Joseph R. West to James H. Carleton, November 13, 1861

Col. JAMES H. CARLETON, Commanding Southern District of California, Los Angeles :

COLONEL: I believe that I can accomplish my present object best by addressing you in person. Hadji Ali, the expressman, left here at 1.30 p. m., and the steamer was at the landing in one hour afterward, setting at rest all anxiety on that account. Iam so impressed with the policy ot holding this post securely, if held at all, that I am induced to address you again on the subject, a different plan for re-enforcing it having suggested itself since my letter of yesterday was written. For this plan I am indebted to Captain Johnson, of the steamer Cocopah. It is an economical one, and permits of the retention of the command at Warner’s ranch also. Captain Johnson is of the opinion (and leaves here believing that he is prepared to contract with Government to that end) that 300 men, with 150 tons of freight, two pieces of artillery, &c., can be landed here in ten days from San Francisco at an expense not to exceed $20,500, viz: Charter a steamer to mouth of Colorado from San Francisco to carry 300 men and 150 tons of freight, $10,000; passage 300 men from mouth to Fort Yuma, at $10, $3,000; freight, 150 tons, from mouth to Fort Yuma, at $50, $7,500; total, $20,500. If this can be done it would, in my opinion, be a most judicious expenditure, and would, I believe, secure beyond question the possession of this post against any force the enemy can bring against it. Fort Yuma is a valuable position to be retained by the United States Government. It has cost a vast amount of money, holds a large amount of stores, and possesses great strategic importance, as you are aware. Its abandonment would be equivalent to a loss of $1,000,000 by the United States, and contrary to the spirit that dictates the holding of all Federal property. I am not now conscious of any attempts to be made or projects entertained by the enemy for getting possession of it. [am not alarmed for the safety of my command, as the way of retreat is easy should an overwhelming force advance upon me. But I see here a valuable position, both in a military and moral point of view, at the mercy of such a force as the enemy can bring against it, and I assume that it is my duty to suggest that it be held securely, and how that shall be done. Three companies of the five regiments raised in California subsequent to our own could very probably be spared for the service. They are

a either at or convenient to San Francisco. They could be landed here by the 12th to 15th proximo, should the department commander see the justice of my views. With 600 men the post could be made a fortification in a short time. Now its weakness consists in its many assailable points, requiring a larger force for its successful defense than its present garrison numbers. The three additional companies could be encamped in the immediate vicinity of the post without detriment to their health, lam told by the surgeon here. The 150 tons of freight and the stores that I have notified you of as being on hand will amply provide for them. They could be employed from the 15th of December to 15th of April in defending and fortifying, and be withdrawn when the weather became too warm, and leave the place stronger than it isnow. Should the enemy attempt the passage of the river I could dispute it with him fifty miles up or down. Now I dare not leave it. Its extensive area makes it indefensible unless occupied by a sufficient force, and if the enemy plants heavy artillery across the river he would make it untenable, and I have no pieces to prevent him. If I have given satisfactory reasons for the re-enforcement of the post (you will remember that your original order was for six companies), I believe that Captain Johnson can take charge of the whole matter of transportation advantageously for the Government. He is a responsible man, and can give security for the performance of his contracts. I have no wish to assist him to make money improperly. As a friend I should like to see him succeed. I believe that he could facilitate affairs by contracting through to Fort Yuma from San Francisco. The present project has been elicited by asking him how it could be accomplished. The idea originated with myself, the means from him. Every accommodation except quarters exists for the additional force; they would be far more comfortable than in any camp with the convenience of the post adjacent. In conclusion, I repeat that this 1s a weak and valuable post within the enemy’s reach. Ihave given my opinions why this is so, and it remains for those having authority to adopt such course as they deem proper. I see no pressing danger, and my honest convictions are that the enemy is not likely to advance against it. He can come, and he can take it, and it is against those two possibilities that I wish to secure the Government; but as long as I am here I shall do my best to hold it, re-enforced or not. Yours,

very respectfully,