G. Wright, December 10, 1861
GENERAL:
For several weeks past small parties have been organizing in the Southern District of this State, with the avowed purpose of proceeding to Texas to aid the rebels. To enable me to frustrate their designs I have seized all the boats and ferries on the Colorado River, and have them strongly guarded. I have re-enforced Fort Yuma with two more companies, one of infantry and one of cavalry; also with two 12-pounder brass cannon. Major Rigg, First California Volunteer Infantry, commanding U.S. troops near Warner’s ranch, on the border of the desert between that place and Fort Yuma, has arrested a man by the name of Showalter, a notorious secessionist, and his party of seventeen men. Ihave ordered the whole party to be taken to Fort Yuma and held securely guarded until further orders. I have given positive orders that no person shall be permitted to pass beyond Yuma or cross
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the Golorado River without my special permit; also that all persons approaching the frontier of the State shall be arrested and held in confinement, unless satisfactory evidence is produced of their fidelity to the Union. The time has arrived when individual rights must give way, and I shall not hesitate to adopt the most stringent measures to erush any attempt at rebellion within this department. I will not permit our Government and institutions to be assailed by word or deed without promptly suppressing it by the strong arm of power, feeling assured that I shall be sustained by my Government and receive the cordial support of every patriotic citizen on this coast.
Hoping that what I have done or propose to do may be approved by the General-in-Chief and Secretary of War,
I have the honor to be,