Justus Steinberger, June 12, 1862

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :

SIR: Inclosed I have the honor to transmit. copy of communication* from Lieut. John Mullan, military road expedition to Fort Benton, dated May 1, 1862. On the 15th of May a letter was received at this office from Lieutenant Marsh, commanding the escort to this expedition, announcing his probable arrival about the 1st of July at a point where the military road intersects the Fort Walla Walla and Fort Colville road. He reports also that he will be out of flour, and requests the supply be furnished him to provide for the remainder of his march to Fort Walla Walla. The commanding officer at that point has been instructed to make the necessary arrangements for the relief of this command. Recent intelligence from that country indicates that this escort will, on account of the depth of snow on the mountains, be delayed beyond the time mentioned in Lieutenant Marsh’s and Lieutenant Mullaws letters. In examining the records of the district I find orders for this “escort to proceed to Fort Vancouver with all the means of transportation.” Orders have not been received at these headquarters for the disposition of the detachments of companies of the Ninth Infantry composing this escort other than extract of telegram dated San Fran-

Notify the regular troops in the District of Oregon to be in readiness to be relieved by volunteers. Recall the detachment now with Lieutenant Mullan. All the regulars go to New York. By order.

Presuming that it is the wish of the general commanding the department that these troops be distributed to the different companies to which they belong, unless otherwise ordered when they arrive here, those belonging to Major Lugénbeel’s company (A) will be retained at this post. The remainder, under Lieutenant Marsh, will be sent by steamer to San Juan Island, leaving at Camp Pickett the detachment belonging to Company O (Captain Bissell’s); and thence to San Francisco the remaining detachments belonging to companies not in this district. The transportation employed by this escort not being required at this post, (and the demands involved in the movement of troops from Fort Walla Walla referred to in another communication), will be directed to be turned over at the latter post. Ihave the honor to request instructions at an early moment that will make any change in the contemplated disposal of these troops.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,