Unknown to B. L. Beall, U. S. Army, October 8, 1861

Col. B. L. BEALL, U. S. Army, Commanding Military District, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:

COLONEL: On my way to this place I learned with regret that orders had been received by you to remove all the regular troops from Washington Territory and the State of Oregon. While I fully appreciate the unfortunate necessity which calls for all the available force of the Government in the Eastern States to quell the rebels who are endeavoring to overthrow our institutions, at the same time I cannot be unmindful of the peculiar condition of our own people. Since the close of the Indian outbreak in this country in 1856 the Indians have not been left without the moral effect of quite a large body of troops seattered through various portions of the country. Within the last year discoveries of important mines, almost wholly within the reservation of one of the most powerful tribes of Indians, has induced an influx of miners to that region, thereby rendering outbreaks possible, if not probable. The Government is now in arrears in the fulfillment of treaty stipulations with the Indians, and not unfrequent murmurs have been heard from them on that account, and I firmly believe that the moral effect of the presence of troops is necessary to the maintenance of peace. Difficulties have lately arisen at Colville with the Indians in which one white man was killed, and murders have been reported in or near the Bitter Root Valley by the Snake Indians, and I understand serious apprehensions are felt by the inhabitants of the upper country during the winter when the miners shall have left for the season. Another important consideration which ought to be taken into account is the fact that among the recent influx of miners to the region of Walla Walla and the Nez Percé country are many persons entertaining sentiments of hostility to the Government in the present crisis. They, in fact, compose fully one-half of those who will remain in that region during the winter, and threats of taking the military post in Walla Walla have been made, as I have learned, and I am free to say I myself entertain fears that if the troops are withdrawn from that region we shall witness symptoms of rebellion there. The universal public sentiment here is against the withdrawal of the troops. Oceupying the position of superintendent of Indian affairs in Washington Territory, I can only enter my protest against this withdrawal of the last vestige of protection at a time we most need it. In the name of the feeble settlements which have long struggled, and are still struggling, to establish themselves here, and to keep this portion of our country loyal to the Union, I would respectfully protest against this withdrawal of the troops as an act which would not be committed if our condition was fully understood at home. I trust that you may make known the necessity of keeping these troops here, and if possible cause the order of removal to be countermanded. I am,

your obedient servant,