©. R. Wellman to E. A. Rigg, November 30, 1861
Oak Grove Station, November 30, 1861.
MAJOR:
Pursuant to special orders, dated November 27, 1861, I proceeded in search of a party of men at Temecula, going toward the Colorado. Arriving at the Dutchman’s, Geftaréus, I met a man by the name of Hamilton, who said that he (Hamilton) was in search of a man (he not knowing his name) that had taken his horse; that the said man was with another called Sumner. I searched him. I found nothing on him, with the exception of a slip of paper that I gave you last night. After I examined him (Hamilton) I proceeded to Temecula, and arrived there at 11 p. m. November 27. I made inquiries of the party in question, but could get no other information than that a party of sixteen men had been there on the night of the 26th, and had left for parts unknown on the morning of the 27th, at 10 o’clock. On the morning of the 28th I took their trail, via Temecula, within about one-quarter of a mile of Mr. Winter’s ranch. About 8.30 p.m. camped there tor the night without water or forage. Harly on the morning of the 29th
discovered the party that I went in search of. They were encamped at John Winters ranch. I saddled up and proceeded with my detachment to their camp, and proceeded to question them as to them business, destination, and purpose, to which I received the following reply: That their destination was Sonora, Mexico; that their mission was peaceable, and the reason of their taking that route was to avoid any unpleasant difficulty with the troops of the Government. { then asked them if they would go with me peaceably to Oak Grove, and there undergo an examination. The most of them appeared willing. There were two or three that demurred. Showalter was one of them. He (Showalter) said he did not see why they could not be allowed to proceed quietly, as other parties had, and as for himself he should say no decidedly, and he would take the consequences, but finally said that he would abide by the decision of the company. The company wanted that I should pledge my word that if there was nothing—no evidence of treason or disloyalty—against them that they would or should be released and be allowed to go about their business, to which I assented. At about 9 a.m. proceeded en route for Oak Grove Station, by the way of Buera Vista, Drycke’s ranch, and La Puerta. At La Puebla los Indians I was joined by Lieutenant Vestal with a detachment of Company D, First Regiment California Volunteer Infantry (with a detachment of twenty men), and finally arrived at camp at Oak Grove at 6 p. m. November 29,1861. I forgot to state that I sent to you at Warner’s ranch word that I would move on slowly toward Oak Grove, and to send me more assistance, and to meet me at the Indian village, which you did.
Recapitulation: Started from camp at Oak Grove at 3.30 p. m. November 27. Arrested Hamilton at Geftaréus’ at 6 p.m. Arrived at Temecula at 11.30. Left Temecula about 8 a.m. November 28. Arrived near Winters ranch at 8.30 p.m. Arrested the party in question the following morning. Started the party from Winter’s at 8 or 9 a. m. November 29. Lieutenant Vestal overtook me about 3 p.m. November 29. Arrived at Camp Wright November 29 at 6 p. m.
Very respectfully, I am, your obedient servant,
©. R. WELLMAN,
Second Lieut., First Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. Detachment.
Maj. E. A. RIGG,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. at Camp Wright.
CAMP WRIGHT, December 3, 1861.
MAJOR: Pursuant to special orders from headquarters at Camp
Wright, dated December 1, 1861, I left camp at 11 p. m. December 1,
1861, en route for Temecula, with eight men of my detachment and proceeded to the above-named place; arrived at Temecula about one