James H. Carleton to Edward Ephraim Eyre, February 8, 1862

Lieut. Col. E. E. EYRE, First California Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg. Camp Carleton, San Bernardino, Cal.: COLONEL: After conversing with some of my expressmen about the great flood in the Gila and Colorado Rivers, which has covered the bottom lands with mud, swept off hay, &c., I desire you will send Captain McCleave to Fort Yuma with thirty rank and file picked men of his company. If when he arrives there it is found that any grazing can be found within twenty miles of the post, the captain will send back word that the rest of his company will then follow him. I have but little doubt but grass can be found up the Colorado, but of this I must be sure. Lieutenant Harvey and Lieutenant Nichols will accompany Captain McCleave.

Respectfully, &c.,