HEADQUARTERS, August 30, 1861

Camp Fitzgerald, Cal., August 30, 1861.

Capt. R. C. Drum, Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco :

CAPTAIN: My letter of August 24 will explain what kind of sheds have been erected over the horses. They are paulin sheds stretched on scantling frames. The canvas was to spare in the quartermaster’s department. I shall, however, be more careful in future with regard to any expense, in obedience to the general’s directions. I leave here to-morrow morning accompanied by the U. S. marshal with sixty dragoons for Bear and Holcomb Valleys. I shall turn over the command of this camp to First Lieut. Montgomery Bryant, Sixth Infantry, during my absence, with directions to keep his men in hand pending the election, and in their camp. I shall advise Major Ketchum of where I am going and for what object.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JNO. W. DAVIDSON, Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding.