Lippitt to Heffernan, March 25, 1862
Captain HEFFERNAN, Commanding Fort Lyon:
SIR: You are directed by the colonel commanding to march with as many men as you can spare on the morning of the 28th of March, instant, for Angel Ranch (Zetner’s), timing your march so as to arrive there precisely at 12m. The object of this movement is to co-operate with detachments from Captains Douglas’ and Akey’s commands, who are to arrive at Angel Ranch at the same hour for the purpose of capturing a band of hostile Indians in that vicinity. As it is intended to take the Indians by surprise, you will use every precaution to prevent their having notice of your approach. On joining the other detachments you will act under the command of Captain Douglas or other senior officer present. You will take with you such an amount of rations and ammunition as you may deem necessary. If it is necessary to hire transportation for your supplies, you are authorized to do so on the best terms in your power. If you deem proper you can send the detachment under the command of a company officer instead of accompanying it yourself.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., March 26, 1862,
Adjutant-General U. X. Army, Washington City:
Your dispatch of 21st received. I had previously ordered Colonel
move into the Walla Walla country, and thence to the mining districts;
and as the season advances to move toward Fort Hall, to protect the
emigrants. I conferred with Mr. Crawford on the subject. I can give