J. R. West, February 24, 1862

L have the honor to acknowledge receipt of a communication from yourself dated 21st instant, and of one from the colonel commanding

a darias the district of same date marked semi-official, relating to measures which he wishes adopted to bring the infantry now here and the cavalry company at Temecula together into one camp. An objection presents itself to removing the infantry from here, viz, the interest of the sick, who the surgeon considers would be much better off in the present adobe hospital than in a tent. Hence I shall wait until to-morrow to ascertain what success the acting assistant quartermaster has met in efforts to procure forage at San Luis Rey for the cavalry. If he has been successful I shall move the cavalry up here; otherwise the infantry will be removed to a spot that affords good grazing. I cannot yet say whether I can supply Captains Roberts’ and Ffrench’s companies, nor can I yet determine how many companies of infantry and cavalry I can supply with my teams. I shall give these matters earnest attention at once and reply as soon as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,