James H. Carleton to Edward E. Eyre, October 26, 1861

Maj. EDWARD E. EYRE, First Cavalry Cal. Vols., Comdg. at San Bernardino, Cal. :

MAJOR: I have received yours of the 25th instant. I do not wish you to contract for forage, at least until you get your horses. Then, if for purposes of speculation people raise the price unreasonably of forage, «c., I will not buy of them. I will move the troops or haul supplies from some other localities. Buy only what you need from day to day. As I before intimated, all bargains involving an expenditure of public money, even to a dollar, must have your written approval. The allowance of wood is greater than you can consume, so cause to be issued by your quartermaster only what is absolutely necessary. I wish you to have your rifle company drill according to Hardee in the manual of the piece. I send you fifteen muster and pay rolls for your three companies for October 31. 1 believe you have others on hand. Be prudent with them, as when these are gone we shall have to rule what we need till others come. Make out five rolls to a company—one to keep in the company, one to send to department headquarters, one to send to the Adjutant-General U. S. Army, and two for the paymaster.

respectfully,