HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Octoter 12, 1861

Los Angeles, Octoter 12, 1861.

Maj. R. C. DRUM, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.: MAJOR: I have been much embarrassed for several months past in consequence of a scarcity of officers with my regiment, the Ninth Infantry. I have no staff officers at my regimental headquarters, Fort Vancouver, neither have I an officer to assist me in my present command. However, it is not staff officers which I need most. I have three companies of the regiment, without a single officer present belonging to either of them. On reaching New York the immediate presence of the company officers will be very necessary, particularly those who have heretofore served with the regiment, but now absent. I beg the general to submit this request to the ere ae neta ry respectfully, your most obedient servant eee ya G. WRIGHT, Colonel Ninth Infantry. 42 R R—VOL L, PT I