Justus Steinberger, June 28, 1862

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that this morning LieutenantColonel Maury with the last company of his battalion went up the river to Fort Dalles and Fort Walla Walla. He will probably move with his three companies on the 30th by land to the latter post. Information having been furnished me that a band of thieves are herding a large number of mules stolen from the Government at Fort Walla Walla in one of the small valleys to the right of the crossing on John Day’s River, I have directed Colonel Maury to detach near that point a small force and scour the country in that neighborhood and attempt the recovery of the property. The fourth company of this battalion (Company ©, Captain Kelly) will remain at this post and Camp Clackamas until a reply is received to my communication to the saperintendent of Indian affairs of Oregon, heretofore referred to. Two companies of the First Washington Territory Infantry (B and C) under Major Rumrill left here on the 25th for Fort Colville with directions to use the utmost dispatch on the march. Every precaution had been taken to insure their speedy and safe arrival at that post, personally superintended by myself and staff officer. I regret to mention, in explanation of Special Orders, No, 27, accompanying, that from some neglect, confusion, or incapacity the subsistence (fifteen days’) was left behind at Cascade Portage. This command, in order to effect the speedy relief of Major Curtis and his two companies, was pressed forward while the portage presented some obstruction. Yet I can imagine no justification for such grave mischance, for the command was guarded against all probable contingency of accident and with the clearest and most detailed instructions for the march. Lieutenant Hughes has been directed to overtake and make a critical inspection of the troops and property of the command, and especially investigate the causes of the error referred to. He is also instructed to take prompt and immediate measures to promote the rapid march of the column to its destination, using his own judgment in correctionary means even to the arrest and displacement of any officer of the command.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,