Cady to Colonel Steinberger, December 14, 1861

MAJOR: By Colonel Steinberger, who arrived last evening, I have been apprised that several communications and orders from your office have been mailed to me relating to the retention here of Major Lugenbeel’s command and other matters. On thisinformation I have deemed it proper not to allow of the departure of the companies (A and C, Ninth Infantry), nor of the medical officers, Assistant-Surgeons Heger and Taylor, by the steamer Cortez, that leaves on the 16th instant. It is possible that I may receive by the mail in the course of the ensuing week the letter referred to in time for such action as may be requisite, though not in the present state of the California mail route I can hardly consider it probable. I shall endeavor, however, to have every necessary step taken so as to act st once in case I should be furnished with instructions by the next steamer up from San Francisco. I have received nothing from department headquarters since November 27, the date of the receipt of General Orders, No. 31. Colonel S. exhibited to me Special Orders, No. 225, of December 3, 1861. In common with many others I much doubt of his success in raising even a respectable fraction of an infantry regiment in this Territory.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,