John E. Wool to Simon Cameron, April 27, 1861

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: Acting on the inclosed, I have organized an infantry regiment substantially on the basis of the New York laws. I respectfully ask the Department to accept their services. Nothing can be more just to the sentiments of California and Oregon or do more to keep them loyal and patriotic. I have taken the liberty to inclose what I suppose to be such instructions and authority as the case requires.

Be pleased, sir, to remember that we have no executive officers through whom we can act, and 1 shall therefore require such authority as I suggest. :

The men are pressing me every hour, and I shall soon make them efficient. I trust I need not say that I will use every precaution to limit the expense of equipment within reasonable military bounds. I hope you will see the importance of this measure in a political as well as military view.

Will you be pleased also to communicate a Yes or No by telegraph to my address, Astor House?

With great respect, your obedient servant,