Abraham Lincoln to Edwin V. Sumner, August 10, 1861

Brig. Gen. E. V. SUMNER, Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco :

DEAR SIR: Since addressing you under yesterday’s date information has reached me of an organization among the secessionists at San Bernardino and the mines of Bear Valley (in the vicinity of this latter place) which has confirmed my belief, and increased my alarm with regard to our condition in this section of the State. It would appear from the information received that not only does a good understanding, but nearly complete organization, exist through all the southern counties from Stockton to the Mexico line, and the formation only awaits a head to develop the outrage in all its enormity. From the open condition of our country here running herds of animals are exposed to be turned into cavalry at any moment, and the option of Texas or Utah as the base of operations simply remains for determination among those who would carry the plan into effect. If upon the Northern side they can rely upon the Mormons, and if upon the Southern, then the Mexican element becomes powerful. In either event, there are always enough of this latter class to assist in procuring horses. Thus stands the case. The secessionists from the northern part of the State are continually arriving here in our midst. We have a disturbed and uncertain number of natives who are sympathizers, and to the east, the Mormons and vagabond miners, who are already enrolled to a great extent in opposition to the Government. These facts, combined with the lukewarm Union spirit of the place, give just cause for alarm. I sincerely trust, therefore, that you may deem it of sufficient importance to augment the number of troops suggested in mine of yesterday, firmly believing that a show of force, involving that respect for the laws which all good people should observe, is preferable to that extreme which invokes the necessity of its use, as is lamentably shown in the present condition of our country. I regret exceedingly the departure of Major Carleton and Captain Hancock, both of whom in these trying times have been equal to the emergency, and whose activity and energy have inspired the confidence of the community. In their absence I believe the command to fall upon Captain Davidson, whose long acquaintance with this country and the people I trust may be the means of retaining him amongst us in this position, apart from feelings of friendship for him based upon years of acquaintance.

Trusting that you will pardon this lengthy trespass upon your time, and incessant occupation, I remain, dear sir, with very much respect, your very obedient servant,

CoLUMBIA, August 11, 1861. President DAvIs:

General A. S. Johnston crossed the Colorado, at Yuma, July 1, accompanied by Armistead, Shaaff, Brewer, Mallory, Riley, Wickliffe, and Hardcastle—all resigned—with civilians, about thirty. They will probably reach San Antonio on the Ist of September. Perhaps you may have been informed of this, but I know it was important to you, and as I have it certain, I thought I would Jet you know. The Smith recently sent to a fortress in New York, and seized from an Aspinwall steamer, is a son of the Hon. William Smith, of Virginia, and was sent to the fortress, expressly

by order of Lincoln, as a political prisoner.