Don Carlos Buell to C. S. Lovell, May 22, 1861

Capt. C. S. LOVELL, Sixth Infantry, U. S. Army, Comdg. Fort Humboldt, Cal. :

SIR: If in your opinion the further services of the detachment of volunteers under your command can be dispensed with the department commander directs that you discharge them. They will be paid as soon as the necessary funds are provided. In the event of your deeming it unadvisable to discharge them you are desired to report the reasons for that determination. I am also directed by the department commander to call your attention to the subject of the treatment of the

Indians within the limits of your supervision. The protection of the lives and property of the citizens is a duty which under no circumstances is to be relaxed, but when punishment of the Indians becomes necessary a discrimination must, as far as possible, be made between the innocent and guilty, and especially, under no circumstances, are the lives of women and children to be wantonly sacrificed. On the contrary, they are, as far as possible, to be screened from such treatment. Further than that he desires that you will endeavor to prevent collisions between the Indians and whites. Judicious precautions to prevent depredations by vigilance and influence over the Indians, prompt and just punishment when depredations are committed, so as to leave no ground for retaliation by the whites, together with the pacifying influence upon the Jatter, which by the judicious treatment you may frequently be able to exert, will go far to accomplishing the object in view.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,