James H. Carleton to R. C. Drum, U.S. Army, May 10, 1862

Maj. R. C. Drum, U.S. Army, Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal. : MAJOR: By this express a requisition for clothing for the troops under my command to December 31, 1862, will be forwarded by Captain

Moore, assistant quartermaster. I beg to impress upon the mind of the general that some other person than the one who made the last purchases of clothing for these troops should, in my opinion, be selected to make the next purchase. You know from actual inspection here how wretchedly poor the quality of this clothing is. The shoes should be sewed, and of the first class. The hot sands of the desert shrink the pegs of the pegged shoes, and they come to pieces. It is indispensably necessary that this clothing, or half of it at least, should be forwarded without delay. I will send wagons to New San Pedro for it, and count on its being at that point by the steamer which will leave San Francisco on the 3d proximo. By this express I also cause to be sent a requisition for Indian goods. You see by the inclosed letters from Lieutenant-Colonel West how important it is that we have these goods.* They are better than money for trade to the Indians, and they are a great saving to the Government. I will expect to receive them by the train which goes for the clothing. I am, major,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,