HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC, October 14, 1861

f San Francisco, October 14, 1861.

Col. EDWARD D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. O. :

Order of the 16th ultimo just received. I leave in the next steamer, on the 21st instant, with the Third Artillery, part of the Sixth Infantry, and 10,000 muskets. What disposition shall be made of the general staff officers? Colonel Wright ought to remain here in command. The safety of the whole coast may depend upon it.

E. V. SUMNER, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.