Hdwin A. Rigg to Colonel, November 30, 1861

‘ Camp WRIGHT, Oak Grove, San Diego County, Southern California, November 30, 1861.

COLONEL: I take advantage of Señor Sepulva, Ramon Carrillo’s brother-in-law, to inform you of the capture of the Showalter party, Showalter with them. The party consists of sixteen men, each man armed with a rifle and pair of revolvers. They gave us a hard chase, but we finally captured them. They parleyed, but finally concluded not to resist, although against the advice of Showalter. The names of the parties are: T. A. Wilson, Tennessee; W. Woods, Missouri; Charles Benbrook, Kentucky; William Sands, Tennessee; T. L. Roberts, South Carolina; R. H. Ward, Mississippi; T. W. Woods, Virginia; J. M. Sampson, Kentucky; S. A. Rogers, Tennessee; J. Lawrence, Arkansas; William Edwards, Arkansas; Levi Rogers, Alabama; Henry Crowell, Pennsylvania; William Turner, Georgia; Dan Showalter, Pennsylvania; A. King, Tennessee. I took two of the party on the 27th near this post, viz, E. B. Sumner, F. N. Chum. They were the advance party. Eighteen in all. J am now examining them, and will send you by express that will leave here to-night some time full particulars. They now regret that they did not resist. If they had they would have given us a hard fight. There is no doubt but every one of them is a rank secessionist, and are on their way to lend aid and comfort to the enemy. I would like to know as soon as possible what to do with them. They have pack-mules and are well fitted out, and a desperate set of men. I will send you, as I have stated, a full account of all the facts by an express that will leave to-night, or perhaps not until the morning. I am under great obligations to Francisco O’Campo for my success. It is reported that some eighty-one more are getting ready and on the road. I will keep a good watch for them.

Very respectfully,