Edward E. Eyre to James H. Carleton, October 21, 1861

Col. JAMES H. CARLETON, Commanding Los Angeles District, Los Angeles:

My DEAR COLONEL: I arrived here yesterday morning about 12 o’clock, being the fifth day after leaving Camp Latham. I found it necessary, in order to follow your instructions about avoiding the Cocomungo Desert, that I should camp on the Santa Ana River about ten miles from San Bernardino on the night of the fourth day. My camps throughout the march were favorably located with plenty of fuel and good water, and my men arrived at Camp Carleton, with a few exceptions, in fine condition and good spirits. On my arrival at Major Ketchum’s camp I found it necessary to camp temporarily in the same inclosure with him. This I deemed advisable in consequence of my being unable in the short time I had before the arrival of my command to look out a suitable permanent camp—which when I have made the selection of will bear the above name—as well as to be near him, that I might with greater facility receive the supplies he may have left to turn over on his departure for San Pedro, which he designs making in two detachments, one of which left this afternoon intending to pass over the Cocomungo Desert to-night; the remaining three companies leave here on the return of the train. Major Ketchum came to the conclusion of moving as above because, as he stated, there was not sufficient transportation for his six companies. I have endeavored, in accordance with your instructions to ascertain the exact amount of supplies Major Ketchum will be able to turn over to me, but as yet have not been successful. His acting quartermaster informs me he thinks about ten days’ rations, five of which were drawn this morning, the five days’ rations which I started with being out last night. The train which left here to-day will not probably return in less than ten days, and unless they make a good trip not so soon. Would it not be well to start me supplies by other wagons, for in case the train does not return in ten days I will be obliged to go into this market and purchase, which I would rather avoid. Doctor Dickey, whom I expected to find in the empioy of Major Ketchum, was not in his camp. ‘The major was without a surgeon, being unable to agree upon the pay with Doctor Dickey. I had an interview with the doctor this morning. He will only agree to remain in camp on the same pay as assistant surgeon. I could not employ him to visit here once per day at a less price. What shall I do about it? He consented to visit camp every morning at 9 o’clock to attend to those men who really require medical service until I heard from you, at the rate of $50 per month, which is the usual price, as you are aware, for daily visits. Major Ketchum has a very good flag-staff which he will leave. As this is the headquarters of the First Cavalry, will you not send me regimental colors? I hope you will as soon as possible send the saddles left by the three companies now with me, as whispers are already circulated among the men that they are to be turned into infantry. That is the only thing I fear for a serious breach of discipline. I.hope, therefore, you will not only send my saddles on the return of the train, but that the horses will be soon forthcoming also. Should I be again ordered on a five or ten days’ march before they are mounted I fear the consequences. Of course no exertions would be spared by myself, but should anything like a general mutiny occur, overboard I go, whether my fault or not. For God’s sake do not leave me long with this only cause of danger hanging over my head. Captain Singer left the pistols belonging to his company at Camp Latham in charge of Captain Fritz. Please send them by return of train. I now have 4,000 rounds Sharps carbine cartridges, 11,000 rounds rifle, and 11,000 rounds pistol. Major Ketchum took great pains to give me all the information in his possession relative to the people in this part of the country, together with written information received at headquarters in San Francisco a long time since, all of which shall receive my immediate attention. I will keep you informed of all that takes place here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,