A. Cady to Lieutenant Mullan, December 2, 1861

MAJOR: I have been informed by Captain Magruder, First Cavalry, since his arrival at this place that the orders for the recall of the detachment of the Ninth Infantry with Lieutenant Mullan were received at Walla Walla on the 18th of October; that having endeavored in vain to obtain the services of an express, he had on the 20th fallen in with a Mr. Owen, an Indian agent, who was about proceeding to his station some distance beyond Lieutenant M ullan ‘s camp, and who took charge of the letter, promising its delivery on his arrival there. Mr. Owen left Walla Walla on the 21st, and it was probable that he would lose no time on his trip, as his train had left Walla Walla two or three days before, and it was necessary that he should overtake and go with it. It is a fair presumption that the orders did not reach Lieutenant M/ullan ‘s camp until after the 1stof November. As far as I can learn from private sources Lieutenant M[ullan was in winter quarters, and deemed it impracticable for the detachment to get to this place this season. I look for the companies here from Fort Colville some time next week in time for the steamer of the 17th, they having started, as 1 learn privately, about the 18th ultimo. The companies of the First Cavalry under command of Captain Magruder will leave on or about the 7th instant for San Francisco.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,