Emil Fritz to Fergusson, December 11, 1861

Major FERGUSSON, Commanding Camp Wright, Cal.:

MAJOR: It has been reported to me by a gentleman from San Bernardino that there is a party organizing at the Monte and here to attack you in order to release Showalter and his party. He says they intend to attack your camp at night, and that they are armed with shotguns and revolvers, and that the party already numbers some seventy-five men, who are bound to each other by an oath, and that they have made a law amongst themselves that any one who should not assist should suffer death. The man who told me this came to my camp last night to inform me of this move, and he assures me that it is so, and also promised to keep me advised if he can hear any more. It may be true or false. I, however, thought it my duty to advise you, in order for you to be on your guard. I have also sent word to Colonel Eyre about it. No doubt if there is such a thing he will find something out about it in Los Angeles with more certainty than I can here. I am, sir,

very respectfully, &c.,