D. C. Buell, July 3, 1861

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

SIR: I arrived at Fort Humboldt on the morning of the 25th ultimo and inspected the post that day. I had to wait another day for means of transportation, and on the 27th started for Lieutenant Collins’ camp, about sixty miles southeast of Humboldt; thence on to Lieutenant Martin’s camp and to this post. I arrived here night before last and inspected the post yesterday. This morning I am starting back to reach Fort Gaston; thence to Ter-Waw, Crescent City, and Fort Crook, including in my route other detachments from the posts in this region of country. I find this arrangement the most convenient that I can adopt to accomplish the wishes of the general commanding the department. I shall reserve my detailed report until I have completed the tour. By that time I shall have passed through the entire region in which the Indians are said to be troublesome, and can report more advisedly on that subject. Upward of 200 Indians (men, with a few accidental exceptions), have been killed by the different detachments. Presuming that this slaughter is to stop at some point short of extermination, for thealleged depredations of the Indians would hardly justify that, I have ventured to advise the officers in command to discontinue it now until other depredations are committed, excepting, however, with reference to the band which recently killed two men (Lewis and Oliver) at Shelter Cove, on the coast. That is a legitimate ground for severe chastisement, and I have advised the officers to direct their efforts

* Companies D and G at Fort Breckinridge, N. Mex.

energetically to that object. This band of Indiaus has no connection with those against whom the troops have been operating. I shall report more particularly in regard to all these matters. I shall waste no time on the route, but it will unavoidedly occupy somewhat more time than I anticipated—perhaps twenty days yet. The distance is considerable, and the land travel is tedious and sometimes difficult, being in part over a country without a trail.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,