Forbes Babcock to Edwin V. Sumner, July 10, 1861

General SUMNER, U.S. Army, Commanding Pacific Department, San Francisco:

SIR: The president of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company has directed us to make application to you for the loan of four light 32pounder guns, to be placed on our steamers in active service between this port and Panama. They are intended as an additional defensive armament over and above their present one, which is of light caliber. With the large guns we wquld require a small amount of suitable ammunition for them, as none of the desired size can be procured here outside of the Government supply.

Asking a reply to this communication at your earliest convenience, we remain,

very respectfully, your obedient servants,