Jas. A. Hardie to M. Maloney, January 11, 1861

Capt. M. MALONEY, Fourth Infty., Comdg. Camp Chehalis, Gray’s Harbor, Wash. Ter.:

SIR: Your report of the 21st ultimo has been received. The colonel commanding finds it quite satisfactory. The petition is subscribed thus: “J. L. McKee and seventy-two others.” The statement of Matthew McGee, Quineault County, who was ordered to leave the Quineault country by the Indians, taken captive, &c.; Absalom Armstrong, north side of Gray’s Harbor, whose house had been three times broken open, «c.; Mr. J. L. Payn, north side of Gray’s Harbor, who has lost his property by theft, threatened by Indians, &c.; alsoof David Helser. David Helser and G. A. Wood accompany the petition. A certificate as to the respectable character of the last-mentioned affiants is signed thus: “Lyman Shaffer and thirty-six others.” The statements all speak of the general hostility of the Indians in your region. Your letter of the 26th has also been received. Your request that your post may be called Fort Chehalis and be constituted a double-ration post has been forwarded to the War Department approved. Colonel Wright had thought of discontinuing the post at Chehalis in the spring, but in view of the fears of the settlers he judged it expedient that a post be maintained there for some time yet, and has so recommended. The force, however, will not be increased.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,