Unknown to Colonel, February 4, 1862

Commanding District, New San Pedro, Cal.:

COLONEL: [ received a letter from Maj. D. Fergusson (commanding Camp Wright, dated January 30) on the 2d instant, in which he says that Mr. Tibbetts informs him that as many as forty or fifty men armed and mounted passed his house during the last six or seven weeks; seventeen passed on the 9th of January. The major adds: “They avoided this road and San Diego, and probably got over some trail leading into the desert beyond Carriso Creek.” They were heard of by parties living on the coast road all along from Los Angeles to San Luis Rey, but that none has sufficient patriotism to report it in time. Tibbetts Says he was afraid of his life, being the only Union man in his neighborhood. I fear parties are leaving Visalia and Mariposa without being detected by the proper authorities. I think that it is practicable for men of enterprise to cross the river during the usual stages of water. Should the river be high yet, it is likely the last party is down below you from thirty to sixty miles. This must be a portion of the party that Mr. Clark telegraphed about. I do not think they have crossed yet, and will keep a sharp lookout for them, and if possible capture them. I will send the Indians out to watch for them at once.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,