J. Clark to J. H. Carleton, August 25, 1861

Maj. J. H. CARLETON, First Dragoons, U. S. Army, Commanding Volunteers :

MAJOR: Having learned that a number of volunteers under your command are about to leave California to take post along the Overland Mail Route, I consider it my duty to give you information with regard to thefacilities afforded by this post for occupation by a portion of your command should it be desirable to occupy it. The post, as you may be aware, is pleasantly situated on Black’s Fork of Green River, having several branches with fine running water through and near the post. Four companies could immediately find pleasant quarters and in a short time a number of other buildings sufficient to accommodate an equal number could be repaired. There are six sets of officers’ quarters with four rooms each, two of them having kitchens detached. There is one stable fit for immediate use which will accommodate ninety horses, and another which will require considerable repairs before being fit for use. It would hold about fifty animals. The material for repairing could be obtained at the post. There are 200 head of commissary beef-cattle here. There are 400 bales and 300 boxes of clothing, camp, and garrison equipage, stationery and medical stores at the post. Most of this was removed from Fort Crittenden when that post was abandoned and stored here for the use of the volunteers. The subsistence stores here are quite limited in quantity. I have 6,000 pounds flour, 3,500 pounds bacon, 1,000 pounds sugar, 200 pounds coffee, 150 pounds rice, and 30 bushels beans, and but a small quantity of other stores. The post sutler here has a quantity of subsistence stores purchased at the late sale, which he has made me a written promise to retain until September 20, and sell at reasonable rates should it be necessary to purchase, provided the post should be garrisoned. He has 20,000 pounds States flour, 10,000 pounds bacon, sugar, 15 cases desiccated vegetables, 1,000 pounds tea, 400 gallons vinegar. Stock can be wintered near the post. There is a good sutler’s store here, a post-office, and a telegraph station is expected to be established here by November.

respectfully, your obedient servant,