Unknown to James P. Major, December 11, 1861

MAJOR: Companies C and E, First Cavalry, under the command of Captain Magruder, will leave this place this evening by the steamer Pacific for San Francisco. Companies A and C, Ninth Infantry, under the command of Brevet Major Lugenbeel, arrived at this place Monday evening, the 9th instant. The major reports that he has been delayed since getting on the river by the casualties resulting from the flood. He arrived at the Des Chutes landing on Thursday last, but the bridges on Ten-Mile and Five-Mile Creeks having been carried away, he was necessarily detained. On his passage from The Dalles a landslide, which carried away or destroyed about eighty feet of the railroad, prevented his company baggage from being brought along. It may be received this week, but the want of it will detain the command until the next steamer. Assistant Surgeon Heger arrived here last evening from Fort Steilacoom. I shall retain him here until the next steamer. The mails north, east, and south are so deranged by the recent floods that no reliance can be had in them, and particularly on the southern route, for two or three weeks to come. I shall therefore for the present depend on the steamers.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,