Unknown to Department Commander, July 8, 1861

No. 181. Washington, July 8, 1861. * * * * * * *

6. Bvt. Capt. Richard C. Drum, assistant adjutant-general, will repair to Washington City and report in person to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

CAMP ON LARRABEE CREEK, July 9, 1861.

Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Humboldt, Cal. :

SIR: I have reported to the department commander that I have advised the commanders of detachments in the field to make no more attacks on Indians except for depredations actually committed, and I have no doubt that he will approve that course. The Shelter Cove Indians, however, have received no punishment for the murder of Lewis and Oliver, for which the whole band, according to all accounts, may fairly be held responsible. I have advised the commanding officer of Fort Bragg to take measures for the effectual punishment of that band, as it can perhaps be best undertaken by the troops from that post.

He will not, however, exercise control over Lieutenant Martin’s detachment until he hears from you, and you can best judge whether the detachment from your post shall take part in the service. If you should think it advisable, Lieutenant Collins will be back in time to conduct it, as it will be best, perhaps, to allow a week or ten days to elapse, so as to allay the apprehensions of the Indians and find them together. The supposition is that at present they are scattered and on the alert in the country east of the coast hills opposite Shelter Cove. In the meantime Lieutenant Martin will, at my suggestion, change his camp to some point within striking distance of their haunts, while Lieutenant Moore will prepare a command to move up the coast to operate from that quarter. I give you this information in order that you may adopt such course as you may think proper, and because of the length of time it will require for you to concert with Lieutenant Moore. The troops can, perhaps, move against the Indians to the best advantage in about ten days. Might it not be as well to let the troops from Fort Bragg undertake the service alone? If they fail, the Indians will slacken their vigilance, and may then be more certainly reached by the detachment from your post. I only suggest the question to you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,