Unknown, August 31, 1861

Messrs. B. J. PINGREE, GEORGE H. BELDEN, and others,

Eugene City, Lane County, Oreg.: GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the general commanding the department to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22d instant, and to say in reply that the commander of the District of Oregon has been authorized, should there exist a necessity for so doing, to muster into service a sufficient volunteer force for the protection of the

UHAP. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE—UNION AND CONFEDERATE.

remote settlements therein against incursions of hostile Indians. By this day’s mail he will receive further instructions to exercise great caution in the examination of the persons selected as officers for this force and under no circumstances to accept the services of anyone “about whose loyalty to the National Government there is the shadow of a doubt.” This, the general thinks, will frustrate any plans on the part of the secessionists to place their friends in positions dangerous to the of companies of home guards, and would suggest that in every community an organization of this character should be formed, consisting of from 80 to 100 men, select their officers, have a general place of rendezvous, and drill at such times most convenient to the citizens. Should an emergency arise making it necessary to call upon the citizens on this coast to thus assist in maintaining the authority of our Government, these companies would possess sufficient instruction to act in concert with the regular or volunteer forces. There will be no difficulty in supplying arms to the loyal citizens, and when the time arrives they will be promptly furnished. As no copy of the laws passed at the recent Session of Congress has been received here, there is consequently no knowledge of how far they may strenghten the hands of the civil or military officers. The general would suggest that a strict watch be kept upon the individuals most suspected and to ascertain where the arms alluded to are kept, so that at the proper time possession can be taken of them. Your suggestions with reference to the disposition of the regular force in the District of Oregon will be properly considered.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,