J. H. Whittlesey to A, Cady, October 19, 1861

Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver:

The within communication from the Indian agent is respectfully forwarded for the action of the commander of the district. While I feel convinced of the necessity of keeping a picket of fifteen or twenty men at the Warm Springs Reservation for the defense of the reservation Indians against the Snakes, yet having just recalled the detachment of Company B, First Cavalry, in conformity with orders, and holding my command in readiness to be relieved from duty here by volunteers, I do not feel authorized to act in the premises. An expedition should have been made against the Snakes in question this fall, but this could not well be done at this late season, and not at all without a larger garrison at this post than one small company. I would respectfully suggest that one company of the California volunteer infantry about arriving at Fort Vancouver be sent here at once, with orders to throw out a detachment of twenty men to guard the Warm Springs Reservation for the winter. The company of Oregon cavalry ordered to be mustered in here makes no progress, and cannot be counted upon for the defense of this frontier at present.

Very respectfully, &c.,