Albert S. Johnston to H. M. McGill, Esq, February 20, 1861

Secretary of Washington Territory, Olympia, Wash. Ter.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 3d instant, transmitting the memorial of the legislative assembly of Washington Territory, requesting that a company of U.S. troops may be stationed at Bellingham Bay. I have a report from Colonel Casey of January 24 [25], in which he gives me the opinion of the three agents at Nisqually, Bellingham Bay, and Puyallup that an outbreak of the Indians in those districts is not apprehended, but as the inhabitants, and the assembly thinks, feel insecure, and the presence of a military force will no doubt reassure, I will, as soon as practicable, send a small force to that place. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,