Charles McDermit to E. D. Waite, June 15, 1865

Camp No. 15, June 15, 1865.

LIEUTENANT: For the information of the general commanding I would respectfully report to district headquarters that I left Camp No. 10, where I made my last report, at 5 a. m. on June 10, 1865; crossed the main Humboldt River and arrived at the Little Humboldt River at 7 a.m. Crossed the stream on a ferry-boat procured by Capt. W. Wallace, Nevada Infantry, at Dun Glen; succeeded in crossing all property, &c., without accident, and camped on the opposite side of the stream. Remained at this camp during Sunday awaiting the arrival of Captain Wells’ command, consisting of his company and detachment Company E, forty-two men. Captain Wells having joined us, we left this camp the morning of June 12; traveled east fourteen miles, camping in Littlefield Valley, where we found good grass and water. Left the latter place (Camp No. 12) with fifty cavalry, Captains Wells and Payne, Asst. Surg. A. F. Mechem, and Lieutenants Littlefield (Nevada Cavalry) Seamands, Warner, and McGowan (Nevada Infantry), Interpreter Butterfield, with four Indian scouts, taking six days’ rations in our haversacks, and leaving the balance of the command with all the teams at Camp No. 12; traveled to Camp No. 13, where we arrived at 1.10 p. m., course northeast; traveled through a level sage-brush country without road. Distance to Camp No. 13, twenty-five miles. My object in this expedition was for a reconnoitering tour and to visit the battle-fields of Lieutenant Littlefield and Captain Wells. Left this camp at 10 a. m. and arrived at Camp No. 14, in Valley Wells, having traveled fourteen miles, which camp is situated opposite Fort Redskin, where Lieutenant Littlefield’s fight took place May 7, 1865. I visited the cañon and mountain where the Indians were posted, and their riflepits among the rocks which were ingeniously constructed, and capable of containing about 200 Indians. Here we found most excellent grazing ground. Left Camp No. 14 at 8.30 a. m. June 15; traveled northeast; saw upon the route many Indian signs; also where they had grazed their stock about five weeks ago; country level and fine grass all the way. Arrived at the camp (No. 15, twenty-five miles distance) at 3.30 p. m., it being at the foot of the Table Mountain, where Captain Wells had his fight of May 20, 1865. This camp is within twenty-five miles of the headwaters of the Owyhee River, and near the boundary line of the

Ae OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cup. LXIL.

States. I shall reconnoiter this vicinity for the ensuing three days to find the position and strength of the Indians, at the end of which time our supplies and the remainder of the command will be up to this camp. I am determined to pursue them until I catch them or run them out of the State. Have traveled 108 miles without seeing a stick of timber which would measure six inches, and no place suitable to establish a military post. Have also traveled sixty-five miles without a road, but have seen nothing to delay our train of supplies.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,