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

 

US ARMY OPERATIONS IN NEVADA TERRITORY 1862 (Jan-Jun)

 

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 798-799]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, January 9, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General : Nothing of importance has transpired within the department since my communication addressed to you on the 31st ultimo.

            The Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Colonel Bowie, is now moving to Southern California. Three companies of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers, under the lieutenant-colonel of that regiment, have already been sent to the same point. This force will remain in the southern district of the State after the advance of Colonel Carleton. Colonel Lippitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, has moved with his headquarters to Fort Humboldt, and assumed command of that district. Colonel Lippitt has six companies of infantry and one of cavalry, a force deemed ample to quell any Indian disturbances in that quarter. Some weeks since serious apprehensions were entertained of Indian outbreaks along the Overland Mail Route, but thus far quiet has been maintained; the judicious distribution of provisions, to meet the immediate wants of those Indians, has had a good effect. I have sent two companies of the Second Infantry California Volunteers to Santa Barbara, about 400 miles down the coast; the battalion is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Olney, of the Second Regiment, and is posted at Santa Barbara to protect the loyal inhabitants of that district and enforce the laws of the United States. My latest advices from the District of Oregon contain no information of importance. The Indians are quiet. This is the most severe winter experienced on this coast for several years past. The incessant heavy rains, together with the melting of snow on the mountains, has swollen the rivers and streams, overflowed a vast extent of country, and destroyed an immense amount of property, and so obstructed our land mail-routes that we are forced to resort almost entirely to the express companies. My troops are mostly in tents or temporary huts, and although frequently very uncomfortable, have really suffered but very little. The men are well clothed, well fed, and but few on the sick report.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 873-874]

Headquarters District of Southern California,

Los Angeles, Cal., February 18, 1862.

Maj. R. C. Drum,

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

            Major: Agreeably to a suggestion contained in my letter to you dated December 21, 1861, I now submit for the consideration of the general the following plan having reference to a base of operations for a command of troops from California, which are destined to operate in the southern portion of New Mexico. To have Fort Yuma the main depot of supplies of ammunition, clothing, hospital stores, and of subsistence stores, save the article of beef, and perhaps that of flour. The garrison of that post to be two companies of the Fifth California Volunteer Infantry. The supplies to be shipped by water from San Francisco. To have a sub-depot guarded by one company Second Cavalry, and one company Fifth Infantry at the Pima Villages, with a train of wagons plying between that point and Fort Yuma to keep up the supply needed for the garrison at that point and for the troops in advance to draw upon from time to time. This, too, will be one of the stations on the Overland Mail Route when it is changed south. This point is 200 miles in advance of Yuma. Fresh meat and flour can doubtless be obtained in that neighborhood at fair prices. With these two points fixed, a command of 1,600 men operating in advance, even so far as Fort Fillmore and Fort Bliss, in Texas (opposite El Paso), could be supplied more certainly, more expeditiously, and more economically than from the long and precarious line of land transportation of from 1,000 to 1,400 miles from Independence, Mo., to Fort Fillmore and to Arizona. This would leave this expedition intact from that point, and consisting of, say, 1,400 sabers and bayonets. The remainder of the troops in this district I propose to leave, distributed as follows: Six companies of the Fifth Infantry and three of the Second Cavalry at Camp Latham, under Colonel Bowie, the headquarters of the district to be at that camp. A small train of wagons with indifferent mules can keep this command supplied from New San Pedro. Hay can here be got at a low figure if the contracts are let early, and wood at a fair price. The price of barley the quartermaster's department can control at San Francisco. I would post one company of the Fifth California Volunteer Infantry at San Diego. Let it have three six-mule teams to haul wood, &c., and supply it with subsistence and barley from San Francisco. I would post two companies of the Second Infantry at Santa Barbara, to have three six-mule teams for the hauling of water, wood, &c., to be supplied with subsistence, and with barley if necessary, by water from San Francisco. This in my opinion would be the best method of posting the troops, considered from every point of view. If during the summer months it becomes necessary for cavalry to move down on the Mojave, or up toward Owen's Lake, or in the direction of San Bernardino, or of Lower California, they can readily be detached temporarily from Camp Latham. This, however, is a contingency that will hardly arise.

            All of which is respectfully submitted.

JAMES H. CARLETON,

Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 919]

Special Orders,            )                                   Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 39.                        )                                   San Francisco, Cal., March 10, 1862.

            1. As soon as the weather will permit, Maj. Charles McDermit, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will proceed to and take post at Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter,

            2. Maj. Edward McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, is assigned to duty at Camp Alert, to the commanding officer of which he will report without delay.

* * * * * * * * * *

            By order of Brigadier-General Wright:

RICHD. C. DRUM,

            Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 935-936]

Headquarters District of Southern California,

Los Angeles, Cal., March 17, 1862.

Col. George W. Bowie,

            Fifth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Latham, Cal. :

            Colonel : I inclose herewith the copy of a letter which Mr. S. A. Bishop, of Fort Tejon, informs me he received from a Mr. W. A. Greenly, at Owen's Lake Valley. This letter represents that some serious difficulties may be apprehended between the white people and the Indians of that valley. You will at once order Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, to proceed via Fort Tejon, the Tejon Reservation, and Walker's Basin to Owen's Lake to inquire into the truth of all the matters set forth in this letter which relate to the difficulties just named. Lieutenant- Colonel Evans will have for an escort Captain Winne, Lieutenant French, and Lieutenant Oliver, and forty men picked from the three companies of cavalry at Camp Latham, and he will leave Camp Latham for the scene of these apprehended difficulties Wednesday morning, the 19th instant. The party will have forty days' rations and 100 rounds of ammunition per man. Beef can be bought upon the road, and barley at Fort Tejon and at Walker's Basin. I have heard that the white men went into Owen's Lake Valley and took their stock onto the fields of grass which is cultivated by those Indians, the root of the grass being used by them as an article of food, and that, on the Indians remonstrating with them, they persisted in keeping their stock in these fields. The Indians in Owen's Lake Valley are known to be an inoffensive, gentle race. Up to this time they have never been hostile to the whites. They live mostly on the larvae of a fly which lays its eggs upon the water of the lake. These are driven ashore by the winds and gathered in large quantities for food. The Indians there depend on this article and on the grass roots for their subsistence. So you can judge that a people who require the use of no other weapons than such as are necessary to procure these supplies are not very dangerous as an enemy. It was the intention of the Government at one time to make that region of country a reservation for all the Indians in Southern California. Since the Washoe and Coso mines have been discovered, people have gone into this valley with stock, to be convenient to the mines for the sale of beef, &c., and the poor Indians are doubtless at a loss to know how to live, having their fields turned into pastures whether they are willing or not willing. It is very possible, therefore, that the whites are to blame, and it is also probable that in strict justice they should be compelled to move away and leave the valley to its rightful owners. Another consideration must be taken into account. The whites there may desire to have a military post in that vicinity, as well to protect them as to be a market for their beef. The question will be as to the necessity for such a post. If it shall prove on inquiry that a military post should be established there, as Lieutenant-Colonel Evans is now the only available cavalry field officer in the district who could be sent to establish it, it would be well for him to have an eye to a site, say for a two company cavalry post, while he is on the duty ordered in this letter. Lieutenant Frink will furnish Colonel Evans with three of the wagons and teams which he has just received at San Pedro for transportation. Lieutenant-Colonel Evans will make a written report of his labors, to be sent to General Wright, to whom I forward a copy of this letter.

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

JAMES H. CARLETON,

Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 939]

Special Orders,            )                                   Hdqrs. Fifth Infty. California Vols.,

No. 7.                          )                                               Canp Latham, March 18, 1862.

            Lieut. Col. George S. Evans, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will proceed at once via Fort Tejon and Tejon Reservation, Walker's Basin, to Owen's Lake, and inquire into the truth of the matter set forth in the letter of W. A. Greenly to Mr. Bishop (a copy of which is herewith inclosed).[1] Lieutenant-Colonel Evans will have for an escort Captain Winne, Second Lieutenant Oliver, and First Lieutenant French, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, and forty men picked from the three companies of cavalry California volunteers at this camp, and will leave Camp Latham for Owen's Lake Wednesday morning, the 19^th instant. The party will take forty days' rations and 100 rounds of ammunition. Lieutenant Frink, acting regimental quartermaster, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, will furnish them wagons and teams for the transportation of Lieutenant-Colonel Evans' command. For the guidance of Lieutenant-Colonel Evans in the premises, I herewith inclose a copy of letter of instructions to me March 17, 1862, by Colonel Carleton, commanding the District of Southern California.

G. W. BOWIE,

Colonel Fifth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Camp Latham.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 942]

Adjutant-General's Office,

March 21, 1862.

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

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

            The Secretary of War directs you to make the necessary preparations and disposition of your troops to protect emigrants and the Overland Mail Route from Indian hostilities and depredations. Report what you can do. Can Colonel Carleton have the immediate direction ?

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 947]

San Francisco, Cal., March 22, 1862.

Orion Clemens,

            Acting Governor, Carson City, Nev. Ter. :

            The general will not consent to send any troops to Owen's River.

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

San Francisco, Cal., March 22, 1862.

Capt. E. A. Rowe,

            Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:

            No troops will be sent to Owen's River.

            By order :

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, pp. 953-954]

San Francisco, Cal., March 26, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

            Adjutant General U. S. Army, Washington City:

            Your dispatch of 21st received. I had previously ordered Colonel Cornelius to prepare his regiment, six companies of Oregon cavalry, to move into the Walla Walla country, and thence to the mining districts; and as the season advances to move toward Fort Hall, to protect the emigrants. I conferred with Mr. Crawford on the subject. I can give protection to the Overland Mail Route as far as Salt Lake or Fort Bridger. I have two companies of cavalry now at Fort Churchill, and I have three companies of cavalry and six of volunteer infantry available and ready to move as soon as the roads are passable. I have an active and reliable colonel of volunteers, well suited for this service. Colonel Carleton is in Southern California, and moving as fast as the miry roads will permit toward Fort Yuma, with his expeditionary forces. He cannot be spared from that command.

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

Wells, Fargo & Co., Express and Exchange Company,

San Francisco, March 20, 1862.

General Wright,

            Commanding Department of the Pacific:

            Dear Sir: Your note of this a. m. at hand. I have no advices indicating the necessity of the immediate movement of troops on to the overland route. In the present condition of the roads you would find great difficulty in moving troops over the Sierras, and an impossibility to haul wagons. The Overland Company expect that troops will be permanently stationed on the mail route for the protection of the mails and treasure, especially the latter. I cannot leave my office to-day, but will call on you to-morrow a. m.

            Respectfully yours,

LOUIS McLANE.

__________

From OR I-50-1, pp. 956-957]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, March 27, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General: Inclosed herewith is a copy of a telegraphic dispatch which I had the honor to transmit to you yesterday in reply to yours of the 21st instant. The propriety of my making arrangements for the protection of the emigrants as they approach my department had already received my careful consideration. The organization of the six companies of Oregon cavalry, under the command of Colonel Cornelius, it is expected, will be completed early in April. Two of those companies have been raised in the northern section of that State and four in the southern. The latter I have directed the colonel to order north as soon as the roads are passable, and then to prepare his whole command to march to Fort Walla Walla. The presence of troops in the mining districts of the Nez Perce and Salmon River countries will be absolutely necessary to preserve peace between our people and the Indians. The extravagant reports of the richness of those mines has created the wildest enthusiasm, and already a large number of men have gone from here to the Columbia River to be in readiness to move to the mines as soon as the route is practicable. As the emigrants approach this department it is certain that a large portion of them will be attracted to the mines in Oregon and Territory of Washington, and I propose, as the summer advances, to throw forward to the vicinity of Fort Hall, or farther, if necessary, a squadron or two of cavalry to afford them protection through the Snake River country. I have conferred with Mr. Crawford, the gentleman appointed to conduct the overland emigration. He is well acquainted with the route and fully understands the arrangements to be made for his safe passage through the Indian country. The protection of the Overland Mail Route will be provided for at the earliest moment practicable. At this moment neither troops nor supplies can cross the mountains without subjecting the Government to an enormous expense, which I do not deem it proper to incur unless an emergency should arise making it necessary. I have conferred with Mr. Louis McLane on this subject, and copy of a note he addressed me yesterday, and herewith inclosed,[3] will show you that no immediate danger is apprehended. The instructions of the Secretary of War will be carried out as soon as practicable. I believe that ample protection can be given to the overland mail as far east as Salt Lake by the force I have reported as available at once for that purpose, viz, five companies of cavalry and six of infantry; should it, however, be found insufficient, it can be increased. In the present aspect of our foreign relations, prudential considerations require that a strong force should be kept at or near this city. I have now three companies of artillery and one of the Ninth Infantry in the two permanent forts, I have seven companies of the Ninth Infantry at the Presidio, but they are very much reduced, one of them having just returned from the East, with only its non-commissioned officers, and 100 of our best men being on the escort of Lieutenant Mullan's wagon-road expedition. The three companies of cavalry near this city and the six companies of the Third Infantry California Volunteers, now at Benicia Barracks, I design for the overland mail protection. I have the headquarters and five companies of the Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, encamped at Sacramento. I shall soon move them down to Benicia or in the neighborhood of this city, according to circumstances. In the southern district Colonel Carleton is advancing on Fort Yuma with his own regiment (First Infantry) and First Cavalry (five companies), and the Light Battery Company A, Third Artillery. The roads are still in a bad condition, and loaded wagons cannot move. I have also now in the southern district the Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Colonel Bowie, and four companies of the Second Cavalry. Colonel Bowie will be left in command of that district after the advance of Carleton.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

_________

From OR I-50-1, pp. 959-960]

San Francisco, March 27, 1862.

Col. A. Cady,

            Commanding District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:

            My Dear Sir: Our city is jubilant over the good news constantly pouring in from the East. Everything is going on well there. In this department I am annoyed and worried to death by the irregularities reported of officers at remote posts. They seem to think that there is no responsibility resting on them; that the funds and public property intrusted to them is for their personal benefit, and the difficulty is that they are so far off that a great injury is accomplished before I can apply the corrective. But all such may rest assured that a day of reckoning will surely come, when they will be dealt with without gloves. Carleton has been delayed long by the terrible roads, over which wagons cannot pass. He is advancing his expeditionary forces to Fort Yuma as fast as possible. I received a telegraphic dispatch yesterday from Secretary of War, directing me to make preparations to protect the Overland Mail Route, and also the emigrants expected over this season. I have reduced Cornelius to six companies of cavalry, and ordered him to collect them together in the Willamette Valley, with a view of moving into the Walla Walla country and thence to the mining districts, and as the season advances to throw forward troops toward Fort Hall to meet the emigrants. Steinberger has about 250 very good men on Alcatraz Island. He will organize four companies there, and in a few weeks proceed with them to Vancouver. I shall place him then in command of your district. I am very anxious to have thorough inspection made of the posts in your district, as well as those down this way. We want those staff departments critically examined by some officer who understands the business, and all evil doers suspended at once. I hope it will be agreeable to you, if you are well enough, to make these tours of inspection. If necessary, I will send an officer with you to assist. I intend to give the inspector extraordinary powers to relieve, arrest, remove, or do anything that will promptly arrest these depredations on public property. Do not hesitate now to take any measures you may deem advisable in this business, and I will sustain you. I am determined to put a stop to these rascalities, cost what it may.

            With great regard, yours, very truly,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

__________

[From OR-I-50-1, p. 961]

Headquarters District of Southern California,

Los Angeles, Cal., March 29, 1862.

Lieut. Col. J. R. West,

            First Infty. California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Wright, Cal.:

            Colonel: Some days since I caused a supply of potatoes to be sent to Camp Wright for the use of your command. The soldiers at this season of the year should be directed to gather, cook, and eat for anti-scorbutics a plenty of greens. Young nettles, young mustard, lamb's-quarters, and other varieties of plants make good greens, and can be found, doubtless, in your immediate vicinity, or, say, within twelve or fifteen miles. A liberal use of these articles will soon freshen the blood of the troops and remove any scorbutic taint. Have this matter attended to without delay. I cannot tell what the Overland Mail Company paid for hay at the points named in my letter, but it was doubtless a fair price, and would be a fair criterion of what the United States should pay at those places. Mr. Louis McLane has the data. Mr. Williams may be engaged to put twenty-five tons of hay at Carriso Creek at the price named in your note, and five tons at San Felipe at $50, and eight at Vallecito at $50, commencing with that at Carriso Creek, provided he does it at once; otherwise I do not want him to cut it at any price.

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

JAMES H. CARLETON,

Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.

­­­­­­__________

[From OR-I-50-1, pp. 46-49]

MARCH 19-APRIL 28, 1862.—Expedition from Camp Latham to Owen's River, Cal., with skirmish (April 8) near Bishop's Creek, in the Owen's River Valley.

Report of Lieut. Col. George S. Evans, Second California Cavalry.

Camp Latham, April 29, 1862.

Maj. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco:

            Major: Inclosed I have the honor to forward a report of my expedition to Owen's River, pursuant to Special Orders, No. 7, issued by Col. George W. Bowie, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers.

            Hoping that my action in the premises may meet the approbation of the general commanding the Department of the Pacific, I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. EVANS,

Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers.

Camp Latham, April 29, 1862.

            Major : In pursuance of Special Orders, No. 7, a copy of which is hereto annexed, I have the honor to forward through you to the general commanding the Department of the Pacific the following report: I started from Los Angeles on the 19th day of March, 1862, and arrived at Owen's Lake on the 2d day of April, a distance, as laid down by the map of the country, made by Captain Davidson, of the U. S. Army, at 302 miles. On the 4th day of April I reached Putnam's Store, or what is known now as The Fort, situated on Pine Creek, forty- three miles above Owen's Lake. Here I found some twelve or fifteen men and some women and children, and learned, for the first time, something of the real condition of affairs in the valley and of the difficulties with the Indians. I found that the settlers had for some considerable time been threatened by the Indians, and been hemmed in at The Fort, so called ; that the Indians had collected together several hundred warriors, and had threatened to kill every white man in the valley ; that they claimed that the country east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and particularly Owen's River Valley, belonged to them, and said that no white man should live there ; that they had killed two men that were known of, one by the name of Taylor and one known as Yank, and had burned every house and everything in the shape of improvements in the lower part of the valley. I also learned that some time about the 20th of March there had been a fight at the Lone Pine between twenty white men, under command of Captain Anderson, of Aurora, and about forty Indians, in which engagement 11 Indians were killed and 3 white men wounded; that since that time some assistance had arrived from Visalia and Aurora, and that some sixty men had started up two days before my arrival at The Fort to give the Indians battle. I immediately prepared to move on to their assistance. I left Captain Winne with seven men in charge of wagons and to assist in protecting The Fort ; took twelve of my best mules, packed them, and started up the valley on the morning of April 5. On the 6th, at about 9 a, m., I met the citizen soldiers retreating back for The Fort. I stopped them and we camped together at what is known as Big Pine Creek, about thirty miles above The Fort. Here we found and buried the bodies of two men, a Mr. Talman and a Mr. Hanson, who had been killed by the Indians apparently some two weeks previous when on the way down from Aurora. I learned from the citizen soldiers that they had come upon the Indians the day before, about twenty miles above; had given them battle and got badly whipped; that the Indians, numbering some 400 or 500, a great many of them with good fire-arms, had come out of the cañons and mountain ravines and charged them, attempting to surround them, and had driven the whites back some two miles to a stich, which they took possession of, and with the advantage of which they had managed to keep the Indians off until night, when undercover of the darkness they made good their retreat to where I met them, losing 3 men, 18 horses and mules, and all their provisions. After hearing this statement of facts I told Colonel Mayfield, who was in charge or command of the citizen soldiers, that I intended going on in the morning, and that if there were as many Indians as represented my force of thirty-three men would be a very small one to contend against them and would therefore like to have his men go with me. On the 7th, when I got ready to march. Colonel Mayfield reported to me with about forty men, the rest having declined returning. With this force I moved on, and when within eight miles of the battle-ground I saw moving objects some three miles off to my right. I immediately halted the command and sent Lieutenant French out with five men to reconnoiter and report the result. He soon returned and reported it to be Lieutenant Noble, of Company A, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, with fifty men from Fort Churchill on his way down to Putnam's Store to the relief of the citizens. After halting until Lieutenant Noble's command came up, I moved on to the battle-ground, which I reached about 3 p. m. Found no Indians. Moved on three miles to Bishop's Pine Creek and camped for the night. I then sent down and had the bodies of the killed brought up and buried on the south bank of the creek.

            April 8, I sent out scouts in three different parties of five each to look for the Indian trail. At about 1 p. m. I met one of the scouts, sent back by Lieutenant Oliver, who reported the Indians to be in force about twelve miles from there. I moved the command on briskly, and arrived on the ground where the Indians were supposed to be at 3 p. m., but found no Indians, they having scattered at our approach and took to the hills like partridges, and after riding two hours over the hills in a pitiless hail-storm, was compelled to go back into the valley to camp for the night without catching an Indian. April 9, left camp at sunup, and had traveled some three miles when I saw my scouts off to my left about entering a cañon. I immediately halted the command to await the result of their investigation, but had halted but a few moments when I heard the report of fire-arms. I immediately ordered Lieutenant French with twenty men to move up on a gallop, the rest of the command moving up at the same time at a more moderate gait until we met the scouts, who reported that they had been fired upon by the Indians; that Private Gillespie, of Company A, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, was killed, and Corporal Harris, of the same company and regiment, wounded. I then moved the men up to within 400 yards of the mouth of the cañon, dismounted, and prepared to fight on foot. Upon an examination of the ground or stronghold selected by the Indians, I was fearful that it would be an impossibility to dislodge them without the aid of a mountain howitzer, but still could not know the fact without making the attempt. In order to recover the body of Private Gillespie that had been left in the cañon where killed, and at the same time to determine by actual experiment the possibility or impossibility of ascending the mountain and getting at the Indians, it was necessary to get possession of the points covering the mouth of the cañon, so I ordered Lieutenant Noble and Lieutenant Oliver with forty men to ascend the point on the left, while I took Lieutenant French and forty men to the right, leaving nearly forty men to guard the animals and the mouth of the cañon. After getting upon the first points, which had to be ascended under a brisk fire from an unseen enemy, I found that the Indians numbered from 500 to 700, had a great many good guns among them, and were in possession among the rocks clear up to the top of the tallest mountains, in places, too, that could scarcely be reached with ladders, and that there was no possible chance of getting to them, for, after pulling and tugging for an hour to get up to a ledge of rocks from which I could see the smoke of their rifles, when I reached it there was no Indian there, but I could see the smoke of his gun from a ledge still higher up, and so, after laboring industriously for two hours, climbing over almost impassable points, I saw that it would be madness and no less than murder to attempt to go any farther; that I could do nothing but get half of my men killed without as much as getting a fair shot at an Indian, and was necessarily compelled to order the men to fall back, in thus reconnoitering and recovering the body of Private Gillespie from the cañon. Colonel Mayfield was killed, and being a large, heavy man, weighing over 200 pounds, the men, after carrying him some 100 yards down the mountain, were compelled to leave his body or get more killed or wounded in bearing it off. After returning to the horses and trying for some time without avail to get the Indians out into the valley, I fell back to Bishop's  Creek and camped for the night.

            April 10, being almost entirely out of provisions, having furnished flour, &c., to the citizens who were entirely out all through the valley, and being near 400 miles from Camp Latham, where I was expected to be by the 28th, I found that I must be retracing my steps and so intimated to the citizens, whereupon the settlers and stock owners waited upon me and claimed the protection of the Government for themselves and property. I explained to them my position ; that I had no authority to leave any troops with them, and had no provisions for them to live upon if I had the authority, but that I would go with them to The Fort and there remain until they could get their cattle up and separate them; that those who wished to go to Aurora or Carson Valley could go under escort of Lieutenant Noble and his command and those who wished to go to Visalia or Los Angeles could go with me, which arrangement seemed to be satisfactory. I reached The Fort on the 11th of April and on the 13th moved down the river a few miles to good grass, leaving Lieutenant Noble and command at The Fort. On the 14th all the parties desiring to go south came up and I moved on. I reached Soldiers' Wells, a few miles east of Walker's Pass, on the 20th, nothing interesting occurring on the route except the Indians stealing a few of the citizens' cattle. At this point we parted company, the citizens going in over the pass to Kern River, whilst I started to look out a new road or cut-off.

            I left the Soldiers' Wells at sunup on the 21st and traveled due south over a sagebrush and grease wood table land some sixteen miles, when I came to the head of a large open cañon running north and south, which I went down six miles and came to water and grass. From this point I still kept down the cañon three miles to its mouth, which came out into an open desert plain. Here I turned to the westward and traveled five miles to the old road, at the point where it starts into Kelso Cañon to go through on to Kern River, thus traveling in one day what it took me over four days to travel in going up by the way of Kern River and Walker's Pass. This new route to Owen's Lake shortens the road from Los Angeles, without doubt, seventy miles, and is much the best road and can be traveled at all seasons of the year.

            I arrived at Camp Latham on the 28th of April, having been out forty-one days and traveled some 800 miles over, at this season of the year, one of the roughest countries to travel through that there is in California, encountering snowstorms, hail, rain, and windy, freezing weather alternately from the time that I reached Kern River in going up until I passed over, or rather through, the mountains on my return. From all the information that I could get and from what I know of my own knowledge, I am of the opinion that the Owen's River Indians, together with detachments from the Tejon, Tulare, and Mono Indians, and some of the Piutes, have banded together, numbering not far from 800 to 1,000 warriors; that they have 100 or more good guns, and are determined to carry out their threat that no white man should live in the valley. As an earnest of their sincerity in making the threat they have burnt and destroyed every house and improvement of the whites from Walker's Pass through to as far as I went (and that was to the extreme head of Owen's River Valley and within fifty miles of Mono Lake); have killed nine white men that have been found and buried, and, I have no doubt, others that have not yet been found. They have killed at least 1,000 head of cattle, and have been drying the meat and preparing evidently for a long war, and to-day there is not a white soul left living in the valley. The mining interests of that section are too great for the whites to give it up tamely. Some two or three mills have already been erected, and the machinery was on the ground and upon the road for several more ; and there are now stopped on Kern River, by reason of these Indian difficulties, perhaps not less than 100 people who were en route for the Coso and other mines in that section, with thousands of dollars' worth of property, all awaiting the action of the Government in sending out troops and establishing a post in the valley for their protection. Again, the Owen's River Valley is the great thoroughfare and only route, except to go around by Placerville, through which the growing trade and travel of this southern country must pass in and to the Esmeralda and Washoe districts, and upon which the people of Esmeralda are almost entirely dependent for their beef and other fresh meats. In consideration of these facts and in compliance with my instructions, I would most respectfully urge the necessity of a military post being established in the valley, and recommend Big Pine Creek as the most eligible location. Big Pine Creek is a large, bold stream of water making out of the eastern slope of the Sierras and emptying into Owen's River on its western bank, furnishing line water-power for machinery and running through one of the finest bodies of land that there is in the valley, where tons upon tons of hay could be cut in its season. Again, it is situated about the center of the valley, or rather is about midway between Walker's Pass and Esmeralda, and is adjacent to good stone and timber for building purposes.

            In conclusion I beg leave to say that the officers and men, both of the detachment from Fort Churchill and of the escort from Camp Latham, behaved with great coolness and bravery under fire, and bore the hardships of the trip, living on fresh beef alone as they did a portion of the time without a murmur, showing at all times a willingness to obey orders and do whatever was required to be done, either night or day, even to acting as mules and assisting in hauling the wagons when the worn-out, condemned mules (all I could get for the trip) could not. That is worthy of all praise.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. EVANS,

Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers.

__________

[From OR-I-50-1, pp. 966-967]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, March 31, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General : As the spring opens we have as usual the annually recurring reports of the difficulties with the Indians in the interior. From Fort Churchill I have just sent a detachment of 50 cavalry south about 100 miles to the town of Aurora and Owen's River to protect our people in that quarter, and to see that justice is done to the Indians. About two weeks ago a difficulty occurred between four white men and the same number of Indians; the latter were in the search of some horses which they bad lost. The result was that the Indians were all killed. Reports from that country represent that the whites were in the wrong; probably they were, but I cannot let the innocent suffer for the guilty. I am compelled to send troops to preserve the peace. The Mono Indians on Owen's River have always been considered a very harmless and quiet people, but they are numerous and highly excited at this time, and may possibly give us some trouble. I propose to send a squadron of cavalry from Southern California through the Owen's River district as soon as the mountains are passable. I have also reports of murders by Indians some 200 miles north of Carson City, Nev. Ter., and also east of Fort Dalles in the Snake River country but as yet nothing reliable. In the District of Humboldt, Colonel Lippitt, the commander, is in the field with most of his troops making every effort to collect all the Indians, and placing them on the reservations. Independent of our Indian disturbances the country is quiet.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding

__________

[From OR-I-50-1, p. 968]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., March 31, 1862.

Col. James H. Carleton,

            First Infantry California Volunteers,

                        Comdg. Dist. of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal.:

            Sir: The general commanding the department desires you to prepare a squadron of Second Cavalry to make an expedition through the Mono country. This force will move as soon as the roads in that direction are passable, and will be commanded by an active and reliable officer.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR I-50-1, p. 972]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,

San Francisco, Cal., March 31, 1862.

Maj. Charles McDermit,

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

            Sir : Your dispatch relative to the detachment sent to Owen's River was received this morning. It is the general's desire, and you will so order, that Captain Rowe should command the expedition. This command will remain at Aurora until further orders from these headquarters. Should you desire further instructions as to the purposes of this expedition they will be furnished you.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[From OR-I-50-1, p. 1003]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., April 11, 1862.

Col. James H. Carleton,

            First Infantry California Volunteers,

                        Comdg. Dist. of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal.:

            Colonel : I do not wish you to send out any new expedition to the Mono country until you shall have received reports from Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, when you can exercise your own judgment in the matter.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[From OR-I-50-1, pp. 1011-1012]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, April 18, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General: After a conference with Governor Nye, I have ordered a company of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers to cross the mountains via the Overland Mail Route to Carson City and then proceed to the neighborhood of Pyramid Lake for the purpose of maintaining peace between the white people and Indians in that quarter. This company is destined to form a portion of the command for the protection of the overland route. Some time since a detachment of fifty cavalry was sent from Fort Churchill south to the Mono country, and about the same time Colonel Carleton dispatched a like force from the southern district to the same point. I have no late intelligence from those commands but I have no doubt that the difficulties between the white people and the Indians will be settled. In the District of Humboldt our Indian difficulties have assumed a more serious aspect. Colonel Lippitt, the commander, is active, energetic, and zealous, and with the additional troops I am sending to him I am confident of his ultimate success. The face of the country presents almost insurmountable obstacles to rapid movement. The Indians are very numerous, but nomadic, and prowling about in small bands committing depredations at every exposed point. They will not unite in any large numbers for a fight, hence the necessity of dividing and subdividing our commands m order to accomplish anything. Should we succeed in collecting together all or most of those Indians the question then comes up, what is to be done with them ? If we place them on the reservations in that country we know that they cannot be kept there securely. They will run back to their native wilds in spite of guards. The only way to dispose of them that occurs to me now is to colonize them on some of the islands near this coast. In the District of Oregon all is quiet.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[From OR-I-50-1, pp. 1022-1026]

Report on measures taken to make secure the Overland Mail Route to California.

Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, April 24, 1862.

            First. November 13, 1861, Major-General McClellan directed Brigadier-General Wright to order the necessary force, two or three regiments— if possible, under Colonel Carleton—to protect the Overland Mail Route, and to confer with Louis McLane, esq., about the location of the troops.

            Second. General Wright's reply, marked A,[4] shows the season to be too late to send troops and supplies, reports he has agreed with the Governor of Nevada to issue provisions from Fort Churchill (Carson's Valley) to the Indians, and the Governor and himself feel sure that measure will keep the Indians quiet and the route secure until spring. The Governor's letter is inclosed in General Wright's.

            Third. December 10, 1861, General Wright reports the Overland Mail Route cannot be depended on because of storms of rain and snow, and suggests sending letters by sea through express (marked B.[5])

            Fourth. January 9, 1862, General Wright alludes to apprehensions of Indian hostilities on the overland route, but says quiet has thus far been preserved, and the issue of provisions has had a good effect (marked C[6]).

            Fifth. March 21, 1862, orders were sent from the Secretary of War to Brigadier-General Wright to make necessary preparations and disposition of his troops to protect emigrants and the Overland Mail Route from Indian hostilities and depredations, a report called for of what he could do, and whether Colonel Carleton could have the immediate direction.

            Sixth. General Wright's reply, marked D,[7] received this day by mail, reports five companies of cavalry (of which two are at Fort Churchill) and six of infantry ready to move on the overland route as soon as the season will permit, and says he can protect the route as far as Salt Lake or Fort Bridger. Mr. McLane's note inclosed says the Overland Company expect that troops will be permanently stationed on the mail route for the protection of the mails and treasure. This ends the report as far as the Department of the Pacific is concerned.

            Seventh. February 26, 1862, the commander of Fort Kearny was ordered to "give protection to the stock and property of the Overland Mail Company and not allow any interference in carrying the U. S. mails, under color of any civil authority or pretense whatever." Copy of this was sent to General Hunter, commanding Department of Kansas.

            Eighth. April 2, 1862, the following dispatch was sent to Col. E. B. Alexander, Tenth U. S. Infantry, at Fort Laramie:

            Complaints are made that yon have neglected to furnish men and arms for protection to the Overland Mail Route. The Secretary of War now peremptorily directs that you afford every necessary protection in men and means, also report why this has not been previously done.

            Ninth. Colonel Alexander's reply (marked E) does not believe in reports of Indian hostilities near his post. Will not trust employes of the mail company because many are secessionists. Refers to report of March 2 (which should be 22d) for reasons why he did not send men and arms.

            Tenth. Colonel Alexander's report of March 22 (marked F.)

            Eleventh. April 10, 1862, the following dispatch was sent to General Denver, commanding at Fort Leavenworth:

            The Secretary of War directs that you afford every necessary protection to the Overland Mail Route against Indians and other depredations.

            Twelfth. And the following was sent to the same officer April 11, 1862:

            "Send daily a stage load of soldiers from Leavenworth or Atchison, or any nearer point, until each station in the Indian country where depredations are committed shall have ample protection. Let rations he furnished from Laramie and Kearny or until other arrangements can be made by the Overland Company, with whom the Government can settle afterwards. The Secretary desires everything in your power to be done to give the fullest protection to the Overland Mail Route."

            There are no mounted troops in the vicinity and considerable time would elapse before they could be placed in position to guard the part of the mail route said to be subject to molestation, which is nearer Salt Lake than Fort Laramie. The suggestion of the acting Governor and other civil functionaries of Utah that a regiment of mounted men be raised in that Territory is not concurred in because it is not supposed so large a force is necessary. The proposition of Senator Latham, deemed by him most expedient and reasonable, is that Brigham Young be authorized to raise, arm, and equip a company of 100 mounted men for not less than three months, to protect the mail and route, and the telegraph line west of Salt Lake near Independence Rock, from Indian depredations and to recover the stock and property of the mail company which has been stolen. From the personal interest Brigham Young is said to have in the telegraphic communication with Salt Lake and from his known influence over his own people, and over the Indian tribes around, this plan is supposed to offer the most expeditious and economical remedy to the obstructions to the mail route. The objection to this plan is that Brigham Young is not a functionary recognized by the United States Government, and a requisition for volunteers from Utah should be made upon the Governor of the Territory. There are two companies of the Third Regular Cavalry, paroled men, now at Detroit. These might be mounted and sent to the point where troops are required, but a considerable time would elapse before they could reach there.

            Respectfully submitted.

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters Camp Drum,

Near New San Pedro, Cal., April 24, 1862.

Capt. R. W. KlRKHAM,

            Assistant Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.,

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

            Captain : I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter from Capt. William Jones, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, with a communication from a Mr. W. L. Kennedy in relation to the expedition to Owen's Lake under Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Second Cavalry California Volunteers. There is nothing left on record at this post to show the nature of Colonel Evans' instructions or duties, &c. I sent this day to Captain Jones, commanding at Camp Latham, a six-mule team and wagon and twelve aparejos. The depot quartermaster at the depot at New San Pedro also turned over to-day to the acting assistant quartermaster at Camp Latham nineteen mules, considered as unserviceable, however, being left by Capt. T. Moore, assistant quartermaster, as such. Being on special duty here I cannot of course take any action in regard to the relief of Colonel Evans, but I suppose Captain Jones, who is au officer of good judgment, will send to his relief.  I sent a message to-day to Captain Jones to report to the general commanding such facts as he was in possession of in regard to this affair, and to report such action as he might take in the premises. Colonel Evans has not been heard from officially since he left. The parties certifying to the reliability of Mr. Kennedy are themselves entitled to consideration as to respectability and credibility, I believe.

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

D. FERGUSSON,

Major, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.

            P. S.—Though this is not the proper mode of asking it, I would, in view of the urgency of the case, respectfully request the orders of the commanding general for two trumpets for the First Cavalry California Volunteers, to be sent by the Senator on her next trip. They are indispensable. Lieutenant Morgan, acting assistant quartermaster at New San Pedro, will receipt for them. Requisitions have been forwarded for these articles heretofore to no avail.

D. F.

[Indorsement.]

            Send Major Fergusson the trumpets if to be had.

G. W[RIGHT].

[inclosure.]

Camp Latham, April 23, 1862.

Maj. D. Fergusson,

            First Cavalry California Vols., Commanding Camp Drum, Cal. :

            MAJOR: Inclosed I send you a letter just received from a man direct from Owen's Lake. If transportation can be furnished I can send an escort with provisions to meet Colonel Evans' command. The information seems to be reliable. He gave the name of the sergeant correctly who is said to be wounded. I have no doubt but the command is in want of provisions, as they were poorly provided, and the time is nearly up for which they took rations. I await your commands.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. JONES,

Captain, Second Cav. California Vols., Comdg. Camp Latham, Cal.

[Sub-inclosure.]

Los Angeles, April 23, 1862.

Maj. D. Fergusson,

            Commanding Camp Drum :

            Sir: I arrived here last evening, having left Keysville (within ninety miles of Owen's Lake) on Sunday morning last. On Saturday (19th) Doctor Owens, who was temporarily attached to Lieutenant-Colonel Evans' command while in Owen's Valley, informed me that a party of citizens, sixty men, had a fight with the Indians of the valley on the 5th instant, in which they were defeated with the loss of three men killed, viz, Mr. Pleasants, Mr. Morrison, and Mr. Scott, the last named the sheriff of Mono County. They made good their retreat under cover of the night, going down the valley, and joined Lieutenant- Colonel Evans' command the following day. On the 9th instant Lieutenant Colonel Evans' command, with fifty dragoons from Fort Churchill and some thirty citizens, attacked the Indians, who were posted in a strong position on the top of a very steep hill, and were repulsed with the loss of Colonel Mayfield, who commanded the company of citizens, and Sergeant McKenzie, of Lieutenant-Colonel Evans' command, and a private whose name I don't know, of the same command, badly wounded. Previous to the first fight the bodies of two men were found on the road (near the scene of the fight) murdered by the Indians, and four more men who were on the road coming south were attacked and barely escaped with their lives to Aurora, two of the party being badly wounded. The command from Fort Churchill have returned in that direction, escorting a large number of cattle and sheep. When last heard from (about the 11th instant) Lieutenant Colonel Evans' command was at Owen's Lake coming this way, guarding what stock remained in the lower portion of Owen's Valley, and at that time was living on beef, the supply of provisions they had taken from here having been exhausted some time before. The whole of Owen's Valley, with the different mining camps in that vicinity, together with the improvements of the settlers in Owen's Valley and the valuable machinery in the mines, is entirely exposed to the attacks of the Indians, and within sixty or eighty miles of Owen's Lake there is an immigration of about fifty large wagons (going to Aurora, Mono County) loaded with valuable goods and machinery which can reach their destination by no other road than through Owen's Valley. Besides this there are also on the road a great many thousand head of cattle, sheep, and hogs for the same destination. I have forwarded by Captain Dummer, who leaves to-day, a more fully detailed account for the information of Colonel Carleton, commanding Southern District of California, at Camp Wright.

            I remain, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. KENNEDY.

[Indorsement.]

Los Angeles, April 23, 1862.

            We certify that we have read the within statement and know Mr. Kennedy, and know him to be a reliable man.

H. E. ALEXANDER.

J. B. WINSTON.

J. G. BARKER,

Sutler Fifth Infantry California Volunteers.

J. JONES.

BACHMAN & CO.

FLEISHMAN & SEIBEL.

__________

[From OR-I-50-1, p. 1030]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., April 25, 1862.

Capt. George F. Price,

            Comdg. Co. M, Second Cav. California Vols., Camp Alert, Cal, :

            Captain: I have lately received reports of Indian difficulties at or in the vicinity of Honey Lake, and deeming it necessary to send some troops to look after affairs in that quarter as well as the country around Pyramid Lake, I have ordered your company designated for this duty. The quartermaster's department has made arrangements for your transportation from this place by steamer to-morrow evening as far as Sacramento, and from that place you will march via the Placerville route to Carson City. An agent of the quartermaster will accompany you and furnish everything necessary for the movement. An order has been sent to the commanding officer at Fort Churchill to send to Carson City in wagons subsistence for your command for one month. After receiving your supplies I desire you to move with your command to Susanville, on Honey Lake, or to such point as you may deem your presence necessary. The main object of sending you is to restore peace between the white people and the Indians. Should you capture any of the latter who have been guilty of murder, robbery, etc., execute summary justice on them. I have generally found that by hanging a few of the worst Indians peace and quiet is soon restored. My instructions to you must necessarily be of a general character. Knowing your activity and zeal, coupled with a knowledge of that country, I take great pleasure in confiding to your judgment and management the entire business. Consult with Governor Nye and the leading citizens whom you may fall in with, and report frequently to these headquarters.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

pp. 1039-1040

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,

San Francisco, April 29, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General : The route of the overland mail will not be practicable for wagons before the end of May; in the meantime we are preparing the outfit for the troops designated for that line. The southern expedition under Colonel Carleton has drawn off all our extra means of transportation, and we shall be compelled to purchase wagons, mules, &c., here. The wagons are now being manufactured in this city. We are still embarrassed for want of funds; the credit of the Government, however, is good, but we must necessarily pay more than we should have to do if we had the cash in hand. The mail route at this moment, as far as the limits of this department, can be traveled in perfect safety; had it been otherwise, I would have forced a passage over the mountains and thrown troops on the line at any cost. I presume it is the design of the department to have troops distributed along the line to afford permanent protection for the mails and treasure. With the treasure, of course the escort would have to be continued all the way, and mounted troops would be required for this service monthly or semi-monthly. The distance from Sacramento to Fort Bridger is about 800 miles, and it will be important to have a careful examination of the whole route made and suitable points selected for posts. Ruby Valley is well spoken of; it is about midway between Fort Churchill and Camp Floyd. On the 15th proximo I shall advance Colonel Connor's command toward the mountains and have it prepared to cross as soon as possible. A year's supply of clothing, subsistence. &c., will be sent over as soon as the roads are in good order.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, April 30, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General: Colonel Steinberger sailed today for Fort Vancouver with the headquarters and four full companies of the First Infantry Washington Territory Volunteers, leaving in this city his lieutenant colonel to complete the enrollment of three more companies. The remaining three companies are being raised in the District of Oregon. On arriving at Fort Vancouver Colonel Steinberger, as the senior officer, will assume command of the District of Oregon; and as soon as practicable I have directed that the battalions of five companies each, of the Second and Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, shall be relieved by the troops of Colonel Steinberger's regiment. The Oregon cavalry regiment of six companies will be concentrated at Fort Walla Walla as soon as the route is open for service in the mining districts, and later in the season to be thrown forward toward Fort Hall to meet the emigrants, as I have previously advised you. On the 26th instant a company of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers commanded by Capt. George F. Price, left this city to proceed via Sacramento and Placerville to Carson City, and thence north to the vicinity of Honey and Pyramid Lakes, for the purpose of quelling a difficulty in that quarter between the whites and Indians. This company will afterward join the troops designated for the protection of the Overland Mail Route. Colonel Lippitt, commanding the District of Humboldt, is exerting himself to the utmost to maintain peace in that region. I have re-enforced him with the two companies of his regiment lately at Santa Barbara, and two other companies of his regiment now at Fort Vancouver will come down to Fort Humboldt on the return of the steamer now conveying Colonel Steinberger and his troops up the coast. South of Fort Churchill about 200 miles, on the Mono River, there has been a difficulty between our people and the Indians, and I had to send a detachment of cavalry from Fort Churchill and also a detachment from Los Angeles to the same point. I have no official report as yet from that quarter. I am under the impression, however, that it will be necessary to maintain a small command there during the summer. The excitement about the mines of the north is unabated; vast numbers are rushing to that region; every steamer and sail-vessel is crowded, and it will require great energy and prudence on the part of the commander of our troops to preserve peace in the Nez Perce and Salmon River countries during the summer.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1047]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., May 3, 1862.

Col. Ferris Forman,

            Fourth Infty. California Vols., Commanding U. S. Troops,

                        En route for Southern Dist, of Cal., San Francisco, Cal.:

            Colonel : I have received several deputations from the people living near Owen's Lake and River, and from those residing in the neighborhood of Lake Mono, representing their situation as critical, and asking that troops may be sent at once for their protection. 1 have not yet received any report from Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, but I learned unofficially that he was on his march back to Camp Latham. As soon as possible after your arrival in the southern district I wish a command of mounted troops dispatched for the Owen's Lake country to chastise those Indians and protect our people; the command to consist of the two companies of the Second Cavalry, or, if you deem it necessary, send these companies with an ample supply of ammunition and provisions for sixty days. I think it probable that we shall have to maintain a command in that country until fall. Lieut. Col. G. S. Evans, Second Cavalry, will command the expedition. If you have not public transportation which can be spared for the transportation of the supplies for the command the deficiency can be supplied by hiring private wagons. Take measures to keep the command supplied with at least one month's provisions in advance as long as it remains in the field. I have full confidence in the energy and ability of Lieutenant- Colonel Evans, and I expect those Indian difficulties to be brought to a speedy termination, and such punishment inflicted on the guilty as will prevent another Indian outbreak in that quarter.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-5-1, pp. 1058-1059]

Hdqrs. Fourth Infantry California Volunteers,

Camp Latham, May 8, 1862.

Capt. R. W. KIRKHAM,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

            Captain: I have the honor to report that immediately on my arrival at this post, in pursuance to instructions, I determined to dispatch Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Second California Cavalry, to Owen's River to command the troops to chastise the hostile Indians. You will judge of my surprise upon my arrival at Camp Latham to find the soldiers of his command were destitute of everything (nearly) pertaining to a soldier, excepting only commissary stores. Colonel Evans' command exhibits an aggregate of 204, of which number 114 are reported as duty men. To mount these men scarcely 100 horses are fit for service, a large number of the horses attached to the command having been previously condemned in First Cavalry and turned over to Second. To arm the command there are 114 pistols and only 2,000 pistol cartridges (navy revolvers). The Government has not a single team fit to be used in an expedition of this kind, but I have made arrangements to supply the same by private contract through my quartermaster, subject to be hereafter approved by the Quartermaster-General. Permit me to suggest that a mountain howitzer with the necessary ammunition should accompany the expedition, and that the deficiency in pistol cartridges should be immediately supplied, say 40,000, for neither of the above are to be found at Camp Latham or the depot at San Pedro—in fine, no ammunition of any kind is to be had this side of San Francisco or Benicia. Should my command be ordered forward at an early day 50,000 musket cartridges would not exceed our wants. I deem the force able to be put in the field totally inadequate to the purpose intended, yet I will start so many as can be moved at an early day, believing that the general commanding will concur with me in the necessity of re-enforcing them. I shall send no infantry with the expedition unless so directed, believing that the settlers of the valley will with alacrity supply any deficiency in that particular. In the article of pantaloons and shoes I have ordered Regimental Quartermaster Williamson to distribute to Second Cavalry any supplies he may have on hand, which will be probably sufficient for the present wants. In the estimate of men above, eighteen men and six non-commissioned officers are to be deducted, by order of Colonel Carleton, to be distributed along the line from Camp Wright to Fort Yuma to act as vedettes. I think of nothing more at present to suggest in relation to the Owen's River expedition. I have spent a day in Los Angeles since my arrival at Camp Latham, and taken considerable pains to ascertain the state of things existing here, and should give it as my opinion that though the loyal sentiment is not in the ascendant, yet the disloyal sentiment is not to be dreaded. No man of sense here doubts the loyalty of Colonel Carleton, yet under him many contracts have been given to parties not friendly to the Government. Whether this could fairly have been avoided I have no means of judging. I fear the command of Colonel Evans has been greatly weakened to strengthen the command under the immediate supervision of Colonel Carleton. Military necessity doubtless required this, but the facts are as I have stated. Your communication of April 28 only justifies me in being thus prolix.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. FORMAN,

Fourth Infantry California Volunteers.

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1065]

Headquarters District of Southern California,

Fort Yuma, Cal., May 11, 1862.

Lieut. Col. George S. Evans,

            Second Cavalry California Volunteers :

            Colonel: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your report[8] of your recent scout to the valley of Owen's Lake, and regret to learn that you found the Indians in that neighborhood in a state of hostility toward the whites. The general commanding the department, to whom I understand you forwarded a duplicate of your report, will doubtless give such orders in the case as in his opinion may be necessary to restore quiet to that part of the country. I take pleasure in assuring you that your operations were conducted with judgment, discretion, and gallantry, and in bearing testimony to the cheerfulness and courage of your men under great hardships, exposure, and peril.

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

JAMES H. CARLETON,

Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.

 

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1069]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, May 13, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General: I have just heard from Major Drum. He was at Fort Yuma on the last day of April; had completed his inspection, and would leave the same day on his return to these headquarters, inspecting the troops near Los Angeles and San Pedro on his way. Colonel Carleton was at Fort Yuma, pushing his troops forward into Arizona. The major, after inspecting the troops, says: "The troops are all in fine spirits, and anxious for the movement eastward;" and further, "It has fallen to the lot of few men to take into the field so well instructed a body of volunteer troops as compose Carleton's command." With such men and officers, I look for a speedy re establishment of our authority over Arizona and New Mexico. In Arizona it will be necessary to hold the country under a military governor until such time as the civil authorities can be reorganized. To-day I received a telegraphic dispatch from Governor Nye, at Carson City, Nev. Ter. The Indian disturbances at Honey Lake and that region of country have been quelled, and everything is quiet. Colonel Steinberger, First Infantry Washington Territory Volunteers, has reached Fort Vancouver with four full companies of his regiment, and assumed command of the District of Oregon. Colonel Lippitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, commanding the District of Humboldt, is at work energetically, bringing those Indians under subjection. The country is a difficult one to operate in, and it will take time to collect all those Indians and place them on reservations. A large assemblage of Indians at the Owen's Lake country, some 300 miles southeast from here, rendered it necessary to send a force of three companies of cavalry from Los Angeles to protect our people and their property and chastise the Indians. The country generally is quiet and prosperous. The sympathizers with the rebels are careful to keep within the pale of the law. The season is more than a month later than usual. The snow on the Sierra Nevada Mountains is very deep, and certainly not before the middle of June will it be possible for Colonel Connor, with his troops and supplies, to cross over toward Salt Lake.

            Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1071-1073]

Carson City, May 13, 1862—12.10 p. m.

Brigadier-General Wright,

            Commanding Pacific Coast:

            I understand the troops en route for this place are destined for Honey Lake. I have direct information from there that all is quiet. A fight there now will involve an Indian war throughout this Territory. Our Indians are all quiet, and I can keep them so if allowed to accompany the troops with presents. Strange troops among them unaccompanied by an agent of their department will, I fear, produce difficulty.

            Answer.

JAMES W. NYE.

__________

Carson City, Nev. Ter., May 14, 1862.

Capt. E. W. KIRKHAM,

            Asst. Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., San Francisco:

            Captain : I have the honor to report that I arrived in Carson City this day at 12 m. The command is in excellent condition. I have made the following marches since the 12th instant : From Strawberry Valley to Billy Mac's, 17 miles; from Billy Mac's to Van Syckle's, 15 miles; from Van Syckle's to Carson City, 15 miles; [total], 47 [miles]. Upon my arrival at this place I found, much to my disappointment, that neither wagons, forage, nor provisions were in waiting for me. It appears that there is a misunderstanding on the part of the commanding officer at Fort Churchill as to the movements of my command. He expected me to pass Fort Churchill and take my supplies from that place, and with this understanding on his part he sent me one day's rations to this place. Upon learning these facts I immediately started an express to Fort Churchill, requesting the commanding officer at that post to forward my supplies as speedily as possible to this place. I am credibly informed that the Government has no six-mule teams, nor any other kind of teams for me in this vicinity. I will go to Fort Churchill to-morrow. I would be much pleased if the general commanding the department would give me permission to take one of the small howitzers at Fort Churchill with my command. From the little knowledge I have of Indian warfare I think good service could be done with one of them, if occasion required. In the event of not being able to obtain teams at this place I will be compelled to engage a pack train and crowd through to Susanville in three days (110 miles), and rely upon the generosity of Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt to confirm my action. The general commanding instructed me to confer with Governor Nye and other leading citizens upon my arrival in the Territory. In obedience to these instructions I waited upon the Governor, and soon discovered that there were two parties in the Territory, to wit, the war party and the peace party. Governor Nye has urged upon me, and informs me that he has telegraphed the same in substance to the general, that the Indians are all peaceable, and will so remain if he is allowed to direct the business. If an attack is made upon any portion of them the entire Territory will be plunged into an Indian war, which will cause a great loss of life and property without securing any good result. He is very anxious to have me go to Pyramid Lake, he going with me, and there he will try to effect a meeting with the leading Indians, and by giving them presents, &c., secure a peace which will be permanent. He sets forth another fact which my own experience confirms, to wit, that the stealing time for the Indians is about gone by for this season. It is rarely that they disturb property in the summer when roots and berries are plentiful. Governor Nye also informed me that he had offered to muster into service a number of citizens of Honey Lake Valley and arm them, provided they would hold themselves subject to his orders. This they refused to do, desiring to have the arms and be allowed to fight upon their own responsibility, when and where they pleased. On the other hand it is urged by Mr. Isaac Roop and others [that the Indians) are very bad in that section of the Territory (Honey Lake Valley); that troops should be in that vicinity to protect the emigration, &c. If I may be permitted to make the remark here, I will say that the idea of having troops to protect the Humboldt route for the emigration this season will naturally cause the emigrants to travel that route, thereby greatly benefiting the town of Susanville and Honey Lake Valley. Unless all other routes into Nevada and California are protected by troops I infer that this portion of their argument falls to the ground. Such is in substance the results of my first interview with Governor Nye, and of conversations with Mr. Roop and others. I will be able to fully understand the whole affair upon my arrival at Susanville. I have in a former communication referred to the admirable manner in which Mr. Wyse, quartermaster's agent, has discharged the duties devolving upon him in connection with the command, and I cannot refrain from again, at the close of my official intercourse with him, expressing my entire satisfaction with his conduct of business. His knowledge of the road, suitable camping grounds, and economy in the transaction of business have been of much value to me. I will communicate again with the department before leaving this place.

            I am, with much respect, your obedient servant,

GEO. F. PRICE,

Captain, Comdg. Company M, Second California Vol. Cavalry.

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1076]

San Francisco, May 16, 1862—11.40 a. m.

Capt. George F. Price,

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

            Limit your movements to points where your presence may be necessary, escorting the Governor to talk and make presents to Indians. Economize your forage. We can send none from here. Purchase as little as possible. Graze your horses.

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1080-1081]

Carson City, Nev. Ter., May 18, 1862.

Capt. R. W. KIRKHAM, U. S. Army,

            Asst. Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.,

                        San Francisco, Cal.:

            Captain : I have the honor to respectfully report that I received a telegraphic dispatch from the general commanding, under date of May 16, 1862, 11.40 a. m., directing me to confine my movements to such points as rendered my presence necessary, and to escort the Governor of Nevada Territory to such Indians as he desired to visit. I proceeded to Fort Churchill on the l5th instant, leaving my command at this place, and obtained from the commanding officer of the post two six-mule teams (all that he had at the fort) and thirty days' rations, and returned to this place yesterday evening, when I received the telegraphic dispatch above referred to. The commanding officer at Fort Churchill failed to receive any orders from headquarters relative to my movements, hence the delay in securing transportation and supplies. After receiving the telegraphic dispatch from the general commanding I immediately had an interview with Governor Nye. There were also present with us, Maj. Charles McDermit, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, commanding Fort Churchill, and Mr. Wassen, acting Indian agent. Mr. Wassen informed us that he had made arrangements to meet the Pyramid Lake Indians (Pah-Utes) and make them certain presents. The Indians desired to see the military officers, when he told them that if the officers came the soldiers would have to come also. To this the Indians consented. Governor Nye and Mr. Wassen were very anxious that I should move with my command to the place of rendezvous agreed upon with the Indians. The interview resulted in determining me to move with the command to Pyramid Lake via Fort Churchill, effect a treaty with the Indians, and thus prevent any troubles in that section of the Territory. Understanding from the general's orders, as well as from my own experience, that peace is more desirable than an Indian war, I the more readily concurred in many of the excellent suggestions of the acting Indian agent, whose long residence in the Territory has made him familiar with the Washoe and Pah-Ute tribes. There are many Indian chiefs in these two tribes who could cause the Government an immense expense of money if hostilities were provoked between them and the whites. It is understood that Governor Nye, Mr. Wassen, acting Indian agent, and Mr. Roop will accompany me. After consummating the interview at Pyramid Lake I will return to this place, and if no further orders are given me will move with my command to Susanville. I will leave this place on the 20th or 21st instant, taking fifteen days' rations and twenty rounds of ammunition to the man. The remaining portion of my provisions, forage, &c., will be stored here at the rate of $2 per ton per month. I cannot learn of any Indian difficulties in the vicinity of Susanville. Indians report that Smoke Creek Sam, a very bad chief, has been killed by the Pah-Utes. Mr. Wassen tells me that if I co-operate with him no difficulty will be experienced. I will act with him so far as my own duties will admit. I remark here that I have not made any record of march from Sacramento City to Carson City further than has already been communicated to you, judging the route to be so well known as to render it unnecessary; but from this point will make such record and forward it to your office. The suggestion as regards economy contained in the general's dispatch will receive my cordial co-operation. My men are behaving finely, are healthy and contented. The horses have improved at least 20 per cent, since leaving San Francisco.

            Trusting that this statement of contemplated movements will meet the approval of the general, I remain, with much respect, your obedient servant,

GEO. F. PRICE,

Captain, Comdg. Company M, Second California Volunteer Cavalry.

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1083]

Carson, May 20, 1862—9.20 a. m.

Capt. R. W. KIRKHAM,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant- General :

            Command left this morning for Pyramid Lake. Governor Nye with me. All well.

GEO. F. PRICE.

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1091]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, May 22, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            GENERAL: I have just received reports from Colonel Carleton, dated at Fort Yuma, on the 10th instant, and from Lieutenant-Colonel West, First Infantry California Volunteers, commanding at the Pima Villages, as late as the 6th instant. Copies are herewith inclosed for information of the Department.[9] Our Indian difficulties in the District of Humboldt have been admirably managed by Colonel Lippitt, and it is confidently expected that all the Indians will soon be collected together and placed upon their reservations. In the District of Oregon all is quiet. Colonel Connor, with seven companies of his regiment (Third Infantry California Volunteers), will move on the 20th instant and encamp beyond Stockton, preparatory to crossing the mountains at the earliest moment practicable, and advance on the Overland Mail Route. The cavalry force designated for the same service will be thrown forward at an early day. I am happy in being able to assure the Department of the firm and unwavering fidelity to the Union and the Constitution of the people on the Pacific Coast, although we have in our midst rebels and ardent sympathizers with the rebellion; yet their voices are drowned by the overwhelming majority of patriotic Union-loving citizens on this far distant shore.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1092]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., May 23, 1862.

Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,

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

            General: The steamer with the mail sails to-morrow morning for Panama. 1 have but little to add in relation to affairs in the department. I have just received a report from Captain Price, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, who was sent to Carson City, Nev. Ter., with his company, with a view to settle Indian difficulties at Honey Lake and Pyramid Lake. I am happy to say that all apprehensions of an Indian war in that country have passed away. Captain Price has moved with his company to Pyramid Lake, accompanied by Governor Nye and the Indian agent. Soon he will fall back to Fort Churchill and join the command under orders for the protection of the Overland Mail Route.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1094]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal, May 23, 1862.

(Via Carson City, Nev. Ter.)

Capt. George F. Price,

            Comdg. Company M, Second Cav. California Vol., Susanville:

            Captain: Your letter of the 18th instant from Carson City is received. The general commanding directs me to say that he is extremely gratified by its perusal, and that he fully approves of all you have done and purpose to do. The propriety of going to Susanville is left entirely to your own judgment.

            I am, respectfully, your most obedient servant,

R. W. KIRKHAM,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1097-1098]

Hdqrs. Fourth Infantry California Volunteers,

Camp Latham, May 25, 1862.

[Brig. Gen. G. Wright:]

            General: I have nothing to modify in regard to my views of the loyalty of the people here and of their utter harmlessness. Since my letter of May 8 most of the supplies therein applied for have reached here. The expedition I had intended should move from this place on Monday or Tuesday week, but from a communication[10] addressed to me through the adjutant of my regiment from Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, and which I inclose to the acting assistant adjutant-general, with an indorsement favorable, the expedition may be delayed three or four days to hear from headquarters Department of the Pacific. Should it be determined to establish a post on Owen's River for winter quarters, tools and materials for erecting tents or temporary buildings for the command should accompany the expedition, and would require a slight modification of my plans. I had already intended to send out rakes, scythes, and mechanical tools in anticipation of a necessity for a winter campaign. The views of Colonel Evans, if concurred [in], show the necessity of a considerable expenditure of money in erecting buildings to shelter the men and public property. Of the amount requisite I can form but an inadequate idea, though from the distance timber must be hauled, the expense must be large, as the Government must depend upon hiring teams. In connection herewith I would state that I have caused the regimental quartermaster to enter into a contract with a responsible individual who has agreed to haul 50,000 pounds for 7 1/2 cents per pound with ox teams. This man lives on Owen's River, or did, and has also agreed to do what hauling may be required in the valley. From the contract already made with him, I judge favorable contracts may be made with him for subsequent labor to be performed by him.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. FORMAN,

Colonel Fourth Infantry California Volunteers.

            P. S.—I am just advised by the surgeon of the regiment that he has no supply of medicines on hand to supply the expedition, or surgical instruments. These, together with an assistant surgeon, should be supplied. The latter can be obtained here.

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1100]

Hdqes. Batt. Fourth Begt. California Infty. Vols.,

Benicia Barracks, May 26, 1862.

Capt. R. W. KIRKHAM, U. S. Army,

            Assistant Quartermaster and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General:

            Sir: I have the honor to report to the general commanding that upon the departure of Col. P. Edward Connor this morning I assumed the command of this post, as shown by the accompanying order:

Hdqrs. Battalion Fourth Regiment California Infantry Vols.,

Benicia Barracks, May 26, 1862.

            The commanding officer of this post, Col. P. Edward Connor, Third Regiment California Infantry Volunteers, having departed this day, the undersigned assumes the command. All existing orders will remain in force until countermanded by competent authority.

            By order of Maj. Henry Hancock, Fourth Regiment California Infantry Volunteers:

JACOB AUSTIN,

First Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant.

HENRY HANCOCK,

Major Fourth Regiment California Infantry Volunteers.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1102-1103]

Camp,

Aurora, Mono County, Cal., May 26, 1862.

Capt. R. W. KIRKHAM,

            Assistant Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.,

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

            Captain: As I deem it an imperative duty to address this communication to department headquarters, no further excuse for so doing I presume will be necessary. Having left Fort Churchill on the 14^th instant, per verbal orders from the major commanding, to join the expedition stationed at this place, I have the honor to report my arrival on the 17th instant. Finding this community still in a considerable state of excitement and anxiety in relation to Indian difficulties existing in this neighborhood and upon Owen's River I have exerted myself to establish tranquillity. To this end I took thirteen men and made a scout into the Indian country of some ninety miles in circuit. I had secured the services of an Indian as interpreter, and first visited Mono Lake, some twenty-eight miles distant from this place. There I succeeded in getting fourteen Indian warriors to visit my camp and have a "talk." The head chief (Man-na-wa-he) was present, as well as some of the Indians lately engaged in the disturbances on Owen's River. They pretended to have no connection with the Owen's River Indians, but nevertheless were anxious to convey to me the idea that the Owen's Rivers from this time forward desired peace. They said that since the Owen's Rivers had killed some white men they were now satisfied. Of course this talk must be interpreted with judgment, but my object was not so much to have a talk at this time as to see if I could meet them, as no white man has been able to do so since the late difficulties. Having accomplished this object, I assured them they would not be molested during good behavior, and promised to meet them again at the same place in twelve days, which will be on the 5^th of June, hoping in the meantime to be able to hear from the general commanding, or at least from Governor Nye, or Mr. Wassen, Indian agent of Nevada Territory. If I should fail to receive instructions or to hear from either source I propose to take to them such provisions as I may have to spare and distribute among them for the purpose of keeping open this the only avenue to reach the Owen's River Indians in case negotiations are contemplated. Although these Indians professed to be friendly yet they exhibited a sulkiness and war tone not to be mistaken. There were but thirteen men with me (fourteen in all), and there were fourteen of them all armed with bows and arrows, with the exception of three, who had splendid Kentucky rifles; notwithstanding all this they can be managed with prudence and judgment. I shall write to day to Governor Nye and Indian Agent Wassen, stating the facts as I find them. Leaving Mono Lake I proceeded to visit Adobe Valley, which lies nearly due east from the lake about thirty-two miles. It contains some twelve or fifteen square miles of good agricultural land, with an abundant supply of water and timber. It is through this valley that the Owen's River road passes to this place and vicinity. There are no Indians living in the valley, but in the hills adjacent there are a few. It is in this valley also through which the boundary line runs dividing the Pah-Utes from the Owen's Rivers. This valley is about thirty miles from Aurora. If the general commanding will excuse my presumption I will suggest here that a small force stationed in Adobe Valley would be able to exert an influence over a greater extent of country than from any other point between Fort Churchill and Owen's Lake. It looks to be important just now that troops should be somewhere in this vicinity. If troops have been sent to Owen's River from below it will have a tendency to drive the Indians to this region, and a small force could check them if disposed to violence. From Adobe Valley I returned to this camp, which is one mile from Aurora. With this I forward a rough sketch[11] which may be of some service in forming an estimate of this country. I will say here that the character of the country is very rough—mountains and valleys, sand and sage brush, occasionally a patch of grass and stream of water. There is more timber, however, in this section than there is either north or south for 100 miles. In traveling from here in almost every direction we are obliged to pass through snow, which yet covers the mountain tops all around. This command of fifty men of Company A, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, has now been absent from Fort Churchill since the 28th of March. The expenses of the command have from necessity been heavy, principally for forage. The inclemency of the season has rendered grazing impossible. The parties from whom forage, &c., has been purchased are getting somewhat anxious for their pay, and I would most respectfully inquire whether a requisition for funds to meet these outstanding debts shall be made from here direct or from Fort Churchill? Some early action should be taken, and I hope the general commanding will not consider it out of place for me to speak of it here and at this time, although I suppose I should more properly address the chief of the quartermaster's department in relation to the matter. I should have stated in the forepart of my letter that the number of Indians in the vicinity of Mono Lake at the present time is about eighty—men, women, and children. This being in California, it is very uncertain whether Governor Nye will take any further steps in relation to these Indians. I therefore hope that my acts will be approved by the general commanding, and that further orders or instructions may be received at an early day. If consistent with the views of the department it would be considered a great favor if in the future Company A could all be together.

EDWIN A. ROWE,

Captain Company A, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,

Commanding Aurora Expedition.

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1104]

Hdqrs. Third Infantry California Volunteers,

Camp Halleck, Stockton, Cal., May 27, 1862.

Capt. R. W. KIRKHAM,

            Assistant Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., San Francisco:

            Captain : I have the honor to report the safe arrival of my command at this camp at 5 p. m. yesterday in good health.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. EDW. CONNOR,

Colonel Third Infantry California Volunteers.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1106-1108]

Executive Department,

Carson City, Nev. Ter., May 28, 1862.

Brigadier-General Wright,

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

            Sir: On the 12th instant Agent Wassen received a communication from Lieut. H. Noble, commanding detachment at Aurora, under date of the 7th instant, informing him of the condition of Indian affairs in that locality, the purport of which is as follows, to wit: On the 5^th instant a white man was shot and severely wounded in two places by a renegade Indian from California, by the name of Spanish George. The citizens, attributing the outrage to the Pah-Utes, proceeded to arrest and confine every one of that tribe they could find, and would have hanged them immediately had it not been for the prompt action of Lieutenant Noble, who investigated the matter, and after ascertaining the above facts released the Pah-Utes, thereby securing their friendship and giving them assurance of the disposition of the Government to protect them in their rights. The citizens of Aurora becoming greatly excited over this affair, and fearing other assaults of a similar nature would be made, it became apparent that something must be done to preserve peace in that section. I accordingly requested Capt. E. A. Rowe, on the 13th instant, to take charge of Indian affairs in that end of this Territory while his command remained there; circumstances requiring the presence of the attaches of the department in other places, and having unlimited confidence in Captain Rowe's will and ability to manage the business properly, I left him to be governed by the circumstances that might surround him. I am informed by Captain Rowe, in a communication of the 25th instant, that he has just returned to Aurora from an expedition south of that place, and that he has opened a communication with the hostile Indians of Owen's River, who expressed a desire to have their existing difficulties with the whites amicably adjusted. I would, therefore, respectfully suggest the propriety of your giving Captain Rowe discretionary power sufficient to enable him to accomplish this much-desired object. It is true that the Indian difficulties above alluded to occurred out of my jurisdiction, yet if a force is sent into Owen's River Valley and succeeds in defeating the Indians there it will have the effect to drive them into this Territory to renew their depredations and involve the Pah-Utes in their difficulties, unless a sufficient force is kept along the line separating the territory claimed by the Pah-Utes from that claimed by the Owen's River Indians. This boundary passes along the south side of Adobe Valley. I am informed by Agent Wassen (who has a thorough knowledge of the topography and resources of that section of country) that Adobe Valley possesses peculiar advantages over any other place in that vicinity for the establishment of a post to protect the southern portion of this Territory. It is on the line between the two tribes and commands the principal passes from Owen's River into this Territory. It is supplied with wood, water, and grass. I think there should be at least one company stationed there, or in that vicinity, until the difficulties on Owen's River are settled. I have just returned from Pyramid Lake on a visit to old Winnemucca and his tribe, to inquire into and settle a difficulty between the Pah-Utes of the Truckee River and those of the Walker River, growing out of the killing of the third chief of the Pah-Utes, Wah-Hee, by the Walker River Indians some two or three weeks since. Wah-Hee being a brother of old Winnemucca, the head chief of the Pah-Utes, I had no little trouble in reconciling him. I trust now the matter is permanently settled. I was accompanied on this expedition by Captain Price and his command. It affords me pleasure to assure you of their uniformly courteous and soldier like conduct on all occasions while with me, and I am confident he and his entire company will do credit to the service in any emergency. The Indians in my superintendency were never more peaceable and prosperous than they are at this time, and soliciting your co operation to preserve this state of affairs,

            I remain, with great respect, your obedient servant,

JAMES W. NYE,

Governor, &c.

__________

Carson City, Nev. Ter., May 28, 1862.

Capt. R. W. Kirkham,

            Asst. Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., San Francisco, Cal.:

            Captain: I have the honor to respectfully report that I received your communication of May 23, 1862, inclosing Special Orders, No. 80. I have also to report that I arrived here this day with my command from Truckee River, nineteen miles southeast of Pyramid Lake. Governor Nye, Indian Agent Lockhart, and U. S. Marshal Wassen were with my command. We met 200 Pah-Ute warriors, who were accompanied by their principal chief, Winnemucca, on the bank of the Truckee at the point above referred to, and held an interesting talk with them on the 24th instant, which I am gratified to say resulted in entire satisfaction to both parties. The agent gave the Indians a number of presents and about 400 pounds of provisions. The Indians expressed their earnest desire for peace with the whites, and only asked that their lands on the Truckee be preserved to them by the Government. Several chiefs of the Bannock tribes were also present and expressed a desire to be at peace with the white men. They have gone north to call their people together to meet me one day's march beyond the Truckee. The Bannocks have been represented to me as the most dangerous tribe in the Territory. I am fully satisfied that with reason, kindness, and firmness all difficulties with Indians in this Territory will be avoided. An agent of the Indian Department (Mr. Burch) will accompany me to distribute presents. Governor Nye will, if possible, go with me. I move with my command to-morrow morning en route for the Honey Lake district. After holding an interview with the Bannocks, or other Indians who may meet me beyond the Truckee, will move to Susanville if I deem it necessary. I will return to this point within twenty-five days. Communications intended for me should be directed to Carson City, "to remain until called for" indorsed on the face of the envelope. My transportation is wholly inadequate for my necessities. The two six-mule teams furnished me at Fort Churchill are very inferior articles. I must have an additional team in order to move my command promptly. Inclosed please find journal of march from this point to Truckee River; from thence, from information received, the direction to Pyramid Lake.

            I remain, with much respect, your obedient servant,

GEO. F. PRICE,

Captain, Comdg. Company M, Second California Volunteer Cavalry.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1109-1110]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, May 30, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General : Since I received instructions from your office to prepare a command for the protection of the Overland Mail Route, I have received no instructions as to how far east it was intended that I should send my troops. Col. P. E. Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers, whom I appointed to command all the troops on the mail route, has advanced with seven companies of his regiment and is now encamped near Stockton. Supplies are being collected and transportation preparing for crossing the Sierra Nevada, as soon as the roads are practicable for wagons, probably about the 20th of June. I have two companies of cavalry at Fort Churchill, and one company temporarily near Pyramid Lake, which, with the two companies of the same regiment, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, now near this city, will constitute the mounted force I designed for Colonel Connor's command. Three companies of the Third Infantry California Volunteers are now serving in the District of Humboldt. I propose, as soon as their services can be spared, to order them to join Colonel Connor. At present there seems to be no danger apprehended on the mail route between here and Salt Lake. Unless otherwise instructed, I shall advance Colonel Connor to the neighborhood of Salt Lake, establishing one, possibly two, intermediate stations between Fort Churchill and Utah. Colonel Connor has with him two field pieces and three mountain howitzers, with equipments and ammunition.

            With great respect, your most obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1116]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., May 31, 1862.

Col. Ferris Forman,

            Fourth Infantry California Volunteers,

                        Commanding Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, Cal. :

            Sir : The question of relative rank between Colonel Bowie and yourself having been determined by the State authorities, and the dates fixed having been accepted by these headquarters, the general commanding the department cannot make the change requested in your letter of the 25th instant. The general will direct no arrangements for the establishment of a winter post at or in the vicinity of Owen's Lake until Lieutenant-Colonel Evans has again been over that country. The general is impressed with the belief, from statements made by persons residing in that country, that by the next fall such numbers will have settled there as will render the presence of troops unnecessary.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RCHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., May 31, 1862.

Capt. E. A. ROWE,

            Second Cavalry California Vols., Aurora, Mono County, Cal.:

            Sir : Your very excellent report relative to Indian affairs in the Mono country has been submitted to the general commanding the department, who approves of the course pursued by you and your suggestions relative to future operations. The necessary instructions will be given for the balance of your men to be sent to you. You will then send to Fort Churchill such of your present command belonging to Captain McLean's company. Your acting assistant quartermaster will send in requisitions for the amount of money required for your command.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1118-1119]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., June 2, 1862.

His Excellency James W. Nye,

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

            Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's communication of the 28th ultimo. A few days since orders were sent to Captain Rowe to concentrate his whole company and take a position at or in the vicinity of Adobe Valley, in which region of country he will remain for the present. I am highly gratified to learn from Your Excellency that the Indians within your superintendency are peaceable and prosperous, and to assure Your Excellency that I shall always be ready to afford active co-operation to maintain this state of affairs.

            With great respect, Your Excellency's obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 4, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General: Inclosed herewith is a communication addressed to me by His Excellency J. W. Nye, Governor of Nevada Territory, under date of May 28;[12] also a copy of my reply to His Excellency,[13] dated on the 2d instant, t respectfully submitted for information of the War Department.

            With great respect, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1121-1123]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., June 6, 1862.

Capt. Julian McAllister,

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

            Sir: In reply to your letter of yesterday I am directed by the general commanding the department to inform you that when the three companies of Connor's regiment now in the Humboldt District join their regiment there will probably be about 800 infantry on the line and at Salt Lake.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

Camp Latham, Southern District of California,

June 6, 1862.

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

            Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:

            Major: I am really afraid that I shall be ranked in that most unenviable position in the Army, as a grumbler, but taking the chances and hoping for the best I must speak. The steamer Senator arrived here yesterday, and on her came 120 horses, not good serviceable horses as the order, a copy of which you forwarded me, required, but a mixed lot of American and Spanish animals, the most of them too poor to do service until they are fed and groomed for at least a month, instead of horses coming from Captain DeMerritt that had been grain fed and fit for service. The order requiring the animals to be sent by this steamer has been complied with in letter, but not in spirit. Captain DeMerritt has not turned over a single horse, except some that had been condemned; and all the horses that came down are the refuse horses that the quartermaster had on hand and running out on a ranch near San Francisco. It does seem to me that it is a poor rule that won't work both ways. If it was right for Colonel Carleton because the " exigencies of the service required it" to take my best horses when my men had worked on them for eight months to get them gentled, drilled, and in condition for service, and turn over to my officer in place of the animals taken, the refuse and condemned horses of the First Cavalry, certainly I have a right to ask that the companies of my command, now that they are under orders for actual service, may be equipped and mounted properly, even to the taking of the horses from the pet Company F if necessary, who have no use for anything more than ponies to ride around the city with. Not more than one half of the horses that came down are fit for service at any time, and two thirds of them are not fit for service at the present time, and will not be until they have at least one month's feed and attention. I write this letter because I know from the reading of the order and from seeing the horses that came down that the general has been trifled with, and as I said before, the letter of the order has been obeyed, and the spirit and intention of it intentionally avoided. I am informed by Captain Goodman that there was no water on the vessel for the horses, and that they were not watered from the time that they left San Francisco until their arrival here, except at San Luis Obispo, where they were allowed one bucket each; and that although the invoice of the horses contains an item of 6,000 pounds of hay and no grain to feed them, that, in fact, there was but eight or nine bales of hay, and that the horses suffered for food as well as water; all of which, of course, places them in a condition for everything else rather than immediate service. Captain Goodman also informs me that he receipted for the hay and for 121 horses upon the representation made to him that they were placed on board of the steamer before he came down, and that upon lauding the animals there was found to be only 120. I have received no order from Colonel Forman about the expedition, and don't know when I am to start or what arrangements have been made. I am almost as much in the dark as you are at San Francisco. Had I been allowed the privilege of fitting out my own expedition I should have been at Owen's Lake before this, and at an expense to the Government of less than one half what it will cost under the present arrangements, so far as I can learn. I have made application to Colonel Forman for information as to how I am to do, what number of men I am to take, and for positive orders as to whether I am to build temporary quarters and prepare for the winter, or not, &c., and have asked for two howitzers and for money to pay the expenses of the trip, to all of which I have received no answer and am still in the dark. Since you were here twelve more men have been taken from the Second Cavalry here to serve as vedettes, and I expect every moment that six more will be called for. As you are aware, twenty men of the Second Cavalry are being used as teamsters; that, too, when there are plenty of infantry all through the district to perform such duty, and in direct conflict, it seems to me, of paragraph 910 of U. S. Army regulations. Again, I have but two captains and two lieutenants for the three companies here, Lieutenants Buffum, Pierce, Morris and Oliver having resigned and Captain McLaughlin being at Fort Yuma awaiting orders from headquarters; so you can easily see that I will start off pretty much with my fingers in my mouth, without any officers and with but few men; and, more than all, with no positive orders from any one of what I am to do, more than that I am to go to Owen's River. I don't even know who I am to report to; whether this Owen's River country is in this district or not, and if in this district whether it is commanded by Colonel Bowie or by Colonel Forman. If by Colonel Bowie, how am I to report to him and ask for any information or instructions that I may require when he is at Fort Yuma and I at Owen's Lake? I am more than anxious that the expedition should not be a failure, not only for my own reputation, but for the reputation of the general commanding as well as the good name of the Government, and I must confess that I can't see how it can be anything else than a failure, unless I am furnished some means, the howitzers, and have some say so about its management.

            By giving these matters your attention at your earliest convenience, you will confer a special favor on very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. EVANS,

Lieut. Col. Second Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. Battalion.

            P. S.—Two of the horses that came down are so badly injured that I will have to have them shot.

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1128]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., June 10, 1862.

Lieut. Col. George S. Evans,

            Second Cavalry California Volunteers:

(Through Col. F. Forman, Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Camp Latham, Cal.)

            Sir : In reply to your letter of the 6th instant I am instructed by the general commanding the department to say that Colonel Forman received instructions to send your command to the Owen's Lake country as soon as possible, and if there was no public transportation on hand at Camp Latham or the depot, the colonel was authorized to hire teams and wagons for this purpose. You will therefore receive your orders on this subject from Colonel Forman. The general does not design sending mountain howitzers with your command. Inquiry will be made into the complaints regarding the lot of horses sent your command.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1133-1134]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, June 12, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General: I have nothing later from Brigadier-General Carleton's command than was reported in my communication of yesterday. I have this morning received reports from Colonel Lippitt, commanding the District of Humboldt. The colonel has ten companies of infantry and one of cavalry actively engaged in subduing the Indians in his district. Nearly 300 Indians have been collected and brought into Fort Humboldt preparatory to their removal to the reservation ; still there is a strong band of Indians, well armed, who are constantly attacking small parties and isolated settlements. This band must be subdued and captured before we can have peace throughout that region. The country presents almost insurmountable obstacles to the movements of the troops. The dense forests, with obscure trails, with which the Indians are well acquainted, afford them every advantage. Nevertheless, Colonel Lippitt and the troops under his command have exhibited a zeal, energy, and perseverance which must ultimately result in success. Colonel Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers, is, with his regiment, encamped near Stockton. Transportation and supplies are being collected for a movement on the Overland Mail Route as soon as the mountain road is passable for wagons. The department quartermaster-general, Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt, is now closing his contracts for the transportation of supplies to Ruby Valley, and also to Salt Lake. From the District of Oregon I have nothing special to report. Colonel Steinberger having relieved Lieutenant-Colonel Cady in command of the District of Oregon, I have authorized the latter officer to remain at Fort Vancouver for the present, he being in ill health and receiving medical treatment by the surgeon at that post. Most of the volunteer regiments of California require a considerable number of recruits to fill them up. Owing to the pressing wants of the service, companies were organized at the minimum number and hastily thrown out to remote posts to relieve the regular troops ordered East. Those companies have received no accessions to their numbers since that time, and have been, in fact, materially reduced by the casualties of the service. Under these circumstances I would respectfully ask that authority be granted to fill the volunteer regiments in this department by reopening the recruiting stations.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1137-1139]

Camp Nye, Washoe Valley,

Five Miles north of Carson City, Nev. Ter., June 13, 1862.

Capt. R. W. Kirkham,

            Asst. Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.,

                        San Francisco, Cal. :

            Captain : I have the honor respectfully to report that I arrived at this place from Susanville on yesterday. I left Carson City on the 29^th ultimo, and proceeded by easy marches through Washoe, Pleasant, Long, and Honey Lake Valleys to Susanville, making the march in seven days. A severe attack of paralysis prevented Governor Nye from accompanying me on the expedition. Everything is quiet in the country through which I passed. At Susanville much complaint is made by the settlers of thefts committed by the Indians. I am of the opinion that these complaints are well founded. At a meeting of the citizens of Honey Lake Valley the inclosed communication was prepared and addressed to me. It contains the names of many of the most prominent citizens of the valley. I take the liberty of forwarding it to you for the consideration of the department commander. The day after my arrival at Susanville I sent out a scouting party to Willow Creek Valley. The day following I sent another party in the direction of Pitt River. Neither of the parties succeeded in meeting any Indians. I intended to make a trip among the Shoshones, but the upsetting of one of my wagons in Susan River, which resulted in losing some commissary stores and 1,000 rifle cartridges, prevented me from doing so. Added to this, I was almost entirely destitute of funds. These causes rendered it imperative for me to return to this point as speedily as possible. There is a bad feeling among some of the settlers in the vicinity of Susanville. Several of these told me that if I made a treaty with the Indians they (the settlers) would kill the first Indian they saw. On the other hand, a large and respectable portion assured me that any action had by the military authority would be sacredly observed by them. I gather the following facts from my observations: The stealing does not appear to be done by any one particular tribe, but by a band of renegades who are gathered from the Pah Utes, Pitts, Bannocks, Modocs, and Shoshones. The country north of Susanville is not settled by the whites, and presents a succession of beautiful valleys as far as the lakes in Oregon. This band of renegades makes forays into the valley, steal stock, and run it off over the mountains into these valleys. If there is any chance of the stock being retaken the Indians slaughter it without hesitation. Eleven white men have been killed by these Indians during the past four years. Settlers will naturally become exasperated when they are subjected to such annoyances. A military post established in the vicinity of Honey Lake Valley would have a tendency to greatly check these outrages. I inclose to you for the information of the department commander a map[14] of the country through which I have passed, together with such portions of the country east of my route as I am personally acquainted with. Having only a pocket compass, pointers, and stars to guide me, this map must necessarily be very imperfect; still it is sufficiently accurate to afford a general idea of the territory through which I traveled. Should the department commander determine to locate a command in the vicinity of Susanville I respectfully offer the following suggestions for his consideration : Cavalry would be better than infantry. Stores of all kinds can be transported from San Francisco via Red Bluff to Susanville cheaper and quicker than by any other route. Willow Creek Valley, fifteen miles north of Susanville, would be an excellent location for a post. There is an abundance of grass, wood, and water. A reserve could be located from which could be cut out nearly all the hay required for a company of cavalry. The abundance of timber would remove all heavy expense as regards the building of quarters. A natural wagon road could be run to the post from Susanville. Oats or barley can be purchased in the fall for 2 cents per pound. In addition to these facts the post would be located in the immediate vicinity of several tribes of Indians, rendering it comparatively easy to hold them in constant check, while the valley would soon be settled by enterprising men. After obtaining all the information possible I am candidly of the opinion that the citizens of Honey Lake Valley and vicinity are in need of military protection. I have endeavored to the extent of my ability to carry out the wishes of the general commanding as embodied in his orders to me dated April 24, 1862, and I have been thus particular and lengthy in details because I deemed that the expedition warranted it. Inclosed please find map of route from Carson City to Susanville and back. I will await at this point further orders from the general commanding.

            I have the honor to remain, with much respect, your obedient servant,

GEO. F. PRICE,

Captain, Comdg. Company M, Second California Vol. Cavalry.

[Inclosure.]

Capt. George F. Price,

            Company M, Second California Volunteers:

            The undersigned, citizens of Honey Lake Valley, would respectfully represent that ever since the settlement of this valley we have been annoyed by the depredations of hostile Indians; that according to the best information we can obtain this valley does not belong to any particular tribe, but was the common resort of the Pah-Utes, Shoshoues, Modocs, Pitts, and Bannocks, and consequently the valley is subject to the depredations of all these tribes, and it is very difficult to fasten the roguery where it belongs. One tribe will commit outrages and lay it to the others. Also, that there has never been an Indian agent in this valley, and no attention paid to the most of the tribes who are in the constant habit of molesting us; also that there are several portions of these different bands who are renegades from their tribes, and whose location is in the country east and north of us, watered by Smoke Creek, Willow Creek, and outlets from Eagle Lake. These renegades are subject to no treaties made with the heads of their different tribes, but are under the control of petty chiefs, who rove about the frontiers stealing stock and killing small parties of whites. Our northern frontier is that character of country well adapted to these thievish bands, and which will never be settled by whites. In the last four years there have been no less than 3,000 head of stock stolen from this valley and eleven of our citizens killed. We have been obliged to turn out armed parties every spring, and have been and are subject to expense and annoyance which we do not feel able to bear. We claim to be loyal citizens, and as such we are entitled to the protection of our Government. We therefore most decidedly object to the removal of your company from this valley, and, if such must be the case, we ask that you use your influence for the establishment of a permanent post here immediately.

JOHN S. WARD,

H. S. BONETTE, M. D.,

JOHN H. NEALE,

[And 48 OTHERS.]

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1140]

Headquarters,

Camp Latham, Cal., June 14, 1862.

Maj. R. C. Drum:

            Major: I have the honor to report that on the 11th instant the Owen's River Expedition, consisting of Companies D, G, and I, comprising 201 men, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, was dispatched by me to their point of destination, to wit, Owen's River, leaving this camp at 9 o'clock of that day. A train of forty-six wagons accompanies the command, carrying, in addition to their camp, garrison equipage, and ammunition, rations for the men, and forage for the horses and teams for sixty days. I have made arrangements with Mr. Whipple to furnish transportation sufficient to keep the command supplied with rations and forage, always thirty days in advance. I have ordered Colonel Evans to report to me as frequently as practicable, to the end that your department may be kept frequently [informed] of the doings of the expedition.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. FORMAN,

Col. Fourth Infty. California Vols., Commander of Camp Latham.

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1142]

Special Orders,            )                                               Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,

No. 100.                      )                                               San Francisco, Cal., June 16, 1862.

* * * * * * * * * *

            2. The headquarters of Companies K and L, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will be prepared to move on the Overland Mail Route by the 1st of July. The quartermaster's department will provide the necessary transportation for this force.

            By order of Brigadier-General Wright:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1148-1149]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., June 18, 1862.

Lieut. Col. George S. Evans,

            Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Camp Latham, Cal.:

            Sir : The superintendent of Indian affairs for the southern district of California is at this time on a visit to the Indian reservations in his district. Should he call upon you for a force to remove intruders from the reservations, the general commanding the department desires you to send a party from your command sufficiently strong for that purpose. You will direct the officers in charge of any detachments to report for instructions to the superintendent.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., June 18, 1862.

Capt. George F. Price,

            Second Cavalry California Volunteers:

(Through Commanding Officer Fort Churchill.)

            Sir : The general commanding the department directs that you will move with your company to Fort Churchill and report to the commanding officer thereof for duty at that post. The demand for troops in this department will not permit of the establishment at present of a post at Susanville. The matter, however, will be considered at a future day. Your report of the march to Honey Lake has been read with much interest, and is very satisfactory.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

Carson City, June 19, 1862.

Maj. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant-General:

            Governor Nye is going to Owen's River to see the Indians. He desires me, with a detachment of twenty men, to go with him. Will be gone ten days. Shall I go?

GEO. F. PRICE,

Captain, Second California Volunteer Cavalry.

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1151]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,

San Francisco, June 21, 1862.

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,

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

            General: My latest dispatches from Brigadier-General Carleton were received this morning, dated June 1. The general was then at Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz. Ter. The general says that the crossing "the Gila desert was terrible." Lieutenant Shinn, commanding the light artillery battery, reached Fort Barrett on the 31st of May, and was to march for Tucson on the 1st of June; his horses in good working order, but a little thin. Thus far the expedition has been successively prosecuted. Arizona is securely occupied notwithstanding the predictions of traitors that we should be compelled to abandon everything in the midst of the desert. General Carleton dispatched a messenger with a communication to General Canby, but he was unable to go up the Salinas on account of the high water in that river. The general would again make an effort to communicate with Canby from Tucson. From the District of Oregon my latest date, June 10, represents everything as quiet. Colonel Cornelius, with two companies of Oregon cavalry, had reached Fort Walla Walla, and three more companies of the same regiment had reached the Willamette Valley en route for Walla Walla. Colonel Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers, with his regiment, is still encamped near Stockton, in readiness to cross the mountains at an early day. Colonel Sims, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, now at Camp Alert, near this city, has been ordered to hold himself in readiness to move with his headquarters and two companies to join the command of Colonel Connor for the protection of the Overland Mail Route. I have not yet designated the positions to be occupied along the mail route, but in the absence of any special instructions from the War Department I have assumed it as important that a strong post should be established in the vicinity of Salt Lake, and contracts have been made for the transportation to that place of a year's supply for 800 men. An intermediate station, probably at Ruby Valley, will also be established for 300 men. Under instructions from your office, Brigadier-General Alvord has reported to me for temporary duty. I have received no orders as to the wishes of the Department as to the disposition of General Alvord, and I shall assign him to the command of the District of Oregon.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 1164-1165]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific

San Francisco, June 28, 1862.

Brig. Gen, L. Thomas,

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

            General: On the 26th instant I reviewed and inspected the Third Infantry California Volunteers, commanded by Col. P. E. Connor, encamped near Stockton. The regiment made a very fine appearance; the arms, clothing, and equipments were in high order. The industry and untiring zeal and energy of Colonel Connor is manifest throughout. He has a regiment that the State may well be proud of. Colonel Connor has a field battery of four guns in fine order which he will take with him on his march to Salt Lake. The colonel will march on the 5^th proximo. I am preparing the headquarters and two companies of the Second Cavalry, under Colonel Sims, now encamped at Camp Alert, near this city, to follow the movement of Colonel Connor, in connection with forces destined for the protection of the Overland Mail Route.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT,

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

__________

[OR I-50-1, p. 1170]

Organization of troops in the Department of the Pacific, commanded by Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Army, June 30, 1862.

* * * * *

LONE PINE, OWEN'S RIVER, CAL.

Lieut. Col. George S. Evans.

2d California Cavalry, Companies D, G, and I.

CAMP AT ADOBE MEADOWS, MONO COUNTY, CAL.

Capt. Edwin A. Rowe.

2d California Cavalry, Company A.

FORT CHURCHILL, NEV. TER.

Maj. Charles McDermit.

2d California Cavalry, Company H.

__________

[OR I-50-1, pp. 145-153]

JUNE 11-OCTOBER, 8, 1862.—Expedition from Camp Latham to Owen's River, Cal., with skirmish (June 24) at Owen's Lake.

Reports of Lieut. Col. George S. Evans, Second California Cavalry.

Hdqrs. Fourth Infantry California Volunteers,

Camp Latham, July 11, 1862.

Maj. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant- General:

            Major : I have the honor to inclose a copy of a report of Lieutenant- Colonel Evans in relation to the Owen's River Expedition. Major O'Neill has reported tome, and Captain McLaughlin, of the same command, has just arrived from Fort Yuma. The command of Major O'Neill, consisting of the cavalry fit for duty in camp and those brought up by Captain McLaughlin, will number twenty-five men. They will be dispatched to Owen's River so soon as the horses from Fort Yuma are fit to travel, which will be but a few days.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. FORMAN,

Colonel Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post.

__________

In Camp at Lone Pine,

Owen's River Valley, July 1, 1862.

            Sir : I have the honor to report to the colonel commanding at Camp Latham that I arrived at Owen's Big Lake on the 24th day of June, 1862, at 2 p. m., having made a forced march of thirty-five miles on the last day. Owing to my rapid movement, on the 24th I surprised a party of Indians that were gathering worms from the shore of the lake, killed 2 men and took 2 men, 7 squaws, and 2 children prisoners, together with a large quantity of Indian food, grass, nuts, seeds, worms, &c. I laid over on the 25th to rest my animals, and at night, leaving my wagons with a strong guard, took 120 men and made a forced march of forty-five miles to the Stone Fort, so called, situated on Little Pine Creek, on the western side of Owen's River, at which place it was represented to me, both by the Indians and the white citizens, there was a large body of Indians, some estimating at 1,000 strong. I reached the fort between daylight and sunrise on the 26th, and found that the Indians had scattered to the hills or mountains after having destroyed the fort by burning everything that could burn, and then throwing down the stone walls. For the last five days I have [been] scouring the valley in every direction, and am only the more convinced that, the opinion formed by myself (and expressed in my official report to the general commanding the Department of the Pacific), from actual observation, when last here, as to the necessity of a post being established in this valley, was entirely correct. The Indians claim the valley as belonging to them, and still insist upon it that no white man shall settle, or, as they term it, sit down in the valley. They say that the whites may pass through to and from Aurora if they want to, or they may locate in the hills and work the mines, but must not sit down on the grass patches. Now, without arguing the point as to their right by prior location to the exclusive use of the valley, I will say that it is very evident to my mind that the mines will be of small value unless the valley can be settled and grain and vegetables grown and beef raised to feed the miners with. It is also evident from actual experiment that these Indians cannot be brought to the sticking point; that no fight can be had with them, and that they cannot be caught and chastised in a week or in a month, or if at all, for the reason that the valley from Owen's Big Lake up is near 150 miles long, varying in width from five to fifteen miles, with almost impassable mountains on either side, and the valley being open country, without a tree, the Indians can place their lookouts upon the peaks of the mountains along the valley and signalize the appearance of troops for twenty or thirty miles ahead, and upon their approach they can and will scatter into the hills, where it is impossible to follow them. These Indians subsist at this season of the year entirely upon the grass seeds and nuts gathered in the valley from the lake up, and the worms gathered at the lake. They gather this food in large quantities during the summer and prepare it for winter use, which, together with the piñon nuts gathered in the mountains in the fall of the year, is their only subsistence. Without this food gathered and laid up they cannot possibly subsist through the winter. From the facts set forth above, the nature of these Indians and the surrounding country, it does seem to me that the only way [in] which they can be chastised and brought to terms is to establish at least a temporary post, say for one winter, at some point near the center of the valley, from which point send and keep scouts continually ranging through the valley, keeping the Indians out of the valley and in the hills, so that they can have no opportunity of gathering and preserving their necessary winter supplies, and they will be compelled to sue for peace before spring and grass come again. The actual settlers here that have come into the valley since my arrival, so far as I have heard them express themselves, are unanimously of the opinion that as soon as the troops leave the valley that soon they will either have to band themselves together to protect their lives and property, or else again abandon the country to the Indians, either course being to their ruin. As you will observe from the date of this report, to-day is the 1st of July, consequently the eighteen days (from the 12th June) for which the command brought rations with them was out yesterday. The remaining forty-two days' provisions of the sixty for which rations were issued being in the wagons of Mr. Banning, hired by your regimental quartermaster, not having arrived (although I have been here with my teams five days), I am entirely out of commissary stores, and shall be compelled to subsist my men upon fresh beef alone until they do come. I am afraid that my opinion expressed to you and Mr. Banning at Camp Latham to the effect that no teams could haul 4,000 pounds up through this country and make any kind of traveling time has proven too true, and that the teams of Mr. Banning have broken down, and possibly have been compelled to lighten up by caching a part of the stores on the road in order to get to me at all.

            Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. EVANS,

Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers,

Commanding Owen's River Expedition.

Lieut. William Forry,

            Adjutant Fourth Infantry California Vols., Camp Latham, Cal.

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Headquarters Owen's River Expedition,

Camp Independence, Oak Creek, Owen's River Valley, July 5, 1862.

            Sir: I have the honor to report to the colonel commanding at Camp Latham that I arrived at this point, forty-five miles above the foot of Owen's Big Lake, on yesterday, July 4, 1862. Immediately upon my arrival I caused a flag-staff to be erected and the old flag with all the stars upon it hoisted to the breeze, with three times three given most heartily by the men, and a salute fired with small-arms, upon which occasion I named this camp Camp Independence. Owen's River is out of its banks, overflowing the whole valley, and still rising, consequently the country is too boggy for me to travel farther up the river with my teams. I shall, therefore, make this camp my permanent station during my stay in this valley. In fact, I believe it is about as good a point for a station as Big Pine, twenty miles farther up, where I intended to make my headquarters when I left Camp Latham. Mr. Banning's teams are all here; they arrived last night in the night, and have to day been discharged and allowed twelve days in which to return. As I expected they would have to do, they have left 10,000 pounds of freight on the road to be brought up by somebody's ox teams. Mr. Whipple's teams have not yet arrived. It is impossible for these teams, either those of Mr. Banning or Mr. Whipple, to get back to Camp Latham in time to load up and bring me the next thirty days' rations within the sixty days for which I drew rations on starting; hence I send you this by a special messenger, so that you may have notice of the fact and start the provisions for the next thirty days in good time. Mr. Whipple's teams can be back in time to haul for the second thirty days. It is, as near as I can estimate the distance without measuring it, 250 miles from Camp Latham to this point. By knowing the distance you can better estimate the price that should be charged for freight. I have most respectfully to ask for instructions relative to the Indian prisoners that I have (the capture of whom I reported to the colonel June 30), what I shall do with them, and how I am to feed them, &c. I believe it requires an order from headquarters to allow my acting assistant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence to issue rations to them. If so, you will please to attend to the matter by laying

the facts before the general commanding the Department of the Pacific. I wish again most respectfully to call the attention of the colonel to the fact that I have but four Government wagons and teams, and that if I should be ordered to return to-morrow or to go anywhere else it would be impossible for me to move with the limited transportation that I have at my command. I should have at least four more wagons and teams, which would make two for each company, one for the quartermaster's department and one for the ammunition.

            Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. EVANS,

Lieut. Col. Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.

Lieut. William Forry,

            Adjutant Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, Camp Latham.

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Headquarters Owen's River Expedition,

Camp Independence, Owen's River Valley, July 9, 1862.

            Major: I have the honor to report to the general commanding the Department of the Pacific that I have been in this valley fifteen days, carrying out my instructions to chastise these Indians, or the Indians of Owen's River; that I have killed several, taken eleven prisoners, and destroyed a great many rancherias and a large quantity of seeds, worms, &c., that the Indians had gathered for food. Day before yesterday, July 7, I received a note by the hands of a messenger sent from a detachment of my command thirty miles above this point stating that Captain Rowe, of Company A, with the sub Indian agent, Mr. Wassen, and his interpreters and ten men, were on the opposite side of the river; that they had seen and talked with the Indian chiefs and made a treaty with them. I immediately sent men to the river with led horses for Captain Rowe and Mr. Wassen to ride after crossing the river, and requested Captain Rowe to come over and report to me the facts in the case. At 2 o'clock Sergeant Ethier came to my camp and stated that Captain Rowe's health was bad and the river was out of its banks and would have to be swam by him in order to reach me ; begged that I would come down to the river, that we might talk from bank to bank. I immediately saddled my horse and rode down to the river, and finding it almost impossible to talk from bank to bank in consequence of the sloughs on either side of the river being swimming, I resolved to cross myself. After swimming two sloughs and the river and wading half a mile through willows and tulles, I reached the eastern bank of Owen's River, where Captain Rowe was camped, and spent the night with him. I found that Captain Rowe had been for some time previous encamped at the Adobe Meadows, twenty five miles this side of Aurora and ninety-five miles above this point; that he was acting under orders from headquarters Department of the Pacific and endeavoring to make peace with the Indians, while I was under instructions to chastise them severely; that the captain had performed his duty with judgment and energy and had through the Mono Indians, several talks with the Owen's River Indians; that, although they were at first very independent and did not care whether it was peace or war, they had since I came into the valley and commenced killing and destroying whenever I could find an Indian to kill or his food to destroy changed their tune and were anxious for peace. Captain George, the big war chief of these Indians, and some forty warriors were in Captain Rowe's camp when I arrived. I had a big talk with George, and he says that he is tired fighting ; that it is no good; that he wishes to be friends with the white men; that if they will let him alone he will let them alone. I told him that I came here to fight and kill Indians, because the big general had been told and believed that the Indians wanted to fight, but that if they did not want to fight I did not want to fight ; that I would write to the big captain at San Francisco and tell him that the Indians did not want to fight, but wanted to be friends, and that it would be all right. He seemed much pleased, and said that he would send word to all the Indians that he had made friends with the white men, and that if any bad Indian stole anything or did anything bad he would bring him to me to punish, and that if the white man did anything bad to him he would come and tell me ; that he would do what I told him. To Captain Rowe is due great praise for his skill and management in getting the Indians together and having talks with them and preparing the way for a speedy settlement of these Indian difficulties. Captain George is now in my camp, and everything will be quiet hereafter, in my opinion, unless the whites first commit outrages upon the Indians. They are very badly frightened and, I think, are in earnest about wanting peace. As I have no instructions or authority to make any treaty, I most respectfully ask for different instructions as to what course I shall pursue with these Indians under the circumstances ; also as to what time I shall have to remain in this valley, so that I can make arrangements accordingly, I send this communication by way of Aurora direct to headquarters, instead of through Colonel Forman (in accordance with my instructions), for the reason that I deem it important that the facts should be laid before the general as soon as possible, and by sending by Aurora it will reach San Francisco in half of the time that it would by way of Los Angeles. If my instructions in reply to this communication are sent directed to Aurora, in care of Captain Rowe, he will have a messenger bring them down the river opposite to my camp, where he can swim over, leaving his horse, I can receive them in no other mode, for the river is impassable for horses and will be for some weeks yet. Hoping that the course pursued by myself may meet the approbation of the general,

            I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. EVANS,

Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers,

Commanding Owen's River Expedition.

Maj. R. C. Drum,

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

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Headquarters Owen's River Expedition,

September 16, 1862.

            Colonel: I arrived at this place, twenty-five miles below Camp Independence, on yesterday, where I met the command moving down the valley, bag and baggage, almost in a state of mutiny. The command are entirely out, of provisions and clothing, and the weather is becoming very cold; the nights almost freezing, hence the dissatisfaction. On Saturday they had a severe wind-storm with quite a heavy fall of snow on the mountain tops. This is the second time that the command have been without provisions ; once before for the period of five days, and this time, had I not taken the precaution to bring a team through with me, making the trip in eleven days with 1,500 pounds of flour, they would have been without provisions for at least two weeks. The men are barefooted and naked, although requisitions have been made time and again for clothing. When I send for clothing for three companies I almost invariably, if I receive any at all, receive clothing for one company. The last requisition was for 300 pairs of pants, 300 boots, &c., in proportion, which Colonel Babbitt informed me were ordered, but upon examination of the invoice that I brought up to Captain Goodman, I find that no pants have been sent, and only 100 pairs of boots, and other clothing in proportion. Of course 100 pairs of boots are not sufficient for the company to be left at this post for the winter. I therefore inclose estimate for more clothing for the company to be retained here, and most respectfully ask that it may be ordered forwarded through Lieutenant Morgan to Capt. T. H. Goodman, at Camp Independence. The regulations, I believe, only allow one pair of boots to the man for six months, but I assure you that the article of boots that we get will not last three months, and, as the winters are in this vicinity very severe, and there is no possibility of the men purchasing anything (if it were here to purchase), they not having been paid off for nearly nine months, I hope the general will see the necessity of a greater number being furnished the company to remain in the valley. I have also to most respectfully ask that 200 pairs of boots and a full change of clothing for the two companies to return to Camp Latham with me may be invoiced to the quartermaster of the Fourth Infantry at Camp Latham (for the Second Cavalry), so that they may have something to put on to cover their nakedness with when they arrive in the settlements. It is everything else but a pleasant service to do duty in this valley, and the men, volunteer-like, think that they are badly treated at best in being left in this valley, and unless they are regularly fed and well clothed it will be impossible to keep them together. I am fearful that there will be trouble with Company G when they are left alone, anyway. Tomorrow I move the command back to Camp Independence and renew the work of preparing winter quarters for the company to remain. It is going to be uphill business, turning back and getting the men to work. I shall, however, do the best I can between now and the 1st of October, by which time I will have to move the two companies for Camp Latham in order to get out of the valley before the snow falls. One more request and I am done. In consideration of the fact that there is no sutler here, and that the men have not been paid for nine months; that the winters here are so very severe, and there are no gloves to be purchased, I have most respectfully to ask, although out of the regular line, that 100 or 200 pairs of Indian tan gloves (of buckskin) may be ordered purchased, and forwarded to Captain Goodman for his company. The money value can be sent with them, so that they can be charged to the men and thus protect the Government.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. EVANS,

Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Comdg.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.

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[First indorsement.]

Headquarters Department of the Pacific,

San Francisco, September 29, 1862.

            Respectfully referred to Colonel Babbitt and Captain Kellogg, who will see that the troops at Owen's River and Visalia are properly supplied forth with. Such articles used for winter campaign (as gloves, &c.) as may be at the Vancouver depot will be sent to Captain Goodman's company to the extent of supplying that company.

            By order of Major-General Wright:

R. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

[Second indorsement.]

September 29, 1862.

            The gloves at Fort Vancouver have all been sold at auction.

                        Respectfully,

E. B. B[ABBlTT],

Deputy Quartermaster- General.

[Third indorsement.]

Subsistence Office,

San Francisco, Cal., September 30, 1862.

            Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph 3, General Orders, No. 20, Department of the Pacific, July 1, 1862, and of my circular March 20, 1862, which has been liberally distributed (copy herewith), no requisition for subsistence supplies has been received from this command. On the 13th instant I turned over for transportation direct to Lieutenant Goodman, acting commissary of subsistence, at Camp Independence, 25,000 complete rations, except fresh beef. This was forwarded upon a requisition from the depot acting commissary of subsistence (Lieutenant Morgan) at San Pedro. In his letter of the 29th ultimo, transmitting said requisition. Lieutenant Morgan says: "I have received orders from headquarters department, San Francisco, to forward to Captain Goodman, acting commissary of subsistence, Camp Independence, before the rainy season commences, sufficient supplies to last that command until next spring." It is presumed that what supply was before furnished to this expedition was carried with it from Camp Latham and obtained from San Pedro, but its quantity is not known to me. There has been no deficiency in supplies at San Pedro or Camp Latham. A few days since 20,000 rations were shipped for Visalia. No information has been received at this office giving the number of troops at Camp Independence or at Visalia, or the probable time of stay at those points of either command. Such data from official source is essential to me. In this connection reference is requested to a letter by Capt. M. D. L. Simpson, commissary of subsistence, to department headquarters, dated July 20, 1859.

JNO. KELLOGG,

Captain and Commissary of Subsistence

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Headquarters Owen's River Expedition,

Camp Independence, Cal., September 30, 1862.

            Colonel : Inclosed please find a copy of a letter from the Indian superintendent (or agent) Southern District of California, directed to the Indian chiefs of this valley, which was sent under cover to me, with a written request that I would read the same to said Indians. In accordance with the request I sent to Kern River and procured an interpreter, and had the letter translated to the chiefs, and made all the necessary arrangements to have all the chiefs and principal Indians of this country at my camp on the 20th of September, and here they are, and have been since that time, in number about 100. Also the subagent from Nevada Territory, Mr. Wassen, who is here by special request of Mr. Wentworth, but no Mr. Wentworth, although this is the 30th of September instead of the 20th. I deem it my duty to make a report of these facts, for the reason that there is great danger of another outbreak amongst these Indians, arising from what they seem to think duplicity and treachery on the part of the whites. They say that they have complied with their part of the treaty, have given up their arms and families as hostages, and the whites are "mucho big lie; no give them nothing." In short, there is a very bad spirit around amongst them, and if any trouble grows out of it I want the blame to fall where it belongs, and not upon the military. I have, through the management of Mr. Wassen, put them off with excuses for Mr. Wentworth's non-appearance until excuses have failed to be of any avail, and in order to keep them here until Mr. Wentworth does come, if he arrives within the next ten days, I have ordered the acting assistant quartermaster at this post to furnish them with meat for the period of ten days, and most respectfully ask the approval of the general commanding the department.

GEO. S. EVANS,

Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Comdg.

Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,

            Asst. Adjt. Gen., U. S. Army, San Francisco, Cal.

[Inclosure.]

Office Indian Affairs,

Southern District of California,

San Francisco, August 1, 1862.

Ten-ne-mah-ha-te and other Chiefs of Owen's River :

            I am instructed by the Great Father at Washington to go to your country and talk with you. I shall be there on the 20th of September. In the meantime you must remain quiet and not allow your Indians to have any more difficulty with your white neighbors. Your Great Father has a good heart for all Indians who are obedient and do not fight. The Great Father regrets that the Indians have killed their white neighbors. This must not occur again. I shall take with me some food, clothing, and blankets for the chiefs. You have lands there, and shall be protected in your rights, but never go to war. When you have trouble with the whites, come to me or the agent who will be stationed there, and he will settle it for you.

JNO. P. H. WENTWORTH,

Superintendent, Agent Southern District of California.

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VISALIA, October 7, 1862.

            Colonel : I have the honor to report that I arrived at this place with one company of cavalry (Company D), Capt. M. A. McLaughlin, on yesterday, having made the trip from Owen's Big Lake over the mountains, a distance of 120 miles, in four days and one-half. The route is almost an impracticable one, and great credit is due to the men for their fortitude and forbearance in making the trail without a murmur of complaint, for the hills were so very precipitous—and the animals so very weak for want of grain, not having seen any for two months—and without shoes on them, that they were compelled to walk about two-thirds of the way, and that, too, barefooted and naked, for many of them were as destitute of shoes as they were the day they were born, and had no pantaloons, except such as they had themselves made out of barley and flour sacks. The weather was freezing cold, heavy frost every night, and on the 4th a heavy snow-storm; still the men plodded on and stood guard at night, leaving the blood from their feet upon the rocks and snow. In this connection allow me to say that I am gratified to find that clothing is on the way for these troops, not only for their sakes, but for the credit of the Government that I have the honor to serve. Company I, Captain Jones, under command of Major O'Neill, will be here in about one week by way of Keysville. I have the honor to report further that before leaving Camp Independence, Owen's River, I made all necessary orders for the establishment of a one-company military post at that place; that adobes were being made and temporary buildings put up by the troops; that six months' supplies were laid in, and everything done to make the company left to garrison the post (Company G, Capt. T. H. Goodman) comfortable, and that all was quiet and harmonious, notwithstanding fears to the contrary stated in my last communication on the subject.

            Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. EVANS,

Lieutenant-Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Comdg.

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

            Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.

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