John D. Stevenson to Abraham Lincoln, May 4, 1861

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:

_ SIB: During the war with Mexico I had the honor, ur der the authority of James K. Polk, at that time President of the United States, to raise, organize, and conduct to California the First Regiment of New

Cuar.LXU.] CORRESPONDENCE—UNION AND CONFEDERATE.

York Volunteers, who took possession of and garrisoned the interior posts and the coast of California from Sutter’s Fort in the north to La Paz, Lower California, in the south. How faithfully I discharged the duties of that important trust the archives of the War Department will prove. I have been a permanent resident of California ever since the disbanding of my regiment in October, A. D. 1848, and now beg leave to say that the same love of country which impelled me to leave my native home (New York) for distant service at that time under the flag of my country prompts me now most respectfully to tender my services to the President, to raise, organize, and command a brigade or regiment of volunteers to aid in garrisoning the harbor of San

Francisco and the other assailable points on the coast or elsewhere.

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