Richd. C. Drum to Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, May 31, 1862

Col. FERRIS FORMAN, Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, Cal.:

Str: The question of relative rank between Colonel Bowie and yourself having been determined by the State authorities, and the dates fixed having been accepted by these headquarters, the general eommanding the department cannot make the change requested in your letter of the 25th instant. The general will direct no arrangements for the establishment of a winter post at or in the vicinity of Owen’s Lake until Lieutenant-Colonel Evans has again been over that country. The general is impressed with the belief, from statements made by persons residing in that country, that by the next fall such numbers will have settled there as will render the presence of troops unnecessary.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,