Unknown to Captain Julian McAllister, October 12, 1861
No. 26. San Francisco, October 12, 1861. Capt. Julian McAllister, ordnance department, is announced as chief of ordnance at these headquarters, and will be addressed accordingly. By order of Brigadier-General Sumner: i
Assistant Adjutant- General.
No. 192. San Francisco, October 12, 1861. The detachment of the Sixth Regiment of Infantry at the Presidio of San Francisco will be sent at once to Benicia, Cal. By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Los Angeles, Octoter 12, 1861. Maj. R. C. DRUM, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.: MAJOR: I have been much embarrassed for several months past in consequence of a scarcity of officers with my regiment, the Ninth Infantry. I have no staff officers at my regimental headquarters, Fort Vancouver, neither have I an officer to assist me in my present command. However, it is not staff officers which I need most. I have three companies of the regiment, without a single officer present belonging to either of them. On reaching New York the immediate presence of the company officers will be very necessary, particularly those who have heretofore served with the regiment, but now absent. I beg the general to submit this request to the ere ae neta ry respectfully, your most obedient servant eee ya G. WRIGHT, Colonel Ninth Infantry. 42 R R—VOL L, PT I
San Francisco, October 12, 1861. Col. GEORGE WRIGHT:
Come here immediately; by stage if quicker than by boat. I leave for Washington in the next steamer. Denver is to relieve you, and you then go East. Order Carleton by express to send three companies to Fort Yuma and return with the rest. Concentrate all the regulars at San Pedro and San Diego.
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
COLD SPRING HOUSE, October 13, 1861. COMMANDING OFFICER AT FoRT WALLA WALLA:
SIR: Some days ago a number of men came here saying there were over 100 men mining on Salmon River, and were in want of provisions, and that they had viewed out a good trailas they came out. The consequence was that three trains started for that place, one yesterday and two theday before. Not knowing that any hostility existed, seven of us started to overtake the pack trains this morning. When we had proceeded some seven or eight miles, and when near Eagle-of-the-Light’s camp, he and two other Indians placed themselves in the trail before us, and said if we went any farther that their men were in the woods close by aud were ready for us, and that we must either go back or be killed. Eagle-of-the-Light spoke of Lawyer and others of the Nez Percés as being fools and were blind, but he could see, and that he would join the Snakes, and, being united, they would wipe out all the whites who were in their country, or who attempted to go through it. Now, unless those men who are on Salmon River get assistance soon they are in imminent danger of starving or of being massacred by the Indians. The miners in this vicinity are very poorly armed. In consequence of this, and the great need of immediate and prompt action, we would respectfully solicit your aid.
f San Francisco, October 14, 1861. Col. EDWARD D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. O. :
Order of the 16th ultimo just received. I leave in the next steamer, on the 21st instant, with the Third Artillery, part of the Sixth Infantry, and 10,000 muskets. What disposition shall be made of the general staff officers? Colonel Wright ought to remain here in command. The safety of the whole coast may depend upon it.
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.