John G. Downey to Simon Cameron, September 3, 1861
Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. O.:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your telegraph dispatches of August 14 and 15, the former being a requisition for four regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, and the latter recommending General D. D. Colton as colonel of cavalry. I received the above dispatches on August 23, and on the 24th issued my proclamation, as you will see above [following]. The first requisition for one regiment of infantry and five companies of cavalry is now complete, and I have no doubt that after the election (September 4) the last requisition will also be filled. I have tendered the colonelcy of the second regiment of cavalry to General D. D. Colton, as you desired, and he has accepted the same and will soon be on active duty. I have also the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your letter by pony express, being a duplicate of the requisition sent by telegraph.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Governor,
[Inclosure.]
STATE OF California, Executive Department:
bearing date August 14, A. D. 1861, to the Executive of this State
directed, the President of the United States has called for four regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, to be placed at the disposal of Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, U. S. Army, "organized, equipped,
and mustered into service by the State of California, such call being