Ninth Infantry to Don Carlos Buell, June 21, 1861

No. 13. Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 21, 1861.

I. In consequence of the threatening attitude of the Indians on the waters of Puget Sound, so much of Special Orders, No. 9, current series, from these headquarters as directs the troops at Camp Pickett, on San Juan Island, to embark on the next steamer for San Francisco is hereby revoked.

II. So soon as the public property shall have been removed from Fort Townsend the commander of the Massachusetts will be directed to proceed with his ship and report to Captain Pickett or the commanding officer at Camp Pickett, on San Juan Island, to remain until further orders.

By order of Colonel Wright:

First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 22, 1861.

Maj. D. C. BUELL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.: MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 12th instant, together with the letter of Captain Pickett of the 1st instant. I had much hesitation in the first instance about abandoning the post of San Juan Island; not that its occupancy could have the least effect on our claim to the island, as I look upon that as a point not open for discussion, but it is a salient and

commanding position on our northern frontier, admirably adapted to afford general protection to the settlements on the waters of Puget Sound. Indeed, I believe that a strong garrison on San Juan Island, with the aid of small steamer, would afford ample protection for the whole sound, and that all other posts might be dispensed with. After a careful consideration of Captain Pickett’s communication, and exercising the permission contained in yours, I have ordered the garrison at San Juan to remain there. I have also ordered the Massachusetts to proceed to the island and report to Captain Pickett, to remain there until further orders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,