James H. Carleton to James H. Carleton, December 4, 1861

SIR: I reached this place last evening, and am pleased to find everything wearing the appearance of activity and preparation for whatever may occur in the unsettled condition of our country. I shall be compelled to remain here two or three days in order to recruit my riding animal, so as to get in over the desert. I met Mr, Fecunda Gonzales (the proprietor of the ferry below the line) at Carriso, on his way to Los Angeles. He was accompanied by his family. I shall take a trip along down the river probably as far as the ferry, as I was informed by aman of Gonzales’ party that I could get over the river there by the assistance of the Indians, and that my horse could be crossed (probably by swimming). There has been no information up to this date at this plaże from Carrillo, who went to Tucson. I regret to hear that you have been called to San Francisco. Hoping, however, that you will be able to do more for the peace of California from that point than at Los Angeles, I must submit, and I trust that you have been appointed to the command of at least the Military Department of California. As I have nothing of pressing importance to communicate, I will defer any account of my trip until my return to Los Angeles. A g

Wishing you health and rapid promotion, but to remain in California, I remain, truly, yours, RS

SPECIAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. DIST. OF SOUTHERN California, No. 18. Los Angeles, Cal., December 4, 1861.

In compliance with instructions from the commander of the Department of the Pacific, Maj. David Fergusson, First Cavalry California Volunteers, will proceed without delay to Camp Wright, near Warners ranch, and assume command of that post, receipting to Maj. Edwin A. Rigg, First Infantry California Volunteers, for all public property pertaining thereto for which he is accountable.

By order of Colonel Carleton :