September to Don Carlos Buell, August 13, 1861

Maj. D. C. BUELL, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army: MAJOR: After careful thought I have determined, as an officer intrusted with an important command here, to give my views with regard to the dispositions to be made to preserve good order and obedience to the laws in this section of the country. With due deference to older and wiser heads than mine, I believe the arrangement proposed would crush the egg of treason already laid in the counties of San Bernardino and Los Angeles, give the really good time to awake to their true interests and to listen to the promptings of that patriotism which, however it may be swayed by the passiens of the hour, is yet deeply planted in every American heart. Therefore, I. The depot of supplies for the troops to be at San Pedro, near the mouth of San Gabriel River; a company of infantry stationed there, with temporary work thrown up, and two or more pieces of artillery. I. I. Two companies of infantry at Los Angeles, either in the town, or at least six miles from it. One month’s subsistence always on hand. III. Four companies, two of dragoons and two of infantry, at San Bernardino. I believe if any trouble arises it will begin there, because of the character of the surrounding population, and the fact that the outlets toward Utah by the Mojave, and toward Texas by the Colorado, invite and tempt by their facilities for escape. By all means keep this squadron of dragoons intact at one point. It is the only body of cayalry in the country and, with the drill Carleton and I have given it, is really efficient and can be relied on for 100 men in the saddle at need. An outpost from the San Bernardino command to be at Martin’s ranch, in the Cajon Pass, to consist of an officer and, say, twelve men. Another at Temecula, on the route to Warner’s ranch, same number. Both posts to report constantly to San Bernardino. The officer at San Bernardino to have district powers over Los Angeles troops, but not to touch San Pedro. A section of field pieces at Los Angeles and one at San Bernardino. An enterprising officer ought to be able to control at least open acts with these facilities placed at his command. If this arrangement cannot be made, then I respectfully ask authority to move this camp to San Pedro, and in the advantages of this step all my officers concur with me. The men are being demoralized here, and I suspect are tampered with. The vitality they expend in debauch would be spent in fishing, hunting, boating, and manly exercises. From this point we could mainly control this section of country. There is a brass field piece here in town (6-pounder) belonging I am told to the State, now in the hands of the sheriff, Tomas Sanchez, a noted secessionist, which ought, I think, to be in my keeping. Can I get the order of the Governor to deliver it to me, through the general? The home guard about whom i wrote to the general of the date of August 10 have enrolled 100 members, under the accompanying pledge, and expect to have 100 more within a few days, when their returns come in. Can I have 150 stand of rifles or muskets sent me from the arsenal for issue to them? Iwill be responsible myself for their safe-keeping, and I think these people would be gratified by this mark of the general’s confidence. Besides, they really need them. There are no arms worth mentioning in the hands of Union men. The fall election comes off September 5, at which time Dimmick, U. S. district attorney, and others fear an outbreak. It would be well if the San Bernardino command could be in position by then. I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

JNO, W. DAVIDSON,