James H. Carleton to R. Drum, U. S. Army, February 15, 1862

Maj. R. ©. Drum, U. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal. :

MAJOR: I directed Captain Moore, assistant quartermaster, on the 6th instant to send one of the new ambulances (Dr. Coolidge’s invention) to Fort Yuma with the train which took over the artillery ammunition. I learned to-day that the ambulance had been tied behind a wagon, and in this manner sent to that post; that this was done because no harness for the ambulance had been received by Captain Moore from above. Of course it will be as useless at Fort Yuma as so much old lumber until harness is sent for it. Two of these ambulances have been sent down; they have shafts and are drawn by one mule, or two mules, tandem. The harness has evidently to be made especially for them. If it is intended for me to use these ambulances on the Mojave expedition I beg you will cause the harness to be shipped at once, separate from all other harness. I am, major,

respectfully, your obedient servant,