James H. Carleton to Joseph R. West, March 29, 1862

Lieut. Col. J. R. WEST, First Infty. California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Wright, Cal.:

COLONEL: Some days since I caused a supply of potatoes to be sent to Camp Wright for the use of your command. The soldiers at this season of the year should be directed to gather, cook, and eat for antiscorbutics a plenty of greens. Young nettles, young mustard, lamb’squarters, and other varieties of plants make good greens, and can be found, doubtless, in your immediate vicinity, or, say, within twelve or fifteen miles. A liberal use of these articles will soon freshen the blood of the troops and remove any scorbutic taint. Have this matter attended to without delay. I cannot tell what the Overland Mail Company paid for hay at the points named in my letter, but it was doubtless a fair price, and would be a fair criterion of what the United States should pay at those places. Mr. Louis McLane has the data. Mr. Williams may be engaged to put twenty-five tons of hay at Carriso Creek at the price named in your note, and five tons at San Felipe at $50, and eight at Vallecito at $50, commencing with that at Carriso Creek, provided he does it at once; otherwise I do not want him to cut it at any price. I am, colonel,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,