Edwin A. Rowe to Executive Department, December 18, 1861

Maj. R. C. DRUM, U. S. Army,

MAJOR: Again it becomes my duty to inform you that there has been another draft upon this post for men by Governor Nye, of this Territory. A copy of his request accompanying this (marked A) gives you at once the cause. Governor Nye being at the post and desiring dispateh, I started the twenty-five men and two teams (under the charge of Captain McLean and Lieutenant Chipman, numbering in the aggregate twenty-nine), on the morning of the 17th instant, with the inclosed instructions (paper B*). By sending two teams, both lightly loaded, they can keep up with the command and travel from twenty-five to thirty miles a day. I furnished them thirty days’ rations. The Overland Mail Company have agreed with Governor Nye to furnish forage, as they have particularly asked for the force to be sent. I desire to have the views of the general commanding the department in relation to this matter, as it may become necessary to forward more supplies in case the command remains there any length of time and tie movement meets with approval. As it will be perceived, my force is pretty well divided at present, but if I have no further call on me for men, I can keep everything in good order until spring, when we should certainly have more men in this section of country. I would state, further, that the Governor will start forward provisions to Ruby Valley, and along the intermediate country for the Indians to-day, and it is to be hoped that peace will be maintained without a resort to arms. The difficulties apprehended grow out of the fact of the chief of the Bannocks dying, and the Indian doctor being killed (as is the custom) for letting him die. The doctor belonged to the Shoshones. This has brought about a difficulty between the two tribes, and, as is generally

*Not found, their custom, each it is feared will commence committing depredations on the whites, each laying it upon the other, so as to get the whites to take sides for them. Ruby Valley is distant from this post about 260 miles. Good road, but sandy.

Hoping to hear of your approval as above, I remain,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,