A. K. Johnston to Lorenzo Thomas, March 25, 1861

Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army Headquarters, New York:

COLONEL: In consequence of the frequent depredations by the Indians upon the property of the inhabitants of the Coast Range in Mendocino, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties, not unfrequently accompanied by loss of life, 1 have concluded, for the purpose of better protection and to chastise the depredators, to distribute the companies stationed at Forts Gaston and Humboldt, and Camp Bragg, in detachments, to range along the frontier and keep as much of it as practicable under constant observation, and for the purpose of giving the most effect to their operations I have thought it expedient and proper to ask Governor Downey to authorize the enrollment of thirty volunteers for three months, viz, two sergeants, two corporals, and twenty-six men, acquainted with that mountainous country, and who I think can be attached to the different detachments as guides with decided advantage.

With great respect, your obedient servant,