Unknown to D. Fergusson, March 4, 1862

Maj. D. FERGUSSON, First Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Carleton: MAJOR: I send you some blank post returns and a few company monthly returns, all that can be spared from these headquarters. Make your applications for such blanks as you may require to the proper authorities above these headquarters direct. The colonel commandin g approves of your confidential instructions to Lieutenant Barrett and of your letter to Major Rigg. An ambulance leaves Camp Latham for your post this day under charge of Sergeant Latimer, of Company B, First Cavalry California Volunteers. The sick and wounded of your camp who cannot take the field you ean send by it to Camp Latham. You will doubtless have soon opportunities of sending in the articles not required in your camp by wagons to New San Pedro (say McDonald’s). Of course you are availing yourselves of the grazing reported as being good within five miles of your camp. It is to be regretted that you allowed Kelsey to slip through your fingers. Keep the four wagons sent to you by Lieutenant Hammond until further orders. The colonel says that as soon as possible some pork will be sent to you. If the men get good beef they will not suffer. In the interior economy of your camp, and in all matters pertaining to its discipline, you are to exercise a sound discretion, and, under the Sixtysecond Article of War, will give orders needful to the service. This will remove the necessity of having many details acted upon at these headquarters. I am, major,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,