James H. Carleton to M. D. Dobbins, February 10, 1862

Lieut. Col. M. D. DOBBINS, Fifth Cal. Vol. Infty., in camp near Camp Latham, Cal.: COLONEL: 1 desire that you send Company G, of your regiment, with Maj. Theodore A. Coult, Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, to what is known as the San Fernando Mountain, on the road toward Fort Tejon. The road which passes over that mountain is badly washed by the recent rains, and is now impassable for wagons, so that any military movement which the exigencies of the service may require should be made beyond that point could hardly be accomplished, Company G, Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, will repair the road at that point and then return to your camp. Let Major Coult have the necessary tools for the men to work with. Some have been sent to your quartermaster to-day; they should at once be put in good order.

The company will take twenty days’ rations and twenty rounds of ammunition per man. Let it leave Camp Latham to-morrow. The sick and prisoners will not be sent.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,