Edwin A. Rigg to James H. Carleton, February 20, 1862

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

COLONEL: The steamer Cocopah has made another trip to the mouth of the River Colorado and back. Captain Wilcox reports no news of the guns shipped by the steamer Republic for this post by way of Guaymas. It is nearly certain now that some accident has occurred to them. No charges having been received here up to this date, I have released Lieut, A, B, MacGowan from arrest and ordered him to duty

o with his company. I reported to you by way of San Bernardino, in charge of a sergeant of Captain McOleave’s company, whom he desired to send back, return of ordnance and ordnance stores on hand on the 15th day of February. The sergeant and corporal left here at 4.30 p.m., 18th instant. The colonel’s order, in letter dated February 8, and received on the 15th, will be carefully obeyed to the letter, as well as all others contained in the same. Mr. Jones arrived here to-day. He made the trip in six days from Los Angeles. If relays were placed on that route, say, an animal at Rancheria Dos Palmas (100 miles from the post), Rancheria Toro (150 miles from the post), Agua Caliente (28 miles farther on), Chapin Ranch (25 miles), an express could be sent into Los Angeles in three days. Such is the opinion of Captain McCleave, First Cavalry California Volunteers, also Lieutenant Nichols, First Cavalry California Volunteers. Mr. Jones reports four men between him and Captain MecCleave’s command. I will endeavor to find them. I sent Captain McCleave this morning to where hay was stacked for the Government above Gila City, near Mission Camp, with instructions to leave a guard of seven men at that point. Lieutenant Nichols by my order accompanied Mr. Yager to look for grass. He returned this last evening, and reports having found an abundance for several hundred animals. I think, however, that they found the same grass that Captain McCleave and myself discovered. I will see it myself in a few days, so that there will be no mistake about localities. Captain Smith, Company A, Fitth Infantry California Volunteers, has notified me that he will report fifty men of his company for duty at this post on the return of the steamer Cocopah, which will be about the 23d instant. The balance of his company will remain to protect Government stores at the Gridiron, and do escort duty on the boat passing up and down the river. Captain Wilcox assures me that he will have all of the stores at the post within ten days from this date, unless the balance of the Republis cargo should arrive in the meantime.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,