Agency Pacific Mail Steamship Company to Panama, July 10, 1861

Commodore J. B. MONTGOMERY, or SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER, U. S. Navy, Panama:

COMMODORE: I inclose a copy of a letter* I have recently received, and I take an early opportunity to say to you that I shall be prepared at all times to act with you in preventing the secessionists from getting a foothold on this coast. I have heard a report that Colonel Van Dorn, of the Southern Army, was seen at the head of 1,300 men on the road between San Antonio and El Paso. I cannot say whether this report is reliable or not. -I would respectfully suggest whether it would not be well to have one or two small steamers cruising on the coast between this and Acapulco, for the protection of the liners.

respectfully, your obedient servant