leave of absence from my district for sixty days in order to enable me to visit New York City on important private business. In preferring this request at this time I beg leave respectfully to represent that I have since my manhood been nine years in the military service of the United States, for the last two years stationed in this district, and during all that time have not received a leave of absence from my post of duty. I deem it proper also to add that the policy inaugurated by me in the conduct of affairs in this district has worked so beneficially and its results are now so apparent, that I am satisfied that the granting of this request at this time would not be detrimental to the public service. Since my advent to this Territory it is the first time when I could reconcile my convictions of duty with a prolonged absence from the district. But I now feel assured that for the time mentioned as the period of my absence no danger can reasonably be apprehended from the hostility of Indians or the machinations of the foes of the government of Utah. Hence the foregoing request is preferred with the hope that it may be granted.

            I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. District of Utah.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1013]

[October 15,1864.—For Holliday to Stanton, recommending assignment of Connor to duty of suppressing Indian depredations between Salt Lake City and Fort Kearny, see Vol. XLI, Part III, p. 903.]

__________

[OR I-41-3, p. 903]

SALT LAKE, October 15, 1864.

Hon. E. M. STANTON:

            Indians are attacking mail-coaches every few days forty to sixty miles west of Fort Kearny. Unless immediate measures are taken to stop depredations the great overland mails must again be stopped. I most respectfully urge that General Connor be assigned to this duty at once. His familiarity with Indian warfare, prompt and efficient protection to the Western line, and wholesome dread of the savages of his name, point to him above all others as the man for the work of punishing these marauders. The winter is approaching, when Indians can alone be tracked, pursued, and severely punished. It is the right time for the work, and Connor can do it. I but express the firm conviction of all who have witnessed his prompt operations, and now see the result in Utah. Everything is quiet here, and Connor can well be spared for the necessary time to accomplish the work speedily and effectually with the means at his command.

BEN HOLLIDAY,

Overland Mail Contractor, of New York.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1013]

Washington, D. C, October 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General Connor,

            Salt Lake City:

            Give all the protection in your power to overland route between you and Fort Kearny, without regard to department lines. General Curtis' forces have been diverted by rebel raids from Arkansas.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major- General and Chief of Staff.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1014]

Salt Lake, Utah, October 17, 1864.

Major-General Halleck,

            Chief of Staff:

            To render efficient the protection required, the troops between Salt Lake and Kearny, inclusive, should be subject to my orders, irrespective of department lines. Do I understand your telegram to mean that I will take from here two cavalry companies but may require others now on the eastern road?

P. E. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General.

__________

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., October 17, 1864.

Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant-General:

            Have just received the following telegram from Washington :[12] With the general commanding's permission I will send two companies Second Cavalry down the road. Only 200 men of Second Cavalry in this district. Would recommend that they be consolidated into two companies, and the officers of H and K sent to California, and [sic] of it to Salt Lake to recruit; or K could be recruited in Montana.

P. EDWARD CONNOR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding District.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1015]

Washington, October 18, 1864.

Brigadier-General Connor,

            Salt Lake City:

            Order not intended to transfer troops or change commands, except where parts of different commands act together, when ranking officer takes general command temporarily, as provided in Army Regulations.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1016-1017]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, October 19, 1864.

Austin Wiley, Esq.,

            Superintendent of Indian Affairs:

            Sir: Frequent applications are made to the major-general commanding for the establishment of a military force in the vicinity of Owen's Lake by persons residing or having interest in the country drained by the Owen's River. The general desires you to inform him relative to the condition and present disposition of the Indians in the vicinity referred to at your earliest convenience.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 228.                      )                                   San Francisco, Cal., October 19, 1864.

* * * * * * *

            2. Maj. Milo George, Nevada Territory volunteers, with the company of cavalry at Fort Churchill, will proceed to encamp for the winter at the point selected by him in the vicinity of Carson City. The major will take from Fort Churchill the necessary paulins for protecting Government stores, implements for getting out timber, and two hospital tents.

            3. Capt. Alexander N. Runyon, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, will report without delay at the point above indicated to Major George, under whose orders he will act. The quartermaster's department will furnish such additional implements as may be absolutely required for comfortably hutting the command of two companies of cavalry.

* * * * * * *

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Office Indian Affairs,

San Francisco, October 20, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Sir : Your communication relative to the condition and present disposition of the Indians of Owen's River Valley, and likewise petition of citizens there for the establishment of a military post, are before me. Not having had an opportunity to visit that section I am unable to speak correctly of the condition of the Indians or the nature of the grounds upon which the supposed hostilities are based. The petition itself, while it foreshadows hostilities on the part of the Indians, does not set forth that a scarcity of subsistence is among the causes likely to bring about a collision. You are doubtless aware that in an isolated district like Owen's River Valley, where there are any number of Indians, imaginary dangers are often magnified into real, and thus the Indians themselves become excited and likely to become troublesome. I am not prepared to say, however, that there is no occasion for alarm in that vicinity, and as there is, in my opinion, no occasion to fear serious trouble from Indians in any other portion of the State the ensuing winter, I think it would be well, if not inconsistent with the good of the service, to establish a military post there, with a small detachment of cavalry. In the meantime, as I informed the general yesterday afternoon, I will take steps to ascertain the true condition of the Indians there as soon as possible.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AUSTIN WILEY,

Superintendent of Indian Affairs, California

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1022]

Special Orders,            )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 230.                      )                                   San Francisco, Cal, October 22, 1864.

* * * * * * *

            5. A detachment of cavalry, not to exceed ten enlisted men, will be sent, under the command of Lieut. Robert Daley, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, as an escort to the Indian agent to the Owen's River Valley country and such other points in the vicinity as the agent may desire to visit. The detachment will remain with the agent until his return to Visalia. The quartermaster's department will furnish such stores and property, in addition to that supplied by the Indian Department, as may be deemed necessary.

* * * * * * *

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1032-1033]

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, October 26, 1864.

Col R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General, Headquarters San Francisco:

            Colonel : Day before yesterday I sent you a telegram I had received from Major McDermit saying that the Union people at Susanville had asked for the withdrawal of Captain Hassett's company. The company was nearly out of rations, and I recommended its withdrawal to Fort Churchill. As I did not hear from you this morning, possibly my letter did not reach you. I see no reason now for that company remaining at Susanville, and all the disposable troops beyond the mountains may be needed near Virginia.

            Very respectfully,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General.

__________

San Francisco, October 27, 1864,

General George Wright,

            Sacramento:

            Withdraw company from Susanville to Fort Churchill as recommended.

            By order:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Sacramento, October 27, 1864.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

            Withdraw Hassett's company entire from Susanville to Fort Churchill.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1034]

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, October 28, 1864.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry, Commanding Fort Churchill:

            Major: The general commanding directs that Captain Hassett's company (First Nevada Territory Infantry) be withdrawn entire from the Smoke Creek country to Fort Churchill, to which effect you were telegraphed from these headquarters yesterday.

            Respectfully,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1036-1037]

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., near Great Salt Lake City,

October 30, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel Drum, U. S. Army,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel : On the 17th instant I had the honor to transmit to you a telegram, dated 16th instant, from Major-General Halleck, instructing me to render all the protection in my power to the overland route between this point and Fort Kearny. Regarding that dispatch as looking to my going down the road in person and assuming control of the troops between the points named, I deemed it proper to address General Halleck a telegram, informing him of my intention to send eastward two companies of cavalry and proceed myself in person, and also asking further instructions in the premises. In response the following telegram was received, viz:

Washington, October 18, 1864.

Brigadier-General Connor:

            Order not intended to transfer troops or change commands, except where parts of different commands act together, when ranking officer takes general command temporarily, as provided in Army Regulations.

H. W. HALLECK.

            In response to a telegram from me to Governor John Evans, of Colorado Territory, I have received the following dispatch, viz:

Denver, October 24, 1864.

Brigadier-General Connor:

            I am glad that yon ,ire coming. I have no doubt the Indians may be chastened during the winter, which they very much need. Bring all the force you can, then pursue, kill, and destroy them; until which we will have no permanent peace on the plains.

JOHN EVANS,

Governor of Colorado.

            In pursuance of the foregoing and the telegram which I had the honor to transmit to you on the 17th instant I propose to start two full companies of the Second California Volunteer Cavalry, viz, Companies L and M, on or about the 4th proximo. The necessary arrangements for forage on the route between here and Denver have been made, at which last-named place the troops will arrive in about twenty-five days. In the meantime I design proceeding hence to Denver by stage next week, where I hope to be able to gather the necessary information, after examining the field, to guide the future movements of my troops. Should I find it practicable and advisable to make a winter's campaign, with a fair probability of severely punishing the savages, of which I now entertain little doubt, I will make such arrangements and disposition of the troops as may be necessary, and immediately return to this post by stage. As soon thereafter as everything necessary for a vigorous campaign can be prepared I propose to return and assume personal command of the expedition, making Denver the base of operations. As my absence from the district (with which I will be in constant communication ) will be but temporary, not exceeding, perhaps, a fortnight, I will retain command, leaving a competent officer here to attend to details. Should my confident expectations regarding the possibility of a winter campaign against the Sioux, Arapahoes, and Cheyennes not be realized after personal examination I purpose to make immediately, my troops will go into suitable winter quarters ready for such service as may be required by the exigencies of either district. There is no doubt that until the savages eastward of Denver shall have been thoroughly defeated and severely punished no permanent peace can be hoped for; nor can their frequent raids upon the overland route be prevented by any number of troops at the disposal of the Government. I am equally clear in the opinion that the winter or early spring is the only time when Indians can be successfully pursued, punished, and brought to terms. If this be possible, as I now think it is, I need hardly add that the most vigorous measures will be taken at the earliest possible day. Your instructions in the premises have been most carefully noted and will be strictly obeyed. I trust that the movements above set forth will meet with the approbation and concurrence of the general commanding the department, to whom I will report from time to time regarding my future actions.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. District of Utah.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1049]

San Francisco, November 7, 1864.

Maj. Charles McDermit, ,

            Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

            Hold your command in readiness to move to-morrow at a moment's notice, with ammunition. Notify troops at new post to same effect by sending copy of this telegram.

            By order:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1049-1050]

Fort Dalles, Oreg., November 7, 1864.

Brigadier-General Alvord,

            Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :

            Sir: Your letter making inquiries as to the propriety of locating a camp at or near Goose Lake for operations against the Snake Indians reached me at Camp No. 104, on Birch Creek. I would have replied sooner, but have been marching every day but the one I remained at Walla Walla. I am of the opinion Goose Lake is too far west. Warner's Lake, some two days' march east of Goose Lake, in my judgment is a much more preferable place. As soon as I get my journal copied I will send it, accompanied with a rough map of that region and a letter more fully going into the details and reasons for making a camp at or near Lake Warner. I arrived here yesterday afternoon, and last night had a short conversation with Indian Agent Logan, from whom I learned the character of the country on the headwaters of the Des Chutes. As I will probably remain in the service until the 20th of March coming, and as I have no taste for garrison duty, I would take it as a great personal favor if I can be sent to the mountains. I am well convinced that, with the knowledge I gained of the Snake Indian country during the summer, that with about fifty men and a month's provisions, starting from Captain Small's winter camp, I can find and whip the Indians. I would propose to start about the 1st of February, push with forced marches by night to the south side of Harney Lake, and from thence scout around Steen's Mountain and the lakes around it. They will be forced to winter in that vicinity, and to find them in their winter camp is equivalent to destroying them. I would propose to go light—hard bread, bacon, coffee, and sugar, and trust to luck for the rest. I am willing to risk my reputation and life on the success of the move. It chafes me most intolerably to lie in winter quarters, feeling as I do a keen thirst for vengeance on the murderous heathens who have run unwhipped so long. I feel that the safety of the people and the honor of the Army imperatively demand the speedy punishment of the Snakes, and for that end I am most anxiously willing to make a winter dash after them. Eight days' (nights') march from Captain Small's camp will bring a cavalry troop to Steen's Mountain. Hoping my request will not be looked on in the light of presumption,

            I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. CURREY,

Captain, First Oregon Cavalry.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1068]

Headquarters District of Oregon,

Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 25, 1864.

Lieut. J. Halloran,

            First Washington Territory Infantry,

                        Commanding Warm Springs Reservation:

(Through Commanding Officer Fort Dalles, Oreg.)

            Sir: I am directed by the general commanding the district to inform you that information has been received from the commanding officer at Fort Klamath to the effect that Po-li-ni, the war chief of the Snake Indians, has given himself up at that post and desires peace. The general directs that you inform the Indians at Warm Springs through their agent of the fact, so that all aggressive warfare on their part may cease.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. I. SANBORN,

Second Lieutenant, First Washington Territory Infantry,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 53.                        )                                   San Francisco, Cal., November 23, 1864.

            It has come to the notice of the major-general commanding that officers in this department have assumed to act in a summary manner in reference to Indians charged with crimes, and there are cases where they have even had Indians executed by the troops. This is against all law, is in no way to be justified, and will not be sanctioned. As His Excellency the Governor of California correctly states, "Indians are amenable to the civil law equally with the whites, and should be tried for offenses committed and punished accordingly." Hereafter no officer or soldier will execute or aid in executing any Indian prisoners on any pretext whatever. If an Indian commits any crime the military may hold him under guard until the civil authority can take charge of him.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

OR I-50-2, pp. 1071-1073]

Headquarters District of Oregon,

Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 25, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: I have the honor to report that I am informed by the commanding officer at Fort Klamath, Oreg., under date of the 8th instant, that Po-li-ni, war chief of the Snake Indians, has surrendered himself at that post, professing that he wishes to make a lasting peace. I hear this news with great gratification, as it is the natural result and sequel of the activity of the troops the past summer, who have thoroughly and efficiently scouted and traversed the whole country in which the Snakes have ranged. The submission is due no doubt in part to their want of food, having been so harassed they had little time to lay in their usual supply. Superintendent Huntington, in holding a council early in October, near Fort Klamath, with the Modocs, Klamaths, &c., invited the Snakes to attend. Only a very few presented themselves. Mr. Huntington returned to The Dalles from Fort Klamath, under the escort of Lieutenant Halloran, First Washington Territory Infantry, accompanied by some Warm Springs Indians. They encountered a band of Snakes; 3 or 4 were killed, and 3 women with their children captured, who were brought to this post for confinement by Mr. Huntington. The wife of Po-li-ni, with her children, is among them. If his submission appears to be sincere they will be returned to him in the spring. The Indian Department will endeavor to get the Snakes to submit and come in upon the new Klamath Reservation. They may live upon terms of amity with the Klamaths, but not easily with those on the Warm Springs Reservation. It will remain for us to test the sincerity of this submission, but if it shall turn out to be sincere, it is a very auspicious event for the peace of the Indian frontier.

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

BENJ. ALVORD,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers Commanding District.

__________

Headquarters District of Oregon,

Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 25, 1864.

J. W. P. Huntington,

            Superintendent Indian Affairs, Salem, Oreg.:

            Sir: The surrender on the 8th instant of Po-li-ni, war chief of the Snakes, at Fort Klamath, as reported by Captain Kelly, is an auspicious event. I have sent you, as also Captain Kelly, a, copy of my instructions of the 21st instant to the commanding officer on the Warm Springs Reservation to notify the Warm Springs Indians to cease progressive attacks on the Snake Indians of Po-li-ni's band. The women and children of that tribe, including the wife and child of Po-li-ni, left by you on the 27th ultimo in confinement at this post, will be released whenever you request it. I suppose, however, they cannot be returned before spring. In the meantime you will have means to test the sincerity of Po-li-ni's submission and promises of keeping the peace. It will, I think, be well for you to embrace the opportunity, in consideration of the pardon and amnesty (and return of his family) which will be accorded to Po-li-ni, to require that he shall manifest his sincerity by bringing in all his warriors to some locality—say, upon the Klamath Reservation. Pray ascertain how many warriors he can control. It is wise in us to make all the use possible of Po-li-ni in controlling that tribe. Will you be disposed to place them on the Klamath Reservation? Mr. Logan, agent at the Warm Springs Reservation, said that the Indian women said that Po-li-ni's brother was the principal chief he being only war chief. No doubt it will be our policy to treat Po-li-ni as the head chief if he is friendly and peaceable, to increase if possible his power, and to make use of him in controlling all the Snake Indians. It will be necessary eventually, no doubt, to inform Po-li-ni that all horses and mules his people have stolen, if claimed by their lawful owners, will have to be surrendered. But it will be time enough to insist on that when you come to treat with him. Please write me your views on all these subjects.

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

BENJ. ALVORD,

Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding District.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1080-1082]

Headquarters District of California,

Sacramento, November 29, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: Inclosed herewith is a petition of the citizens of Owen's River Valley for military protection, together with a letter from Adjutant- General Evans. The petitioners do not set forth any actual hostilities, and simply ask for the troops in the valley as a precautionary measure. However to allay their apprehensions I would recommend that a company of Nevada infantry be sent from Fort Churchill and located on Bishop's Creek near Owensville, with provisions for the winter, for the tents, &c., with a few tools, to enable the company to hut itself during the rainy season.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

General Headquarters State of California,

Adjutant-General's Office,

Sacramento, November 29, 1864.

Lieut. E. D. Waite, U. S. Army,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, District of California:

            Lieutenant : I have the honor to inclose herewith for the consideration of the general commanding the district a petition from citizens of Owen's River Valley asking for aid in the way of troops to be stationed in that section to protect them in their property and lives against the ravages of the Indians. Permit me to state in connection herewith the fact that I am personally acquainted with some of the gentlemen who have signed the petition, and that I know them to be reliable, honorable gentlemen.

            Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. EVANS,

Adjutant-General State of California.

[Sub-inclosure.]

Hon. Irvin McDowell,

            Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Coast, &c.:

            The undersigned, your petitioners, would most respectfully represent that they are now and have been citizens and residents of Owen's Valley for the last past twelve months, and a number of your petitioners for a much longer time. Your petitioners would state that said valley is situated in Mono County, State of California; that said valley is about 100 miles in length; that there are a number of towns and villages situated in said valley, and also many persons, of whom your petitioners form a part, engaged in farming; that the whole white population now resident therein may be about 250 souls; that this population is so sparse and scattered over such a large extent of country that in case of, trouble with the Indians upon a sudden emergency they would be wholly unable to render material aid to each other. It is well known to the military headquarters at San Francisco that this valley has been for the last two or three years the scene of many Indian outrages and depredations, and that those who are now residents of the valley live in continual fear of an outbreak of the Indians, which, if it should occur, must necessarily result in the shedding of much innocent blood, as we have now among us many families of women and children. Your petitioners would further represent that the notorious Joaquin Jim, chief of the Pi-Utes in this region since the removal of Captain George to Fort Tejon, with his own particular adherents, together with many fugitives from Fort Tejon and renegades from Captain George's tribe or division, are now settled in our midst; that is to say, on Bishop's Creek, near Owensville, and upon the identical ground upon which Mr. Scott, sheriff of this county, and Colonel Mayfield were killed some two years ago. It is a well-known fact that Joaquin Jim is now and ever has been an uncompromising enemy of the whites; that he refused to emigrate with his people under treaty made with the U. S. authorities; that the many murders and outrages committed in this valley since the withdrawal of Government troops from this locality is traceable to the implacable animosity of this captain or chief to our people. In view of the premises, feeling uneasy and insecure in our settlement, being as we are scattered over a wide extent of country, with helpless women and children among us, we would most respectfully pray that if compatible with the public service you would order to this locality one company of dragoons with such dispatch that the Indians may be intimidated, and that your petitioners may rest in security ; and your petitioners in duty bound will ever pray, &c.

WM. P. GEORGE,

J. H. SMITH,

S. JACKSON,

[And 37 Others.]

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1083-1084]

Camp Babbitt, near Visalia, Cal., December 3, 1864.

Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Sir: In accordance with orders from headquarters Department of the Pacific, I have the honor to make the following report relative to the Indians in Owen's River Valley: I found Indian supplies in the valley not good, and the most of the Indians had left for the mountains. The Indian agent invited them to come in. Sixteen came and made the following report : They said they had been maltreated by the whites in various ways. To use their own language, they said Americans no good men. Hire Indian, and not pay him according to agreement. I learned from Mr. Maloney, one of the present proprietors of Camp Independence, that the settlers of the valley were in the habit of sending to the Tule River Reservation for Indians to come and work for them, and when they would get them there decline paying them, and after a certain length of time drive them from their claims and cabins without pay or allowance. The Indians said they would retaliate and drive the whites out of the valley. From what I could learn from the best authority (white settlers), I find that unless troops are sent there the whites will have to leave the upper portion of the valley, as all the men connected with mining in White Mountain and vicinity had to leave on account of the Indians, supposed to be Captain Joaquin's party, composed of Pi-Utes and Owen's River Indians, and they are determined (so say peaceable Indians) to drive the whites out of the valley. From conversation with Indians left in the valley we were informed that all the Indians capable of doing duty as warriors left for the mountains, leaving those that could not light to take care of themselves. These Indians say they will go to Tule River Reservation if war commences. I believe the Indians have not been properly treated by the whites in Owen's River Valley, and I think, by all the information I could gather, that unless troops are sent there an outbreak by the Indians is inevitable.

            Hoping this report will be satisfactory, I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. DALEY,

First Lieutenant, Second Cavalry California Volunteers.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1085-1086]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, December 5, 1864.

J. B. Crockett, Esq., and others,

            San Francisco, Cal.:

            Gentlemen: Your petition requesting that a military force be sent to the Owen's River Valley for the purpose of protecting the lives and property of citizens having been submitted to the general commanding, I am instructed to inform you that an officer has been sent with the Indian agent to the country referred to, instructed to examine and report upon the condition of affairs, and should he report a force necessary, one will be sent, if possible, this winter.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, December 7, 1864.

Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Volunteers,

            Commanding District of California:

            General: The major-general commanding desires you to instruct Major McDermit, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, commanding Fort Churchill, to send a company of Nevada Territory infantry to reoccupy Camp Independence, on Owen's River, with directions to remain there until further orders. The supplies for this place will be obtained from either Fort Churchill or Camp Nye. The officer sent in command will be instructed to protect the settlers in and contiguous to Owen's River Valley, and at the same time to restrain the whites from attacking innocent Indians.

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

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, December 7, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: I have ordered Major McDermit to detach a company of infantry from Fort Churchill to take post at Bishop's Creek, in the valley of Owen's River, with supplies for the winter.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, December 7, 1864.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry, Comdg. Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :

            Major : The general commanding directs that you send one company of Nevada infantry as soon as Captain Hassett has returned with his command to take post near Bishop's Creek, the quartermaster's department furnishing the necessary transportation. Subsistence tor the winter will be furnished from your post as well as the necessary camp and garrison equipage, together with ii few tools to enable the company to hut itself during the rainy season. No expense will be incurred in the movement of this company to Owen's River Valley.

            Respectfully,

E. D. WAITE

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1086-1087]

Visalia, Cal., December 8, 1864.

General Irvin McDowell,

            Commanding Department of the Pacific:

            The undersigned, citizens of Tulare County, Cal., would respectfully represent that there are now scattered through the valley of Owen's River, east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, quite a number of citizens engaged in mining, farming, and grazing, who are living under such circumstances of isolation as to be unable to afford each other protection from hostile Indians ; that there are now In said valley some 60,000 head of cattle belonging to citizens of this county, and which have been driven there in consequence of the drought in the Tulare Valley ; that said region is at this time threatened with hostilities by large bands of Indians of the Pi-Ute and Owen's River tribes, instigated and led on to some extent by bad white men, who consort with them ; that a number of citizens have already been killed and wounded and much property destroyed by said Indians, and that unless speedy measures be taken to prevent, the entire valley will be devastated; that reckless and imprudent citizens have been blamable to some extent in exciting discontent and revengefulness in the minds of the valley Indians, and need a controlling influence amongst them. Undersigned therefore respectfully ask that a detachment of troops be sent to said region and stationed either on Bishop's Creek and Camp Independence, or other suitable points in said valley, to remain there at least until the influx of settlers in the spring shall make the settlements strong enough to protect themselves and their property and to control as well bad and dangerous white men as hostile Indians. And your petitioners will ever pray, &c.

W. R. OWENS,

H. W. BRIGGS,

PASCHAL BEQUETTE,

[And 83 others.]

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1093]

San Francisco, Cal., December 10, 1864.

Hon. Edwin M. Stanton,

            Secretary of War:

            I have to report in answer to your telegram that I have not, and have not had the slightest intention to order, a draft in Oregon or in any part of my command, nor have I indicated any such purpose to any one. Under the special authority you have given me in connection with the Governors of Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, and Utah, and the State bounties given by California and Oregon, I hope to raise sufficient force without drafting, which in any case I would not think of doing without your knowledge and orders.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1095]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, December 13, 1864.

Maj. Charles McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry, Commanding Fort Churchill:

            Major: The general commanding desires that you direct the officer sent in command of the troops to Owen's River Valley to make it his special duty to see that the whites do not take it upon themselves to inaugurate hostilities with the Indians, and protect inoffensive Indians.

            Respectfully,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1100-1101]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, December 17, 1864.

Adjutant-General of the Army,

            Washington City, D. C. :

            Sir : In forwarding the application of Brigadier-General Connor of October 14 for a leave of absence for sixty days, I am constrained to notice the remark of the general "that the present quiet which reigns throughout his district is due to his policy." A reference to the correspondence between him and the headquarters of this department, a copy of which was transmitted with my letter of August 17 to the Adjutant-General of the Army, will show, I think, that the general is mistaken, and that had he been allowed to pursue "his policy" this department would have been involved in war with the Mormons. General Connor bears the reputation of being an excellent soldier, and his ready acquiescence in the instructions I had to give him, checking the policy he desired to follow, shows his reputation is merited; but I think it only right and prudent that it be well understood to what the quiet his district now enjoys is due, lest by an approval of his policy trouble may come.

            This application was detained to wait the return of General Connor from his trip to Colorado, where he had gone with the object of inaugurating a winter campaign against the Indians in General Curtis' department, which he was about to set on foot under some instructions he had received direct from Major-General Halleck. I do not think these instructions required General Connor to leave his district and to go and take command of forces so far away from this department, and that they do not contemplate the carrying on systematically of operations against Indians east of the Rocky Mountains by troops from this coast; that the protection to the overland route beyond the limits of this command was to be temporary, and was not, as General Halleck says, intended to transfer troops or change commands. The general has now reported his return, and states that in consequence of the severity of the storms and lack of forage for the animals of the command he had halted the two companies he expected to take with him at Fort Bridger; that he "found but few available troops in the vicinity of Denver to co-operate with his small command, even could the latter reach the scene of the difficulties, nor could he discover a very zealous disposition, even had the ability existed, to co-operate with his forces; that it was apparent to him that to attempt to transport his command across the mountains at this season of the year would result not only in much hardship to the men, but in rendering two thirds of the horses entirely unfit for service after reaching the Platte plains." As therefore there is no probability of General Connor's services being needed this winter, I approve of his having the leave asked.

            I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding Department.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, December 17, 1864.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor, U. S. Volunteers,

            Commanding District of Utah, Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.:

            General: The major-general commanding has attentively considered your several communications of October 17 (by telegraph), October 30, and December 2. He directs me to say that he does not see that the instructions of Major-General Halleck to you direct require you to quit your district for the purpose you seem to have contemplated— that of inaugurating a campaign and carrying on systematically operations against the Indians east of the Rocky Mountains by troops from this coast. The subsequent telegram from General Halleck says it was not intended to transfer troops or change commands. The protection beyond the limits of the district, which you were to give the overland route, was evidently to be by such movement of forces as you might be able to detach, and was required of you for a reason no longer existing, as, since they were given. General Curtis' forces have driven off the enemy, and that officer is now doubtless in a condition to look after his end of the route. Your halting your cavalry companies at Fort Bridger, instead of moving them farther east, was eminently proper. The general has approved of your order establishing rates of pay for Government employes from and after date of receipt hereof, and will be glad of your active cooperation in the economical administration of the affairs of the department. To avoid clashing of authority, anything that you may discover of the nature treated of in your order he wishes you to please bring to the immediate notice of the deputy quartermaster- general at department headquarters, by whom, under the Quartermaster-General and the department commander, such matters are regulated. The general wishes to know what, if any, progress has been made in raising the four companies of volunteers.

            I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1103-1104]

Headquarters,

Fort Ruby, December 21, 1864.

Capt. M. G. Lewis,

            Assistant Adjutant-General, Camp Douglas, Utah Ter. :

            Sir : It may have come to your notice that the Indians in the section of country around Austin have stolen stock—that is, such is the report. They have probably committed a few depredations of this kind, but in my opinion starvation is the cause. Mr. Doll, clerk in the office of the Indian agency at Salt Lake, with Interpreter Huntington, has been here and distributed blankets, &c., to about twenty-five Indians of all classes, this being all that it was possible to collect during the short time the above gentlemen remained, the heavy fall of snow inhibiting the Indians from coming in. In the meantime the balance of the goods are in my hands until further orders. There are Indians at all the stations between Ruby and Austin, and a great many in the vicinity of the latter place, all destitute of food and clothing. In my opinion they should be collected together near some one of the stations and provided for. The Indians in the valley might, by a little labor, be collected near this post. I have plenty of transportation to send out on the road toward Austin and down Ruby Valley. I might have collected nearly all the Indians in this vicinity if I had but had the proper notice that persons were coming to distribute goods. Something should be done for them. I believe if we make good our part of the treaty they will also do the same. I have issued flour in small quantities to those near the post and can take it to those who cannot get here if necessary. Since writing the above the western mail has arrived, bringing a copy of the Reveille of the 19th, containing an account of the stealing of some horses, &c., in Smoky Valley, pursuit by the whites, and the killing of three Indians. I can easily spare thirty men, if you should order me to station them in that vicinity.

            Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE A. THURSTON,

Captain, First Infantry Nevada Volunteers, Commanding Post.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1105-1106]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, December 23, 1864.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco:

            Colonel: Captain Hassett is still in camp at Susanville. He reports being unable to move to Fort Churchill in consequence of bad roads. The detachment of his company at Surprise Valley had joined him. His provisions are exhausted, and he has been purchasing since the first of this month. He will move to Fort Churchill at the earliest moment practicable.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1110-1111]

Organization of troops in the Department of the Pacific, Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell, U. S. Army, commanding, December 31, 1864.

DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA.

Brig. Gen. George Wright.

* * * * * * *

FORT CHURCHILL, NEV. TER.

Maj. Charles McDermit.

1st Nevada, Companies A and C.

CAMP UNION, NEAR SACRAMENTO, CAL.

Col. Edward McGarry.

2d California Cavalry (seven companies).

CAMP BIDWELL, CAL.

Capt. James C. Doughty.

2d California Cavalry, Company I.

CAMP BABBITT, CAL.

Capt. Heman Noble.

2d California Cavalry, Company E.

FORT CROOK, CAL.

Capt. Henry B. Mellen.

2d California Cavalry, Company C.

CAMP NYE, NEV. TER.

Maj. Milo George.

1st Nevada Cavalry, Companies D and E.

FORT KLAMATH, OREG.

Capt. William Kelly.

1st Oregon Cavalry, Company C.

* * * * * * *

DISTRICT OF OREGON.

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Alvord.

* * * * * * *

FORT BOISE, IDAHO TER.

Capt. Frederick Seidenstriker.

1st Washington Territory (three companies).

 * * * * * * *

DISTRICT OF UTAH.

Brig. Gen. P. Edward Connor.

CAMP DOUGLAS, UTAH TER.

Lieut. Col. Jeremiah B. Moore.

1st Nevada Cavalry, Companies C and F.

3d California (three companies).

CAMP CONNOR, IDAHO TER.

Capt. James W. Stillman.

3d California, Company C.

FORT RUBY, NEV. TER.

Capt. George A. Thurston.

1st Nevada, Company B.

FORT BRIDGER, UTAH TER.

Maj. John M. O'Neill.

2d California Cavalry, Companies L and M.

1st Nevada Cavalry, Companies A and B.