E. Steen to Don Carlos Buell, July 30, 1861

Maj. D. C. BUELL, ` Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. : Sir: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding the department, that there is danger of Indian troubles in this vicinity before winter. A large portion of the Nez Percés refused to come into council and receive their annuities, and it is expected they will shortly join the Snakes, and unless I am re-enforced by a company of infantry and another of dragoons, I shall be unable to do anything beyond taking care of the post. There are now but forty-eight men for guard duty at the post. The Snakes have been in the valley already within fifteen miles of the post. -They ran off five horses, killed three, and wounded two more. It was not ascertained until several days afterward who committed the act, when Mr. Craigie identified the arrows as Snake arrows, and it was then too late to send out a small party. We are also in want of officers, myself and the surgeon being the only ones who belong here. The others are promoted away from the post, and only waiting to be relieved in order to join their proper companies. I am, sir,

very respectfully,