L. J. F. Yager to F. Hinton, January 9, 1862

DEAR SIR: I have delayed this long in writing to you, as I have nothing reliable to communicate. Your letter to Mr. Warner I have not forwarded to him, as I was afraid it might fall into wrong hands. Most of the Americans that pass this way are in favor of the South. It is reported amongst the Mexicans, and I have every reason to believe with truth, that there are now in Tucson over 1,000 Southern troops. They have sent in orders to Sonora for 300 cargoes of flour, to be delivered at Tucson. Mr. Rathbourne came from there to Sonoita about four days ago, and as I am told states that Tucson is taken possession of by troops in the name of the Southern States. If I receive any information that I can rely on I will let you know at once. You will oblige me by asking Mr. Mean to look at the machinery belonging to the copper mines that lie outside of your store, and let me know what kind of condition it is in, what it is worth, and if it could be made available as a horse-power to work a small flour-mill. Tell him he will confer a great favor by letting me have the above information as soon as possible. Inclosed you will find your letter to Warner. Clint. Thompson will be in at the river in a few days. He wants to get into Oalifornia to bring out his father. He is very anxious to know if there is any danger of his being stopped at the fort. If you think there is please let me know. I explained your business to him as well as I could. He regrets very much that any mistake should have occurred in thematter. Hesaysthathe willpay the amount you demand, and would pay four times as much, if you require it, rather than forfeit your good opinion. Weare getting along here very well so far. 1 would like very much that you would write to me and let me know the news on the river. If Guadalupe Orosco should go to you to buy wine please let him have the best. I sent word to him to get some for his wife; she is very sick.

Respectfully, yours,