Joseph R. West to James P. Major, January 28, 1862

MAJOR: Referring to my communication of the 26th instant, I now have to inclose certified copies of further advices received this morning from Maj. E. A. Rigg, First Infantry California Volunteers, commanding Fort Yuma.* You will observe that the intelligence of Baylor’s advance comes through four distinct individuals. Two of these persons, Brady and Clymer, I have a slight personal acquaintance with, and believe their statements entitled to credit, as far as their personal knowledge extends. Baylor was expected at Tucson about January 1, and I consider the probabilities of his moving against Fort Yuma suflicient to induce me to take steps for its support. The troops that I propose to move in that direction form part of Colonel Carleton’s expedition and will only be thrown forward so much the sooner. I send an express to

San Diego to-night, ordering Company E, First Infantry California Volunteers, to march without delay to Warner’s ranch. I shall go in person to Camp Wright (starting to-morrow) with the intention of preparing the two companies of infantry there for moving over the desert to Fort Yuma in connection with Company E. On reaching Camp Wright I Shall be governed by circumstances, and either push on at once to Fort Yuma or await orders from Colonel Carleton, who I expect will return to this district very shortly. The orders requiring me to remain at this place during my command of this district were dictated by entirely different circumstances from those existing at present, and in deviating from my particular instructions I consider that I ain acting for the best interests of the service. I leave the duties assigned to me (providing for the troops arrived and arriving from above, and organizing a train for the field) in the hands of Capt. Tredwell Moore, assistant quartermaster, U.S. Army. .

Trusting that my assumption of responsibility will be favorably received by the general commanding the department, I am, major,

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