James H. Carleton to First Cavalry California Volunteers, May 25, 1862

Lieut. Col. E. E. EYRE, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz. Ter.:

COLONEL: I am directed by the colonel commanding the column to say to you that from some information which he has this day received it is possible that on your arrival at Fort Stanford you may find the grazing facilities in that neighborhood not good enough to warrant the keeping of cavalry horses and quartermaster’s mules in large numbers at that point, with a hope of having them recruit their flesh and strength. Should this prove to be the ease, after a careful and extended examination of the country in that vicinity, you will move by easy marches up the valley of the San Pedro to the point where the road from Mesilla to Tucson crosses that valley, and there encamp and await further orders. You will retain with your command the quartermaster’s train and the herd of beef-cattle which starts from this point with you until further orders. Should you come across any fields of wheat on your route be careful that these fields are not molested. The Apache Indians must not be attacked by the troops under your command unless they manifest hostility by some overt act, such as firing upon your command or running off your stock. As soon as you have taken possession of Fort Stanford the colonel commanding directs that you will make a detailed report on the present condition of Fort Stanford and the resources of the country between this point and (in case you go that far) the point on the San Pedro where you are to encamp and await further orders. I am, colonel,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,