Unknown to R. C. Drum, August 24, 1861

Capt. R. C. DRUM, Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco:

CAPTAIN: I report that I have changed the position of my camp (no farther from Los Angeles, however), to better ground and nearer the water, the advantages beside of having less dust to annoy men and horses, and change of scene. The camp is also in more compact shape. The horses of the squadron since being in camp have deteriorated at least 20 per cent. in spirit, flesh, and general fitness for service, owing to their being fed in nose-bags and tied to the picket-lines during the day, exposed to the scorching sun. I have had troughs built at the lines and the spare paulins in the quartermaster’s department stretched on frames over the horses, and expect to show a marked change in them for the better. Dispensing with drills now and then and encouraging the men to play at football and to bathe at those times has had good effect. They seem to wear a more cheerful air, and the number of desertions has diminished. Arrangements have been made with the Catholic bishop of this diocese to hold divine service in camp every alternate Sunday. This will have effect with the native Californians and show them that they and the troops have a common sympathy upon this ground. The vicar-general (Father Rabo) assures me and authorizes me to use his name to the general, that the greater proportion of the Californians are friendly to the Government, and that the ideas to the contrary which have been entertained about those of this county are groundless.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding.