Richd. C. Drum to George W. Bowie, December 27, 1861

Col. GEORGE W. BOWIE, Fifth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Camp Union, Cal. : Sir: The general commanding the department desires you to detail a company of your regiment, the captain of which is a reliable man, for important distant service. The company will leave Camp Union in time to arıive in this city on the evening of the 31st instant. You will see that the company is furnished with fifty rounds of ammunition for cach man, and also the necessary camp and garrison equipage. The captain will receive special instructions on his arrival here. The general desires you to muster and inspect the company previous to its departure. The necessary supplies of subsistence will be furnished here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,