J. B. Montgomery to George A. H. Blake, July 18, 1861

Lieut. Col. GEORGE A. H. BLAKE,

First Regiment of Dragoons, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. : SIR: The general commanding department desires you to inform him whetherin your opinion it would be judicious to place at Fort Churchill

Brig. Gen. E. V. SUMNER, Comdy. the Pacific Mil. Div. of the United States, San Francisco, Cal.:

GENERAL: Your communication dated July 10 and inclosure has just been received. I scarcely need to assure you of my earnest desire and readiness to co-operate with you (to the extent of the means at my disposal) in counteracting the supposed designs of secessionists against Lower California, and for all other objects touching the honor and interests of our Government. I am now en route with the Lancaster to Panama, where I shall meet dispatches from the Navy Department, possibly, instructing me in regard to future operations. In the meantime I have directed the commanders of the steamers Wyoming and Narragansett and sloop of war Cyane, detailed for service along the coasts of California and Mexico for the protection of mail steamers, &c., to afford you all required aid and co-operation in carrying out the views of the Government (within the limits of their assigned duties) along the coasts and in the Gulf of California.

I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,