Unknown, August 9, 1861

MAJOR: At the request of the superintendent of Indian affairs, I have ordered a small detachment, under the command of Lieutenant Emory, of the Ninth Infantry, to proceed to Camp Chehalis, Gray’s Harbor, and temporarily to establish his camp a few miles north of that place, at the reservation where the agent is erecting buildings. I have provisioned Lieutenant Emory’s party until the 20th of September, after which time it is supposed now that the presence of the troops in that quarter may be dispensed with. There is much uneasiness in the community on the subject of our Indian affairs in the Colville and Nez Percé country. In the Nez Percé country there are several thousand miners, and the number is daily increasing. It is impossible to confine them to the region north of the Clearwater. An arrangement was made early in the spring by the superintendent with the Nez Percés. They agreed that the miners should be allowed in the country north of the Clearwater, but since then prospecting and rich mines have been discovered south of that river, hence the whole country will inevitably be overrun. The Nez Percé nation is large and powerful; they have always been our friends. On my campaign in 1858 they raised a mounted company, went with me, and rendered the most important services. Neither the commander of Colville nor Walla Walla have intimated to me that they apprehend any immediate outbreak, but it is necessary to be on our guard. I cannot spare any of the troops west of the Cascades, but the dragoon company at The Dalles might be concentrated and sent to Walla Walla, and a small infantry detachment sent from The Dalles to the Warm Springs Reservation, if necessary. I should be very glad to have the company of my regiment now at San Francisco sent up here, if the general can spare it. I have permitted Captain Gregg, Third Cavalry, to obey the orders he has received from the War Department. A reliable sergeant is left in charge of the detachment at the Warm Springs. Captain Sheridan, Thirteenth Infantry, will be relieved from his duties at Yamhill in a few days, as soon as an officer is available.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, _