Richd. C. Drum to B. L. Beall, August 31, 1861

Col. B. L. BEALL, First Dragoons, Commanding District of Oregon:

SIR: The general commanding the department has reason to fear that in the eventof volunteers being called for from the State of Oregon, agreeably to the authority granted from these headquarters, the officers selected may not possess that character for loyalty to the General Government essentially necessary in those occupying so important a position. Should you think it necessary to call into service a force for the object indicated in former letters from any portion of your district, the general is particularly desirous that no one should be mustered into service “about whose loyalty to the National Government there is the shadow of a doubt.”

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,