J I J. R. West to R. C. Drum, U.s. Army, January 27, 1862

Maj. R. C. DRUM, U.S. Army, Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:

The three companies of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Lieut. Col. George S. Evans commanding, and five companies of the Fifth infantry California Volunteers, Lieut. Col. Marcus D. Dobbins commanding, are encamped within a quarter of a mile of town at Camp sible to move them into the interior. The weather has been good for the past five days and continues so, but the roads to Camp Latham and Los Angeles are as yet scarcely more than passable for wagons without any loads whatever. In connection with the movement of LieutenantColonel Eyre, First Cavalry, to Camp Latham, it would be injudicious to send the troops from here to that point, as during very bad weather fuel cannot be furnished there in the required quantity. Here the troops are now well supplied with everything but wood (unless when that is sent from San Francisco), as none can be brought in from the country on account of the condition of the roads. Efforts to bring wood from Catalina Island have proved abortive also, and although the prospect of obtaining a supply thence and from the country back of the place is improving, no dependence can be placed upon the continuance of good weather. For nearly a whole week it was impossible to send an empty wagon one mile from camp, much less to bring in any loaded teams. At same time communication by water was entirely cut off. I am therefore constrained to request that an estimate for wood, forwarded by this steamer to the deputy quartermaster-general, be Shipped without delay. Every possible economy is being used to make the supply of fuel last as long as practicable. I have the satisfaction to state that Camp Drum is located on a dry sandy ridge, and that the troops are mainly in good health and comparatively comfortable.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,