Unknown, September 3, 1861
CAPTAIN: Colonel Beall is here, but I have not yet transferred to him my command. Heis totally unacquainted with affairs in this district, and it is of importance that before relinquishing the command I should put in a train of execution all the recent orders and instructions from department headquarters. Nothing of interest in relation to our Indian affairs has transpired since I last addressed you. The disposition I have made of the troops will, I think, check the disaffected and preserve peace. I have been quite indisposed for several days, and had it not been a military necessity for me to defer my departure for San Francisco [sic]; yet I have not been well enough to travel under any circumstances. I am now better, and hope to report at department headquarters on the return of the steamer which succeeds the Cortez.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Sacramento, September 4, 1861.
GENERAL: Your favor of yesterday is received. It will afford me
much gratification to commission your son, E. V. Sumner, jr. You will
companies for the new cavalry regiment are filling up and will begin to
report at headquarters next week. As soon as Colonel Carleton’s command is full they should move off and make room for the new regiment
that will be coming in. I wish that you would see that the companies