Unknown to E. A. Rigg, March 14, 1862

Maj. E. A. RIGG, First Regiment California Volunteers, Comdg. Fort Yuma:

DEAR SIR: I write to inform you of the news here, according to promise. I saw a man a little while ago who has just come in from the Cababi mines. He informed me that three days ago he conversed witl a man just through from Pueson, who came through with Captain Hun. ter’s party from Mesilla, and this person seemed to be pretty well posted in regard to everything in Western Arizona. They are perfectly aware in Tucson of there being a large quantity of powder at the copper mines, and that the superintendent is a Union man, and there is some talk of their coming over and taking it. I am very much afraid they will, as it is a big inducement. I know that there is very near a ton of powder there. Fortunately an American came down to-day from the copper mines and goes back to-morrow. I have advised him to tell Frank Clymer to hide the powder somewhere about the mine, only leaving a keg or two in the magazine, and to tell the secessionists that he has sold the balance, for if he had none at all they might suspect that he had hidden it and resort to severe measures to make him disclose. The Mexicans are very much frightened here, and have plenty of reasons for being so. In the conversation that this man had with this man of Captain Hunter’s party he seemed to be very well posted about the stock at this ranch, and as they are sadly in want of horses they may make an inroad on this place. However, pretty much everything depends on the result of Colonel Reily’s mission to the Governor. As you have already lear.:ed, Colonel Reily has gone to Hermosillo to make some arrangements with the Governor. What they are, nobody knows, but they can be easily guessed at. I suppose Colonel Reily will promise to protect the frontier and keep the Apaches out of Sonora. It looks to me at present as if they would have a pretty lively time of it in protecting themselves. The Mexicans all feel confident that Pesqueira, the Governor, will enter into no arrangement whatever with them, and if he does not, why then they will certainly make a foray on this ranch, as there are a good many horses here and plenty of cattle. They also made inquiries about Juito

Racito, and wanted to know all about Martin and Dorsey, and said that Martin was a very strong Union man. Probably they contemplate a foray upon him, too. I look upon the party in Tucson, from all I can learn, as nothing more than a marauding party, who will help themselves to all they can find, do as much harm as possible, and retreat to Mesilla. Don Guadalupe Orosco is not here. The Indians have lately made a foray and carried off some horses and stolen cattle from Martin and Dorsey, and they are out after them, so you see between the Apaches and secessionists they are having plenty of excitement here. Hill is very much afraid to remain at Cababi, and intends leaving as soon as possible. They found out at Cababi all about the Dutchman, as he came back from Tucson that way, and they are awfully enraged. They did not know as yet about the other messenger, as he did not come back that way, and*they did not know where he went to. They have undoubtedly destroyed White’s mill, with all his grain, and have him and his partners prisoners. Some here seem to think that White’s chance is a bad one. I can scarcely think it so bad. Some of the Tucson bravos would undoubtedly shoot him if they could get a chance, but I don’t think Captain Hunter will allow it. You can write to the commanding general and tell him he need be under no apprehension about flour. I can furnish to the Government, if they need it, 60,000 pounds of flour, delivered in Tucson, or even 100,000, within two months, and any quantity of beef. The secessionists when they retreat will not leave a pound of any kind of provisions in the Territory, nor a single head of beef. If you should wish to see me at the river, Mr. Yager can dispatch a Mexican, and I will be at the river in four days from where I live. I remain, very truly,

your obedient servant,