Edwin V. Sumner to E.D. Townsend, September 28, 1861

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington :

COLONEL: I have just received the commanding general’s dispatch countermanding the expedition to Texas, and I do feel greatly relieved thereat. I was willing to undertake it, but I could not feel sure that I could carry it through, for the difficulties were all but insuperable,

You will have received my letter of the 17th instant, informing the general that I had changed the destination of the troops ordered on the overland route. If 1 could have anticipated this last order I should not have made this change, for 1 should have had troops enough without them for the disaffected part of the State. As this change has already been made, and nearly all of Colonel Carleton’s command is now in the southern part of the State, I do not think it advisable to bring them back at a heavy expense to send them on the overland route this fall, especially as their presence there is not necessary for the protection of the mail. A company of the First Cavalry has left Fort Churchill to march to Ruby Valley and back. Colonel Carleton’s command can move out on the overland road in March next, and thus save an immense expense in forage for this winter. The hay would have cost $60 a ton and the barley $9.96 a bushel. I would respectfully ask : the general’s sanction for this arrangement,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,