Hdqrss. Advance Guard, California Volunteers to Benjamin C. Cutler, May 5, 1862

No. 3. f Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 5, 1862. In compliance with Special Orders, No. 65, headquarters Department of the Pacific, the undersigned hereby assumes command of this district.

Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry,

Pima Villages, May 6, 1862. Lieut. BEN. C. CUTLER, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Southern California :

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report fair progress in obtaining forage for the animals now here, butas yet no prospect presents itself of my being able to accumulate a surplus for an onward movement or to meet the wants of any additional number of animals suddenly placed here. Immediate payment in manta may work a change, but until that fact is proved I must continue doubtful about daily supplies even. The crop of mesquite beans will mature in all this month, and some of the wheat; then the problem will be solved of the dependence that can be placed upon supplies here. I state these facts for the information of the colonel commanding, whose plans may hinge upon them somewha . No flour comes in, and I fear will not as long as we call for their wheat so freely. If, however, we can get enough wheat for forage, the flour can be brought up from Fort Yuma in lieu of it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,