Richd. C. Drum to Edward W. Carpender, August 8, 1861

Capt. EDWARD W. CARPENDER, Commanding U. S. Ship Falmouth, Aspinwall :

Sir: Captain Wallen with his company leaves in the Sonora to-morrow in charge of 30,000 stand of arms, which have been ordered to be sent from this department to New York immediately. As these arms would be a double loss to the Government if they should be captured,

First Regiment of Dragoons, U. 8. Army, Commanding Camp Fitzgerald, near Los Angeles, Cal.: Str: In compliance with the recommendation contained in your letter of the 13th instant, the general commanding the department has this day directed the ordnance officer at Benicia Arsenal to invoice to you 150 muskets with 6,000 rounds of ball ammunition. The general desires you to be particularly careful into whose hands these arms are placed. Unless the parties are unconditionally committed to the support of the General Government great injury might be done in thus arming them. He accepts your profferred responsibility, and hopes you may beable to strengthen your position.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,