Unknown to James H. Carleton, February 19, 1862

Col. J. H. CARLETON, Commanding District of Southern California, Los Angeles:

COLONEL: I inclose herewith a deposition made by Dr. H. G. Whitlock, a resident of San Bernardino, revealing a secession plot which, wereit not for the timely arrival of troops in this section, would, according to Whitlock’s account, and that of other persons deemed trustworthy, have been put into execution. The contents of the affidavits were made known to me in conversation previous to my having them deposed to. That part of your instructions in the letter of the 18th relating to the arrest of the “man whom the soldier struck on the head with a pistol” will be fully attended to. I made a detail of Lieutenant Barrett and one non-commissioned officer and nine men to perform the service last night, but the night was so stormy, rainy, and dark that on account of their not being acquainted with the road I delayed sending the party. I understand the man’s name who was struck by the soldier is Chriswell, living about nine miles from here; but there is another man who struck a soldier over the head with a pistol, named William Rhodes, who has a warrant out against him, and is supposed to be secreted in Chriswell’s house. As there is some confusion existing in regard to the “man whom the soldier struck” and the man that was “struck by the soldier,” and both are equally guilty, I shall take both if I find them, and await your orders. Transportation will be hired as authorized by you if re-enforcements are called for by Major Rigg, provided it is required. On inquiry I cannot find anything on which to base charges against Captain Fritz or Lieutenant Guirado for the escape of the general prisoner. A general laxity and want of a realizing sense of the necessity of strict discipline probably pervades the volunteer service which causes cases of this kind to occur, so as to make it impossible to trace the neglect to one person who can be made responsible. :

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant.