Albert S. Johnston to of the State of California, March 25, 1861

JOHN G. DOWNEY, is Governor of the State of California: Sir: I have already acquainted you with my intention to post the companies at Forts Humboldt, Gaston, and Camp Bragg in detachments along the frontier for the protection of the settlements, interposing them as far as practicable between the settlers and predatory Indians. The foree so arranged 1 do not doubt will be sufficient for the purpose, i by the aid of guides it can be applied in the most effective manner. Ji have therefore to request that you will authorize the enrollment for three months of thirty volunteers in Humboldt or Mendocino, men who are well acquainted with the mountainous parts of the country, whom J will cause to be distributed among the several detachments to be employed as indicated above. I will accept the service of two sergeants, two corporals, and twenty-six privates, who will be mustered into service at Fort Humboldt as soon as they are enrolled and reach the rendezvous. They will, whilst in service, receive the pay and allowances provided by law for infantry soldiers.

With great respect, your obedient servant,