E. Steen to Captain, February 18, 1861

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of February 10, directing me to send a party of dragoons to Willow Creek, and also to forward the accompanying reports for the information of the district commander. I had anticipated the colonel’s order by detaching Major Grier upon receiving the first reliable information of the depredations, and sent Lieutenant Reno to the old fort in time to intercept a portion of those Indians driven up the river by Major Grier. Lieutenant Reno executed his orders with an energy and zeal which gives me the greatest satisfaction. I am sorry the major did not persevere a little longer, as he might have secured them all. The miners are flocking into the Nez Percé country daily. From the best information I can gain a large number of California miners are expected this spring. Trouble will be the result unless something is done to purchase the mineral land immediately from the Indians. They are very much dissatisfied, and their only confidence now is in the troops, who they say have promised to protect them. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your most obedient servant,