Richd. C. Drum to Messrs. J. P. Haynes And Benjamin F. Dorris, June 29, 1861

Messrs. J. P. HAYNES and BENJAMIN F. DORRIS, Crescent City, Oal. :

JENTLEMEN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant, transmitting for the consideration of the general commanding the department the proceedings of a meeting of citizens of Klamath County, in this State. The general commanding is sensible of the difficulties which surround the citizens in the several localities from which the troops have been recently, and he hopes temporarily, withdrawn, and regrets exceedingly that the force at his disposal will not enable him to continue that protection to their lives and property which, until the existence of our present political necessities, he had the power to grant. You may rest assured, however, that the general will not be unmindful of your condition, but will do whatever lies in his power to remedy any inconvenience which may be experienced by your citizens in consequence of these changes. In view of the extraordinary condition of affairs existing in the country, to which I have adverted, it is but just to expect that while the States east of the mountains are generously contributing men and means for the maintenance of the General Government, the people of the Pacific Coast should furnish the necessary aid in protecting their frontiers from Indian incursions. To enable the inhabitants to accomplish this, at points where it is impracticable to station troops for their protection, the general will avail himself of the first opportunity of conferring with the Governor of your State, and pressing upon him the necessity of making arrangements for the issue of arms and ammunition to the citizens residing in those parts of the State most exposed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,