R. Wellman to E. A. Rigg, November 22, 1861

MAJOR:

I have the honor to present you with a report of a detachment of cavalry on patrol duty, under my command, pursuant to special orders from the headquarters at Camp Wright, dated November 19, 1861:

I left Camp Wright at 8 a.m. November 20, 1861, and proceeded to Santa Isabel; was delayed about one hour at Buena Vista looking for Francisco O’Campo, two miles from here. I with my detachment arrived at Santa Isabel at 11 a. m. I immediately proceeded to examine a trail leading from that place to Temecula and the rest of the country. I returned about 1.30 p. m., and encamped at O’Campo’s ranch. At 6.30 p. m. O’Campo came home. I immediately, or as soon as possible, sent a servant (a Spaniard) on the trail leading from that place to Temecula, with the instructions that you turned over tome. He started at 7 p.m. November 20, and returned on the 21st, at 6.30 p. m., and reported of having seen no party or parties of men either on the trail or at Temecula; also having made inquiries, but did not hear of any party or parties of men approaching. He reports the trail being rough, hilly, and very bad for traveling. The trail passes through several small villages, which are as follows: From Santa Isabel to Mesa de Stata, 3 miles; to Mesa Grande, 6 miles; to La Joya, 9 miles; to La Pioche, 14 miles; to Posteau, 1 mile; to Pauma, 8 miles; to Pala, 12 miles; to Temecula, 8 miles; whole distance 48 miles. There is also a trail leading from Buena Vista (two miles from here), and passes over the mountains to San José, on the Los Angeles road. The Temecula trail crosses it at La Mesa Grande (some three miles from Buena Vista); there is also another trail which leads from Santa Isabel to San Felipe; it is a pretty good road for horses (but impassable for wagons); examined it for about five miles; there is considerable travel on it. Atip.m. November 21 sent out a party of three men on the San Diegoroad. They returned at 4,30 p. m., and reported no persons seen on the road for twelve miles. They saw a Spaniard (well known to Mr. O’Campo, who says that he is a Union man) who says that he left Los Angeles on the 18th of November, but did not see or hear of any party or parties of men going south, and that it was quiet as usual along the road. There is an Indian village on the San Diego road, about thirty-one miles from Camp Wright, called San Pasqual. It is near the junction of the San Pedro and San Diego roads. From this village there is a trail that leads to Viecito, and another trail about three or four miles this side of the village (San Pasqual) that goes to San Felipe. Left camp at Santa Isabel 6.30 a. m., and arrived at Camp Wright at 8.30 a. m. November 22, 1861. I am,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,