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

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1112-1114]

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.,

Near Great Salt Lake City, January 3, 1865.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 16th [17th] ultimo, apprising me of the views of the department commander relative to the late orders of Major-General Halleck on the subject of protection to the Overland Mail Route. As stated in former communications, I understood the orders of General Halleck to be to render such protection as I could to the overland mail between Salt Lake City and Fort Kearny "without regard to district or department. lines." Recognizing the great necessity of early action and the speedy punishment of the savages who had then recently depredated so seriously east of the Rocky Mountains, I entertained the opinion heretofore expressed that the orders contemplated the movement of a part of my troops to the scene of difficulty, if practicable or deemed advisable, but that no transfer of troops or change of command was intended. For the reasons communicated to department headquarters in my letter of December 2, last, I halted my troops at Fort Bridger, whence they were not to be removed until further orders, and am pleased to learn that that course meets the approval of the department commander. The necessity for further movement no longer exists, as General Curtis is fully able to protect the road along the Platte, and to the limits of this department. In response to your inquiry as to "what, if any, progress has been made in raising the four companies of volunteers in Utah," I have the honor to state that since the receipt of your letter I have seen Governor Doty, and he informs me that he addressed to Major-General McDowell a letter in October last, declining to raise volunteers in this Territory for reasons which commended themselves to his judgment, and which he would be pleased to give if the department commander so desires.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

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

__________

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., January 4, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: I have the honor to inclose herewith a communication which I received from R. A. Washington, a young Indian of the Pi- Ute tribe. The letter is of his own composition and penmanship. In 1859 Major Dodge, Indian agent for Nevada Territory, took young R. A. Washington, then only thirteen years old, to Lancaster, Pa., placed him in a school at that place, where he remained for three years, when Mr. Lockhart, the present Indian agent, brought him back to this State.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. McDERMIT,

Major, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.

[Inclosure.]

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., December 22, 1864.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post :

            Sir : I just returned from Owen's River with Captain Charley, Interpreter George Whem, and two or three other chiefs from Walker River. We did not go on our own will; the chief sent for us. While we were there we had a long conversation with the head chief, and also with the others, before leaving for our homes. They all wished peace with the settlers; not only the settlers, but with all the white people who may traverse their country, except one tribe and a chief. This small tribe is east of the river, and I think the whites call them Panement Indians. This tribe is bound to be hostile, .and not only the whites, but with the Owen's River Indians, because they do not join with them to carry on hostility. Further, this chief, who is displeased with the whites, is a California Indian (his name is Wa-keen [Joaquin] Jim). He committed some depredation in California, and when he found out the whites were after him he got away and came among the Owen's River Indians to make himself safe. After he got well acquainted with these Indians he encouraged them to make war against the whites before they should concentrate in large numbers. He told them that by so doing they could keep them out with ease; so the Indians took his word and prepared for the war. But when so many of their warriors got killed there by the side of Owen's Lake they kind of weakened. Not only weakened, but got displeased with Wa-keen [Joaquin] Jim, and gave up all hopes for war, for they thought the soldiers were too heavy for them. Ever since this uproar the Indians have been down on him, because many of the Indians got killed that was not guilty of doing anything wrong. So this chief by so doing he got all the Indians down on him. If he had not got them into trouble or incommoded them any way he could have disguised himself. The Indians told us '' all we are lacking is an interpreter," because none of them can speak the English language well enough to interpret what the chief wish to communicate to the settlers about his Indians, and to tell them what their wishes are, so the settlers could see that they were for general compromise. Some of the settlers told us the Pi-Utes were coming there to join with the Indians living there to make war against the settlers. I told them that was not so, for the Pi-Utes know that's an impossibility for them to molest the whites. And, further, I told them the commander of Fort Churchill, who was well acquainted with all of us and nearly the whole nation, and who is thought good deal of by the Indians, could easily tell them whether the Pi-Utes were going there to molest the settlers, for we told him where we was going, so that he could tell where we were. They all requested us to visit them in spring, so that we can tell them what the Indians want and what they wish to tell the whites. If there were an agent and good interpreter there they would have no fusses and no misunderstanding at all. Since we got home we heard they had some trouble down there with the Indians, and I think that was caused by that tribe east of the said river, for when we were coming by they had come in and confiscated several horses, so the owners of the horses tracked them over in their vicinity. Also, they was where they had killed one or two of the horses; so from what I hear these Indians came over to steal some more horses, and before they disturbed the horses they killed couple men. After killing the men they tried to disguise themselves, but the whites caught them and some of the Indians living around and killed them. So by not having any interpreter they could not settle it very well. So just as I have already said, if there was an interpreter and a good respectable man who looks for the interest of natives it would be settled without any difficulty, because not every one is opposed to war—only those hypocrites listens not to what any person tells them. The country we passed through I admired very much, not only just to live in, but for agriculture and to raise cattle and sheep, &c. I saw several little valleys and creeks cool as ice water. The scenes of the country was a curiosity to me, for I had never traversed that country before, and all the land that's fit for agriculture is well supplied with water, so that it is no trouble to irrigate. So for that reason there ought to be a treaty made with the Indians, and Indian agent stationed there to get the natives to compromise, and instruct them to civilization and quit their barbarous actions and way of their ancestors.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. A. WASHINGTON,

Pi- Ute Interpreter.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1117]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,

San Francisco, January 7, 1865.

Hon. E. M. Stanton,

            Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.:

            Sir: I beg to recommend Lieut. Col. Richard C. Drum, assistant adjutant-general, for the brevet of colonel for highly important, valuable, and meritorious services in connection with his duties in this department under my command, and through the period of the commands of the late Major-General Sumner and Brigadier-General Wright. I know of no officer out of the field better entitled to this mark of consideration than Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum. Every loyal man of any eminence knows the value of his services to the Union cause at critical moments in this region, and I feel sure the loyal people of this coast will rejoice to see those services recognized.

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

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1118-1119]

Aurora, January 9, 1865.

Major-General McDowell:

            Sir: We would respectfully request your immediate attention to the difficulties that are occurring on the borders of California and Nevada in the counties of Mono and Esmeralda. The Indians in that section have been for a long time a most mischievous race, stealing property and taking life. A body of soldiers stationed on Owen's River for a time kept those Indians in partial subjection by force and fear, but now being removed, depredations and massacre are renewed. Not long since some miners were murdered in the White Mountains, and quite recently a whole family—man, a woman, and her child. These Indians range along Owen's River and in and around the White Mountains, a country upon the borders of the two States mentioned. The White Mountains lie about fifty miles southeasterly from Aurora, and within six mouths past in and around them rich and wonderful discoveries of silver veins have been made. Population commenced flowing there last fall, and will so continue to do during the present year. Around these mountains the worst portion of these Indians lurk. Montgomery district, in the White Mountains, partly in California and partly in Nevada, and Columbus district, about thirty miles from Montgomery, come within the range of these roving tribes, and the white men in the vicinity are constantly in danger of losing their lives. The present difficulties and danger which men have to encounter very much check the occupation of these mines and the investments that would be made. There is a place known as Fish Lake, in the vicinity of Montgomery and Columbus districts, where excellent grass, water, and timber abound and the climate mild. The Indians resort there a great deal and could be easily controlled from that point by a military force. Perhaps it would be, for the purposes referred to and for a military station, highly eligible; and, in view of the foregoing, we would most earnestly request you, for the protection of life and property, to render such aid as may seem to you consistent, and as readily as may be.

S. H. CHASE,

District Judge, Esmeralda County.

F. K. BECHTEL,

Notary Public and Commissioner of Deeds.

R. B. SANCHEZ,

Mayor of Aurora.

FRANCIS GARESCHE,

Agent Wells, Fargo & Co.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1125]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, January 31, 1865.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: I return herewith the letter addressed to Major-General McDowell January 9, 1865, by Mr. N. G. Turney, transmitting a memorial from citizens of Surprise Valley, asking that a company of cavalry may be stationed on the old Lassen trail. I am opposed to establishing any permanent post in that country; but would recommend that a movable column be sent into that quarter in the early summer to protect the people in Surprise Valley, as well as the great thoroughfares, that of Lassen's trail from the east, and from Red Bluffs through the valley, via Goose Lake, to the northern mines. This can be accomplished at a trifling expense, and the troops withdrawn by the middle of October. I retained Captain Doughty's company of cavalry at Camp Chico during the winter, expressly with the view of making an expedition through Surprise Valley and Northeastern California during the next season.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

 

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 399-401]

FEBRUARY 1-20, 1865.—Operations about Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., with

skirmish (15th) in the Bruneau Valley.

Reports of Capt. Frederick Seidenstriker, First Washington Territory Infantry.

Headquarters,

Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., February 13, 1865.

            Sir: I have the honor to report for the information of the commanding general that advices from the expedition in the field under Captain O'Regan were received yesterday under date of the 11th instant. The news is very gratifying, as he reports that a detachment of his men encountered a party of thieving Indians, and succeeded in killing 5 warriors and in capturing 4 bead stolen cattle, and some women and children, which they took to camp. On a previous scout they killed 3 Indians. The captain sent in requesting subsistence for the support of his prisoners, but owing to the large demands now made upon Government for subsistence for destitute emigrants and Indians in this vicinity I directed the release of the Indians. The command is now encamped on Catherine Creek awaiting supplies. These were dispatched from the post to-day. I sent subsistence to the 20th proximo, and instructed Captain O'Regan to return to the post by that time. I also sent four pack animals for the use of his command. The demand for subsistence by destitute emigrants still continues. Numbers of them visit the post every day, many of them in a starving condition. The winter in this vicinity has been so long and so severe that the most of the cattle in the neighborhood are dying for want of fodder, except the Government animals, which are well provided. Yesterday we had another severe snow-storm, which covered the ground with about four inches of snow, and it is generally believed that if the season does not break up shortly the citizens in this valley will lose all their stock.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. SEIDENSTRIKER,

Captain, First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. Post.

Adjutant-General, District of Oregon,

            Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.

__________

Headquarters,

Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., February 20, 1865.

Sir : I have the honor to report for the information of the commanding general the receipt of a letter from Captain O'Regan bearing date February 17, 1865. On the 13th instant information was received that eight head of cattle had been stolen from the vicinity of his camp. Acting on this information a detachment of six soldiers and four citizens was sent out under command of First Sergt. John Storan, Company I, Washington Territory Infantry, to track and if possible catch the Indians. The party followed the tracks and came upon a camp on the evening of the 15th instant in a cañon about eight miles from Bruneau Valley. The Indians numbered about eighty, and were engaged in dressing and curing the carcasses of the eight steers. The little party immediately attacked the Indians, who resisted most strenuously, and after a sharp fight of about an hour and a half gained the field. The casualties present a favorable aspect, as there were thirty warriors killed and none of our men even wounded. Nothing but the judicious management of the non-commissioned officer in charge could have caused such a signal success, as eighty-three shots were fired, and the indications, such as bloody tracks, &c., were numerous. The captain is of opinion that at least thirty were wounded besides. The fight was discontinued only when it was too dark to pursue and a heavy rain set in. The men were tired out, and the rations were all consumed, they having only three days' provisions at the start. The sergeant in his report awards considerable praise to the men of his detachment and is himself highly commended by Captain O'Regan. The captain was expecting to do some good service, and was very anxious to get some more animals. These, as already reported to the commanding general, had been started from this post on the 12th instant. It appears from a former report that quite a number of animals are in their vicinity but totally unserviceable, as they were unshod. To obviate this difficulty I sent a supply of shoes and nails, and also a blacksmith, so that the command is now well equipped for any emergency. As the captain represents the danger which might arise from releasing the Indians captured (as they are now fully aware of our strength, projects, &c.) I have so far modified my orders as to allow them to be sent to this post with the return wagons. I purpose sending an express to that effect to-morrow morning. On their arrival here I will keep the Indians in confinement until the return of the expedition. The weather here is still very unfavorable, snow falling almost every night, but where the command is now encamped they do not appear to have the mild weather we are enjoying in this valley. This is, however, much to our advantage, as the Indians are more readily tracked. I have also to report that yesterday I discharged three of my men on expiration of term of service. I will have to discharge two more on the 24th, and four on the 4th proximo. The weather is such as yet as to preclude the possibility of sending them below. In conclusion, I would express my satisfaction at the results so far obtained from the expedition, and am very anxious to see its operations terminate as favorably as they have commenced.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. SEIDENSTRIKER,

Captain, First Washington Territory Infantry, Commanding.

Lieut. W. I. Sanborn,

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

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1129-1131]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, February 7, 1865.

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

            Commanding District of California:

            General : Inclosed you will receive General Bidwell's letter to the department commander, and a copy of the letter answered thereto, relative to affording protection to settlers in Surprise Valley. The general commanding desires you to act in conformity with the views expressed in his letter, and send at the earliest day practicable a force to the section of the country referred to by General Bidwell and Surprise Valley memorialists. Please return General Bidwell's letter with inclosures.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

[Inclosure]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, February 7, 1865.

Hon. J. Bidwell,

            Chico, Cal. :

            My Dear Sir : I have received your letter of January 30, with its inclosures, relating to the need of military protection in the neighborhood of Honey Lake and Smoke Creek. Before your letter came to hand I received a memorial, dated Surprise Valley, Cal., January 9, signed by some 140 persons, asking that a company of dragoons might be stationed for six or eight mouths on the old Lassen trail, near Goose Lake, or the head of Pitt River, as in that way better protection could be given them than if they were stationed in the valley itself. And on this and your application, and in pursuance of an intention formed some time since, General Wright is instructed to take measures at the earliest practicable day to send a military force in the direction which you and the Surprise Valley memorialists have indicated.

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

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, February 9, 1865.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: Your letter of February 7, with General Bidwell's communication to the department commander, has been received. Captain Doughty, with the mounted portion of his company, about sixty men, will march from Camp Chico as soon as practicable and take post at Smoke Creek. With regard to Surprise Valley, I propose to send a detachment from Captain Mellen's company. Second Cavalry, at Camp Crook, as soon as the road is practicable, to occupy a point on the old Lassen trail west of the valley, near the headwaters of Pitt River. Fifty or sixty men from Captain Mellen's company can well be spared, as with the recruits now at Camp Union his company will number about 100 men.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

State of Nevada, Executive Department,

Carson City, February 10, 1865.

Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell,

            Comdg. Dept. of the Pacific, Hdqrs. San Francisco, Cal. :

            Dear Sir : I would respectfully present to your consideration that at this date this State is without any infantry arms or accouterments to issue to newly organized militia companies. All infantry arms which have heretofore been supplied to the Territory have been issued and are now in possession of old organized uniformed companies There is at date a company duly organized at Austin, Lander County also one in Nye County. Neither of these companies has been supplied with arms, for the reason that I have none at command. I deem it highly essential that arms should be issued to these companies, which are composed of our most estimable and loyal citizens. They have duly requested them, and I think, for various reasons, they should have them ; and prominent among these reasons is the imminent danger of Indian troubles, these counties being on our border, hence more exposed than most of our State. There is no telling how soon these "sons of the forest" may give trouble on this, as they are doing on the other side of the Rocky Mountains. I would, therefore, most respectfully solicit that you take such steps and issue such proper orders as will place in the possession of this State at least 300 stand of infantry arms and accouterments. I have just seen Major McDermit, who says there are arms at Fort Churchill which can be loaned to these companies until the arms due the State, at Benicia, can be forwarded, if ordered by you.

            I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

HENRY G. BLASDEL,

Governor of Nevada.

__________

Headquarters,

Camp Douglas, February 10, 1865—5.40 p. m.

Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General:

            I learn by telegraph from Fort Laramie that the Indians, though driven from the road two days since, have again returned in increased force. The troops are insufficient to contend with them. The probabilities are that communication by stage and telegraph with the East will not be resumed for some time.

P. E. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1136-1137]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, February 14, 1865.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: The movement of Captain Doughty from Camp Chico to Smoke Creek is temporarily deferred until the road becomes passable. The snow is very deep on the summit. General Bidwell has gone over to Susanville, and is expected back in a day or two, when I shall learn further on the subject.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

San Francisco, February 15, 1865.

Major-General McDowell,

            Commanding Department:

            Dear Sir: The California State Telegraph Company respectfully request you to offer a reward of $50 in gold, each way per trip to any soldier or other person who will volunteer to ride express across the break in the Overland Telegraph Line between Mud Springs and Fort Laramie, and carry such telegraph dispatches as may be delivered to him for that purpose. In addition to the reward above mentioned, the company will be responsible to you for any horses killed in such service.

            Respectfully,

H. W. CARPENTIER,

President California State Telegraph Company.

[Indorsement.]

            If you can find a man, citizen or soldier, who will undertake this employ and send him. The nearer one can be had to the break the better. Report by telegraph.

[I. McDOWELL.]

__________

[OR I-48-1, p. 886]

General Orders,                      )                                   War Dept., Adjt. General's Office,

No. 23.                                    )                                   Washington, February 17, 1865.

            The Territory of Utah and that part of Nebraska Territory west of the twenty-seventh degree of longitude are added to the Department of the Missouri.

            By order of the Secretary of War.

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1136-1137]

Bridger, February 18, 1865—10.20 a. m.

Capt. F. Haven,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant- General :

Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, commanding Fort Laramie, promises to keep express running over broken part of line, which will be O. K. to-morrow. I leave for Camp Douglas to-morrow. Flour is safe for the present.

P. E. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Headquarters District of Utah,

No. 9.                          )                                   Fort Bridger, Utah Ter., February 18, 1865.

            I. Maj. John M. O'Neill, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, at his own request, is relieved from the command of this post, which he will turn over to Capt. Albert Brown, of the same regiment. The major will proceed to Camp Douglas and report to the commanding officer of that post for duty. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.

* * * * * * *

            By command of Brigadier-General Connor:

O. JEWETT,

First Lieut., First Cavalry Nevada Territory, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1138]

Headquarters,

Fort Crook, Cal, February 20, 1865.

Lieut. E. D. Waite,

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

            Lieutenant : Yours of the 8th instant was received today. I have the honor to report that Lassen's trail is the only direct route to Goose Lake from this post, and the distance is variously estimated from 85 to 100 miles. Good water and grass the whole distance. There are two bad points on the road—one twenty-five miles from the post at the crossing of the divide into Round Valley; the other in the cañon at the upper end of the valley where Pitt River has washed away the road. The road is in order for pack trains, but not for wagons, and I am not advised as to the amount of labor required to make it passable for teams. The time when the route is open in the spring depends upon the severity of the winter, though it is usually in condition by the last of May.

            Respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. B. MELLEN,

Captain, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1145-1146]

Headquarters District of Utah,

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

February 25, 1865.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: Inclosed I have the honor to forward Special Orders, No. 11, from these headquarters. There is now a thriving settlement at Camp Connor (Soda Springs), who are sufficiently numerous to protect themselves, and deeming that the troops at that post were more needed for the protection of the Overland Mail Line, I have thought it best to withdraw them. I hope my action may meet the approval of the general commanding the department.

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

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

March 10, 1865.

            I do not approve of General Connor's action in this case ; but as he is no longer under my orders, I forbear saying anything about it. He wanted the troops, and took this way to secure them.

I. McDOWELL,

Major- General.

[Inclosure.]

Special Orders,            )                                               Headquarters District of Utah,

                                                                                    Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.,

No. 11.                        )                       Near Great Salt Lake City, February 21, 1865.

            The presence of troops being no longer necessary at Camp Connor, Idaho Ter., Capt. J. W. Stillman, Company C, Third Battalion California Infantry, now commanding that post, will, as soon as the roads are passable and before his present supplies are exhausted, with his  company and all the public property at the post, take up the line of march to Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., and report to the commanding  officer of the post 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. 1146-1147]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, February 27, 1865.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: I am in receipt of letters from Captains Mellen and Doughty, Second Cavalry, commanding, respectively, Fort Crook and Camp Bidwell. The deep snow on the mountains between Camp Bidwell and Smoke Creek, Honey Lake Valley, as well as between Fort Crook and the point on the old Lassen trail, near the south end of Goose Lake, temporarily obstructs the movement of the troops in those directions. The distance from Fort Crook to the point above referred to is about ninety miles. Good road for pack trains, but at present impracticable for wagons.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, February 27, 1865—3 p. m.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant-General:

            I am in receipt of the following telegram:

February 24, 1865.

Brig. Gen. P. E. CONNOR:

            The following order is sent for your information :

"General Orders,         )                                   War Department, Adjutant-General's Office,

"No. 23.                       )                                   Washington, D. C, February 17, 1865.

            "The Territory of Utah and that part of Nebraska west of the twenty-seventh degree of longitude are added to the Department of Missouri.

            " By order of the Secretary of War:

"E. D. TOWNSEND,

"Assistant Adjutant- General."

            Send your reports and communications to these headquarters. What troops are in

your district?

G. M. DODGE,

Major-General, Commanding, Saint Louis.

P. E. CONNOR,

            Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1148]

San Francisco, February 28, 1865.

Brig. Gen. George Wright, Sacramento, Cal. :

            Camp Ruby and all troops in Nevada placed in your district.

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

San Francisco, February 28, 1865.

Commanding Officer at Camp Ruby:

            Your post has been attached to the District of California, headquarters Sacramento, Cal. Report to it instead of to Utah.

            By order:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

San Francisco, February 28, 1865.

Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor, Salt Lake City:

            Major-General McDowell has received no orders detaching you from his command. Act, however, on the telegram from General Dodge and report to him as desired.

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1152]

General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 13.                        )                                   San Francisco, Cal., March 3, 1865.

* * * * * * *

            II. The limits of the District of California are so extended as to embrace all the posts and troops in the State of Nevada.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1155]

Special Orders,            )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 51.                        )                                               San Francisco, Cal., March 7, 1865.

* * * * * * *

            2. Capt. William B. Hughes, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Army, will report in person to the chief quartermaster at these headquarters for assignment to duty in Nevada. He will turn over to the officer selected to relieve him all the public money and property in his possession.

* * * * * * *

            6. Col. Allen L. Anderson, Eighth Infantry California Volunteers, having been mustered into the service, will assume command of his regiment, headquarters at Fort Point. The regimental staff officers will repair to Fort Point without delay and report for duty.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters District of Utah,

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., near Great Salt Lake City, March 7, 1865.

Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell,

            Commanding Department of the Pacific:

            General : The District of Utah, under my command, having been transferred from the Pacific to the Missouri Department by order of the Secretary of War, I deem this an appropriate occasion to return to you the expression of my personal regard and thanks for the uniform kindness and approbation which I have received at your hands while connected with the Department of the Pacific. On the eve of my departure for the eastern part of my new district, in pursuance of orders from Major-General Dodge, I take the liberty of respectfully asking your views, if it be not deemed unadvisable to communicate them, relative to the future of the Third Infantry Battalion California Volunteers, to the end that I may co- operate with you in the premises. I should be pleased to learn, if not inconsistent with your views, whether it is proposed to increase the battalion by recruiting, and also the disposition, if any has been made, of the recommendation of Captain Johns for promotion to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the battalion. So long connected as I have been with the Department of the Pacific and its welfare, I shall ever entertain the liveliest interest in its future, and hope to be able at all times to render all the assistance in my power, and, consistent with orders, to promote its well-being, security, and prosperity. Permit me again, general, to renew the expressions of my appreciation for your kindness in the past and the assurances of my high regard.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1156]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, March 8, 1865.

His Excellency H. G. Blasdel,

            Governor of Nevada Territory, Carson City, Nev. Ter.:

            My Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of March 2 and 4, relating to reports of Indian disturbances at Honey Lake, Cal., and on the route leading from Humboldt County, Nev. Ter., to Idaho Territory. Orders were given some time since to send a company to Honey Lake. I send you herewith a copy of a letter on the subject to Hon. J. Bidwell.[1] The movements of the force from Chico (General Bidwell informs me) is temporarily delayed on account of the snows in the Sierra. I have sent your letter of the 4th to General Wright, with instructions to take such necessary measures as the case may require to give protection in the quarter indicated. I will remark that last year a company of Nevada troops was posted in the vicinity of Honey Lake and subsequently removed on the application of the citizens. What progress is making in recruiting the Nevada volunteers? I will need them for the protection of the State, and trust you may meet with success in your efforts to raise them. I hope the Legislature may assist you by some such measures as have been adopted by California and Oregon.

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

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1160]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, March 12, 1865.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry, Comdg. Sub- District of Nevada:

            Major: I have the honor to inform you that certain citizens of Dun Glen, Paradise Valley, Humboldt County, Nev. Ter., have petitioned that a military force may be stationed in that vicinity for the protection of the settlers. The general commanding deems that the best protection can be afforded by a movable body of mounted troops when the season is more advanced and the grass is grown. No necessity exists for a permanent post.

            Respectfully,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 403-408]

MARCH 12-19, 1865.—Expeditions from Fort Churchill to Pyramid and Walker's Lakes, Nev., with skirmish (14th) at Mud Lake and affair (16th) near Walker's Lake, Nev.

REPORTS.

            No. 1.—Capt. Almond B. Wells, First Nevada Cavalry.

            No. 2.—Capt. William Wallace, First Nevada Infantry.

No. 1.

Report of Capt. Almond B. Wells, First Nevada Cavalry.

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, March 30, 1865.

Col. R. C, Drum,

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

            Colonel : Inclosed herewith you will receive copies of the reports of Captains Wells and Wallace of their expeditions to Pyramid Lake and Walker Lake, with details of the affair at Mud Lake between the command of Captain Wells and a body of thirty Indians, and the capture at Walker Lake, by the command of Captain Wallace, of the two Indians who murdered Stewart and Rabe. The murderers have been turned over to the civil authorities for trial.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General of Volunteers.

__________

Camp Nye, Nev., March 19, 1865.

            Sir : In obedience to instructions from headquarters Military Sub- District of Nevada, Fort Churchill, Special Orders, No. 15, dated March 11, 1865, I have the honor to report that on the 12th of March, with fifty men, I traveled a distance of ten miles in a northeasterly direction and camped for the night. At 6 o'clock the next morning broke camp and marched a distance of forty-eight miles in a westerly direction, arriving at Pyramid Lake at 6 p. m. I immediately ascertained from good authority that there was a band of Smoke Creek Indians encamped about eleven miles below ; that they were continually stealing cattle from the ranchmen and herders. I placed a guard over the Indians encamped around me and gave orders not to let one escape. The next morning (the 14th instant) at 3 o'clock I left camp with twenty-nine of my men and two citizens, Messrs. T. W. Murch and W. H. Wilson, who volunteered their services as guides, for the purpose of arresting the guilty Indians. We came within sight of their encampment about 5.30 a. m. I divided my command into three squads under Sergeants Wadleigh and Besat, ten men remaining with me. I then approached their encampment intending to arrest them, but when within about 150 yards they commenced firing upon me. The first shot took effect in Corporal Dolan's shoulder, wounding him slightly; the second passed through the cape of my overcoat. I then ordered a charge with sabers. The Indians fell back to the bushes on both sides of the slough. By this time the men under Sergeants Wadleigh and Besat came up and a general engagement ensued. The Indians fought like veterans. I killed twenty-nine in all; but one escaped. I destroyed several guns, a quantity of powder, fresh beef, &c. I pursued and fought them for about ten miles up into the mountains. Some of my men had hand-to-hand conflicts with them. Several were beaten on the arms with the Indians' guns. I also captured nine horses, but as they were very poor I did not deem it necessary to bring them in. Throughout the battle my men behaved with a valor and fortitude rarely equaled. Without an exception they were as cool and collected as though on an ordinary skirmish drill. My acknowledgments are due Messrs. Murch and Wilson for the benefit of their experience as guides and for the aid they afforded throughout the conflict. After the battle, Winnemucca, chief of the Pi-Utes, called on me and expressed himself as highly pleased with the result. He told me through the interpreter that he had been talking to them all winter, telling them not to steal the white men's cattle, and he thought that the punishment they had received would teach them a lesson.

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

A. B. WELLS,

Captain Company D, First Battalion Cavalry Nevada Volunteers.

Maj. Charles McDermit,

            Commanding Sub-Military District of Nevada.

No. 2.

Report of Capt. William Wallace, First Nevada Infantry.

Special Orders,            )                                                                       Headquarters,

No. 15.                        )                                   Fort Churchill, Nev., March 11, 1865.

            I. Capt. William Wallace, Company A, First Battalion Nevada Infantry, with thirty-five men of his company, is hereby detailed on detached service. He will provide himself with fifteen days' rations, and will proceed at 6 a. m. to-morrow to Walker River [and] Lake and arrest the Indians that recently murdered the two white men in that vicinity and bring them to this post.

            II. Lieut. William H. Clark, Company E, First Battalion Nevada Volunteer Cavalry, with fifty mounted men of his company, will report to and accompany Captain Wallace.

* * * * * * *

            IV. Captains Wallace and Wells will report to the commanding officer for instructions.

            By order of Maj. C. McDermit, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, commanding post:

DANIEL VANDERHOOF,

First Lieut. Company C, First Nevada Vol. Infty., Post Adjutant.

__________

Fort Churchill, Nev., March 20, 1865.

            I have the honor to report that in accordance with the above order I took up the line of march at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 12th instant. I had along with my command twelve friendly Indians and a white man to act as guides. My whole force was thirty-seven infantry of my own company and fifty cavalry Company E, Nevada Volunteers, under Lieut. William H. Clark. I arrived the first day at Mason's ranch, on Walker River, distant from Fort Churchill eighteen miles. I was there joined by about twenty friendly Indians who wished to go along with the expedition. I informed them that I had no use for them and no supplies, and they then turned back. I started from Mason's ranch at 6 a. m. on the 13th, and traveled up the Walker River fourteen miles to the junction of the East and West Walker; thence up the West Fork four miles to the crossing; crossed the river and camped on the east side at Wilson's ranch, a distance of eighteen miles from Mason's ranch. Left Wilson's at 5 a. m. of the 14th; traveled fifteen miles and camped on Wheeler's ranch on the west side of the East Fork of Walker River. The settlers here said that the murderers of Stewart and Rabe and their friends, about 300 strong, were camped at the foot of Walker Lake, but knew nothing of my coming, having thus far misled them by saying that I was on my way to Aurora. To get to where the Indians were at the foot of the lake I had to cross a range of mountains where it was impossible to get teams over and the trail was very little traveled. The Indians' camp was distant from this point (Wheeler's ranch) thirty miles, twenty miles to the lake and ten miles down to the camp, and no food for our animals on the way. I had no packsaddles with me, and on the morning of the 15th I sent out men and borrowed five saddles of the settlers. I then ordered the men to provide themselves with two days' cooked rations, as I did not wish to build any fires after leaving camp until the Indians could be surrounded. I was getting everything ready for an early start in the morning when about 11 o'clock an Indian courier arrived with the news that he was sent by Josephus (a friendly chief), who was watching out for the murderers at the head of the lake, to let me know that they had come up there the night before. Placing full reliance upon this information, I immediately acted upon it, and left Wheeler's ranch at 12 m. Went one mile down the East Fork of Walker River and crossed. From here I sent the infantry, under command of Lieut. G. J. Lansing, across by a trail with a guide, and I took the cavalry and went around by the road a distance of twenty-five miles. The infantry made it in fifteen miles to a tollhouse on the Wellington road, which had been uninhabited for some months. It was situated in a very deep cañon two miles from the mouth and eight from the head of the lake. I arrived at the tollhouse about 8 in the evening, and the infantry came in about fifteen minutes afterward. I halted here until 2 a. m. of the 16th. I had attained a correct idea of the location of the Indian camp and made my arrangements accordingly. I moved out the cavalry and infantry together to the mouth of the cañon. In coming out of the cañon one of my wagons upset. I left a guard with it with orders to right it up and follow on. I had ordered the cavalry, under the command of Lieut. William H. Clark, to go up the lake road three miles, then to take a trail to the left and cross the river about two miles and a half above the lake, and then as the land was level and sandy to go half a mile from the river, and then down close to the lake, so that when they had formed in line and deployed the right would rest on the river and the left on the lake or close to it. The country was all open to the left and rear, and it was impossible for the Indians to have made their escape in that direction. Lieutenant Clark had orders to wait in that position until I gave the signal with my bugle for him to advance, which was to be about daylight. He was then to march his command up to within fifty yards of the Indian camp, and if not fired upon to await further orders. If firing was commenced by the Indians not to let one of them escape him. The Indian camp was on both sides of the river where it emptied into the lake. Along the river for three miles from its mouth is a thick growth of underbrush, willows, and cottonwood, and at the camp the river is thirty or forty yards wide and about two or three feet deep. The cavalry arrived on the ground about thirty minutes before daylight. I took the infantry up the lake within about half a mile of the mouth of the river, then deployed and covered the ground from there to the river, my right resting on the lake and my left on the river, and the whole camp of Indians on the south side of the river within easy range of my rifles. I took this ground about fifteen minutes before daylight. Just at the break of day the Indian Josephus, I had down at the Indian camp, came out to me and told me that one of the men was in camp on the other side of the river and the other fifteen miles down on the east side of the lake. I sent Josephus back across the river and told him to stay with the Indians and send back a guide. In about ten minutes an Indian came back, and (I had an Indian interpreter with me so that I could converse with him) he said that Josephus was with the murderer. I had kept five mounted men (cavalry) with me to use in case of necessity. I had sent one to the rear to stop the wagons, the others I took with me, and we started for camp on the other side of the river with the Indian guide, who had first come out to me to cross the river. We had to go through the camp on the south side next to the infantry, but our guide, myself, and the four men being well mounted, we went through the camp on a run. We could see the Indians running in every direction and making a great deal of noise, but there was not a shot fired. At this time it had just got to be fairly light. We crossed the river, and I found that the camp on the north side was about 100 yards below and more on the lake. I ordered my bugler to sound the call for the cavalry, and sent one of the men to have Lieutenant Clark bring his force down in order. By this time the guide had got half way to camp; the Indians commenced to yell. After I crossed the river I saw the Indians who acted as guides to Lieutenant Clark leave his lines and start for the camp, hallooing to the Indians to lay down their arms or they would all be killed ; that we had them surrounded, and they could not get out. I now saw Josephus about the center of the camp. I rode up to him and asked him which was the man we were after. Just then and before he had time to answer an Indian jumped out of the campoode (Indian hut) with a gun in his hand, when Campbell, the sub-Indian agent, who had just come in with the Indians from Lieutenant Clark's lines, leveled his revolver and told him to lay down his gun or he would shoot him. Josephus told me that he was not the one we were after. His gun was taken away from him, and the Indian that we were after pointed to me. I dismounted and tied and placed him in charge of twenty-five of the cavalry, with orders to move up to the bridge two miles above. The infantry, under Lieutenant Lansing, was ordered to the same point. I then took the remaining twenty-five cavalrymen and started around the east side of the lake, with Josephus as a guide and a brother of the man we were after in custody. When I had arrived within about one mile of the camp I sent ten men around to the head of the ravine in which the Indians were camped, and halted the command in order to give them time to get into position. From where we had halted we could not be seen by the Indians in camp. After I had given the ten men sufficient time to take their position to guard the head of the ravine, I ordered a forward movement on the camp. We had not proceeded more than 200 yards before I saw an Indian running up a small ravine some half a mile ahead. I deployed the cavalry and pursued him. His brother and Josephus hallooed to him not to run or he would be shot. Before we got within shooting distance of him he stopped. When we came up with him I took his gun away from him and tied him. I then had the recall sounded, and started back for the head of the lake at 7.30 a. m., and arrived at the bridge at 10 a. m. I found about 300 warriors assembled here, but without arms, and they all appeared to be friendly except the relatives of the two men we had taken. I found my teams here all right and moved up the river about three miles to Camp Josephus, where the grass was good, there being none at the bridge where the infantry halted. We all got into camp at 12 m. I now informed the Indians that I must have the saddles and pistols that belonged to the murdered men, and that if they did not bring them in I would go after them. They said that the things were at the foot of the lake. I sent the brothers of the prisoners for them and told them to bring them to this post. They arrived here to-day. I left Camp Josephus at 6 o'clock on the morning of the 17th; crossed over to the north side of the river, and traveled up fifteen miles to the Reservation house, on the main Walker River. I here found about 100 warriors of the same tribe as those on the lake (Pi-Utes), but all friendly. It was this part of the tribe that rendered me so much assistance as guides and interpreters. A large number of them spoke English, and kept me posted of the whereabouts of the Indians. I left the Reservation house at 6 a. m. of the 18th. Went fifteen miles up the river. Camped with the infantry at Smith's ranch. As there was no grain or hay to be had at this point, I sent the cavalry on five miles to Mason's ranch. Left Smith's ranch at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 19th, and arrived at Fort Churchill, distance twenty miles, at 11 a. m. The cavalry left Mason's at 8 o'clock and arrived here at the same time. On arriving at this post I placed the two Indian prisoners in the guard-house, under charge of the sergeant of the guard.

            Before closing this report I desire to say that Lieut. William H. Clark, Company E, cavalry, and Lieut. G. J. Lansing, of my own company, deserve great credit for the prompt manner in which they fulfilled all orders. The men, both cavalry and infantry, at the critical moment when the advance was made by the cavalry on the Indian camp were perfectly steady and behaved like veterans. If at this time there had been a shot fired on either side we would have had a desperate fight, as the Indians were ready for a fight, and had sent us word that they would not give up the murderers, and it was only by taking them by surprise and having them completely surrounded that we succeeded in taking the criminals without great loss on both sides.

            All of which is most respectfully submitted.

WM. WALLACE,

Capt. Company A, First Nevada Vol. Infty., Comdg. Expedition.

Maj. Charles McDermit,

            Commanding Sub-District of Nevada.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1161-1162]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, March 14, 1865.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry,

                        Comdg. Sub-Dist. of Nevada, Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

            Major: The general commanding desires that all officers commanding expeditions in your sub-district be cautioned to be circumspect in their dealing with Indians at all disposed to be friendly, and not to permit their indiscriminate slaughter.

            Respectfully,

E. D. WAITE

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Carson, March 14, 1865—3.30 p. m.

General McDowell,

            Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco:

            The following dispatch I have just received, which I regard reliable:

Star City, Humboldt County, March 14, 1865.

H. G. Blasdel,

            Governor of Nevada:

            Indian outbreak on the Honey Lake road. Three men killed; two more attacked, but escaped.  Indians holding the route. Small parties dare not travel.  Last man killed at Wall Springs. Half-way station keepers on the road driven out have come here (home), and Indians are threatening the towns on the Humboldt River, having committed depredations as far up as Saint Mary's. Our supply of provisions is endangered if this route be closed. No men, arms, or provisions here to send on expedition. We earnestly entreat you to have [them] sent to Smoke Creek immediately. Please reply.

            I desire you to telegraph commanding officer at Fort Churchill to send out one company of Nevada volunteers to such points as I may designate to protect our people. Answer soon as possible, and send instructions by express.

H. G. BLASDEL,

Governor of Nevada.

[Indorsement]

Governor Blasdel:

            All the troops in Nevada and at Owen's River have been formed into a sub-district, under Major McDermit, who is ordered to give all the protection they can afford to the people in the State.

I. McDOWELL.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1163]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, March 16, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            COLONEL: Your telegram of yesterday was received at 6 p. m., and Captain Starr ordered to remain in Amador County until further orders. Telegram from Major McDermit received last evening, reporting Indian murders near Honey Lake; ordered to send a detachment of mounted troops, if they can be spared and the roads are passable. Captain Doughty, at Camp Bidwell, will cross the mountains as soon as the road is opened.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1165-1166]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, March 20, 1865.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: Letters from Major McDermit, commanding at Fort Churchill, March 16, represent Indian disturbances as assuming a threatening aspect on Walker River. He had ordered re enforcements from Camp Nye and Virginia City. Unless the Indians have surrendered, Major McDermit will proceed to-day to the scene of action in accordance with my instructions this moment sent him.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General of Volunteers.

__________

Fort Churchill, March 20, 1865.

General George Wright:

            Captain Wells has returned from Pyramid Lake, where he whipped those Indians badly. Captain Wallace returned last night from Walker Lake with the Indians who murdered Stewart and Rabe. Captain Kelly left camp on Owen's River on the 13th to chastise the Indians at Owen's Lake. I have to send cavalry at once to Humboldt to chastise the Indians there.

C. McDERMIT,

Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1167]

State of California, Executive Department,

Sacramento, March 21, 1865.

Major-General McDowell :

            General: Referring to our conversation had a few days since in relation to the two companies of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers now in Utah, I have to say that from information received yesterday I learn that they are still at Fort Bridger, and will not move from there until spring opens at any rate. As all the balance of the regiment is within your department, cannot some action be taken by which these two companies may be sent back? I think you suggested that yon would be willing to exchange and give General Connor two companies of Nevada cavalry, if no better arrangement could be made. It is really unjust to the officers and men that they should be detached and sent out of this department, away from the headquarters of the regiment, and beyond the control of the regimental officers. Please let me know if you think anything can be done to remedy the evil.

            Very respectfully,

F. F. LOW,

Governor.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1171-1172]

Chico, March 27, 1865.

Brig. Gen. George Wright,

            Sacramento City:

            General: Having just returned from Susanville, I embrace the occasion to explain the condition of affairs in the vicinity of Honey Lake and beyond. Two principal routes diverge from Susanville, one to Idaho through Surprise Valley, and the other to the Humboldt mines. Both are exposed to the ravages of Indians. On the latter the keeper of the Granite Creek Station, and on the former the expressman, have been murdered by Indians during the winter. Also a large amount of stock has been driven off and slaughtered. This intelligence is authentic, as I have it from many persons, who all concur, with several of whom I am acquainted and know to be reliable. The anxiety is great among all the people to have troops sent immediately. The work of breaking a road through the snow was more than I anticipated, but is now done. I began it something like seven weeks ago, and have prosecuted, through storms almost unprecedented, the task, till there is now a passable road for sleighs, not for wagons. There is now no route in the State where wagons can cross over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, nor will there be till at least the 1st of May, and I believe this route will be traveled or in a traveling condition earlier than any other. By a little effort I believe troops can be got over this road now. They would have to haul their baggage over the snow belt on sleds, and then take their wagons on sleds too, or purchase wagons on the other side, which can be done. I represented to the people the difficulties of conveying baggage in wagons. Several told me that they would furnish flour and take the same quantity in return when the roads became passable for wagons. I am of the opinion that there will be a large travel (beginning in April, which is at hand) to the Idaho mines the present season through this route. To protect the Humboldt and Surprise Valley roads will require troops at some point beyond, but not distant from Honey Lake or Willow Creek Valley, and another station or post between Surprise and the Owyhee River. I do not believe that troops stationed at or near Goose Lake will answer the purpose, being off the direct route. I desire to add that all of the officials of Lassen County, of which Susanville is the county seat, concur in these views and the necessity of immediate military protection. I will see that no tolls be charged troops or freight for the military service on this road, and will render any assistance in my power.

            I remain, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

J. BIDWELL.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1176-1179]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, April 4, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: Captain Starr is under orders to move with his company (F), Second Cavalry, to Camp Bidwell, preparatory to the expedition to Honey Lake, Surprise Valley, &c., on the line of travel to the Owyhee mines. Sixty days' subsistence for Starr's company will be sent up by water. It is not probable that the troops can cross the mountains with supplies before the 1st of May. Captain Knight with his company (D), Second Cavalry, is still in Amador County, and Captain Ropes with his company (G), Second Cavalry, is on special service in Mariposa County, and Captain McLean with his company (H), Second Cavalry, is on provost, guard duty in this city. This latter company as well as the three remaining at Camp Union are without horses. The companies have received their arms, but as yet no ammunition for their carbines. As soon as the horses are received all the companies will be immediately prepared for such service as the general may desire to employ them on during the summer. I think that one full company, with half of Mellen's company at Fort Crook, will be ample for the protection of the route via Crook, Goose Lake, &c., to the mines, and that two companies will be sufficient to operate in the Honey Lake Valley and protect the line of travel beyond to the Owyhee mines. So soon as the general shall have determined upon the number of troops to be sent north and the lines over which they are to move the supplies should be thrown forward, either to Fort Crook or Chico, without delay.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Dun Glen, Humboldt County, Nev. Ter., April 4, 1865.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Second Cavalry California Volunteers:

            Yours of the 28th ultimo came to hand by due course of mail. As the lieutenant will doubtless have informed you, the troops you sent arrived here in good condition, and this morning started in search of a band of hostile Indians, who three days ago stole a large number of stock, fired upon several men, wounding one man, and burned their house, at a point about twenty-eight miles from this place, in Grass Valley. The Indians still continue to do a great deal of damage at various points in this county, by driving off stock, threatening the lives of the owners, and otherwise acting defiantly and insolently. The inhabitants are beginning to manifest a strong disposition to shoot down the Indians indiscriminately wherever they find them. I have done what I could to discourage the adoption of this policy at present, for under the circumstances it is obvious that it would do more harm than good, and I hope that this course will not be taken—at least until all other remedies fail. The citizens here desire me to express to you their thanks for having sent troops to their aid. The appearance and bearing of the soldiers are the subject of general commendation here.

            Yours, truly,

JAS. A. BANKS.

__________

Dun Glen, Humboldt County, April 4, 1865.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Second Cavalry California Volunteers:

            Since writing the accompanying letter Mr. M. W. Haviland, of Paradise Valley, has come in from that place, having been sent down by the citizens in order to obtain aid to secure protection from the Indians in that section of the country. With this you will find a statement by Mr. Haviland, who is a gentleman on whom implicit reliance can be placed. There can be no doubt that the settlers in that locality are in very great danger, and unless speedily relieved and permanently protected from the depredations of the Indians by whom they are surrounded they will undoubtedly be under the necessity of abandoning that valley, which is one of the most extensive and fertile in this State, and it is settled by an industrious, enterprising, and worthy people, who, if protected, will soon make it the garden of Nevada. They are now assembled with their families in such positions as afford the best means of defense, and of course they can do but little in the way of putting in their crops, and unless assured that permanent protection will be afforded them they will undoubtedly leave the country. There has been a large amount of stock stolen from that valley. The Indians have warned the citizens to leave. In several instances they have broken open and robbed the houses of the settlers, and in various other modes exhibited a degree of insolence and hostility which shows that they are determined to drive out the whites. At present the valley affords an abundance of tolerable pasture for stock, and in a few weeks it will be excellent. An ample supply of hay can be obtained there at a cost not exceeding $10 per ton, and probably for half that price. Measures have been taken to furnish to the citizens of Paradise Valley a portion of the arms you sent to Star City. These will afford valuable and much-appreciated aid in the present emergency. Present appearances indicate that the troops now here will be fully occupied in attending to the savages engaged in committing depredations along the Humboldt River and in the southeastern part of Grass Valley, which is the valley lying immediately east of the range of mountains in which Dun Glen is located; hence the sending of more troops to this county is a necessity, and we hope that if possible you will send them forward at an early day.

            With many thanks to you for the aid already rendered, we are, on behalf of the citizens, yours, truly,

J. A. DUN.

JAS. A. BANKS.

ALLEN PEACOCK.

[Inclosure.]

Dun Glen, Nev. Ter., April 4, 1865.

            I will state some facts in relation to the importance of a military post being established in Paradise Valley. The Indians in that place have for some time past been robbing houses of all the provisions and bed clothing, and have been making raids and stealing a large amount of stock. Citizens have pursued their stock, and have been driven back by the Indians. The Shoshones threaten to kill all the settlers in the valley. We are all in actual danger. The necessity of a permanent military post in that valley is very great; in fact, the valley will be entirely abandoned unless we get it. To say nothing of the risk of our lives, we can't live there while having our teams taken away and every hoof of stock. So we are unable to cultivate the valley, being a very large valley, and probably the most productive valley in the State. If we can be favored with protection we will soon supply Humboldt County with nearly every line of produce. There are several tribes of Indians that center about and near Paradise Valley, the valley being one of the finest grazing and hay-growing, also grain-growing valleys in the State The troops can always be supplied at reasonable rates. The people are now waiting to see if permanent aid can be had before sowing any grain or cultivating any land. I will furnish hay at the present time for $5 per ton (coin) to the troops. If we have to abandon the valley it will be rather hard on us all, as some of ns have expended nearly our all there. The growing of produce there will be of very great advantage to this country. The intelligence of the commanding officer at Fort Churchill will see the importance of a military post being established in Paradise Valley. We must have speedy relief, or the valley will be likely to be taken by Indians.

            In behalf of the citizens of Paradise Valley:

M. W. HAVILAND.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1182-1183]

Unionville, April 6, 1865.

Major McDermit,

            Fort Churchill:

            Indians are murdering men, women, and children from Granite Creek, Surprise Valley road, to the head of the Humboldt. Send all the troops you can spare immediately.

J. M. WOODWORTH.

__________

Star City, April 6, 1865—2 p. m.

Major McDermit,

            Commanding Sub-District of Nevada:

            Indians have burned Granite Creek Station, Honey Lake road, where Lucer was killed; burned house, hay, and all surroundings, and three men missing, supposed to have been burned, the body of one having been found in the ruins. The names of the missing are known as Thomas Rosse, R. B. Doom, and one other. Letter written to be forwarded by next mail, saying that there was danger of more trouble on the road and asked for troops to be sent to Deep Hole Station, where plenty of forage can be found, and which is in the midst of troubles. Indians captured quite a lot of arms and ammunition at Granite Station-four rifles, muskets, and several six-shooters. Wolverton is after them (the Indians) toward Gravelly Ford. A body of Indians shot one man near there, thirty-five miles southeast of Dun Glen. The Indians set fire to the house, and as the men escaped and made for their horses they had their clothes cut with bullets, and one man had six bullets go through his overshirt ; not hurt. Fifty mounted men sent to Deep Creek Station; be there Monday, where they can get hay for 2 cents per pound, coin. If I cannot give word that soldiers are coming, volunteers will go from here and miscellaneous slaughtering will ensue.

E. F. DUNNE.

__________

Star City, April 6, 1865.

Maj. Charles McDermit,

            Commanding Sub- District of Nevada:

            Massacre in Paradise Valley. Six women and two men killed. Send cartridges, caliber .58, and revolvers, and 200 men. There are 1,000 Indians on the warpath.

E. F. DUNNE.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Hdqrs. Sub-District of Nevada,

No. 4.                          )                                               Fort Churchill, April 6, 1865.

            I. Capt. E. C. Payne, Nevada Cavalry Volunteers, commanding Camp Nye, will arm and properly equip 100 men of Companies D and E, Nevada Cavalry, under command of Capt. A. B. Wells, who will be in readiness to leave Camp Nye Friday morning, the 7th instant, for this post, to proceed from here to Star City, Humboldt County, Nev. Ter., to protect the settlers and other parties passing through that section of the country from hostile Indians.

* * * * * * *

            IV. Captain Wells will report to the commanding officer for instructions.

            By order of Charles McDermit, major. Second Cavalry California Volunteers, commanding:

DANIEL VANDERHOOF,

First Lieutenant, Acting Post Adjutant.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1184-1186]

Headquarters District of the Plains,

Denver, Colo. Ter., April 6, 1865.

Maj. J. W. Barnes,

            Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Missouri:

            Sir: I propose to submit, for the information of the major-general commanding, a brief resume of affairs connected with my administration of the old District of Utah. I arrived at Salt Lake City with my command in November, 1862, and found the community almost exclusively members of the Mormon Church, bitter and unrelenting in their hostility to the Government. Persons residing in Utah and not members of the church were daily annoyed with petty persecutions calculated to force them to leave the Territory. The leaders of the church, jealous of the unlimited power they exercised over a bigoted and misguided people, employed every means in their power to prevent associations between their followers and loyal citizens. The so-termed sermons delivered in their tabernacles, boweries, and ward meetings were models of obscenity and treason. It appeared as though every effort was made by the advocates of polygamy to destroy all that native modesty characteristic of a woman, and to instill into the minds of the men the most bitter and unrelenting hatred toward our Government. The church leaders at every opportunity repeated the assertion that the war was a "Kilkenny cat" affair, so far as they were concerned; that they did not care which side whipped; in either event the war would continue until North and South were completely exhausted, and then they (the Mormons) would return to Jackson County, Mo., and control the destinies of the United States. They were able to obtain credit for this assertion among the people from this fact: The most of them are foreigners, gathered from the lower classes of Europe—men and women who know nothing about the American Government or its institutions. The officers and soldiers of my command were regarded as blacklegs and scoundrels, and were so designated by Brigham Young, the head of the church. The Indians were, I firmly believe, incited to acts of hostility against the mails and immigrants, for the purpose of involving us in a war, and, as we were but few in numbers, thus hoping to get rid of us. I determined to exercise the utmost caution toward the community, consistent with my duty, but at the same time was equally determined to maintain the authority of the Government at any and all hazards. During the fall of 1862 and winter and spring of 1863 my command was actively engaged against the Shoshone, Ute and Goshute Indians; and at the battle of Bear River I captured large quantities of wheat, together with many articles which the Indians could not have obtained had they not been on friendly terms with the Mormons. I know that on one occasion, when a detachment of cavalry in pursuit of Indians entered a town south of Salt Lake, the inhabitants had a portion of the same band in their houses, and told my officers that they had passed through a cañon in the mountains several days previous. On another occasion a party of fifty or more Indians Ute entered the town of Battle Creek and attacked six soldiers of my command, and continued the attack for several hours, during which time 150 able-bodied white men, claiming to be American citizens, quietly looked on the attack from their house tops, barns, sheds, and haystacks, without offering the slightest assistance. The bravery of the men and officer in charge finally compelled the Indians to retire, with a loss of several killed and wounded. I mention these instances to show the spirit animating the community. Nothing but fear and policy caused the leaders to remain quiet; but on every occasion they sneered at the authority of the Government and predicted to their followers its speedy downfall.

            After whipping the Indians into subjection I turned my attention to a development of the mineral wealth of the Territory, with a view to encourage a different class of emigration, and thus eventually break up a system of religion and government at once infamous and abhorrent to every refined mind. In my efforts to develop the mineral wealth of the Territory I was well sustained by my officers and men, who, while they desired active service, cheerfully executed my orders, and with great energy prospected the country, and succeeded in discovering rich gold and silver bearing rock. It is now a settled fact that the mines of Utah are equal to any west of the Missouri River, and only await the advent of capital to develop them. About the same time that I commenced this system of prospecting I caused a daily newspaper to be instituted at my own expense, which has been and is now in successful operation, and doing much toward redeeming Utah from the "one-man power "of the Mormon Church. Last summer I sent an expedition from Salt Lake City for the purpose of opening a wagon-road communication between that place and the head of navigation of the Colorado River. The expedition was entirely successful, and now goods are shipped by that route. The power of the Mormon Church has been greatly exaggerated abroad. While I have every reason to know that the leaders of it are disloyal and traitors at heart, I have no fear of their taking any steps to produce difficulties between them and the troops. They content themselves with gasconade and such petty annoyances as they may be able to inflict upon the Government, in refusing to furnish from their abundance, supplies, &c. They daily violate the acts of Congress in the practice of polygamy, in the passage of laws violating the organic act and of others wholly opposed to the spirit of our institutions. The secret of the power of these leaders lies in this one word—isolation. So long as they were able to keep their people from association with the outside world they were safe. To this end they employed every means possible to force Federal officers (not Mormons) out of the Territory, and they succeeded well until the advent of the troops in 1862. The condition of affairs to-day is far different from that of three years ago. The presence of troops giving protection to those not belonging to the church; the establishment of a free press; the discovery of extensive mines, and the subjection of the Indians have already gathered quite a large population of loyal men, who form the nucleus around which gather all the elements opposed to this infamous evil of our age, clothed with the name of religion. Three years ago there were not 100 Gentiles, aside from the troops, in the Territory. Now there must be not less than 1,500, with the number constantly increasing. A town (Stockton) has been established in the center of the Rush Valley mining district, thirty-eight miles from Salt Lake, by those not members of the church, which is rapidly gaining all the elements of permanency. It is a source of much pride to me that all these changes are in progress for the better, and to know that notwithstanding I had to encounter all the opposition of the Mormon Church, my policy has proved successful, and that but a few years will elapse before Utah will be redeemed from her infamy and degradation and contribute a loyal and healthy support to our common country, instead of being, as she now is, a foul and filthy ulcer upon the body politic. I do not apprehend any trouble with Indians in that Territory. They have been thoroughly whipped and taught the consequences of molesting the mail coaches and emigrant trains. The troops now serving in that Territory, consisting of California and Nevada regiments, are in fine condition, well disciplined veteran soldiers, an honor and credit to the service, and in charge of capable and experienced officers. Public property is carefully used and no extravagance permitted. The public funds are disbursed with the utmost economy consistent with the public service.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

[First indorsement.]

Headquarters Department of the Missouri,

Saint Louis, April 13, 1865.

            Respectfully forwarded to Capt. Joseph McC. Bell, assistant adjutant-general, Military Division of the Missouri, for the information of the major-general commanding Military Division of the Missouri.

G. M. DODGE,

Major- General, Commanding.

[Second indorsement.]

Hdqrs. Military Division of the Missouri,

Saint Louis, April 28, 1865.

            This interesting and valuable report of General Connor, concerning affairs in Utah, is respectfully forwarded for the information of the Secretary of War. It throws great light upon the condition of the Mormon settlements and the objects of the rulers in Utah, which will prove very useful in the consideration of measures relating to the future status of that Territory.

JNO. POPE,

Major- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1187]

Star City, April 7, 1865.

Major McDermit:

            Express just in from Lieutenant Wolverton requesting us to forward the following report: "Yesterday a detachment attacked a small band of Shoshones, killing five." He sends twenty men to Paradise to-day; asks that there be more force sent immediately; confirms report of massacre in Paradise. Wolverton now on Humboldt River forty-five miles northeast of Star City. Thirty armed citizens have left for Paradise; fifteen more for Granite Creek, Honey Lake road. More men going to-night.

E. F. DUNNE

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1191]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, April 8, 1865.

Surgeon-General U. S. Army,

            War Department, Washington :

            The medical director reports that finding it impossible to live on their pay in legal tenders in this gold-currency country, the contract physicians cannot be re-engaged at existing rates, and that the department will be left almost entirely destitute of medical officers unless he is authorized to pay $125 to $150 per month in gold or its equivalent.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1192-1193]

Headquarters Sub-District of Nevada,

Fort Churchill. March [April] 9, 1865.

M. W. Haviland, Esq.,

            Paradise Valley, Nev. Ter.:

            Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th ultimo [instant], requesting me to send more troops to the Humboldt country for the protection of settlers. Captain Wells, with 103 men, well armed and equipped, is now en route for Paradise Valley, with instructions to make that point the headquarters of his command, and to send troops from there to such points as he may deem their services most required. I am pleased to learn that you can furnish hay for our animals at $5 per ton, and 1 will instruct Captain Wells to contract with you for all he may require. Will you be kind enough to assist Captain Wells in selecting his camp? You can assure the settlers of Humboldt and Paradise Valley that I will do everything that is in my power to protect their lives and property. Captain Wells will have 150 men under his command, and I think will be able to whip all the Indians that may oppose him.

            Yours, respectfully,

C. McDERMIT,

Major, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, April 10, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: In 1863 an invoice of ordnance and ordnance stores from the Watervliet Arsenal, also from the New York Arsenal, arrived at Benicia, embracing 1,000 Springfield rifle muskets, 75 Sharps carbines and 3 mountain howitzers, with equipments for the same. The invoices were all made to the commanding officer, Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.  Governor Nye claimed that all these arms and equipments were sent out specially for the Territory of Nevada, and were to be turned over at once to him; but in the absence of any instructions on the subject from the War [Department] I declined to issue further than I might deem proper under the special authority given me by the Secretary of War. The subject having again been brought up in a communication recently received from Major McDermit, I called upon him for copies of all orders he had received in relation to those arms. The major in reply sends me a copy of Major-General McDowell's letter to His Excellency Governor Blasdel, also copy of a letter from Governor Nye to Major McDermit, dated on the 19th of September, 1865 (mistake in the year), giving a dispatch from the Secretary of War to the Governor. It appears that these arms were intended by the Secretary to be placed at the disposal of the Governor, but as they were invoiced in the usual manner, without any special orders as to their disposal, of course I was not at liberty to place them beyond my control.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1194-1196]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, April 13, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: Inclosed herewith are papers received this morning from Major McDermit in relation to Indian disturbances in Paradise Valley.[2] The prompt measures taken by the major in throwing troops forward will, I think, settle our Indian affairs in that quarter very soon. I have said nothing about the establishment of permanent posts in any of the sections of country where these difficulties are occurring, as it will be time enough to consider the question when the Indians are punished and quiet restored.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, April 13, 1865.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry,

                        Commanding Sub-District of Nevada, Fort Churchill.

            MAJOR: Your Special Orders, No. 4, current series, with copy of your letter to Mr. Haviland of 9th instant, and also other papers relative to Indian disturbances in Paradise Valley, &c., are received. I am desired by the brigadier-general commanding to express his approval of the prompt measures you have taken to punish those Indians and protect the settlers, and also to say that you are authorized to pass the boundaries of Nevada, should you find it necessary to do so, in the pursuit of hostile Indians. You will keep these headquarters advised of the latest information you may have of the movements of your troops and the condition of affairs, and should these disturbances be prolonged you will take the field yourself and punish these Indians so that the recollection of it will prevent any future outbreaks in that quarter.

            Very respectfully,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Sacramento, April 13, l865.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Fort Churchill:

            Have you any later news from Paradise Valley? Do not avail yourself of your leave until quiet is restored.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General.

__________

General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 20.                        )                                               San Francisco, Cal., April 14, 1865.

            I. A camp will be established somewhere in the upper part of Surprise Valley or southern part of Goose Lake Valley, as nearly as may be in the vicinity of the roads from Chico, via Susanville and Surprise Valley, and from Red Bluff, via Fort Crook, to the Owyhee, Idaho, and of the emigrant roads from Humboldt River to the southern part of Oregon.

            II. The camp will be established with regard to wood, water, and grass for the station of a company of cavalry and a temporary depot for forage and subsistence for an additional company, which will be sent to move over the country beyond.

            III. Maj. Robert S. Williamson, Engineers, will repair immediately to Fort Crook, and thence, with Captain Mellen, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, and a sufficient escort from the latter's company, will proceed with as little delay as practicable to select the site for the camp herein directed to be established. He will send his report through Brigadier-General Wright's headquarters.

            IV. Brigadier-General Wright will, at the earliest moment the season will permit, order a company of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers to take post at the point which may be selected as above and establish itself for the year, by erecting such temporary cabins for themselves and shelter for their horses as the country may afford by the labor of the troops.

            V. The company will be considered as in the field, and no purchases of lumber or other building materials will be allowed.

            VI. As soon as the roads will permit, Brigadier-General Wright will establish a company of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers in Honey Lake Valley, so as to protect the settlements and the road from Susanville to the Humboldt River, Nev. Ter. The company will be considered as in the field, and no purchases of lumber or other building materials will be allowed. It will be established with regard to wood, water, and grass, and will protect itself and horses by such temporary shelters as the country may afford by the labor of the troops.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1198]

General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 27.                        )                                               San Francisco, Cal., April 17, 1865.

            It has come to the knowledge of the major-general commanding that there have been found within the department persons so utterly infamous as to exult over the assassination of the President. Such persons become virtually accessories after the fact, and will at once be arrested by any officer or provost-marshal or member of the police having knowledge of the case. Any paper so offending or expressing any sympathy in any way whatever with the act will be at once seized and suppressed.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1204-1207]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California

Sacramento, April 21, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: Inclosed herewith is a copy of a telegram just received from General Bidwell. Captain Wells is now operating against the Indians in Humboldt County, Nev. Ter., and I have ordered him to move over the country mentioned by General Bidwell. Captain Starr is still on the west side of the Sacramento, executing my special orders in making arrests, &c. A portion of Captain Doughty's company is at present absent from Camp Bidwell in pursuit of Indians on Deer Creek.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

Chico, April 21, 1865.

General George Wright:

            News by courier from Smoke Creek says Granite Creek Station burned, and every man killed; also that all the stations between Smoke Creek and Humboldt are abandoned. I write by mail.

J. BIDWELL.

__________

Chico, April 21, 1865.

Brig. Gen. George Wright, Sacramento :

            General: The inclosed petition and letters I forward for your information, having been sent to me by a special courier. It seems imperative that a military force be sent without delay. The road over the mountains is traveled daily by horsemen. Cavalry therefore will have no difficulty, but loaded wagons cannot well surmount about seven miles of snow. That, however, can be passed with empty wagons in the morning when the snow is stiff, and the baggage can be got over on sleds. I see no other way. The travel to Idaho has gone over this route since April 3, and while the trains have thus far met no difficulty, yet it will not do to leave it unprotected. The scene of the present Indian troubles lies some fifty miles to the east of the Idaho route, but the Indians are roving, and will be sure to infest the traveled roads. I will do anything in my power to aid in crossing the mountains. Perhaps the men could precede the baggage train a few days. There is no road north of the Dutch Flat route open for teams at this time, except the Chico road, and none with as little snow. Captain Starr is at Colusa. Captain Doughty somewhat under the weather from boils. The petition you will observe is addressed to General McDowell, but I will take the liberty of transmitting it through you to him to avoid delay.

            I remain, general, very respectfully and truly, yours,

J. BIDWELL.

[Indorsement.]

Brigade Headquarters,

Sacramento, April 24, 1865.

            Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters.

            Captain Wells, of Nevada cavalry, now operating against hostile Indians in Humboldt County, Nev. Ter., has been instructed to send a mounted company in the direction of Honey Lake at once, and the sixth paragraph of General Orders, No. 26, current series, from department headquarters, will be executed at the earliest practicable moment.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

            The undersigned, citizens of Lassen County and of the State of California, to General McDowell, commanding the Pacific Department of War, greeting:

            We would respectfully represent to General McDowell that within the past six months we have at several different times petitioned the department for military defense against Indian depredations upon our lives, property, and interests; that within said space of time incalculable damage to property and to the progress and advancement of this section of country has been done by Indian outrage, whilst a number of our citizens have lost their lives. That insecurity to life and property and the entire estoppel of travel through our section from certain knowledge of danger to travel upon our roads is working material injury to our interests. That almost every week brings intelligence of murder and theft by the Indians upon the Humboldt River, and that from the frequency of these occurrences, the very considerable number of Indians known to be congregated on this road, as well as from their repeated declarations, we are convinced they do not design this road shall be traveled this year. But a few days past three citizens were murdered at Granite Creek, on the Susanville and Humboldt road, by name Andrew Creel, N. D. Simmonds, and Jack Curry, said point being ninety-two miles from Susanville, forty-three miles from Smoke Creek, and twelve miles from Deep Hole Station, upon said road. That all of the different stations upon the road have been vacated because of insecurity to property and life. That all travel for Boise or Humboldt is being lost to us, taking the Oregon and Nevada routes. That two of our citizens, Capt. Frank Drake and John H. Neal, having their teams at Humboldt, will be forced at much delay of time and much additional expense to take their trains by the way of Virginia City. That large quantities of live stock have been driven away from Smoke Creek Station and in the immediate vicinity of this valley by the Indians, who, from being unpunished, are becoming more bold every day. We would further represent to you that Smoke Creek Station presents one of the most favorable points for location of soldiery. That it has a large barracks capable of accommodating 100 men, with most comfortable and convenient apartments; has large and sufficient stabling, an abundance of hay, grain, and grass; that it is a healthful location ; is distant thirty miles from Susanville and fifty miles from Surprise Valley, on the direct road to Boise River, and that Captain Pearce's saddle train passes through and by it. That is distant from Unionville, Humboldt mines, about ninety miles, and is on the direct road to Humboldt. We believe the selection of this point will accommodate all sections of surrounding country, the travel to Boise mines and Humboldt mines, and the lives and property of this valley. Smoke Creek, Surprise Valley, and of the stations established upon the Humboldt road will all be made secure. This station has been occupied by Captain Mellen and forces. Lieutenant Tillinghast, Lieutenants Firman and Jewett and Captain Wells, all of whom have found it answering the purposes for which they were sent, namely, the best and most effectual defense of this section of country. Submitting to you, general, these facts, we have faith that you will immediately move for our relief. Believe us delay is indeed working us grievous wrong and injury, and that we are wholly unsafe until we have that protection which our country awards her citizens when m danger, and which we feel assured you deny will not us when convinced of its urgency and necessity

            Respectfully,

JNO. S. WARD,

WIT DeHAVEN,

I. J. HARVEY,

[And 70 others.]

[Inclosure No. 2.]

Smoke Creek Station,

Tuesday, April 18, 1865—3 a. m.

I. J. Harvey, Esq.:

            Dear Sir: I left home this morning at 9 o'clock and went to Deep Hole and have just returned, having ridden about seventy-five miles. I found Deep Hole Station abandoned, and a notice on the door as follows:

            Gone to Humboldt. Look out for Indians. Granite Creek Station burned and every man killed.

J. C. PARTRIDGE.

            I presume every station on the road from Buffalo is abandoned. To what extent the Indians have committed these depredations is impossible to tell. We want to find out as soon as possible. Susanville ought to send men out at once without any delay. Follow the Indians and exterminate them.

            Yours, in haste,

WM. V. KINGSBURY.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1209]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, April 23, 1865.

General J. Bidwell,

            Chico:

            General: I am desired by Brigadier-General Wright to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of yesterday, with inclosures, and also to inform you that a company of cavalry has been ordered (from the command now acting in the Humboldt Valley) this day to march to the Smoke Creek country.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Sacramento, April 22, 1865.

Commanding Officer at Fort Churchill:

            Have one company from Captain Wells' command patrol toward Smoke Creek and report.

            By order:

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1210-1211]

General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific

No. 29.                        )                                               San Francisco, Cal, April 24, 1865.

            A camp will be established somewhere in Paradise Valley on the roads from Fort Churchill and Reese River to the Owyhee country Idaho Territory, The site will be selected with regard to wood water and grass, for the station of a company of infantry, and a temporary depot tor forage and subsistence for a company of cavalry which will be sent to move over the country beyond. The companies will be considered as in the field, and no purchases of lumber or other building materials will be allowed. They will protect themselves and horses by such temporary shelters as the resources of the country may afford by the labor of the troops.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1214-1216]

Chico, April 28, 1865.

Maj. Gen. I. McDowell,

            Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco:

            General: The petition which I have the honor to inclose herewith is signed by the officers and others of Siskiyou County, and was sent to me with the request that I would have Governor Low, Comptroller Oulton, and other State officials sign it, and then personally present it to you. But this is not necessary. You already comprehend the situation. Surprise Valley is in Siskiyou County. I indorse the petition, and believe a military post is required at that point not only in summer, but in winter, too. Post route No. 141903 will pass through that valley. I inclose a slip from the Morning Call, containing the said route advertised. Should the route via Fort Crook and Pitt River be traveled the coming summer, it will intersect the main route (Susanville to Boise) at or near Surprise Valley. Passenger trains have been running regularly via Susanville to Idaho since April 3. No Indian troubles have as yet occurred, but I am in constant apprehension. Stages are to be put on the route as soon as the snow is off, when the regular mail will begin. With a full company at Smoke Creek or a point a little further west, to range on the road to Surprise Valley and on the Humboldt road as far east as Black Rock and the station prayed for in this petition at or near Surprise, present emergencies so far as I can see would be met. Beyond Surprise, however, there is a distance of 150 miles entirely unsettled. The Indians may not be hostile, or there may be few or none there. Time will show.

            I remain, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

J. BIDWELL.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

Major-General McDowell,

            Commander Military Department Pacific Coast:

            Sir: There is a large and fertile valley in the eastern portion of this (Siskiyou) county, in the northeastern part of the State, known as Surprise Valley, which during the last year has been rapidly settling up by emigration from other localities, and which is capable of sustaining a large population ; and inasmuch as the recent difficulties between the Indians and white settlers, resulting in the effusion of some blood and considerable loss of stock and other property, has already deterred and is now deterring, many who are desirous of emigrating thither with their families, for the purpose of suppressing these difficulties and preventing future depredations on the part of the Indians and the full protection of the settlers in their laudable efforts toward development of the resources of this section of country, the following request is most respectfully submitted, to wit: That one or more companies of the military under your command may be dispatched forthwith to the above-mentioned Surprise Valley, and remain stationed there during the coming summer, or until the necessity therefor may cease to exist, for the granting of which the undersigned most earnestly pray.

L. M. FOULKE,

State Senator, Siskiyou County

WM. GROW,

County Treasurer,

A. D. CROOKS,

Sheriff,

[And 14 OTHERS.]

[Inclosure No. 2.]

Post-Office Department,

Washington City, October 12, 1864.

* * * * * *

            14903. From Susanvillo (in Lassen County) to Boise City (in Idaho Territory), 500 miles and back, twice a month. Bids for service once a week invited. Bidders to propose a schedule of departures and arrivals.

* * * * * * *

W. DENNISON,

Postmaster- General.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, April 28, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: I return herewith the letter addressed by Governor Blasdel to Major-General McDowell. The letter from Judge Dunne to the Governor has been returned as requested. In view of the condition of affairs in Humboldt County, Nev. Ter., as set forth by Judge Dunne, I will recommend that a military post of one company of Nevada cavalry be established at the head of Paradise Valley, and maintained so long as it may be necessary for the protection of the settlers. The instructions given to Captain Wells to send a company in the direction of Smoke Creek were given because he had reported everything quiet in the region where he was operating, and as he had 150 men with him it was supposed that half of the number could be spared. Further instructions have now been given to Captain Wells to retain a sufficient force to give full and complete protection to the whole of Humboldt County.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, April 28, 1865.

Maj. C. McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry,

                        Comdg. Sub-District of Nevada Territory, Fort Churchill:

            Major: I am desired by the general commanding to say that you will suspend action on the telegram from these headquarters of the 22d instant, ordering part of Captain Wells' command to patrol toward Smoke Creek until further instructed, unless perfect quiet prevails throughout his own district and he can spare a portion of his force without jeopardizing the safety of Paradise Valley. The general has recommended the establishment of a military post at the head of that valley, as specially suggested by Judge Dunne. To this end Captain Wells will make a reconnaissance of the whole valley and select the most eligible site for a post to give protection to all the settlements in the northeasterly portion of the State, bearing in mind that wood, water, and grass are indispensable requisites. His report, accompanied with a journal of his marches as required by the regulations, will be forwarded through you to these headquarters. You will send forward across the mountains the transportation left at your post by Captain Smith, at the earliest practicable moment.

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1218]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 1, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: The roads having become passable over the mountains, I have directed Major McDermit to send immediately to Camp Union all the disposable wagons and mules at Fort Churchill, reserving sufficient only for indispensable post purposes, and to transport supplies to the company at Camp Independence, and also to the troops under Captain Wells, operating in Humboldt County. The wagons will doubtless require repairing, as they are old and have had hard service. In executing General Orders, No. 26, current series, does the general desire me to send two companies of the Second Cavalry from Camp Union, one to occupy the point to be selected by Major Williamson, and the other, with that point as a depot, to move over the country beyond? Or does he desire only one company sent from Camp Union, and the mounted portion of Captain Mellen's company thrown forward from Fort Crook? I think that the latter force would be ample, as it would give 100 mounted men, and 50 dismounted, for the depot and movements beyond, leaving 50 men at Fort Crook during the summer, 10 of them mounted, for escorts, expresses, &c. In this case, supplies for 100 men should be sent forward to Fort Crook at once. On the other hand, if the general desires that two companies be detached from Camp Union on this duty, supplies for 200 men must be forwarded to Fort Crook. I have ordered a general court-martial at Camp Bidwell for the trial of the murderer of Lieutenant Levergood. To make up the court I have to detail officers from Camp Union. The court will probably finish its business the present week, and I expect to get Captain Doughty and his company into Honey Lake Valley by the 10th or 12th. I would recommend that all the supplies for the troops at the depot to be selected by Major Williamson be transported by contract and delivered at Fort Crook ; beyond that to be transported by Government means ; and that the supplies for the company to be established in Honey Lake Valley be transported by contract, and delivered wherever the company may be posted.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

 

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 409-412]

MAY 3-JUNE 15, 1865.—Expeditions from Fort Churchill to Carson Lake and Truckee and Humboldt Rivers, Nev.

Reports of Lieut. Col. Charles McDermit, Second California Cavalry, commanding Sub- District of Nevada.

Headquarters Sub-District of Nevada,

Fort Churchill, May 9, 1865.

            Lieutenant: I have the honor to report for the information of the general commanding that settlers at Carson Lake and also on Truckee River requested me to send troops to those localities, informing me that they anticipated trouble with the Indians. On the morning of the 3d of May I left this post for Carson Lake, taking with me First Lieut. D. Vanderhoof, Company C, Nevada Infantry, Second Lieut. D. H. Pine, Nevada Infantry, and detachment Company E, Nevada Cavalry, consisting of fifteen men, with six days' supplies; arrived in camp at Cottonwood Station, on the overland road, at 3 p. m., having marched twenty-six miles, 4th, left camp at 4.40 a. m.; arrived at Taylor's ranch, on the Carson River, near the lake, at 9.30 a. m., that being the place previously designated by me to meet the whites and Indians. 5th, a large number of Indians and some twenty settlers met me at Mr. Taylor's house. In conversation with the Indians I soon learned that the excitement was caused by the peaceable Indians from the Humboldt coming to the Carson Lake to avoid trouble, and the Indians living in the vicinity, not knowing the cause of so many coming in, supposed that a general war of extermination was about to commence, and to confirm them in this belief some reckless white men had told them that I was coming with soldiers to kill them all. They had commenced sending away their squaws and children and burning their wigwams. The white settlers seeing these movements on the part of the Indians in turn became alarmed, and dispatched a messenger to me in great haste; but through my interpreter, Richard A. Washington, I soon learned the facts in the case, and they assured me of their great desire for peace with the whites. I talked with the whites and Indians about three hours, assuring them that I would protect the good and at the same time punish the bad of either party. At 5 p. m. I left with the command for Saint Clair Station ; arrived there at 6.15 p. m., where we camped during the night, having marched five miles. 6th, took up line of march direct for Truckee River at 5 a. m. Having procured an affidavit that a citizen named Cook had been exulting over the death of President Lincoln, I dispatched Lieutenant Pine with one enlisted man to arrest Cook and deliver him over to the commanding officer at Fort Churchill, which was done. Arrived at Reservation house, on Truckee River, at 1.15 p. m.; distance, twenty-eight miles. 7th, had talk with the Indians, who informed me that the agent had told them lies and otherwise treated them badly, having hired the reserve to white men to keep their stock on it, receiving the money for the same and appropriating it to their [his] own use; and when the Indians would ask the agent for something to help them procure subsistence or clothing, he would tell them that all the money he received had to be turned over to the Indian Department, and if they gave any trouble he would send to Fort Churchill for troops and clean them out. Upon an investigation of the treatment of the Indians by the agent I am really surprised to know that they have borne all these impositions so patiently. Last year $25,000 was appropriated for the purpose of cultivating the Truckee and Walker River reserves. The money has disappeared, and not one pound of anything is being raised on either reserve for the Indians, and the agents are determined to continue their impositions further by herding stock on the reserves and consuming the grass, the seed of which, if permitted to mature, would afford them a great part of their subsistence. I told the Indians to remain peaceable and injure no white man, and now since the war is over our Great Father at Washington would do something for them; and in the meantime if any of the whites abused them not to resent it, but come to me and make their complaints, and I would investigate the matter and punish the guilty party. I also requested the whites to take all their stock off the reserve. I talked to the Indians about four hours, and they appeared much pleased with all I told them. 8th, I left camp on Truckee River at 4.30 a. m. ; arrived at Fort Churchill at 12.45 p. m., having traveled thirty miles.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. McDERMIT,

Lieut. Col. Second California Cavalry, Comdg. Sub-Dist. of Nevada.

Lieut. E. D. Waite,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Sacramento, Cal.

[Indorsement. ]

Brigade Headquarters,

Sacramento, May 17, 1865.

            Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters, with recommendation that copy be furnished to the Congressional Committee appointed to inquire into Indian affairs on this coast.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Headquarters Sub-District of Nevada,

Camp No. 10, June 9, 1865.

            Sir: I have the honor to report for the information of the general commanding that on the 30th of May I left Fort Churchill in company with Governor H. G. Blasdel, Surg. A. F. Mechem, Lieut. C. G. Warner, and an escort of thirteen cavalry from Company E, First Battalion Nevada Volunteers. On the 2d of the present month we arrived at Austin, Lander County, and on the afternoon of the 3d instant the Governor and myself had a talk with about 100 Indians (all we could collect on so short notice), telling them to come into the settlements and separate from the hostiles, be peaceable, and they would be protected. They appeared quiet and peaceably inclined. On the morning of the 4th, leaving the Governor at Austin, we started for the Humboldt River, traveling mostly due north through a mountainous country with a number of small ranches and dwellings, but mostly deserted on account of the hostile Indians. On the evening of the 4th instant Lieutenant Seamands, of Company B, First Nevada Infantry, with twenty mounted men, an interpreter, nine friendly Indians, and a 12-pounder howitzer from Fort Ruby, joined my escort. On the evening of the 8th instant I struck the river at a point seventy miles north of Unionville. On the morning of the 9th instant I undertook to cross the river, but failed on account of its swollen banks, and deemed it best to move down the river to a bridge eighteen miles distant, where I found Capt. William Wallace, Company A, First Nevada Infantry, with his company of seventy-three men and a 12-pounder howitzer. Most of the ranches along the river are deserted. I propose moving to-morrow morning to a suitable camp up the north side of the main Humboldt River to await the arrival of Captain Doughty, Second California Volunteers. In the meantime I will be joined by Captain Wells, Company D, First Nevada Cavalry, eighty-two men, and Captain Payne, Company E, same battalion, fifty men, when I propose moving upon the Indians, who are reported to be in the vicinity of Gravelly Ford, in strength and hostile. If we can catch them we propose to give them a whipping which they will remember. Since leaving the fort we have traveled a distance of nearly 330 miles in eight days.

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

CHAS. McDERMIT,

Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding,

Lieut. E. D. Waite,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Sacramento, Cal.

__________

Headquarters Sub-District of Nevada,

Camp No. 15, June 15, 1865.

            Lieutenant: For the information of the general commanding I would respectfully report to district headquarters that I left Camp No. 10, where I made my last report, at 5 a. m. on June 10, 1865; crossed the main Humboldt River and arrived at the Little Humboldt River at 7 a. m. Crossed the stream on a ferry-boat procured by Capt. W. Wallace, Nevada Infantry, at Dun Glen; succeeded in crossing all property, &c., without accident, and camped on the opposite side of the stream. Remained at this camp during Sunday awaiting the arrival of Captain Wells' command, consisting of his company and detachment Company E, forty-two men. Captain Wells having joined us, we left this camp the morning of June 12; traveled east fourteen miles, camping in Littlefield Valley, where we found good grass and water. Left the latter place (Camp No. 12) with fifty cavalry. Captains Wells and Payne, Asst. Surg. A. F. Mechem, and Lieutenants Littlefield (Nevada Cavalry), Seamands, Warner, and McGowan (Nevada Infantry), Interpreter Butterfield, with four Indian scouts, taking six days' rations in our haversacks, and leaving the balance of the command with all the teams at Camp No. 12; traveled to Camp No. 13, where we arrived at 1.10 p. m., course northeast; traveled through a level sage-brush country without road. Distance to Camp No. 13, twenty-five miles. My object in this expedition was for a reconnoitering tour and to visit the battle-fields of Lieutenant Littlefield and Captain Wells. Left this camp at 10 a. m. and arrived at Camp No. 14, in Valley Wells, having traveled fourteen miles, which camp is situated opposite Fort Redskin, where Lieutenant Littlefield's fight took place May 7, 1865. I visited the cañon and mountain where the Indians were posted, and their rifle-pits among the rocks which were ingeniously constructed, and capable of containing about 200 Indians. Here we found most excellent grazing ground. Left Camp No. 14 at 8.30 a. m. June 15; traveled northeast; saw upon the route many Indian signs; also where they had grazed their stock about five weeks ago; country level and fine grass all the way. Arrived at the camp (No. 15, twenty-five miles distance) at 3.30 p. m., it being at the foot of the Table Mountain, where Captain Wells had his fight of May 20, 1865. This camp is within twenty-five miles of the headwaters of the Owyhee River, and near the boundary line of the States. I shall reconnoiter this vicinity for the ensuing three days to find the position and strength of the Indians, at the end of which time our supplies and the remainder of the command will be up to this camp. I am determined to pursue them until I catch them or run them out of the State. Have traveled 108 miles without seeing a stick of timber which would measure six inches, and no place suitable to establish a military post. Have also traveled sixty-five miles without a road, but have seen nothing to delay our train of supplies.

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

CHARLES McDERMIT,

Lieutenant- Colonel Second California Cavalry, Commanding.

Lieut. E. D. Waite,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Sacramento, Cal.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1219-1220]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, May 3, 1865.

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

            Commanding District of California, Sacramento, Cal.:

            Sir: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 1st instant relative to the movement of troops in the direction of the Owyhee country, and to say, in reply, that one of the two companies to be drawn from Camp Union will occupy the point to be selected by Major Williamson, and the other will operate in the country beyond, using the first-named point as a base of supply. The supplies for the troops operating in the region above named will be sent under contract direct to the point selected by Major Williamson. The same rule will apply to supplying the troops in Honey Lake Valley.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 3, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: I have reports from Maj. C. McDermit, commanding Fort Churchill, May 1 , 1865. There is trouble between the white people and Indians near the Sink of the Carson, forty miles northeast of Fort Churchill. The major has gone there with twenty men to settle the difficulty, and as soon as he returns he will go to the Truckee and Pyramid Lake to settle difficulties of the same kind, and after that he will go to Walker River Reservation, where it appears that the friends of the two Indians who murdered Stewart and Rabe have murdered one of the friendly Indians who assisted Captain Wallace in arresting the murderers.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 3, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: Inclosed herewith is n communication from Adjutant- General Evans, May 2, 1865, announcing appointments made by the Governor in the Second California Volunteer Cavalry.[3] Major McDermit informs me this morning that seven six-mule wagons leave Churchill to-day for Camp Union. The major leaves at same time for Carson Lake, to settle some difficulties between the white people and some Indians, and will be absent about six days. Can Captain Kelley be appointed to muster out McDermit and muster him in as lieutenant-colonel? I have at Camp Union six citizen prisoners. They will be sent down to morrow, with affidavits.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1221]

Washington, May 4, 1865.

General P. E. Connor,

            Denver, Colo. Ter.:

            A copy of your report of April 6, 1865, has been forwarded to the lieutenant-general commanding, and he desires me to express his appreciation of your efforts. It is not believed that an institution like Mormonism can exist permanently in force and close communication with the civilized world. Our efforts should therefore aim to make such communication safe by thorough protection of Gentiles against Mormons, whether as transient visitors or permanent settlers, and trust mainly to the ordinary laws which govern civilization for the gradual removal of what is believed to be in opposition to those laws and which can derive vitality only from persecution.

C. B. COMSTOCK,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Aide-de-Camp, and Brevet Brigadier-General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1224]

General Orders,          )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 30.                        )                                               San Francisco, Cal, May [9], 1865.

            I. For the purpose of preserving the peace on the lines of emigration to and from Idaho Territory, the commanding officer of the District of Oregon will establish a temporary post on or near Camas Prairie, and another on or near Jordan Creek, or its tributaries, southwest of the Owyhee mines.

            II. The force established at these posts will be considered in the field, and no purchase of lumber or other building material will be allowed. The posts will be established with regard to wood, water, and grass, and the troops will protect themselves and horses by such temporary shelters as the country may afford by the labor of the troops with their transportation and camp equipage.

            III. The composition and strength of the posts will be such as the district commander may indicate, from the troops at his disposal, as the best for the purpose of patrolling the emigrant road and protecting the mines.

            IV. These posts and that of Boise, and the parties that may be sent out from them, will constitute the Sub District of Boise, and be under the command of the lieutenant-colonel of the Oregon infantry.

            V. The post on Jordan Creek or its vicinity will guard the two roads coming to Owyhee from the post in Surprise Valley, Cal., and the one in Paradise Valley, Nev. Ter., and will be located with this view as well as to afford protection to the Owyhee mines.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1226]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 11, 1865.

Maj. E. W. Kirkham,

            Department Quartermaster, San Francisco:

            Major: As soon as possible I shall put two companies of the Second Cavalry on the march via Fort Crook to occupy the point near Goose Lake to be selected by Major Williamson, and the company of the Second Cavalry now at Camp Bidwell will cross the mountains into Honey Lake Valley and occupy a position at or near Smoke Creek in a few days. The point to be selected by Major Williamson will be about 100 miles beyond Fort Crook, and the supplies, subsistence for 200 men for a year, and such tools as may be necessary for the erection of temporary cabins for one company should be thrown forward immediately, and the same with regard to the company to be posted in Honey Lake Valley—subsistence for a year, with tools to enable it to erect temporary shelter. Besides shelter for the men, shelter for horses for one company at each of the stations will be erected, but no purchase of lumber or building material will be allowed, and all the labor will be performed by the enlisted men.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1230]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 13, 1865.

Capt. J. C. Doughty,

            Second California Cavalry, Commanding Camp Bidwell:

            Captain : The brigadier-general commanding directs that you move with your company and take post at Smoke Creek Station, carrying out the instructions contained in paragraph G, Department General Orders, No. 26, current series, a copy of which I have the honor to inclose.[4] Captain Starr's point of departure for service in the vicinity of Goose Lake Valley being the post now occupied by his company, he has been advised to obtain from Camp Bidwell whatever may pertain to his command. Such stores as are impossible for you to take may be left in charge of some responsible party in Chico. Two six-mule teams were dispatched for your use this morning by land, one of which will be sent back to Camp Union on your arrival. Should you still need the lariats which were in the requisitions returned to you on the 11th instant disapproved, you will make immediate application for them.

            Respectfully,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1237-1238]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., May 18, 1865.

Lieut. E. D. Waite,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Sacramento, Cal.:

            Lieutenant : Inclosed you will find a telegram from G. W. Jacobs, local Indian agent for the Reese River country. If the Indian agents in this State had taken an interest in the Indians and our Government, in my opinion all present Indian troubles could have been avoided.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. McDERMIT,

Lieut. Col. Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg. Post.

[Indorsement.]

Brigade Headquarters,

Sacramento, May 21, 1865.

            Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters.

            I have declined to grant the request of the local agent for the Reese River country. If the Indian Department cannot take care of itself with the liberal appropriations made by Congress, it had better be transferred to the Army. Recommended that these papers, in connection with the report of Lieutenant-Colonel McDermit, recently forwarded to department headquarters, be placed in the hands of the Congressional investigating committee for Indian affairs on this coast.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

[Inclosure]

Jacobsville, May 16, 1865.

Lieut. Col. Charles McDermit,

            Fort Churchill:

            Had I a few cattle I think I could get the Indians in, and on friendly terms; but as it is, they are scattered and are afraid of the whites. If I could furnish eight or ten cattle for them to eat while gathering in [it] would be an inducement for them to come in; but they have nothing to eat and have to steal to keep them from starving to death. Let me hear from you to-morrow.

G. W. JACOBS.

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1241]

Special Orders,            )                                               Brigade Hdqrs., Dist. of California,

No. 77.                        )                                               Sacramento, May 25, 1865.

            Company H (McLean's), Second California Cavalry, will proceed immediately to Fort Churchill, reporting for service to Lieutenant- Colonel McDermit, same regiment, commanding Sub-District of Nevada.

            By order of Brigadier-General Wright:

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 412-414]

MAY 25-JUNE 15, 1865.—Expedition from Fort Ruby to the Humboldt Valley, Nev., with skirmish (May 29) near Austin, Nev.

Report of Lieut. John U. Tolles, First Nevada Infantry.

Fort Ruby, Nev., June 22, 1865.

            Sir : I have the honor to report that pursuant to Post Special Order, No. 10, we took up our line of march on the 20th of May, 1865, the command consisting of myself, forty non-commissioned officers and privates, and ten friendly Indians, with one piece of artillery, the whole under the command of Lieut. W. G. Seamands. After marching the distance of about 135 miles by the usual Overland Mail road, we arrived at Camp No. 7, sixteen miles north of Austin, this being the point at which the most of the recent Indian depredations were committed. While here the men purchased sixteen head riding animals, and there being four with the command, made twenty in all. Lieutenant Seamands here divided the command, himself taking the twenty mounted men, the Indians, and the artillery, and marching with Lieutenant- Colonel McDermit, Second California Cavalry, to the recent battle-field of Captain Wells against the Pi-Ute and Bannock Indians. On the 29th ultimo while at this camp a citizen came running down to the camp, informing me that the Indians were up at the foot of the mountains, about two miles distant, running off some of the cattle that were being herded at this place by Mr. Worthington. Lieutenant Seamands being absent at Austin, I immediately started in pursuit with some fifteen men. Upon the summit of a small rise, some 300 yards from camp, I discovered there were three Indians (two of them mounted) with some eight or ten head of cattle, driving them toward a large ravine in the mountains. The Indians being upon the elevated lands, it was impossible to approach them without being discovered, which was the case and started on the run up the ravine into the mountains toward Grass Valley. It being a very rough place for the Indians to get their horses through, some of the men succeeded in getting near enough to fire a few shots very close to them, as one of them stated afterward, so I was very credibly informed by Mr. Klemp, a citizen of Austin, who told me that he was in Grass Valley when the Indians came into that place and said the soldiers had shot at them. Mr. Worthington, the owner of the cattle, found where they had just killed two a short time before our arrival. From these facts and other information I believe it is the Indians about Austin, Grass Valley, and the immediate vicinity that have committed the recent depredations in the Reese River Valley. We broke camp on the morning of the 6th of June and marched in a northerly direction down Reese River Valley to Mr. Tenant's ranch, a distance of sixteen miles; camped for the night; grass and water good, this being the sink of the Reese River. June 7, marched from Tenant's ranch in a northerly direction to Warm Springs, passing through Reese River Cañon, which opens out upon a large sage-brush and alkali plain, which continues down to the Humboldt River. Camped at the springs; grass and water good. Distance, twenty-eight miles. June 8, continued the direction, marching from Warm Springs to Hay Ranch, eight miles from Humboldt, and camped; grass and water good. Distance traveled, twenty-eight miles. June 9, marched from Hay Ranch down to the old emigrant road on the south side of the river, ten miles; thence east up the river to Klemp's ranch, six miles, and camped. Water warm and riled. Grass not very good on account of the river being so high; the best of it was covered with water. Distance traveled, sixteen miles. While on the route we were overtaken by the previously mentioned citizen, Klemp, who went with us down to his ranch for purpose of looking after his property and one of his hired men, whom he supposed the Indians had killed about one month previously. As he (Klemp) was at the ranch about that time, and was shot at some seven or eight times, and not seeing anything of his hired man, he concluded the Indians had killed him. After arriving at the ranch and looking around, we found the missing man's pants, boots, and hat a short distance from the house, the pants being stiff with blood and having two ball holes in them, one evidently having passed into the left hip and the other in the small of the back near the buckle on the pants, no doubt causing almost instant death. The body was not to be found, no doubt having been cast into the river.

            June 10, marched from Klemp's ranch about southeast up the valley of the Humboldt and camped on the river. Distance traveled, sixteen miles. Grass and water same as at last camp. June 11, at this point, which is some four or five miles below Gravelly Ford, we left the river, taking a blind road that leads in a southeasterly direction to Ruby Valley, passing to-day over two ranges of mountains, the first being a wide range of rolling hills, the second a very high, steep mountain, the road leading up a long, steep cañon. After passing over this second summit about three miles found a spring to the right of the road; camped; grass and water good. Distance traveled, eighteen miles. June 12, marched about five miles and came into what is called Pine Valley; traveled up the valley about eight miles; crossed it and passed over another range of mountains. After passing this summit about one mile came to a spring to the left of the road; camped; grass good, water scarce and not very good. Distance traveled, twenty miles. June 13, marched about four miles and came into Diamond Mountain Valley. Crossed the valley and passed through Diamond Mountain by what is known as Railroad Cañon, and came into Mound Valley. Camped on a small stream that runs through the same; grass and water good. Distance traveled, fourteen miles. June 14, the team mules (of which I had six) not being shod, and some of them having become foot-sore, remained here one day for rest. June 15, resumed the march; traveled five miles and came to Overland Mail Route, five miles east of Jacob's Wells Station; thence ten miles to this post. Total distance traveled, 168 miles. I will state that we saw no Indians on the route, nor any signs of them, except at the point where the murder was committed. The country traveled over is a barren, desolate waste of sagebrush and alkali plains, producing no vegetation whatever, except in Reese River Valley there are some few good hay ranches, and on the Humboldt River, the valley of which is from five to ten miles wide, the greater portion of it very rich and fertile, and will eventually be of very great value to this State. But very little water on the route except at the points mentioned. No timber whatever but a little scrubby pine on the mountains surrounding Pine Valley.

            The above report is most respectfully submitted.

JOHN U. TOLLES,

Second Lieut. Co. B, First Nevada Infty. Vols., Comdg. Expedition.

Capt. George A. Thurston,

            Commanding Post, Fort Ruby.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1243-1247]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 27, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: I have a telegram from Lieutenant-Colonel McDermit, dated yesterday, at Fort Churchill, asking for two additional companies of cavalry. He says, "Captain Wells had a fight with 500 Indians, who are strongly fortified. He failed to rout them;" also troops wanted at Reese River. Captain Doughty, Second Cavalry, with his company, is now probably at Susanville or beyond toward Smoke Creek, and I have ordered him to continue his march toward Paradise Valley to re-enforce Captain Wells, subject to such instructions as he may receive from Lieutenant-Colonel McDermit. Colonel McDermit has been directed to proceed to the scene of these difficulties and take immediate command of all the troops in the field. Acting Assistant Surgeon Spaulding, now at Susanville, and under orders for the camp to be established in Paradise Valley, has been ordered to accompany Captain Doughty. Captain Starr, Second Cavalry, with his company, is now on the march to Fort Crook, probably at or beyond Red Bluff. Captain Knight, Second Cavalry, with his company, will march from Camp Union on Monday next, via Colusa, to establish a camp on Antelope Creek, near the mills in Tehama County. Captain Street, Second Cavalry, with his company, is being prepared to move via Red Bluff and Fort Crook to the camp in the upper part of Surprise Valley. After the departure of the companies above named we have four companies of cavalry left here, three at Camp Union and one on duty in this city. The advance of Captain Doughty's beyond the point designated, Smoke Creek, may involve the necessity of throwing forward another company in that direction, but I am under the impression that most of the Indians who have been committing depredations beyond Honey Lake have joined the hostile bands in Humboldt, Nev. Ter. The Indian disturbances both north and south of Fort Churchill require that a full company of cavalry be permanently stationed at that post, and if the disposition of the troops will permit it, I would recommend that a company from Camp Union be sent over there. We want the services of those two companies of the Second Cavalry now serving beyond Salt Lake very much. If by any possibility those companies could be put on the march in this direction, over the Humboldt route, they would not only protect the emigrants coming over during the summer, but increase our force in Nevada, and enable us to punish those Indians so effectively that no more disturbances would take place in that State. Another consideration is, that those two companies, now so remote from their regiment, must of necessity be marched back to this State before being mustered out of service. The services of a medical officer will be required at the camp in the upper part of Surprise Valley, and unless other arrangements have been made I would recommend that Asst. Surg. J. G. Cooper, Second Cavalry, now serving at Camp Union, be sent there.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 27, 1865.

Lieut. Col. C. McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry,

                        Commanding Sub-District of Nevada, Fort Churchill

            Colonel: Yesterday I had the honor to advise you by telegraph that Captain Doughty had been instructed to report for duty with his company at Fort Churchill, to aid in suppressing the Indian difficulties mentioned in your dispatch. Should it be necessary to send him at once in the Humboldt country, you can intercept him. The brigadier-general commanding desires you to take the field in person and suppress these outbreaks.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 27, 1865.

Capt. J. C. Doughty,

            Second California Cavalry, Commanding near Susanville:

            Captain : I had the honor to telegraph to General Bidwell yesterday the following message, to be mailed or sent to you as soon as possible: " Report immediately with your company to Colonel McDermit, at Fort Churchill." Today I have telegraphed him to intercept you should it be necessary to send you at once in the Humboldt country. Acting Assistant Surgeon Spaulding, of Susanville, has been instructed to report for duty with your command.

            By order:

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

State of Nevada, Executive Department,

Carson City, May 27, 1865.

Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell,

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

            Dear Sir: As you have no doubt learned from newspaper and other reports, we are having serious times in Nevada with the Indians. I feel it my duty, nevertheless, to say a few words in relation to our condition. The Indians nearly all over the State appear restless, even desperate, and bent on giving our sparsest population all the trouble they can by killing off stock and murdering white men, and in some instances friendly Indians. More than 1,500 head of stock have been killed and stolen in Humboldt County alone within two months past, and many white men have been murdered by them. Nearly all our arms are in use at different points, and more being almost daily called for, while many small, thin settlements at points remote from other relief are wholly unarmed and defenseless and threatened by the redskins. Our troops are all engaged, so that I am totally unprepared to respond to any further call, however meritorious and urgent, which may be made. I am going to Reese River next week to see if I can effect anything with the hostile Indians, but fear nothing can be done, as they seem fully determined upon bloodshed. There are said to be 500 in one band on the Humboldt River very hostile, and well fortified and armed. Can you not send over two or three companies to aid, so far as may be necessary?

            I am, very truly, your obedient servant,

H. G. BLASDEL,

Governor, &c.

Per WELLS,

Private Secretary.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 119.                      )                                               San Francisco, Cal., May 29, 1865.

* * * * * * *

            3. A company of the Second Regiment of Cavalry California Volunteers will march immediately from Camp Union to Fort Churchill and report for service in the sub district under the command of Lieut. Col. Charles McDermit, Second Cavalry California Volunteers.

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters, Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, May 29, 1865.

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

            Commanding District of California:

            Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 27th instant, and am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform you that one company of the Second California Volunteer Cavalry has this day been ordered to march immediately to Fort Churchill. Should the service of another company be deemed necessary to chastise the Indians in Nevada it will be drawn from Camp Union. In consideration of the fact that the services of almost all the cavalry companies will be required during the present summer, the general suggests the withdrawal of the cavalry company stationed in Sacramento for provost-guard duties.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 29, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: I have a telegram from Lieutenant-Colonel McDermit, dated at Fort Churchill this morning. He says:

            Will leave for Humboldt in morning; take with me Captain Wallace's company of infantry and squad of Company E, Nevada Cavalry, and will have Captain Doughty's company, Second Cavalry, join me on Humboldt River.

            The colonel asks for authority to hire a pack train to go in the mountains, which I have granted.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1249-1250]

San Francisco, May 30, 1865.

General George Wright,

            Sacramento, Cal.:

            I have received a letter from Governor Blasdel about affairs in Nevada, and think it better to make matters safe for our overland communications, and to send two companies instead of one as ordered yesterday. Please have them go fully mounted from the horses recently purchased. Other horses will be immediately bought to mount the companies remaining at Camp Union.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

__________

Oakland, Cal., May 30, 1865.

Brig. Gen. George Wright,

            Sacramento, Cal.:

            If you think it best you may send two companies of the Sixth Infantry from Benicia, instead of the second company of cavalry, making one company of cavalry and two of infantry for Nevada. If you decide on this, send for Major O'Brien, at Monterey, to command the infantry battalion.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding Department.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 30, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Special Orders, No. 119, current series, from your office ; also your letter of yesterday. Capt. D. McLean, with his company (H), Second Cavalry, will march for Fort Churchill as soon as his horses are shod. I think this company, with Captain Doughty's, now en route for Humboldt, will be ample, with the forces now there, to settle our Indian difficulties in that quarter. As perfect quiet prevails in this city, I had previous to the suggestion of the general determined to withdraw the provost guard.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., May 30, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel: I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of Special Orders, No. 8, also a copy of letter forwarded by a special messenger to Captain Doughty, Second California Cavalry, at Smoke Creek. I shall leave this post today at 10 a. m. with his Excellency Governor H. G. Blasdel, for Reese River, to investigate the cause of the recent Indian difficulties in that section, and to prevent further trouble in the future, if possible. I shall have with me a small escort of cavalry. From Reese River I shall proceed to Unionville, Humboldt County, where I shall take command in person of the expedition against the Indians in the vicinity of Paradise Valley. I shall make frequent reports to district headquarters during my absence in the field.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. McDERMIT,

Lieut. Col. Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

Special Orders,            )                                               Hdqrs. Sub-District of Nevada,

No. 8.                          )                                               Fort Churchill, May 29, 1865.

            I. Capt. William Wallace, Company A, First Battalion Nevada Volunteer Infantry, and detachment Company E, First Nevada Volunteer Cavalry, consisting of three noncommissioned officers and ten privates, will be in readiness to leave this post at 10 a. m. for the Humboldt country.

* * * * * * *

            By order of Charles McDermit, lieutenant-colonel Second California Volunteer Cavalry, commanding post :

DANIEL VANDERHOOF,

First Lieutenant, Acting Post Adjutant.

[Inclosure No. 2.]

Headquarters Sub-District of Nevada,

Fort Churchill, May 28, 1865.

Capt. J. C. Doughty,

            Comdg. Co. I, Second Cal. Vol. Cav., Smoke Creek, Nev. Ter.:

            Captain : Inclosed you will find a copy of a dispatch from the general commanding the district. You will properly equip and supply with thirty days' rations your command, and proceed without any unnecessary delay to the Humboldt River by the shortest and most practicable route, and from thence move up said stream to the Pioneer House, near the junction of Little and Main Humboldt Rivers, where you will remain until further orders.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. McDERMIT,

Lieut. Col. Second California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1251-1252]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, May 31, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel: Last night I received your telegram; also two from the general. I have ordered two companies of the Sixth Infantry, now at Benicia Barracks, to march to Fort Churchill, under command of Major O'Brien. I expect they will be able to come up by steamer on Saturday night, when transportation will be ready hereto push them rapidly forward. I have decided to send Company B, Second Cavalry, to Churchill. Horses are being transferred to B to enable it to mount every man. The horses must be shod, and this occasions some delay, as this is their first shoeing, and most of them have to be thrown.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Brigade Hdqrs., Dist. of California,

No. 78.                        )                                               Sacramento, May 31, 1865.

            The commanding officer of Benicia Barracks will designate two companies of the Sixth California Infantry to march immediately, under command of Maj. M. O'Brien, same regiment, for field service in Nevada, the quartermaster's department furnishing the necessary transportation.

            By order of Brigadier-General Wright:

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Special Orders,            )                                               Brigade Hdqrs., Dist. of California,

No. 79.                        )                                               Sacramento, May 31, 1865.

            I. Company B, Second California Cavalry, is designated to proceed to Fort Churchill in lieu of Company H, same regiment, which will take post at Camp Union this day.

* * * * * * *

            By order of Brigadier-General Wright:

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1255-1256]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 2, 1865.

His Excellency James D. Doty,

            Governor of Utah, Great Salt Lake City, Utah Ter.:

            Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th ultimo and its inclosures of the same date from Mr. Osburn on the subject of affording military protection to the route from Great Salt Lake City to Walla Walla via Boise City, &c. I inclose herewith a copy of my General Orders, No. 30,[5] of this year, directing a post to be established near Camas Prairie for the purpose of affording protection on the route to which you refer. I fear I have not a sufficient force disposable to establish any other posts in that quarter, but I will direct the commanding officer of the Sub-District of Boise to send parties on the road and afford it all the protection his means will allow.

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

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding.

__________

Headquarters, Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 2, 1865.

C. De Witt Smith, Esq.,

            Secretary and Acting Governor of Idaho Territory, Boise City:

            Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May 8, asking military protection along the route traveled by the stages from Star City, Nev. Ter., to Ruby and Boise City, Idaho Ter. I inclose herewith copies of my General Orders, Nos. 29 and 30, of this year,[6] establishing posts on the route indicated in your letter, as well as on other routes leading to your Territory. These orders were issued after consultation with His Excellency the Governor of the Territory, and will, I trust, meet the wants of the country. I hope to be able to visit Idaho this year and see if I can do anything further to promote the interests of the Territory.

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

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1257-1258]

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, June 6, 1865.

Lieut. Col. C. McDermit,

            Second California Cavalry,

                        Commanding Sub-District of Nevada, Fort Churchill:

            Colonel: I am desired by the brigadier-general commanding to inform you that Companies D and I, Sixth California Infantry, under command of Major O'Brien, same regiment, left here on the morning of the 4th instant to report to you for service. Company B, Second California Cavalry, will leave in two or three days with similar instructions. Special orders have been forwarded for the general court-martial which lately met at Fort Churchill to reconvene. Instructions for the consideration of the same will be forwarded this week.

            Very respectfully,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, June 9, 1865.

General J. Bidwell,

            Chico, Cal.:

            General : On my return from San Francisco this morning I found your letters of the 5th and 7th instant. I design to bring Captain Doughty with his company back to Smoke Creek as soon as the Indian difficulties in Nevada are settled. This I look for at an early day, as Lieutenant-Colonel McDermit has personally taken the field with a force ample for all purposes. Captain Starr is now at Fort Crook, and will cross the mountains to the head of Surprise Valley without delay.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 414-415]

JUNE 13-26, 1865,—Expedition from Dun Glen to Fairbanks Station, Nev.

Report of Lieut. Richard A. Osmer, Second California Cavalry.

Fairbanks Station, Humboldt [County], Nev.,

July 7, 1865.

            Colonel: In obedience with your instructions contained in letters of June 13 and 26, I have the honor to make the following report of my movements since my departure from Dun Glen : I left that place on the morning of the 3d instant, and proceeded to this station without delay. Arrived here on the 4th instant. I had learned that the gentleman who keeps this station (Mr. Fairbanks) could both inform and, if necessary, guide me to a camp where some fifty or more hostile Indians, who had stolen much cattle from this vicinity, were camped. I made it my business to inquire from Mr. Fairbanks the particulars regarding this band of Indians, and he informed me of their many hostilities and depredations. Whereupon, on the night of the 5th instant, I took with me Second Lieut. W. G. Overend and sixty-five enlisted men, together with Mr. Fairbanks as the guide, and proceeded to the range of mountains lying east, called the Second East Range, where I understood from the guide he had seen this band and the stolen cattle. Having traveled a distance of over twenty-five miles of a very rough and barren section, I arrived at daybreak to where the camp stood. I took all the necessary measures and precautions to surprise them and make the attack while they were unprepared, and after searching the camp I found, much to my disappointment, that I could find none in it, notwithstanding the place was well fortified and much time and labor must have been given by the Indians to make it so formidable. I then made a thorough scout for them on foot for miles around in the different cliffs and rocky mountains which abound in this section, but with as little success ; however, the place bore their tracks in some parts, and I followed them until hidden from view. While returning to this place I dispatched squads of my men in different directions to scout, and on their arrival in camp reported that no Indians could be seen. It is my intention to start from here to-morrow for Summit Spring, situated in Golconda Range, and scout for several days in that section, and give my particular attention to the surrounding country until, in obedience to your orders, I will bring my company to Dun Glen for inspection on the 20th instant. At the earnest solicitation of Mr. Fairbanks and other settlers, I will leave a squad of ten men at this place to protect them against an invasion, which they expect daily.

            Hoping, colonel, that my movements will meet your approval, I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,

E. A. OSMER,

First Lieutenant, Second Cav. Cal. Vols., Comdg. Company B.

Lieut. Col. Charles McDermit,

            Second Cavalry California Volunteers,

                        Commanding Humboldt Expedition, Camp No. 16.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1259-1260]

Camp Overend, Summit Spring, Golconda Range,

Humboldt, Nev. Ter., June 14, 1865.

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

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

            Colonel: I have the honor to inclose a sketch of the camp named after me.[7] It is situated at the Summit Spring, in the Golconda range of mountains, Humboldt, Nev. Ter., and is the memorable spot where a ruthless murder was committed by Indians on two brothers going east from Virginia City some two or three years since. Company B, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, has been camped here for the past five days on account of good grass and water being on the ground, and in this range these necessaries are very scarce. We scout night and day for the purpose of intercepting as well as punishing hostile Indians, but this section, it would seem, has been forsaken by them. There is very little immigration now on this part of the road, it being rather early in the season, but as soon as the unprotected emigrant shows himself, so soon will the Indian. The country has every indication of mineral wealth, but the great scarcity of wood and water will, I fear, prevent its being developed. There is nothing picturesque, I must allow, colonel, in this camp or the sketch I took of it, but our quarters are of such novel character I deem them worthy of remark in my letter. They are formed, in the first place, of a frame-work of willows, and covered afterward with grease brush, which is tied onto the willows in the most compact form with bark twine. Some of these houses shelter four men. We have to creep into them on hands and knees, but nevertheless they afford us much comfort, as the air at night is bitter cold and frostlike, while in the day the heat is oppressive and intense. On the 10th instant we were visited by a violent hail-storm, and the hail that fell on that occasion surpassed in size anything of the same kind I [ever] saw before. The company will leave this camp on the 18th instant and return to Dun Glen, to be inspected by Lieutenant-Colonel McDermit.

            Hoping, colonel, that yourself and family are enjoying the very best of health, I have the honor to remain, your grateful and obedient

W. GIBSON OVEREND,

Second Lieut. Company B, Second Cavalry California Vols.,

Actg. Asst. Q. M. and Acting Commissary of Subsistence.

 

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1263-1264]

Brigade Headquarters,

Sacramento, June 19, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel : Inclosed herewith is a copy of a letter from General Bidwell, 17th instant. I have acted at once in the matter, as you will see by my orders, herewith transmitted.[8] Twenty-five men, under an active officer, are deemed ample for Tehama County. The supplies for the company at Smoke Creek can now be sent forward via Chico. I have a note this morning from Colonel McGarry. He has been quite sick for a week past at Napa, but was much better, and will probably return to Camp Union by the end of the week.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

Chico, June 17, 1865.

Brig. Gen. George Wright,

            Commanding District of California, Sacramento:

            General : Feeling satisfied that a great stream of travel is to go to Idaho Territory the present season, and that most of it, if not all, will go by Smoke Creek, Deep Hole, Granite Creek, and Pueblo to the Owyhee, and knowing the danger from Indians between Smoke Creek and Pueblo and between Pueblo and Owyhee River, where the travel must pass, I feel obliged to submit to your favorable notice the propriety of having a company of troops sent to Pueblo, to range in three directions, namely, toward Owyhee, Surprise Valley, and Granite Creek; or, if deemed better, have the company stationed at Surprise Valley range to Pueblo and thence toward Owyhee, and the company at Smoke Creek range as far as Pueblo via Granite Creek, as in the judgment of the commanding officers circumstances might require. Whatever is done should be done without delay. Teams are to leave here on Monday without fail with a large freight for Idaho. I have heard no contradiction of the attack and massacre by Indians at Pueblo, stated in a former letter. On the contrary, a confirmation as follows: The last stage from Susanville says three men were prospecting near Pueblo; one escaped (the other two being killed) toward Pueblo, and when near the place saw it surrounded by a large number of Indians, and he believes all the white people there (seven or eight instead of twenty) must be killed. Now, these freight teams have to pass directly through that region. Others have been going in that direction for some time. Besides, Capt. E. D. Pierce is with a party of men going on removing obstructions from the road. The travel that was going by Surprise is now taking the Granite Creek route.

            Trusting that you give the subject immediate consideration, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BIDWELL.

__________

Sacramento, June 19, 1865—12.50 p. m.

Col. R. C. Drum:

            In the absence of orders from department, I have ordered Knight to move at once from Antelope Creek to Smoke Creek, leaving an officer and twenty-five men at Antelope. Notified Major Kirkham to send supplies to Smoke Creek.

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier-General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1265-1266]

Special Orders,            )                                               Brigade Hdqrs., Dist. of California,

No. 93.                        )                                               Sacramento, June 19, 1865.

            I. First Lieut. W. W. Elliott, Second California Cavalry, will proceed forthwith and report for duty with Company D, same regiment, at Big Antelope Creek.

            II. Capt. W. L. Knight, Second California Cavalry, will move with his company at once to the old station on Smoke Creek, east of Honey Lake, leaving at his present camp Lieutenant Elliott and twenty-five men, and there establish a depot, under the 6th paragraph of Department General Orders, No. 26, current series.

            III. Captain Knight will range as far as Pueblo, via Granite Creek, and afford protection on the lines leading to the Owyhee Mines.

            By order of Brigadier-General Wright:

E. D. WAITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California,

Sacramento, June 20, 1865.

Col. R. C. Drum,

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

            Colonel : Your telegram of yesterday was received last evening. I had already, as you have been informed by the papers I sent down yesterday, made arrangements for the prompt movement of a company of cavalry to the Smoke Creek country. When I alluded to the absence of orders I thought it probable, from a telegram I had received from Major Kirkham, that orders had been given from department headquarters, and perhaps designating a company from Camp Union for this service instead of Knight's, which I had early in the forenoon ordered to move. In reply to your letter of yesterday, I have to say that I had fixed on no specific time to visit officially stations in the district. I only deemed it proper to ask for such authority in case a sudden emergency should arise rendering it necessary. Of course I should remain here under any circumstances so long as the general might be absent from his headquarters.

            Very respectfully,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1266-1267]

War Department,

Washington City, June 25, 1865.

General Townsend,

            Assistant Adjutant- General:

            Issue order relieving General Halleck from his present command, and assign to duty as commander of the Division of the Pacific, headquarters at San Francisco.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

__________

War Department, Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, June 25, 1865.

Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, U. S. Army,

            Richmond, Va.:

            By direction of the President the Division of the Pacific has been created, to embrace the Departments of the Columbia and of California. You are assigned to the command, with your headquarters at San Francisco, and are relieved from your present command hereby. Acknowledge receipt.

            By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1267-1268]

Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, June 27, 1865.

Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell,

            San Francisco, Cal.:

            You are assigned to command the Department of California, embracing the States of California and Nevada and Territories of Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado, headquarters San Francisco. Major-General Halleck is to command the Division of the Pacific, embracing Department of Columbia and California, and Brig. Gen. George Wright to command the Department of the Columbia. Acknowledge receipt.

            By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, June 27, 1865.

Brig. Gen. George Wright :

            (Care Major-General McDowell, San Francisco, Cal.)

            You are assigned to command the Department of the Columbia, embracing the State of Oregon and Territories of Washington and Idaho, headquarters Fort Vancouver, and will proceed, upon receipt of this order, to take command. Major-General Halleck is to command Division of the Pacific, consisting of the Departments of the Columbia and California. Acknowledge receipt.

            By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

General Orders,          )                                               War Dept., Adjt. General's Office,

No. 118.                      )                                               Washington, June 27, 1865.

            The President directs that the United States be divided into military divisions and subdivided into military departments, as follows:

Departments.

* * * * * * *

            18. The Department of the Columbia, Brig. Gen. G. Wright to command, to embrace the State of Oregon and Territories of Washington and Idaho. Headquarters at Fort Vancouver.

            19. The Department of California, Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell to command, to embrace the States of California and Nevada, and Territories of New Mexico and Arizona. Headquarters at San Francisco.

Divisions.

* * * * * * *

            5. The Military Division of the Pacific, Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck to command, to embrace the Department of the Columbia and Department of California. Headquarters at San Francisco. All officers hereby assigned will proceed, on receipt of this order, to take command of their respective departments or military divisions. All officers relieved by this order will, on being relieved by the proper officer, report by letter to the Adjutant-General for orders.

            By order of the President of the United States:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Brigade Headquarters, District of California

Sacramento, June 27, 1865.

Hon. J. E. Doolittle,

            Chairman of the Joint Committee of Congress charged to make inquiry into the condition of the Indian tribes &c. :

            Sir: I have had the honor to receive from the Hon. J. W. Nesmith, U. S. Senator from the State of Oregon, and member of your committee, a copy of your circular, dated at Racine, Wis., May 10, 1865, and inasmuch as I have had considerable experience in the administration of Indian affairs, as well as other means of observation during a long period of service in the Army, mostly in the Indian countries or on the frontier of civilization, I take great pleasure in replying seriatim to the questions you have done me the honor to propound for my consideration.  First. For more than forty years I have been an officer in the Army of the United States, serving on the borders of the great northwestern lakes, the Upper Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, in Florida during the war in that country, and for the last thirteen years in the Department of the Pacific; from 1852 to 1855 in the Northern District of California and southern portion of Oregon, and for the next five and a half years in command of Oregon and the Territory of Washington, and then for three years in command of the Department of the Pacific, embracing the whole of our country west of the Rocky Mountains. During this long period I have been in command of many military expeditions against the hostile Indians, especially in Oregon and the Territory of Washington, in 1856, and lastly in 1858, when a great combination was formed by many warlike tribes in that country, threatening destruction to all the settlements east of the Cascades. I met the enemy in two hard-fought battles, in both of which they were thoroughly defeated and finally sued for peace, and accepting the terms I granted them, they have remained perfectly quiet and peaceable ever since. The history of that campaign was published in general orders by the lieutenant-general commanding the Army, in November, 1858, and noticed by the honorable Secretary of War in his report of the same year to the President. Second. The Indian tribes are rapidly decreasing in numbers, especially west of the Rocky Mountains, caused in some measure by the wars waged against them, and more particularly by the encroachments of the whites upon their hunting grounds and fisheries, and other means of subsistence, and by the readiness by which they adopt the vices of the whites rather than their virtues, hence their numbers are rapidly diminished by disease and death. Third. Syphilis and pulmonary diseases arising from vicious conduct, intemperance, and exposure. Fourth. It is only amongst those Indians who reside near the white settlements that intoxication prevails to any extent. The only practicable course to prevent or mitigate the evil is to collect the Indians on reservations under military control and exclusively under military jurisdiction. Fifth. Prostitution and the diseases consequent upon it do not prevail to any extent except amongst those Indians living with or in the neighborhood of the white people. Sixth. The only practical remedy to prevent the total extinction of the Indian tribes is to separate them entirely from the white race. Seventh. Remove the Indians to new reservations remote from settlements. Eighth. On the reservation let every family have a piece of land and cultivate for itself, and a portion of the reservation set apart to be cultivated in common, all under the direction of the supervisor. Ninth. Confer no power of alienation of real estate upon Indians; they are naturally great gamblers. Tenth. This question can better be answered by the supervisor. Eleventh. Schools have a good effect. Provide for a Protestant minister on every reservation, having under him assistants to teach schools. Twelfth. The effect of Christian missions amongst Indians is good, and it is recommended that they be maintained. Thirteenth. After the pacification of the Indian Territory let a section of country be set apart for their permanent residence and known as Indian Territory, from which exclude all whites and place the territory under the control of the War Department under such regulations as the Congress may make or approve. Fourteenth. Yes. Indians have no need of money. Whisky sellers will get it all. Government will furnish Indians what is absolutely necessary. Fifteenth. Very little, I imagine, from what I have heard. Sixteenth. Cannot say. Seventeenth. Most of it, I have no doubt. Eighteenth. Give the Indians no money and exclude whites from their country. Nineteenth. Cannot say anything on this subject. Twentieth. The War Department unquestionably. I have seen the working of the Indian Bureau under both, and unhesitatingly give the preference to the War Department. So long as peace and quiet prevails amongst the Indians, and they are well furnished with supplies by the Indian agent, everything goes on smoothly, but when war comes and difficulties arise amongst the different tribes or with the white people they always resort to the military commander to settle their affairs. I have had much to do in this way. Twenty-first. Let it be done by law and enforced by arms; make it a military colony. Twenty-second. It will be a good plan to place orphan children in the families of Christian white men to be trained and educated. Twenty-third. Collect the Indians on great reservations, and protect the interests of the Indians and of the Government by the strong arm of the military.

            With great respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-2, p. 1271]

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

No. 140.                      )                                               San Francisco, Cal., June 30, 1865.

* * * * * * *

            3. Maj. Robert S. Williamson, chief engineer at department headquarters, with his surveying party, will proceed via Fort Crook to make a reconnaissance of the country between the site of the post to be established at the head of Surprise Valley and the station at Smoke Creek, in Honey Lake Valley, and thence of all the routes leading from Honey Lake Valley to Idaho Territory. The necessary escort will be furnished him by Maj. Henry B. Mellen, commanding Sub-District of Siskiyou, and the officer commanding at Smoke Creek.

            4. In addition to the topographical reconnaissance Major Williamson will obtain all the reliable information possible relating to the number, abode, character of the Indian tribes and of the relation between them and the white inhabitants of that region, and especially on the lines of emigration to Idaho Territory and from Chico to the Humboldt River, Nev. Ter.

* * * * * * *

            By command of Major-General McDowell:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-2, pp. 1272-1274]

Organization of troops in the Department of the Pacific, Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell, U. S. Army, commanding, June 30, 1865.

DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Brig. Gen. George Wright.

* * * * * * *

FORT CHURCHILL, NEV. TER.

Maj. Michael O'Brien.

2d California Cavalry, Companies B and I.

1st  Nevada Cavalry, Companies D and E.

6th California, Companies D and I.

1st Nevada, Company A.

FORT RUBY, NEV. TER.

Capt. George A. Thurston.

1st Nevada, Company B.

CAMP INDEPENDENCE, CAL.

Capt. John G. Kelley.

1st Nevada, Company C.

* * * * * * *

CAMP BABBITT, CAL.

Capt. Heman Noble.

2d California Cavalry, Company E.

FORT CROOK, CAL.

Maj. Henry B. Mellen

2d California Cavalry, Companies C and F.

* * * * * * *

DISTRICT OF OREGON

Col. Reuben F. Maury

* * * * * * *

FORT BOISE, IDAHO TER.

Capt. William W. Thompson

1st Oregon Cavalry (4 Companies).[9]

1st Oregon, Companies B and G.[10]

1st Washington Territory, Company I

* * * * * * *