A. D. Boren to First Regiment California Volunteers, February 18, 1862

Col. JAMES H. CARLETON, First Regiment California Volunteers, Commanding Southern District of California:

SIR: The undersigned having reason to believe that the troops now stationed near this place are about to be withdrawn, and have not been able to learn that others would be sent to replace them, deem it a duty to address you on this subject. As it is well known to yourself and others that we have labored since the commencement of difficulty in California faithfully in support of the Union cause, actuated solely by patriotic motives, and we desire at this time to make known to you the actual state of society here in order that means may be provided for the protection of lives and property of Union men and to maintain the supremacy of the laws. Immediately upon the arrival of the troops here last fall the organized bands of secessionists apparently dispersed, and their leaders left for the upper country for the purposes of avoiding arrest as traitors and urging on this secession business in different portions of this State, Samuel Kelsey, their captain, among the number. Since the arrival of the troops here secession proclivities have been suppressed, except in cases of reported successes of the rebel army, upon which occasions there have been strong expressions of heartfelt satisfaction, together with repeated cheers for Jeff. Davis. But within the last few days a marked change has been made manifest among the secessionists here by increased number arriving in town, secret consultations in different parts of the town from morning till night, night expresses, insulting Union men, &c. There is evidently a move of some kind on foot, the nature of which we have been unable toascertain. Several days since Mr. James Leonard was on the Mojave and reports having seen twenty-two armed secessionists and conversed with them, and reports them gentlemen in appearance and bearing, and well outfitted. One said: “A year will not pass before you will live under the finest government the world ever saw, from the Southern Confederacy.” Two days ago Samuel Kelsey suddenly came in town. We are unable to ascertain how he came, or where he came from; we believe that he came from some other portions of the State with the above mentioned party or a similar one. Kelsey is now engaged with his secession confederates, who from some cause appear to be regaining their former confidence, and are more free to express their antipathy toward the Federal Government. The secessionists as a class are wholly destitute of moral principle, and are destitute of means, many of them characterized as desperadoes. It is the decided opinion of the observing Union men here that, in anticipation of the removal of the troops, Kelsey and others are engaged in reorganizing these secessionists, and upon the withdrawal of the troops a blow will be struck here, for the purpose of procuring of animals, provisions, clothing, &e. This locality has been and will continue to be the rendezvous for the secessionists. And there are a portion of the county officers we cannot rely upon or place any dependence in whatever. And without military protection we have no protection at all. Not knowing the intention of the commander of the department in regard to keeping troops here, but knowing the state of affairs in this community so well, we deem it a duty we owe to our families and to the Union men in this vicinity to earnestly request that one or two companies may be stationed here. Should you be unable to comply with this request will you be so kind as to forward this letter to General Wright? With sincere wishes for your success, we have the honor to be,

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