Unknown, June 10, 1861

Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to report that I have found it necessary to withdraw from Oregon a considerable part of the force stationed there to re-enforce the troops in California and Nevada Territory. The troops withdrawn are three companies of artillery, and will be nine of infantry. There is no secession element in Oregon and nothing to apprehend there but the possibility of some Indian disturbances, which seem to me of little consequence in comparison to preserving the integrity of the Union. As I reported on the 25th of April, I believe there is a large majority of Union men in this State, but they are supine from confidence, while there is an active and zealous party of secessionists who will make all the mischief they can. I have checked them in the southern part of this State by placing a strong command at Los Angeles, and they are now trying to organize in Nevada Territory, but I am moving re-enforcements rapidly to Fort Churchill, which will put down this movement. The leaders of this party claim to be acting by authority from the Montgomery government, which gives them some weight in the country. In concentrating troops to meet these contingencies I have been obliged to break up the posts of Ter-Waw and Tejon, but they had ceased to be of any importance as military posts. I would respectfully and earnestly represent the great importance of organizing the civil government in Nevada Territory immediately. I believe if the Governor and other officials had been there this difficulty would not have arisen. There is no law or government there at all, and the Territory is a place of refuge for disorganizers and other unruly spirits. I would remind the General-in-Chief that if he needs my services at the Kast I can make such arrangements that everything will be secure here. I would not say this unless I knew I could do it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,