Justus Steinberger to W. H. Rector, June 27, 1862

W. H. RECTOR, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Salem, Oreg. :

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that directions have been received by me from department headquarters to confer with you upon the requirements of a military force near Jacksonville for protective purposes. The only disposable troops for such service now under my command is the First Oregon Cavalry Battalion (four companies), Lieutenant-Colonel Maury commanding. This battalion is now moving toward Fort Walla Walla, where it had been deemed important to concentrate the entire regiment, with a view to early movements into the Salmon River mining country and along the overland emigrant trail. I will retain one company of this regiment at Camp Clackamas, near Oregon City, for the present, and have respectfully to request that you will at your earliest convenience furnish me with your views and wishes upon the subject indicated. Let me suggest to you that as the California volunteers now on duty in this district are being gradually withdrawn to be relieved by the Oregon cavalry and Washington Territory infantry and that there is the well-founded belief of urgent demand for troops east of Fort Walla Walla the present season, a wellauthenticated necessity only should divert this company from its march.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,