Colonel Lippitt to D. B. Akey, March 26, 1862

Commanding Fort Humboldt:

Str: You are directed by the colonel commanding to march with as many men as you can spare from Fort Humboldt to Areata in time to arrive at the latter place on the evening of the 27th instant. You will leave Arcata early on the morning following for Angel Ranch by the Arcata and Weaverville trail, timing your march so as to arrive at Zetner’s (Angel Ranch) precisely at 12 m. The object of this movement is to cooperate with detachments from Captains Douglas’ and Heffernan’s commands, which are to arrive at Angel Ranch at the same hour for the purpose of capturing a band of hostile Indians in that vicinity, supposed to be lurking in the woods between Mad River and the crossing of the North Fork of Mad River, two or three miles to the northward of Angel Ranch. As it is intended to take the Indians by surprise, you will use every precaution to prevent their having notice of your approach. You will take with you such an amount of subsistence and ammunition as you may deem necessary. On being joined by the other detachments, Captain Douglas being the senior officer will assume command of the whole, and direct such further operations as he may deem advisable to effect the object in view. In the event of Captain Douglas not being present, this duty will devolve upon yourself.

By order of Colonel Lippitt: