Richd. C. Drum to Bjos, July 18, 1861

Bvt. Maj. JAMES H. CARLETON, First Dragoons, U. S. Army, Commanding Camp Fitzgerald, Los Angeles, Cal. :

SIR: The general commanding the department directs that you will proceed immediately to San Bernardino, in this State, and while there and in the vicinity make inquiry into the political complexion of that district of country. While you are expected to make a close investigation into the sympathies and opinions of these people, the general nevertheless desires you to prevent as far as possible any suspicions as to the real object of your visit. The general desires you to report fully on the political feeling existing there, and whether in your opinion the Union sentiment would be strengthened by stationing two more companies of troops at that point, the troops to be drawn from Camp Sumner, near this place.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,