T. Hendrickson, May 26, 1861—9 p. m

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the commanding general of the department, a telegraphic dispatch received by me a few minutes since from Virginia City, a town in this Territory, twenty-five miles west from this post. What reliance can be placed upon it I cannot say. The persons whose names are subscribed to it are said to be reliable men. They ask for arms for their own defense, I suppose, but we have none to spare to send them. Whether the parties mentioned have any such designs upon this post as is surmised in the dispatch it is impossible to say. 1 shall take every necessary precaution to circumvent such design should a party have the temerity to make a hostile attack upon this post. Should any additional information reach me upon this subject I will advise you by telegraph.

I have the honor to be, sir, with much respect, your most obedient