HEADQUARTERS CAMP CARLETON, February 19, 1862

Near San Bernardino, February 19, 1862.

Respecttully forwarded to the colonel commanding the District of Southern California, with the remark that the lives and property of the few patriotic citizens of this place will certainly be endangered if left to the majority of the citizens, who are a disgrace and a reproach to human nature, regarding no law, either human or divine. Troops are absolutely necessary, in my opinion, to suppress open treason and preserve even a show of peace. D. FERGUSSON, Major, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.