HEADQUARTERS COLUMN FROM CALIFORNIA, June 17, 1862

Tucson, Ariz., June 17, 1862.

Lieut. Col. EDWARD E. EYRE, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Present :

COLONEL: It is important that a forced reconnaissance be made in advance of the column from the Rio Grande, and you are selected for this delicate and at the same time hazardous duty. You will take with you for this purpose a squadron of your regiment to be composed of all the effective officers and men of Companies B and C now here. For transportation you will have three six-mule teams. Take six aparejos in the wagons for packing purposes when necessary. Take, say, four days’ pork, and dried beef and pemmican, and flour, coffee, sugar, salt, and vinegar for thirty days. Take 70 rounds of ammunition for the Sharps carbines per man, and 30 rounds per man of navy-revolver ammunition. You should have at least 6 pickaxes and 12 long-handled shovels as intrenching tools Acting Assistant Surgeon Kittridge will accompany you. All other essentials of your outfit will readily suggest themselves to you. When you bear in mind that you are always to be ready to fight, with your horses in the best possible condition, all, and only all, you will want practically to fulfill these requirements will come to your mind. You go to watch the road in the direction of the enemy. If possible you will capture or drive in his pickets, and observe and report upon his situation, strength, movements, and apparent purposes. To do this successfully the greatest prudence, sagacity, forecast, and boldness are necessary. I hardly need assure you that I have the fullest confidence in your ability to carry the purpose of your reconnaissance to the most useful results. Avoid collision with the Indians. Of course you will report back to me all that it is necessary for me to know.

Wishing you success, 1 am, colonel, very sincerely, yours, JAMES H. CARLETON, Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.