Joseph R. West to William E. Baldwin, May 21, 1862

Lieutenant BALDWIN, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Tucson:

With ten men of Company B, First Cavalry California Volunteers, and the Scout Weaver, four days’ rations for your men, a pack-mule, and such forage as you can carry, take the road for Fort Barrett via the Cañada del Oro. Then endeavor on the following day to open a wagon road cut-off to Cottonwood Springs. If you do not succeed in this go around by Fort Breckinridge, spin out your rations, and go through to Fort Barrett. Be on the alert for Apaches; keep your men together and close by their horses at night. If you succeed in opening this road you will render a very essential service. Report to the commanding officer at Fort Barrett.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,