Army Operations in Nevada 1861

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

US ARMY OPERATIONS IN NEVADA TERRITORY 1861

[From OR I-50-1, p. 429]

Organization of troops in the Department of California, commanded by Lieut. Col. Benjamin L. Beall, First U.S. Dragoons, Dec. 31, 1860.

* * * * * * * * * *

FORT CHURCHILL, NEV. TER.

Capt. Thomas Hendrickson.

1st U. S. Dragoons, Company A.

6th U. S. Infantry, Companies A and H.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 432]

San Francisco, Cal., January 8, 1861.

Maj. W. W. Mackall,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of California, San Francisco :

Major : In reply to your letter of yesterday I have the honor to state, for the information of the colonel commanding, that I have on hand for disbursement on subsistence account $11,631.04. The Commissary-General has regularly and promptly answered my requisitions upon him for funds, but these requisitions have not yet been filled by the Treasury Department. The following posts in the Department of California are supplied with subsistence as follows : Forts Yuma, Churchill, Crook, Ter-Waw, Gaston, and detachment at Honey Lake to about July 1, 1861 ; Fort Mojave to about May 1, 1861 ; Fort Umpqua to about March 31, 1861; Forts Tejon, Bragg, and Benicia Barracks to about March 1, 1861; New San Diego, Forts Humboldt and Alcatraz, and Presidio to about February 1, 1861. The amount of subsistence stores on hand in this city, with the exception of pork, is very small. All requisitions upon me for the Department of California have been filled.

Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant,

M. D. L. SIMPSON,

Captain and Commissary of Subsistence.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 454]

War Department,

March 21, 1861.

Hon. Milton S. Latham,

Senate:

SIR: In accordance with your request of the 19th instant, instructions have been issued this morning to the commanders of the military posts along the Overland Mail Route from Saint Louis to San Francisco, via Fort Smith and El Paso, to furnish suitable escorts to the mail coaches from post to post through the Indian country.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 459-461]

Dragoon Bridge, Honey Lake Valley, Cal.,

April 1, 1861.

Maj. W. W. Mackall, U. S. Army,

Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:

Major: I have the honor to report that a band of Indians, supposed to be under the control of one known as Smoke Creek Sam, has driven stock from this valley at three different times within the past six weeks—in all, supposed to be about fifteen head. The fact of the depredations was reported by some prospectors recently returned from the Humboldt. All stock has been driven from the mountains where the cattle were taken, so that no opportunity or inducement is now presented for similar thefts. The war chief of the Pah-Utes, Winnemucca, was here about two months ago. He said that he could not control Sam ; disclaims all responsibility for his thefts, and that he will punish him. Sam is partly a Pitt River Indian, his mother being a Pitt. His band is composed of renegade Indians from both tribes. With the citizens Sam is reputed a very bad Indian, and accused as the originator of hostilities between them and the Pah-Utes last spring. Recent valuable discoveries of gold and silver on the Humboldt will cause a large amount of travel between this valley and that river.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. R. WARNER,

Second Lieutenant, Third Artillery, Commanding.

__________

War Department,

Washington, D. C, April 4, 1861.

Capt. Henry E. Maynadier,

Tenth Regiment of Infantry:

Sir : By the third section of the act making appropriations for the support of the Army, approved March 2, 1861, $50,000 were appropriated " for the protection of emigrants on the overland routes between the Atlantic Slope and the California and Oregon and Washington frontier," * * * "to be expended under the direction of" this Department. It is contemplated to organize and equip from 50 to 100 men as a protective corps to be used as guards and sentries, scouting parties, and in such other ways as the best means of affording protection to emigrants may require. The Department understands that the protection contemplated in the act is protection not only against hostile Indians, but against all dangers, including starvation, losses, accidents, and the like, so far as the means provided will suffice. You are hereby detailed as the superintendent of the emigration, and will proceed without delay to organize a party of not less than fifty young, able-bodied men who are desirous of emigrating to the Pacific Slope. You will procure the arms, equipments, and horses necessary to make an efficient corps of this party, and will distribute them to the men, charging them the cost price of each article, which will be deducted from their pay in case of loss or damage through want of proper care. You will purchase a supply of provisions of the kind and quality provided by the Subsistence Department of the Army sufficient to last five months, by which time you will meet a supply forwarded from the Pacific Coast and ordered to be deposited at some point on the road. You will purchase a sufficient number of wagons and animals to transport the baggage and provisions of your party, with such tools, implements, and material as may be required to fit out a train in the most complete manner. You will procure your employes' equipment, supplies, and transportation at those points which appear to insure the most economical and effective organization for your party, being careful to establish such arrangements that the expenditures for the completion of the work and the closing up of the expedition may not exceed the amount which will be furnished you from the appropriation. The following assistants are authorized to be hired at the rates of compensation herein specified: 1 principal assistant at $200 per month; 3 assistants at $150 per month; 1 physician at $150 per month; 1 guide (if necessary) at $125 per mouth ; 1 clerk at $75 per month ; 1 wagon-master at $75 per month; 15 teamsters, herders, cooks, &c., at a rate not exceeding $30 per month. You are authorized to pay the actual traveling fare of your employes from the places at which they are engaged to the place from which the expedition will leave the Missouri River and to furnish them with subsistence while on duty with the expedition in the field. You will be allowed the sum of $35 per month in lieu of quarters and fuel, and the usual mileage of 10 cents when traveling on duty connected with the expedition. In view of the great advantages which employment in the Protective Corps will afford to young men desirous of emigrating, it is expected that a sufficient number can be obtained for a sum not exceeding $15 per month in addition to their outfit and subsistence. Immediately after the receipt of these instructions you will commence to procure the necessary supplies for the expedition, and will direct your assistants to enlist the required number for the Protective Corps; you will appoint a rendezvous at some point on the Missouri River, and specify a time at which all shall be at that point. You will then, by publication in the newspapers and by band-bills widely circulated, notify persons intending to emigrate of the arrangements to be made, and invite them to avail themselves of the means of protection the Government offers them. You will take care to start early enough to insure a timely arrival on the Pacific Slope, and will endeavor to concentrate the emigrants by the time they reach the mountains, so that they can travel within easy reach of each other. If, after passing the South Pass sufficiently far, the emigrants desire to divide and take different routes, you are authorized to divide the Protective Corps, and place detachments under your assistants to accompany the parties, giving them such instructions as may be required. If the number of emigrants should require, and the funds allow, you may increase the number of the Protective Corps, employing, if possible, the emigrants themselves. You are also authorized to obtain a supply of goods for presents to Indians and compensation for their services in case you should find it necessary to employ them, but you will not expend a greater sum than $300 for this purpose. Having thus indicated generally the views of the Department, the execution and the arrangement of many of the details are left to your judgment, admonishing you that this is an exercise of the liberality and protection of the Government, which will be materially enhanced by an economical use of the means it has provided. After the emigrants have reached the settled parts of the Pacific Coast you will disband the Protective Corps, and dispose of the property and material on the best terms you can obtain. You will then proceed to San Francisco, Cal., and thence by the Panama steamer to New York and this city, where you will close your accounts and report to this Department the material incidents and results of the expedition. The sum of $35,000 will be placed to your credit with the assistant treasurers of the United States, as follows:

Assistant treasurer at New York $5, 000

Assistant treasurer at Saint Louis 20,000

Assistant treasurer at San Francisco 10, 000

__________

35, 000

You are hereby authorized to obtain from the quartermaster, commissary, ordnance officer, or surgeon at any military post such public stores, including medicines, as they may be able to furnish, paying for them the cost price and transportation to the place where you receive them. You will report direct to the Adjutant-General and keep [him] informed by every opportunity of the progress of the expedition. You will render your accounts quarterly to the Adjutant-General according to the forms specified in the General Regulations of the Army.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 489-491]

Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 89. ) San Francisco, May 24, 1861.

1. Capt. Edward O. C. Ord's battery, now at Benicia, will take post at the Presidio, San Francisco. The horses under the charge of a sufficient number of men, commanded by an officer, will proceed by land, and the remainder of the company and property will be embarked on board the Government transport General Jesup on Tuesday.

2. On the arrival of the General Jesup with Captain Ord's battery, she will first be used to transfer Captain Lendrum's company (I), Third Artillery, from the Presidio to Alcatraz Island, where it will take post. She will then convey Captain Judd's company (L), Third Artillery, from the Presidio to Benicia to take the place of Captain Ord's company.

3. Capt. Tredwell Moore, assistant quartermaster, will return to his station at Fort Churchill.

By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, May 20, 1861—9 p. m.

Capt. R. C. Drum,

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

Captain: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the commanding general of the department, a telegraphic dispatch received by me a few minutes since from Virginia City, a town in this Territory, twenty-five miles west from this post. What reliance can be placed upon it I cannot say. The persons whose names are subscribed to it are said to be reliable men. They ask for arms for their own defense, I suppose, but we have none to spare to send them. Whether the parties mentioned have any such designs upon this post as is surmised in the dispatch it is impossible to say. I shall take every necessary precaution to circumvent such design should a party have the temerity to make a hostile attack upon this post. Should any additional information reach me upon this subject I will advise you by telegraph.

I have the honor to be, sir, with much respect, your most obedient servant,

T. HENDRICKSON,

Captain, Sixth Infantry, Commanding the Post.

[inclosure.]

Virginia City, May 26, 1861.

Capt. T. Hendrickson,

Fort Churchill:

Dear Sir : We are confidently assured that the secessionists have completed an organization of over 100, under Dr. McMeans, but for what purpose we are not positively advised. The general impression is to seize the fort and get possession of the Territory. Judge Terry is expected soon. It is important that our people should be secretly organized and equipped, but we are destitute of arms. Can you furnish us any from the fort, and if so, how many and when, and how shall we obtain them? We shall write you by express. Please answer immediately.

By order of Committee of Safety:

JNO. A. COLLINS,

A. W. PRAY,

Committee.

__________

Confidential.] Virginia City, Nev. Ter.,

May 26, 1861.

Brigadier-General Sumner :

Dear Sir: I am instructed by the Committee of Safety of Nevada Territory to inform you that the secessionists have organized in this place under Dr. McMeans, ex-State treasurer of California. It is claimed by him that he has 125 men. In other parts of the Territory great activity prevails among that class. Terry is expected soon. I am not able to speak positively of their designs. It is strongly believed by many from evidences which have come to their knowledge that they intend to seize Fort Churchill and take possession of the Territory. Two-thirds of our population arc loyal and devotedly attached to the Federal Government, but they are mostly destitute of arms, and comparatively powerless to protect themselves against a well armed and disciplined foe, though vastly superior in point of numbers. Captain Hendrickson, of Fort Churchill, telegraphs us that he has not a surplus of arms. It is the desire of the committee of safety to organize and equip our citizens, that we may be prepared to meet any emergency that may arise. Can you furnish the committee with 300 or 400 stand of arms or a smaller number even ? The committee will bind itself to

Chap.LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE -- UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 491

return them when this cloud shall have passed away. Captain Moore, or Mr. Frink, of the Tehama Hotel, will inform you who I am. If you shall conclude to favor the committee with any number of arms, be so kind as to have them so boxed as to resemble merchandise—long handle shovels, for instance—and direct them to "Taylor & Co., merchants, Virginia City, Nev. Ter." Mr. Taylor is partner of John C. Fall, of Marysville, and is a member of the committee of safety.

Hoping to hear favorably from you at an early day, I am, dear sir, your obedient servant,

JNO. A. COLLINS,

Corresponding Secretary.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, May 27, 1861.

Maj. G. A. H. Blake,

First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

Sir: The colonel commanding the department desires you, if you deem it necessary, to keep a company of dragoons moving on the Overland Mail Route, for a considerable distance in advance of your post, for the protection of life and property against Indian depredations.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 91. ) San Francisco, May 28, 1861.

1. The detachment now at Honey Lake, from Captain Lendrum's company (I), Third Artillery, will be withdrawn and will join the company at Alcatraz Island, bringing with it the movable public property.

*******

By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 493]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, May 30, 1861.

Maj. G. A. H. Blake,

First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.

Sir: The general commanding the department has had intimation from Captain Hendrickson and other definite sources, as well as from general rumor, of designs on the part of certain persons in the district of country about you, especially at Virginia City, to disturb the peace of this department by acts subversive of the authority of the General Government. These intimations go to the extent of anticipating an attack upon your post, or at least the seizure of public property there or elsewhere. The general does not much credit the existence of any deliberate plan for the object stated, though there may be in certain quarters such a disposition; but he deems it proper, nevertheless, that you shall be watchful of the proceedings about you, and fully prepared for any emergency. He wishes also, if the opportunity offers, that you shall, without ostentation or clamor, but in unequivocal terms, let it be understood that the proclamation of the President against unlawful combinations is as binding in this department as elsewhere, and that any attempt to subvert the rights of the people and the just authority of the General Government will be met in a very decided way. You are expected to report with dispatch any important information you may receive in reference to these matters. It is the intention of the general to re-enforce your post without delay if you think it necessary.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 495]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 1, 1861.

J. A. Collins, Esq.,

Virginia City, Nev. Ter.:

Sir: The general commanding the department has received your letter of the 26th ultimo, written by direction of the committee of safety, and requesting a supply of arms for the purpose of resisting any attempt to involve the Territory of Nevada in the cause of secession. He directs me to say that he cannot at this time issue arms in the manner you propose, but he will take precautions which will enable him to arm promptly a sufficient force of loyal citizens if the supposed danger should arise, or even become imminent. In the meantime a thorough organization into companies and battalions or regiments is a thing entirely practicable, and very important as a precaution against lawless acts, which the general still hopes will not be attempted. The troops at Fort Churchill will be able to resist any attempt that may be made on that post, and will be still further re-enforced.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 499-501]

Virginia City, June 5, 1861.

General Sumner:

My Dear Sir: The Union men of this portion of our beloved country are very anxious to have aid from the United States representative on the Pacific coast, around which we can rally and protect this territory from the sympathizers of disunion. Cannot something be done for us? We are eleven-twelfths Union men, but we are without arms or organization, while the rebels have control of all the public or private arms here. Our hearts ache on beholding the vile secession flag floating in our midst, and we unable to destroy it. A single file of soldiers with a commander is all we want, provided they bring arms for us to use.

Yours, truly,

JOSEPH F. ATWILL.

__________

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., June 5, 1861—12 p. m.

Maj. Don Carlos Buell,

Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:

Major: A committee of gentlemen from Virginia City have just arrived and given positive information that a body of men numbering some 200 have organized themselves in favor of the Southern Confederacy. To day they raised the rebel flag in that place, and say that they will put down any Union demonstration that the law-abiding citizens may attempt to get up. This gang of men is well armed and is composed of such men as have for some months bid defiance to the laws of the Territory. One of their number. Doctor McMeans, late State treasurer of California, avows openly that he is acting under authority, it is also rumored that Judge Terry has the commission of Governor of the Territory from Jeff. Davis, and is only waiting the proper opportunity to act. What reliance may be placed in this rumor is hard to determine, but the fact of their open organization and the raising of a rebel flag would warrant us in believing that there must be some truth in the statement. The Union men in Virginia and its vicinity are much alarmed for fear of their lives and property. They are well organized, but have no arms, and desire that at least 200 may be furnished them for the preservation of the peace. There are now 200 enrolled and determined to carry out the laws of the United States if they can only obtain arms. As they are from the Northern States and generally quiet citizens they are without even revolvers, which are usually carried by the rowdies of this country. At Carson City there are some eighty odd stand of Minie muskets belonging to the State of California. These arms are now in charge of a Mr. Blackburn, who is looked upon with suspicion by Union men. They are also in such a position that a few resolute men could easily take them. It is feared that this may be done by persons in Carson who have kept themselves well posted on the secession movements. I would respectfully request that two companies be ordered here from California; also that 300 stand of arms with ammunition be sent as early as possible. I should also add that there is a rumor that the secessionists will attempt to surprise this post and secure the arms here. Inclosed you will find a letter from a man who seems to have some information. The writing has been recognized by one of the gentlemen from Virginia City. He also says that he is a true man. The wire is down, or a summary of this would have been sent by telegraph.

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

GEO. A. H. BLAKE,

Major, First Dragoons, Commanding Post.

[Inclosure.]

May 25, 1861.

Briggs, Esq.:

As an American citizen I deem it my duty to warn my countrymen and the lovers of this glorious Union and Constitution, that a company of 107 men have been formed here to help Jeff. Davis and crib, and to take this Territory and declare it as seceded from the United States Government. Those men are enrolled by McMeans. Terry is to join them soon, and John Brown, the man-killer, is on his way here. Prompt action is needed. If not, we are all lost. It is the intention of the party to capture the fort, and take all the arms from it. They have spoken of Jack Haist, but could not learn anything about it. I am watching. They boast also of having eighty-three stand of arms in the hands of Blackburn, sheriff. Now, sir, be cautious. I am ready for action—five pounds bullets and one and a half pounds powder to fight for the Union, for the Constitution, and shoot any traitor I may meet: So help me God. Keep this to yourself and act accordingly, I will keep you posted.

[Indorsemont.]

The writer's name is Charles Duval, who was afraid to attach his name. Mr. Dnval is a truthful and very reliable man. He was approached by the McMeans party because he was a Southern man, a Creole of Louisiana.

JNO. A. COLLINS,

Corresponding Secretary Committee of Safety

J. L. VAN BOKKELEN,

EPH. SMITH,

Committee.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 6, 1861.

Maj. G. A. H. Blake,

First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.

Sir: The general commanding the department proposes to increase the garrison of your post by one or two companies of infantry, and he directs that you at once make the necessary preparation for quartering them. If buildings are to be erected they must be of the simplest character that will answer the purpose of temporary shelter; probably adobes will be the cheapest. Boards for flooring will be dispensed with, and shingle roofing also, unless it will cost very much less than heretofore at your post. The determination of this question must be referred to headquarters. All the labor must be performed by the troops.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. G. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 502-507]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., June 7, 1861.

His Excellency J. G . Downey,

Governor of California, Sacramento, Cal.:

Sir : I have been informed of the organization and partial armament of a body of men in Carson Valley for the purpose of overawing the Union portion of the population there, and involving the Territory in the cause of secession and opposition to the Federal authority. Apprehension has been expressed of the seizure by these persons of certain arms at Carson City belonging to the State of California. I have therefore deemed it proper to take measures to secure them. The responsible agent will be furnished with the necessary receipts and the arms held subject to your orders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. V. SUMNER,

Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding

__________

Special Orders. ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 97 ) San Francisco, June 7, 1861

1. Company G, Sixth Infantry, after being filled up by details from the other infantry companies at Benicia, will embark by steamer at 7 o'clock this afternoon for Sacramento, thence by railroad to Folsom, thence it will march to Fort Churchill with all convenient dispatch and report to the commanding officer for duty. The company will go prepared for temporary and active service. It will take ten days' rations, fifty rounds of ammunition, and only the necessary camp baggage The deputy quartermaster- general will have in readiness the necessary transportation for this movement.

2. Colonel Wright, commanding the District of Oregon, will send to this place with the greatest possible dispatch seven of the infantry companies which can best be spared from his command. They will receive orders for their further destination on arriving here. The quartermaster's department will provide the necessary transportation by water for these movements.

3. Fort Tejon will be abandoned without delay, and the garrison (the headquarters, and band, and company First Dragoons) will take post at Los Angeles. The movable public property will be transferred to the same place, and until that is effected an ordnance sergeant, or, if necessary, a subaltern, with a few privates, will remain in charge.

By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Benicia, June 7, 1861—2.10 p. m.

Maj. D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General:

Your dispatch this moment received. Company G, Sixth Infantry, will move as directed this evening at 7 o'clock.

W. SEAWELL,

Colonel Sixth Infantry, Commanding.

__________

San Francisco, June 7, 1861.

Maj. George A. H. Blake,

Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

Has Captain Moore accomplished the object of his mission and returned? Do you require more re-enforcements besides the infantry company which started on the 7th ?

By order:

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 7, 1861.

Judge Gordon N. Mott,

Associate Justice of the Territory of Nevada, Marysville, Cal.:

Sir : The general commanding the department has received information which leaves no doubt in his mind of the organization of an armed body of men in Carson Valley, having for their object to involve the people of that Territory in the cause of secession and opposition to the authority of the General Government. This information he deems sufficient to justify proceedings for treason against certain leaders engaged in the movement. As yet the government recently provided by act of Congress for the Territory of Nevada has not been organized, and there is no authority at hand for the issuance of a writ for the arrest of the offenders. It has occurred to the general that having the appointment of the President as one of the justices of the Territory, you may under the circumstances feel yourself authorized to issue the writ. The general would desire, if practicable, that the arrest of these treasonable acts shall be effected through regular judicial proceedings, and if such means do not exist, then others must be resorted to. He has directed me, therefore, to bring the subject to your attention along with some of the information on which the proceedings against the leading disturbers of the peace would be based, and he requests that you will give him at the earliest possible moment your views in regard to your duty in the matter, and information as to the steps you may decide upon, so that he may be prepared to second you, or else take, himself, such steps as may seem necessary. The general directs me to suggest to you, with deference whether in case you should consider your authority adequate to such a step, and in view of the absence of all the civil functionaries of the new Territorial government, it would not be well for you to repair to the scene of threatened disturbance, where, under the protection and support of the military commander, you may be able to act more advisedly and efficiently.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 98. ) San Francisco, June 8, 1861.

* * * * * * * * * *

3. Captain Ord's battery, Third Artillery, prepared for temporary and active service, will proceed at once by steamer to Sacramento, and thence march to Fort Churchill and report to the commanding officer. The deputy quartermaster-general will have the necessary transportation ready by Monday morning next. Captain Ord will send information to Major Blake of his approach in time to enable the latter to give him instructions at Carson City, if necessary, concerning his further movements.

By order of Brigadier-General Sumner

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Virginia, June 8, 1861—10.30 a. m.

Maj. D. C. BUELL, U. S. Army,

Assistant Adjutant- General

I have taken fifty stand of arms in Carson and Silver City. The Union men of this place have formed two companies. The oath is strong. Will I turn over the arms to them ? The secession flag was to have been raised again to day. My arrival put a stop to the movement. Will I take as prisoners those who refuse to turn over public arms ?

T. MOORE,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.

__________

San Francisco, June 8, 1861.

Capt. T. Moore,

Assistant Quartermaster, Virginia City, Nev. Ter. :

Issue the arms on receipt of responsible persons. Seize any public arms that are in store. Those who resist, disarm and make prisoners.

By order:

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

San Francisco, June 8, 1861.

Maj. G. A. H. Blake,

First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.

A full company of infantry left Benicia yesterday for your post. More troops will follow.

By order:

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Marysville, June 8, 1861.

Maj. D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General

Sir: Your letter of yesterday has just been received, and in reply I have to say that after a very careful examination of the act of Congress organizing the Territory of Nevada I have come to the conclusion that I would not be authorized to act in the matter mentioned in your communication. The Governor has not arrived, the Territory has not been divided into judicial districts, and there is not a single territorial officer there. Until steps are taken for the organization of the territorial government I am of the opinion that I have no power to act in the premises.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GORDON N. MOTT.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 10, 1861.

Col. Lorenzo Thomas, U. S. Army,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C,:

Sir : I have the honor to report that I have found it necessary to withdraw from Oregon a considerable part of the force stationed there to re-enforce the troops in California and Nevada Territory. The troops withdrawn are three companies of artillery, and will be nine of infantry. There is no secession element in Oregon and nothing to apprehend there but the possibility of some Indian disturbances, which seem to me of little consequence in comparison to preserving the integrity of the Union. As I reported on the 25th of April, I believe there is a large majority of Union men in this State, but they are supine from confidence, while there is an active and zealous party of secessionists who will make all the mischief they can. I have checked them in the southern part of this State by placing a strong command at Los Angeles, and they are now trying to organize in Nevada Territory, but I am moving re-enforcements rapidly to Fort Churchill, which will put down this movement. The leaders of this party claim to be acting by authority from the Montgomery government, which gives them some weight in the country. In concentrating troops to meet these contingencies I have been obliged to break up the posts of Ter-Waw and Tejon, but they had ceased to be of any importance as military posts. I would respectfully and earnestly represent the great importance of organizing the civil government in Nevada Territory immediately. I believe if the Governor and other officials had been there this difficulty would not have arisen. There is no law or government there at all, and the Territory is a place of refuge for disorganizers and other unruly spirits. I would remind the General-in Chief that if he needs my services at the East I can make such arrangements that everything will be secure here. I would not say this unless I knew I could do it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. V. SUMNER,

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

__________

Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 99. ) San Francisco, June 10, 1861.

1. The order for the movement of Captain Ord's battery to Fort Churchill is countermanded.

* * * * * * * * * *

7. Company D, Fourth Infantry, will take post temporarily at the Presidio.

* * * * * * * * * *

By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:

D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Fort Churchill, June 10, 1861—10 a. m.

Maj. D. C. BUELL,

Assistant Adjutant- General:

Captain Moore has just returned, having accomplished his mission. The force now en route is all that will be required here. Captain Moore issued the arms taken by him to a company enrolled last night at Virginia. The arms called for in my order will be required. There are now 400 men formed and sworn to support the Federal Government at Virginia. Good security will be given for the arms and ammunition. Letter will explain more fully to-morrow.

GEO. A. H. BLAKE,

Major, First Dragoons, Commanding.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 509-511]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev., June 11, 1861.

Maj. D. C. BUELL,

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

Major : I would respectfully report that in carrying out your instructions by telegram of June 6, 1861, Captain Moore, assistant quartermaster, was directed to proceed to Carson City, accompanied by twenty dragoons, under the command of Lieutenant Baker, and take possession of all such public arms as might be held by citizens of that place or vicinity. Inclosed you will find the report of his action and the success with which he carried out his instructions from these headquarters. Captain Moore reports that the rumor that the secession organization in Virginia did intend to surprise this post and secure the arms here had a foundation in fact, and that the secession flag raised there on the 5th was undoubtedly to ascertain the strength of the secession feeling in the Territory. From all that can be learned I think that the force now en route for this post will be sufficient to preserve the Federal authority intact. I would, however, recommend that the arms called for in my letter of the 6th of June be forwarded, as the Union feeling is strong in and about Virginia, but unfortunately the law-abiding citizens are without arms and ammunition. I received June 4, a letter from Mr. Buckley, superintendent of the Overland Mail Company. He reports the Indians as quiet and as evincing a disposition to remain so. They are very poor, having but little food, and are really in a most destitute condition. Up to the present time everything remains quiet in Virginia.

I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant,

GEO. A. H, BLAKE,

Major, First Dragoons, Commanding Post.

[Inclosure.]

Fort Churchill, Nev., June 10, 1861.

Maj. George A. H. Blake,

First Dragoons, Commanding

Major : I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions of June 7, 1861, I proceeded to Carson, with the detachment of twenty dragoons under the command of Lieutenant Baker. On my arrival at that place I called upon Mr. John Blackburn to turn over to me the public arms in his possession. Those he had in Carson were at once transferred to me, he at the same time giving an order on Captain Curtis and Mr. Shiririch, of Silver City, for twenty-one stand left in their charge for safekeeping. While in Silver City I heard of a number of muskets supposed to be in the hands of different individuals. On examining the houses of these persons none were to be found, and they all stated that the arms had been turned over to Benjamin F. Lippincott, who was the quartermaster of the command under Colonel Hays and who had authority to receipt for the arms of the command. At Silver City I learned that the secession flag was to be raised at 10 o'clock that day in Virginia City. Although my orders did not contemplate any resistance on the part of the people or that a demonstration adverse to the Federal authority would be made, I believed that the putting down of any movement of that nature would meet with your approbation.

On my arrival at Virginia everything was comparatively quiet, although there was considerable excitement among the advocates of the Southern rebellion. Immediate examination of all buildings suspected of containing arms was made. The building on which the rebel flag was hoisted a few days since was found to contain no arms, and the proprietor assured me that the flag was hoisted more for a joke than with the intention of causing any excitement. His statement, I believe, was intended for a blind, as I was subsequently informed from the most reliable residents of the place that there was, beyond a doubt, an organization to subvert the authority of the Federal Government in this Territory and declare in favor of the Confederate States. That there are arms in or near Virginia there can be no doubt, but the organization has been so close in its operations that the responsibility can be placed on no one individual, nor can the Union men trace them to the haunts where they are probably secreted. Information against Captain Caperton of a nature sufficiently strong was presented as to warrant his apprehension. I was obliged to release him, as he brought witnesses to swear that the arms belonged to Captain Stover and the ones referred to had been turned in to the quartermaster of the command, Benjamin F. Lippincott. The arms secured by me were, by the direction of General Sumner, commanding department, turned over to a company enrolled in Virginia on the night of the 9th for the especial protection of the interests of the Union. Two companies were formed, of fifty men each, who, in addition to the oath of the club, were sworn to faithful obedience to the President and the laws of the Federal Government, to suppress rebellion, and to be ready at any moment to yield obedience to the President or other loyal authority under him for the preservation of the Union. Four hundred men are already enrolled. Of these one hundred are armed; the remainder, from the want of arms, are unable to place themselves in a state of such efficiency as they desire, but hope the general commanding will soon furnish the requisite arms and ammunition to enable them to carry out the object of their organization. After having taken such precautionary measures for the conservation of peace as I thought best, I returned to this post. In conclusion, I would call your attention to the faithful and efficient manner in which Lieutenant Baker and the men of his command carried out the orders given them under circumstances peculiarly embarrassing to an officer of the Army.

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

T. MOORE,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.

[Indorsement.]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 10, 1861.

The seizure of the arms as herein reported had the effect to check

at once the action of the secessionists in Nevada Territory.

Respectfully forwarded to Army headquarters.

E. V. SUMNER,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 518-519]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 20, 1861.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

Sir : There is an absolute and immediate necessity for a government of some kind in Nevada Territory. In the absence of all the civil officials shall I protect persons and property by enforcing the laws of the United States?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. V. SUMNER,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 529-530]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., July 5, 1861.

Maj. D. C. BUELL,

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

Major: I have the honor to report for the information of the general commanding the department, that Shokup, the head chief and most influential man of the Shoshone tribe, from Ruby Valley, came into the garrison today on a visit. He represents his people peaceably disposed toward the whites, and that he will do all in his power to keep them so. He says his people are very poor, and much in want of provisions. The overland stage men say that this chief is a good friend of theirs, and is peaceably disposed toward them.

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

GEO. A. H. BLAKE,

Major, First Dragoons, Commanding Post.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, July 6, 1861.

Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake,

First Dragoons, U. S. Army, Comdg. Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :

Sir : The general commanding the department directs me to say that if in your judgment the company of the Sixth Regiment of Infantry which recently arrived at Fort Churchill is no longer required for the protection of that post you will order it to take post at Benicia Barracks.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 537-539]

Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, July 16, 1861.

Lieut. Gen. Winfield Scott,

Commanding the Army:

General : In consequence of the order removing the troops from the Oregon route, urgent applications have been made to the War Department to have a sufficient force stationed thereon to protect the overland mail. To aid in effecting this purpose, the Secretary of War desires, if it meet your approbation, that the paroled companies now stationed in New York Harbor be directed to take post in Utah.

I am, general, &c.,

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant- General.

__________

Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 129. ) San Francisco, July 17, 1861.

1. Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake, First Dragoons, will, in consequence of the disability of Colonel Beall, assume command of the regiment, the headquarters of which are hereby transferred to Fort Churchill, N. T. The non-commissioned staff, band and regimental archives, will be forwarded without delay by water to San Francisco, and thence to Fort Churchill, by the usual route.

* * * * * * * * * *

By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, July 18, 1861.

Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake,

First Regiment of Dragoons, U. S. Army,

Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :

Sir: The general commanding department desires you to inform him whether in your opinion it would be judicious to place at Fort Churchill 200 stand of arms for the purpose of arming in an emergency those citizens in Nevada Territory favorably disposed to our Government.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 541]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., July 22, 1861.

Maj. Don Carlos Buell,

Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army,

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

Major: Your communication of the 18^th instant is received. In reply I would state for the information of the general commanding department that Captain Moore was present and organized one company in Virginia City, and that he examined the records of the Union organization in Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Silver City, and is satisfied there are now in the Territory over 400 loyal citizens, organized as companies, who are anxious to obtain arms and ammunition for the purpose of aiding the civil authority in carrying out the laws and protecting the interests of the United States. I believe that arms could be placed in the hands of these men with the full assurance that the power thus given them would not be abused. I would also state that the arms will be secure, as they do not place them in an armory but carry them to their rooms, so that in case of an alarm they come forth ready armed without the necessity of rushing to an armory to equip. The arms could be issued to the Governor, and by him to such as he knows to be loyal, or placed in store at this post and issued on requisitions by him or the order of the general commanding department.

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

GEO. A. H. BLAKE,

Lieutenant-Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding Post.

__________

[From OR I-50-1 p. 543]

WAR DEPARTMENT, July 24, 1861.

Governor of California:

The War Department accepts for three years one regiment of infantry and five companies cavalry to guard the Overland Mail Route from Carson Valley to Salt Lake and Fort Lawrence. Colonel Waite will be put in command of department at Salt Lake City. General Sumner will detail mustering officer to muster in the men.

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

__________

Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, July 24, 1861.

Brigadier-General Sumner,

Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. ;

One regiment of infantry and five companies of cavalry have been accepted from California to aid in protecting Overland Mail Route via Salt Lake. Please detail officers to muster these troops into service. Blanks will be sent by steamer.

By order:

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 545]

Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, July 20, 1861.

Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner,

Commanding Department of the Pacific.

Direct your quartermaster and commissary to prepare in advance the stores necessary for the regiment of infantry and five companies of cavalry accepted from California. Suggest to the Governor of California the propriety of making Major Carleton the colonel of the infantry regiment. Colonel Waite is prevented by ill health from accepting the command. It is desired that Major Carleton be placed in command. If any one else is made colonel of the Infantry regiment, he will be deprived of the command.

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 547]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, July 29, 1861.

Capt. Julian McAllister,

Ordnance Corps, Commanding Benicia Arsenal, Benicia, Cal. :

Sir : The general commanding the department desires you to invoice to Lieutenant-Colonel Blake, First Dragoons, commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., 200 muskets, with the necessary equipments, and 6,000 rounds of ammunition suited to the same. The muskets will be of the pattern usually issued to States and Territories. The general wishes you to forward these arms at the earliest possible moment.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, July 39, 1861.

Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake,

First Dragoons, U. S. Army, Comdg. Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :

Sir: The ordnance officer at Benicia Arsenal has this day been directed to forward to you 200 muskets with the necessary equipments, and 6,000 rounds of ammunition suited to the same. The arms and ammunition will be invoiced to you, and the general commanding the department desires you to issue them only on the requisition of the Governor of the Territory, taking the Governor's receipt therefor.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 560]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., August 6, 1861.

Maj. D. C. Buell,

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

Major : I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding the department, that with an escort of dragoons I accompanied Governor Nye, of this Territory, on his visit to the Indians about the vicinity of Pyramid Lake. Found them all peaceably disposed, and have no doubt but that they will remain so if they are not disturbed by the white settlers. The Governor made them some presents, and they appeared to be very well satisfied.

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

GEO. A. H. BLAKE,

Lieutenant- Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding Post.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 569]

War Department,

Washington, August 14, 1861.

Hon. John G. Downey,

Governor of California, Sacramento City, Cal. :

Please organize, equip, and have mustered into service, at the earliest date possible, four regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, to be placed at the disposal of General Sumner.

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

(By telegraph to Fort Kearny, and thence by pony express and telegraph.)

__________

War Department,

Washington, August 14, 1861.

His Excellency John G. Downey,

Governor of the State of California, Sacramento City, Cal. :

Sir : I have this day addressed you a dispatch requesting you to organize, equip, and have mustered into service, at the earliest date possible, four regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, to be placed at the disposal of General Sumner.

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

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 605]

San Francisco. Cal., September 4, 1861.

Governor John G. Downey,

Sacramento City:

Cavalry company organized and reported at Yreka September 4. Signed Charles McDermit. This company had better be ordered to report to Colonel Colton, in this city, immediately.

E. V. SUMNER,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 611]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 7, 1861.

Capt. E. C. Drum,

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

Sir: I have the honor to report that information was telegraphed me yesterday from Virginia City that a party of seventy emigrants had been robbed by the Indians somewhere this side of Salt Lake and were left entirely destitute and starving. I immediately sent out a party of dragoons under the command of Lieutenant Baker, First Dragoons, with a supply of provisions to assist them and enable them to reach the settlements, and would respectfully ask the approval of the general commanding the department to the issues made them, as well as what more may be necessary for their immediate wants. A further report will be made on the return of Lieutenant Baker. I learn that the citizens of Virginia City have also sent out provisions and clothing, as they were expected to reach the sink of the Humboldt last evening.

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

GEO. A. H. BLAKE,

Lieutenant- Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding Post.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 24]

AUGUST 8-9, 1861.—Attack on Emigrant Train near the Great Salt Lake, Utah, Ter.

Report of Lieut. Eugene M. Baker, First U. S. Dragoons.

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 10, 1861.

Capt. R. C. Drum,

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

Sir : I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of Lieut. E. M. Baker, First Dragoons, who was detached from this post on the 6^th of September, 1861, for the purpose of meeting and relieving a party of emigrants who were robbed by the Indians this side of Salt Lake. According to the statement of Mr. S. M. Harriman, in charge of the train, to me, the train consisted of 74 persons, 11 wagons, 89 head of work cattle, 5 horses, and 2 mules, which was the total number of the party when attacked. The total number brought into this post was 54, viz, 22 men, 13 women, and 19 children. The train was attacked on the night of the 8th of August, and abandoned on the morning of the 9th of August, 1861. Almost daily emigrant trains are passing in want of provisions, and I have issued such quantities necessary to carry them to the settlements, and for which I would ask the approval of the general commanding the department.

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

GEO. A. H. BLAKE,

Lieutenant- Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding Post.

__________

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 10, 1861.

Sir : I have the honor to state that in compliance with orders dated headquarters Fort Churchill, September 6, 1861, I proceeded with a detachment, consisting of one noncommissioned officer and ten men, and a wagon containing provisions, for the purpose of assisting such emigrants as were absolutely in need of it. I found about thirty miles from this post (on the Carson River) a party of emigrants, about fifty in number, who had been attacked and robbed of everything (except what they had on their backs) about sixty-five miles northeast of Salt Lake. They stated that the party who attacked them were Indians, commanded by white men. They were attacked on the night of the 8th of August, and lost all their animals on the night of the 9th. They had since walked the whole distance to the Carson River, receiving such assistance from other trains as they were able to give them. I distributed 400 pounds of flour, 300 pounds of pork, 26 pounds of rice, 44 pounds sugar, 60 pounds coffee, and 1 quart of salt, which, with the assistance received from the citizens of Virginia and Carson Cities will be sufficient to last them until they reach their destination. The women and children belonging to the party were brought to this post and have since gone on to Carson and Virginia.

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

E. M. BAKER,

Second Lieutenant, First Dragoons.

Lieut. Col. G. A. H. Blake.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 616]

Benicia Arsenal, September 10, 1861.

Colonel Carleton,

First Regiment California Volunteers, San Francisco:

Sir : When I was ordered to equip your cavalry by the 1st of September it would have been impossible to have done so without using the old dragoon saddles. I could not have obtained Mexican saddles for all the men in the short time allowed. I explained to you and the general commanding that these saddles had to be repaired, and was ordered to buy Mexican saddles for the California company alone. Major Grier's statement that we could not get the old saddles from Oregon in time rendered it necessary to buy another set of Mexican saddles. Thus you have two companies with Mexican saddles and three with Grimsley's. To fill this requisition I have had to collect everything I had and repair extensively, I expected that the fact of two companies having new saddles and the other three old ones would create discontent, but did not see how to avoid it for want of time allowed me and want of money. The saddles for the Second Regiment of California Volunteers will be ready by the 1st proximo, and if the general sees fit to condemn these saddles because the men would prefer new ones, why, I could issue from that lot. But you must wait until their completion. Now, about the bayonet scabbards. I knew that they were too short for the bayonets, but I believe I told you that all our accouterments on this coast, except those in use by regular troops, were of the old pattern. Mr. Floyd in sending out 10,000 new arms did not see fit to send accouterments, as the former transaction accomplished his object. Among the 10,000 bayonet scabbards on hand at Alcatraz Island some are long and some short. I will try and see what I can do for your command, but some of these very scabbards are being used in the East with this very bayonet in actual warfare, and some of these saddles of which your command complain are bearing soldiers in battle. In times like these the arms and strength should be consulted, and not merely the looks. The Ordnance Department ordered sent home for use 30,000 of the very muskets your troops complained of the other day. If you want the blank cartridges you must get a requisition approved by the general for them, as my supply of musket powder is reduced to a few barrels. All the requisitions forwarded to this arsenal contain a full complement of pistols, from eighty-five to ninety-two for each company. I have only issued sixty, in accordance with the requisition made by you and approved by the general. If you want new saddles you will have to defer leaving until they are ready, which will be about the 1st proximo. When shall I forward the ammunition directed to you at Fort Churchill and Ruby Valley? I believe in the above you will find answers to all your inquiries contained in your three letters.

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

J. McAllister,

Captain of Ordnance, Commanding.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 623]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, September 17, 1861,

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C. :

COLONEL : I am compelled to assume the high responsibility of changing the destination of the troops ordered to the plains. The disaffection in the southern part of this State is increasing and becoming dangerous, and it is indispensably necessary to throw re-enforcements into that section immediately. The rebels are organizing, collecting supplies, and evidently preparing to receive a force from Texas, and the worst feature of the affair is this: They have managed to seduce the native Californians by telling them that they will be ruined by taxes to maintain the war. I shall establish a strong camp at Warner's ranch on the road to Fort Yuma, which will support that post, prevent the gathering of rebels in that vicinity, and be prepared to repel any force advancing through Arizona.

The only available troops I have at this moment are those raised for the Overland Mail Route. These troops are now ready, whereas I could not get any of the last requisition ready before a month. Another consideration is this : The Fourth Infantry, now in the southern part of this State, are the only available regulars for my expedition. I cannot withdraw another man from Oregon or from any post in California, and it would be madness to withdraw this regiment from its present duty without replacing it with other troops. No evil will result from this change, as no protection from the Indians is necessary for the mail. Some of the principal agents have said to me that they did not need any protection ; nevertheless I have ordered a company of dragoons at Fort Churchill to make a march as far out on the mail route as Ruby Valley, which is beyond all the Indians from whom there is anything to apprehend. I inclose a copy of my instructions for this movement. I shall place Colonel Wright in command of all the troops in the disaffected district till I am ready to leave with the southern expedition. I would respectfully ask an early reply to my letters of the 30th ultimo and 7th instant, in which I took the liberty of asking the General-in-Chief to let me proceed by sea, via the isthmus, to Brazos Santiago.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. V. SUMNER,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 624-625]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, September 17, 1861.

Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake,

First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

Sir : The general commanding the department desires you to prepare the company of dragoons at your post to make a march to Ruby Valley and back on the Overland Mail Route. He wishes you to get this company off as soon as possible, direct it to march about twenty miles a day, which will bring it home before the cold weather sets in. Let them take some barley, and deposit a part of it on their way out for the march back. Instruct the commanding officer to see as many of the Indian chiefs as possible and say to them expressly that if they wish to retain the good will of the Government they must prevent their people from all interference with the mail stages or the stations, or the iron wire that passes through their country.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, September 17, 1861.

Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake,

First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :

Sir: The general commanding the department desires me to say that should the officer in command of the company of dragoons find upon his arrival at Ruby Valley that there are any Indians in that vicinity at the distance of forty or fifty miles, that it would be necessary to visit, I wish him to do so.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 630-631]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 22, 1861.

Capt. R. C. Drum,

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

Sir: I have the honor to state for the information of the general commanding the department that forty men, all that were disposable of Company A, First Dragoons, under the command of Second Lieut. E. M. Baker, First Dragoons, this day left this post en route for Ruby Valley, according to instructions from department headquarters of September 17, 1861. I would also state that I have been compelled to relieve a number of the men from extra duty in the quartermaster's department, for the purpose of guard duty, which will seriously impede the work on the soldiers' quarters and the shelter for the animals, and will render it almost impossible to get the work of building finished before the winter sets in with the force under my command.

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

GEO. A. H. BLAKE,

Lieutenant-Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding Post.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 641-642]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, September 28, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington:

Colonel: I have just received the commanding general's dispatch countermanding the expedition to Texas, and I do feel greatly relieved thereat. I was willing to undertake it, but I could not feel sure that I could carry it through, for the difficulties were all but insuperable. You will have received my letter of the 17th instant, informing the general that I had changed the destination of the troops ordered on the overland route. If I could have anticipated this last order I should not have made this change, for I should have had troops enough without them for the disaffected part of the State. As this change has already been made, and nearly all of Colonel Carleton's command is now in the southern part of the State, I do not think it advisable to bring them back at a heavy expense to send them on the overland route this fall, especially as their presence there is not necessary for the protection of the mail. A company of the First Cavalry has left Fort Churchill to march to Ruby Valley and back. Colonel Carleton's command can move out on the overland road in March next, and thus save an immense expense in forage for this winter. The hay would have cost $60 a ton and the barley $9.96 a bushel. 1 would respectfully ask the general's sanction for this arrangement.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. V. SUMNER,

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

[Indorsement.]

War Department, October 28, 1861.

Approved:

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 644-646]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, October 1, 1861.

Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake,

First Cavalry, U. S. Army, Comdg. Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :

Sir : The general commanding the department directs me to inform you that all the regular infantry and cavalry on this coast have been ordered to New York. The general desires you to have your command in readiness to be relieved by volunteer troops. The horses pertaining to the First Cavalry company will be, in addition to their horse equipments, turned over to the quartermaster's department at that post. Should the detachment sent to Ruby Valley not join you at the time the relief arrives, you will leave at Fort Churchill the necessary instructions for Lieutenant Baker with his detachment to follow you to this city without delay.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 23. ) San Francisco, October 2, 1861.

In compliance with instructions received from the General-in Chief, the following movements of regular troops in this department are ordered, preparatory to their sailing for New York:

1. The garrison of each of the several posts in the District of Oregon will, upon being relieved by volunteer troops, proceed to Fort Vancouver, from whence they will be sent to this city. The horses and horse equipments belonging to the company of cavalry at The Dalles will be turned over to the company of Oregon volunteers; the horses and equipments pertaining to other companies of cavalry in the district will be brought to this city.

2. The troops serving in the District of Southern California will, with the exception of those stationed at Fort Yuma and New San Diego, be in readiness to concentrate at San Pedro. When relieved by volunteers, the companies at Fort Yuma will unite with that at New San Diego.

3. The garrisons of Forts Churchill, Humboldt, Bragg, Crook, Gaston, Umpqua, and Ter-Waw will be relieved by volunteer troops. When relieved, the companies of the Sixth Regiment of Infantry at these posts will repair to Benicia Barracks, and those of the Fourth Infantry and First Cavalry to this city. The horses, with their equipments, pertaining to companies of the First Cavalry at Forts Churchill and Crook will be brought to this city.

4. The headquarters, and Companies C, H, I, and L of the Third Regiment of Artillery, will be in readiness to sail at a moment's notice. The horses, harness, &c., pertaining to Company C will be turned over to the quartermaster's department, and the field battery and ordnance stores to the ordnance department.

5. Lieutenant-Colonel Merchant will at once transfer from Companies D, H, I, and L of his regiment a sufficient number of privates to make an aggregate of ninety for each of those companies selected to remain on this coast.

6. Paragraph 1, of Special Orders, No. 165, is revoked. Company L, Third Artillery, will immediately proceed to the Presidio of San Francisco.

7. The troops directed above to repair to this city, will, upon their arrival, receive further instructions.

By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 652]

General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 25. ) San Francisco, October 9, 186l.

The following movements of troops will be made at the time specified:

1. Companies A, B, C, D, and E, of the Second (Lippitt's) and five companies of the Fourth (Judah's) California Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Maj. James F. Curtis, of the Second, and Lieut. Col. Harvey Lee, of the Fourth, respectively, will be in readiness to embark on the 17th instant for Fort Vancouver. The distribution of these companies to the several posts in the District of Oregon will be made by the district commander, who will receive special instructions on the subject.

2. Each of the following posts will be garrisoned by one company of the Third Regiment of California Volunteer Infantry (Connor's) : Forts Bragg, Gaston, Ter-Waw, and the new post established on Eel River.

3. Colonel Smith, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, will immediately mount and equip two companies of his regiment and have them in readiness to proceed to Fort Churchill on the 17th instant. The commander of this force will be designated hereafter.

By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 667]

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., October [20], 1861.

The Adjutant,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

Sir : I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders from headquarters Fort Churchill, dated September 21, 1861, I left this post on the 23d of September with Company A, First Cavalry, and arrived in Ruby Valley on October 5. I saw the chief of that valley, who is also principal chief of his tribe, which includes all Indians within fifty or sixty miles of Ruby Valley. He expressed himself to be perfectly friendly toward all whites, and promised that none of his tribe should interfere with them in any manner whatever. I find that all the Indians in the Territory are perfectly destitute of provisions. They usually lived during the winter on pine nuts and grass seed, together with what little game they could kill. There are no pine nuts this year, and all, or nearly all, of their grass has been cut by the stage company or citizens living on the road. The chiefs and also the Indian agent tell me that unless Government gives them something to eat they will starve to death this winter. If any outbreak occurs it will be because they are driven to it by starvation.

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

E. M. BAKER,

First Lieutenant, First Cavalry.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 688]

San Francisco, October 29, 1861.

Colonel Blake, U. S. Army,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :

By order No. 23 your command, when relieved, with horses and horse equipments will repair to this city and take post at the Presidio.

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 693]

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., October 31, 1861.

Maj. R. C. Drum,

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

Major: I have the honor to report the arrival of two companies of volunteers to relieve this command. No return has been furnished to enable me to make the necessary return of the same. The command will leave here on the 2d November, or sooner if the public property can be turned over.

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

GEO. A. H. BLAKE,

Lieutenant-Colonel First Cavalry, Commanding Post.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 702-704]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, November 5, 1861.

Brig. Gen. Seth Williams,

Adjutant- General at Headquarters of the Army,

Washington, D. C.:

General : I have this moment received Major-General McClellan's dispatch of the 2d instant, calling for a report of the condition of my troops. I have replied briefly by telegraph as follows: "Troops in good condition. Cavalry regiments full. Infantry regiments filling up. Fifteen companies sent north." The organization of the volunteer force called for from this State by the War Department will be completed at an early date. The cavalry service is the favorite arm in this country, and both regiments, the first of five and the second of twelve companies, are full. It is confidently expected that the five infantry regiments will be nearly filled up by the 1st of December. The First Infantry is fully organized and is in the southern district of the State. Five companies of the Second and five of the Fourth Infantry have already been sent to Oregon to relieve the regular troops in that State and the Territory of Washington. Four companies of the Third Infantry and one of the Second Cavalry have been sent to relieve the garrisons of Forts Bragg, Seward, Gaston, and Ter-Waw; one company of the Second Cavalry to Fort Crook; two companies of same regiment to Fort Churchill, and one to Benicia Barracks. In the Southern District of California Colonel Carleton is in command. He has his own regiment. First California Volunteer Infantry, and the First Cavalry, a battalion of five companies. Commands have already been sent to relieve the regular troops at Fort Yuma and at San Diego. Colonel Carleton's intimate knowledge of the southern section of this State makes it of the highest importance that he should remain there in command.

As the War Department specially designated Colonel Carleton to command the First Infantry California Volunteers, originally designed for protection to the overland mail service, I have taken it for granted that it was not intended to withdraw him from the volunteer service, under the instructions from Adjutant-General's Office of the 3d of October, 1861. Lieutenant-Colonel Cady, of the Seventh Infantry, Regular Army, is now in command of the District of Oregon, having been sent there by General Sumner to relieve Colonel Beall, of the First Cavalry. The regular troops I shall send East as fast as they reach the coast. Most of them will have sailed by the 1st of December ; those from Colville and Walla Walla will not get off quite so soon. Should it be the wish of the Department to send volunteers from this country to the East, I doubt not that the regiments would be filled very promptly. The personnel is not surpassed by any troops we have; all that is required is instruction and discipline.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

[Indorsement.]

Inform General W. that Colonel Carleton and Colonel Cady will be retained in his department; that his arrangements are approved. Recommend to the Secretary that six picked squadrons of Californians be formed for service with the Army of Potomac, and four for service in Texas; that two regiments of California and Oregon infantry be raised for service here and two for Western Texas.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN.

__________

Headquarters District of Southern California,

Los Angeles, Cal., November 5, 1861.

Maj. Richard C. Drum, U. S. Army,

Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:

Major: I send you copies of letters[1] received and written by myself as the best account of what is transpiring in this district. I cannot believe any force will attempt to come over the desert, but I want to keep my command in as near a state of preparation for such an emergency as could be expected from raw troops. The camp at Warner's ranch should be moved. I desire authority to change it to a warmer and healthier point—say to Oak Grove or to Temecula. I have sent Captain Fritz and one subaltern and thirty rank and file, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to Owen's River. I have sent Lieutenant Wellman and twenty-seven rank and file. First Cavalry California Volunteers, to remain a while at Camp Wright, to act as vedettes, scouts, expresses, &c. I have sent thirty-five recruits, via San Diego (by steam) and Camp Wright, to fill up the companies at Fort Yuma.

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

JAMES H. CARLETON,

Colonel First California Volunteers.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 723-724]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., November 15, 1861.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

General: At 11 o'clock this morning I received your telegraphic dispatch of the 13th instant. On the 17th instant I shall forward the return called for, as complete as circumstances will admit of. In the meantime, in order to keep the Department fully informed of the progress we are making in organizing the volunteers in this State, I will give you a synopsis of the different regiments. The First Cavalry, a battalion of five companies, has been filled and is posted in the southern district of the State. The Second Cavalry, consisting of twelve companies, has been filled. Two of the companies are at Fort Churchill, one at Fort Crook, one at Fort Seward, one at Benicia, and the remaining seven are in camp four miles from this city. Both of the cavalry regiments have their horses, but thus far they have only been drilled on foot. They are undergoing a thorough course of discipline and instruction. The First Infantry has been organized and is nearly full. The regiment is stationed at Fort Yuma and other points in the southern district. The Second Infantry has its headquarters at the Presidio, near this city. Five companies of the regiment have been organized and sent under a field officer to Oregon, to relieve some of the regular troops in that district. The remaining five companies will, I think, be filled in the course of a month. The Third Infantry has its headquarters near Stockton, in this State. Four companies have been detached to relieve the regulars at Forts Ter-Waw, Gaston, Bragg, and Seward. The remaining six companies will soon be filled. The Fourth

Infantry has its headquarters near Auburn, in this State. Five companies of this regiment, under the lieutenant colonel, have already been sent to the District of Oregon, and the remaining five will soon be filled. The Fifth Infantry is near the city of Sacramento. No detachments have been made from this regiment.

The recruiting is progressing favorably. I think we can rely upon it that all the regiments will be filled by the close of the year. A rigid course of discipline and instruction has been instituted in all the regiments; the officers are generally enthusiastic and zealous in the discharge of their duties, and are to be commended for their assiduity in acquiring a knowledge of their duties. On the steamer which left here on the 11th I sent no troops East; they could not reach here in season. On the steamer leaving on the 21st I shall embark three companies of the Sixth Infantry, now at Benicia, and three of the Sixth and two of the Fourth Infantry, at San Diego, the whole commanded by Colonel Seawell, Sixth Infantry. I expect to send the last of the regular troops in the department to New York on the steamer of the 11th proximo. I have nothing special to report. Everything is quiet to all appearance, but we must not relax in our vigilance nor be lulled into a false security.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

[Indorsement.]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, November 16, 1861.

Assistant Adjutant-General,

Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C.:

The within communication, addressed to Brigadier-General Thomas, after receiving his telegraphic dispatch of the 13th instant, is respectfully submitted to Major-General McClellan.

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 730-731]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, November 20, 1861.

Assistant Adjutant-General,

Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C.:

Sir: On the 16th instant 1 had the honor to acknowledge (by telegraph) the receipt of Major-General McClellan's dispatch of the 13th. I have recalled Colonel Carleton from his command in the southern district, and as soon as he arrives I shall organize his command of at least one regiment, for the protection of the Overland Mail Route. I have conferred with Mr. Louis McLane, the agent, as to the most suitable point to locate the troops, in order to afford the required protection. He suggests Simpson's Park, Ruby Valley, and Camp Floyd as the best positions to occupy. The first is 326 miles from Sacramento, Ruby Valley 98 miles from Simpson's, and Camp Floyd is 217 miles in advance of Ruby Valley. The weather for many days past has been tempestuous in the extreme, and the snow on the mountains is reported as very deep, and it may be next to an impossibility for the troops to cross over with their necessary supplies. Were it not for the starving condition of the Indians, no fears need be entertained of their committing any depredations. Twenty thousand dollars' worth of provisions, annually distributed to the friendly tribes along this section of the route, would save the Government vast sums of money. The contracts made last summer for the transportation of our supplies from this place to Ruby Valley were at the rate of about $400 per ton ; and at this season it will cost much more. Everything is quiet on this coast; nothing of importance has transpired since my communication to the Adjutant General of the Army, dated on the 16th instant, a copy of which was forwarded to the Headquarters of the Army. I have removed the Third Infantry California Volunteers from Stockton to Benicia Barracks. Four companies of this regiment are already at their stations; the remaining six have been organized, and are progressing favorably in recruiting. Clothing for all the troops in the department is being made here. Very soon the supply will be ample and of a superior quality, at a reasonable rate. On the 9th I inspected the troops at Fort Point, one company. Third Artillery, commanded by Brevet Major Austine, and on the 13th I inspected the troops at Alcatraz

Island, two companies. Third Artillery, commanded by Major Burton. It affords me pleasure to report that I found the troops in high order. The armament of the fort, although incomplete, was found in handsome condition, and ready for any emergency.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 735]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., November 22, 1861.

His Excellency J. W. Nye,

Governor of Nevada Territory, Carson City:

Sir : I have received instructions from the Headquarters of the Army to send a regiment of troops, or more if I deem it necessary, to protect the Overland Mail Route. The command will be under Colonel Carleton, and will move as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. I am informed that it is next to an impossibility for troops with their supplies to cross the mountains at this time, and my object in addressing

Your Excellency is to obtain reliable data as to the practicability of the route, and particularly as to the condition of the Indians and the probability of their committing depredations on the stock of the mail company. As soon as practicable I design to establish troops at Simpson's Park, Ruby Valley, and Camp Floyd, and in the meantime is it within your power to issue such provisions to the starving Indians along the route as may be necessary for their existence? I have an extra supply of provisions at Fort Churchill, and although I am not authorized to issue to Indians, except in small quantities, yet I should not hesitate to sell it to the Indian Department, under existing circumstances, even if the Department should not be in funds, not doubting that such a course would be approved. I shall esteem it a favor to receive your views on the subject, with any suggestions you may deem pertinent. I have been assigned to the command of the department and remain on this coast. A service of more than nine years on the Pacific has familiarized me with the whole country and also with the character and temper of the inhabitants. The Union loving people of this coast are vastly in the ascendant, their fiat has gone forth, and no secession doctrine can flourish here. Nevertheless it behooves us to be watchful at all times. I shall not assume a threatening attitude, for the purpose of warning our enemies to refrain from unlawful acts, but pursuing the even tenor of my way, ever observant of impending events, and ready at all times to enforce a due respect and observance of the Constitution and laws of our country; and if it becomes my duty to act, I shall do so fearlessly, and without regard to personal consequences, feeling assured that I shall receive the cordial support of every true and loyal citizen on the Pacific Coast.

With great respect, I have the honor to be Your Excellency's obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 742]

General Headquarters, State of California,

Adjutant General's Office,

Sacramento, November 27, 1861.

General George Wright, U. S. Army,

Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco:

General: In the month of July last General Sumner, then commanding Department of the Pacific, D. S. Army, ordered the seizure of some fifty-seven stand of improved rifles belonging to the State of California and then in Nevada Territory, being a portion of the State arms sent there in May, 1860, at the time of the disastrous fight between the citizens of that Territory and the Indians. Since that time General Sumner made a verbal promise to turn over an equivalent number of same style of arms to the State. I desire to know if any steps have been taken at department headquarters in relation to the matter, and whether an order can be obtained for the number of arms thus taken upon the ordnance department at Benicia in favor of the State.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

WM. C. KIBBE,

Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 745-746]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., December 2, 1861.

His Excellency J. W. Nye,

Governor of Nevada Territory, Carson City:

Sir : I have given instructions to the commanding officer of Fort Churchill to transfer to you such amount of flour and bacon or pork as you may deem necessary for issue to the Indians along the Overland Mail Route. The commanding officer at Fort Churchill has been directed to keep a supply of subsistence for his present command sufficient to last until the end of July next. Although I am not authorized by the regulations to dispose of these provisions except for cash, yet under the pressing circumstances of the case I have not hesitated about having them placed at the disposal of Your Excellency as superintendent of Indian affairs for the Territory, and if you are without funds of the Indian Department, the transfer can be made at Washington, which I doubt not will be approved by our Government. It is probable that the quantity of flour and meat which can be spared at Fort Churchill will amount to at least 60,000 rations of the former and 40,000 of the latter—possibly more.

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

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., December 3, 1861.

Capt. E. A. Rowe,

Second Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry,

Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :

Sir: After setting aside a sufficient number of rations to subsist your command to\he 1st of August next, the general commanding the department desires you to turn over to the Governor of Nevada Territory, ex officio superintendent of Indian affairs, out of the surplus rations, such quantities of flour and pork or bacon as the superintendent may deem necessary for issue to the Indians along the Overland Mail Route. Should the superintendent be without funds, the acting commissary of subsistence will take receipts in duplicate for the stores he turns over. The actual cost with the transportation added will be stated both on the invoices and receipts to facilitate the settlement of these accounts in Washington.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 749]

Executive Department,

Carson City, December 4, 1861,

Brigadier-General Wright, U. S. Army,

Commanding, San Francisco:

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22d ultimo. If you will give me an order, or rather cause the commandant at Fort Churchill to deliver to me, as Indian superintendent, such supplies as may be necessary to meet the immediate necessities of the Indians, I will take charge of their direction in such

manner as to be entirely satisfactory, and undertake to insure peace with all the tribes in this Territory. All they require is the occasional distribution throughout the winter of such provisions as you have at the fort. I entertain no doubt whatever of the propriety and necessity of this move, and just as little that both the Department of War and of Indian Affairs will be satisfied with the efforts made to insure peace and happiness among the Indians. If you desire me to do so I will willingly share the responsibility with you, and in my letters to my Department will fully explain and set forth that there was no other course to pursue. To march troops over the mountains and easterly at this season of the year, and especially to transport supplies, would be the next thing to impossible. With the arrangements you are undoubtedly prepared to make, I will guarantee protection to both the telegraph and overland mail lines until spring, when both troops and transportation can find an easy passage over the snows of the Sierras. My Indian agent is now out among the Pah-Utes, and reports all quiet, but a great necessity existing for food. Such directions as you may think proper to give shall be faithfully carried out. I am grateful that you are keeping a good lookout for the secession element. It requires it. I am trying to do so here, and have thus far succeeded in keeping it under subjection. I have at the present time twenty soldiers from the fort guarding the jail in this place to prevent the rescue of a most desperate and bloody villain—a leader of that tribe, and one who wakes up all their energies to extricate. Doubtless Captain Rowe, who promptly responded to my call, has reported to you the facts, and I hope he will be sustained in his efforts to second me in sustaining the laws and putting down this secession propensity for butchering every one who dares to be a Union man. I should have replied to yours earlier, but have been afflicted with rheumatism to that extent that I could not write. I shall at all times be happy to aid you in any way in endeavoring to hold the great Western slope true to the old Constitution and Union, and aid her along the pathway of her destiny. I am keeping one of the Indian agents who belongs at the Humboldt until I hear from you.

With kindest regards and best wishes for your success, I remain, truly, yours,

JAMES W. NYE.

While writing I am interrupted by the arrival of the agent from the Shoshones' country, who reports all quiet there.

J. W. NYE.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 751]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., December 7, 1861.

Adjutant-General,

Headquarters of the Army, Washington:

Sir : I have made satisfactory arrangements for protection of Overland Mail Route without sending troops over a route now impracticable —full particulars by mail. I propose to send Colonel Carleton with his own regiment and the First Battalion of Cavalry with a battery of artillery to re-open the southern mail route—recapture Forts Buchanan, Thorn, Fillmore, and Bliss. The expedition to move as soon as practicable, via Yuma. The troops are ready and anxious. Guaymas should be occupied, army and navy co-operating. I have the force to hold the whole country this side of the Rio Grande. Please answer by telegraph.

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 753-754]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, December 9, 1861.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

General: Inclosed herewith is a copy of a dispatch[2] which was sent to the Headquarters of the Army by telegraph on the 7th instant. I also transmit a copy of a communication this day received from His Excellency, J. W. Nye, Governor of the Territory of Nevada. The difficulties we should experience in attempting to march troops with their supplies across the mountains at this time are fully set forth in the Governor's letter, and the obstructions have been increased by a severe storm during the last three days. After the receipt of Major-General McClellan's dispatch, desiring me to send troops to protect the Overland Mail Route, I had several interviews with Mr. Louis McLane, the agent in this city, and I was fully satisfied that by distributing a moderate allowance of provisions to the Indians, who are in a starving condition along the route, the mail would not be interrupted. I had a large surplus of provisions at Fort Churchill, and under the circumstances of the case I have ordered that the flour and meat which can be spared, retaining sufficient to last the command until the 1st of August, be placed at the disposal of Governor Nye, ex officio superintendent of Indian affairs. Anxious as I was to carry out the instructions of the General-in-Chief by sending the troops, I have not acted in this matter without due consideration, and after consultation and approval of Governor Nye and the agent of the line, and I trust that my course will be approved. On the 6th instant 1 inspected the arsenal at Benicia and also the troops at the barracks. Captain McAllister has a company of ordnance men at the arsenal. I found it in high order. The storehouses, magazines, shops, quarters, &c, were all critically inspected and everything found in superior order. I next inspected the quartermaster's department, under the supervision of Capt. T. Moore, and found his books, papers, store houses, and supplies all in good order. At Benicia Barracks I reviewed and inspected six companies of the Third Infantry California Volunteers, with one company of the Second Volunteer Cavalry, the whole commanded by Colonel Connor. The troops were in high order, well clothed, and presented a handsome appearance. They are progressing rapidly in discipline and instruction. I also inspected at the same place a squadron of the First Cavalry (regulars) commanded by Captain Whittlesey. This squadron has just arrived from Oregon, and will embark on the steamer of the 11th with two companies of the Fourth and one of the Sixth Infantry (regulars) for New York. I shall then have remaining in this department but two companies to go East, the squadron of First Cavalry now en route from Walla Walla. Recruiting is progressing favorably, and by the end of this month the regiments will be full. All is quiet within this department.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier-Genera], U. S. Army, Commanding.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 757]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal.. December 10, 1861.

Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,

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

General: Our Overland Mail Route cannot be depended on. The late storms of rain and snow have almost entirely stopped the mail by land, and have driven me to the necessity of relying principally on the steamer express. For some weeks past I have received nothing from headquarters. The large packages of orders from your office designed for distribution in this department habitually fail to reach me. The only reliable way is to use the express on the tri-monthly steamers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 766]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,

San Francisco, Cal., December 10, 1861.

Louis McLane, Esq.,

Agent Overland Mail Company, San Francisco, Cal.:

Sir: After my several interviews with you on the subject of the protection of the Overland Mail Route, and a careful consideration as to the most judicious course to pursue, I have reached the conclusion that the only feasible mode is to issue a moderate quantity of provisions to the Indians along the route, who are in a starving condition. It is next to impossible to send troops with their supplies over the mountains at this time; the expense would be enormous. The mail route must be protected, and I deem it my duty to act for the best interests of the Government and the country. Under these circumstances, in behalf of the Government I have to request that you issue in the course of the winter and spring to the Indians near your stations at and west of Camp Floyd, not to exceed 250 barrels of flour and 50,000 pounds of fresh beef, or equivalent in other articles of food. Feeling assured that the agents of the company will procure the provisions economically, and issue them judiciously, I cannot for a moment doubt that the Department will approve of my course, and that the company will be reimbursed by the United States Government.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 770-771]

Headquarters,

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., December 18, 1861.

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

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of the Pacific, San Francisco:

MAJOR: Again it becomes my duty to inform you that there has been another draft upon this post for men by Governor Nye, of this Territory. A copy of his request accompanying this (marked A) gives you at once the cause. Governor Nye being at the post and desiring dispatch, I started the twenty-five men and two teams (under the charge of Captain McLean and Lieutenant Chipman, numbering in the aggregate twenty-nine), on the morning of the 17th instant, with the inclosed instructions (paper B[4]). By sending two teams, both lightly loaded, they can keep up with the command and travel from twenty-five to thirty miles a day. I furnished them thirty days' rations. The Overland Mail Company have agreed with Governor Nye to furnish forage, as they have particularly asked for the force to be sent. I desire to have the views of the general commanding the department in relation to this matter, as it may become necessary to forward more supplies in case the command remains there any length of time and the movement meets with approval. As it will be perceived, my force is pretty well divided at present, but if I have no further call on me for men, I can keep everything in good order until spring, when we should certainly have more men in tills section of country. I would state, further, that the Governor will start forward provisions to Ruby Valley, and along the intermediate country for the Indians to-day, and it is to be hoped that peace will be maintained without a resort to arms. The difficulties apprehended grow out of the fact of the chief of the Bannocks dying, and the Indian doctor being killed (as is the custom) for letting him die. The doctor belonged to the Shoshones. This has brought about a difficulty between the two tribes, and, as is generally their custom, each it is feared will commence committing depredations on the whites, each laying it upon the other, so as to get the whites to take sides for them. Ruby Valley is distant from this post about 260 miles. Good road, but sandy.

Hoping to hear of your approval as above, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWIN A. ROWE,

Captain, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding Post.

[Inclosure A.]

Executive Department,

Carson City, December 16, 1861.

Capt. Edwin A. Rowe,

Commandant of Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

Sir: I am informed there is serious apprehension of an Indian difficulty at Ruby Valley. To prevent, if possible, such a calamity, yon will on receipt of this detail twenty-five soldiers, Properly officered, to proceed at once to Ruby Valley and report to Warren Wassen, acting Indian agent, whom I have sent in advance to that place to act according to circumstances.

JAMES W. NYE,

Governor of the Territory of Nevada.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 782]

Hdqrs. First California Volunteer Infantry,

Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, Cal., December 23, 1861.

All persons who have been arrested or who may be arrested in this State as secessionists or traitors to the country will be kept in confinement at Fort Yuma until final action is had on each case. The garrison of that fort will be at once increased to nine companies—one of artillery, six of infantry, and two of cavalry. Its defenses will be strengthened and some heavy guns mounted, and it will be well supplied with ammunition, provisions, and forage. It is reported that the Navajo Indians obstruct the route from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, now important as the only one on which the daily mail from the States can be carried, that of the north being blocked up with snow, that of the south being in possession of the rebels at its eastern end and on the Rio Grande. These Indians are therefore to be brought to terms. An expedition, consisting of seven companies, will move up the Colorado on Colonel Hoffman's trail. Three of these companies (infantry) will reoccupy Fort Navajo and re-establish the ferry. This force, as heretofore, will draw its supplies from Los Angeles. The other four—three of cavalry and one of infantry—will proceed on to Las Vegas, near the Potosi mines, on the Salt Lake road, and establish a post at the old Mormon fort. This is preliminary to the movement, already ordered, of troops next summer to Fort Crittenden, near Salt Lake. The new post at Las Vegas will be known as Fort Baker.

JAMES H. CARLETON,

Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 787]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., December 26, 1861.

Capt. E. A. Rowe,

Second Cav. California Vols., Comdg. Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

Sir : In reply to your letter of the 18th instant, regarding Indian affairs in the vicinity of Fort Churchill, I am directed by the general commanding the department to say that your action on the requisition of Governor Nye is approved. Although the Governor of the Territory has no military authority over the troops stationed within its limits, yet the general desires you to afford him every assistance in your power, at the same time exercising a sound discretion in the matter.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 788]

San Francisco, Cal., December 28, 1861.

General Thomas,

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

Can I disregard writs of habeas corpus in case of political or State prisoners?

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, U. S. Army.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 791]

Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, December 31, 1861.

General George Wright, U. S. Army,

San Francisco, Cal.:

You cannot disregard writs.

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 794]

Organization of troops in the Department of the Pacific, commanded by Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Army, December 31, 1861.

* * * * * * * * * *

FORT CHURCHILL, NEV. TER.

Capt. Edwin A. Rowe.

2d California Cavalry (two companies).

[1] See Rigg to Carleton, October 25; Carleton to Rigg and West to Carleton, October 29 ; Rigg to Carleton, October 31 ; Carleton to Eyre and Warner to Carleton and Carleton to Rigg, November 4, ante.

[2] See Wright to Adjutant-General, 7th, p. 751.

[3] See Nye to Wright, 4th, p. 749.

[4] Not found.

Nevada's Online State News Journal

Nevada History: