Unknown to R. C. Drum, August 31, 1861

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

CAPTAIN: As stated in my letter of the 30th instant, I left here this morning, in company with the U. S. marshal, with sixty dragoons. The inclosed letter overtook me on the road, with orders to go to San Bernardino with my squadron.* Ishall leave in obedience to this at 1 o’clock, and by judicious riding be in San Bernardino to-morrow. I shall take with me a howitzer, covered in a wagon, to leave with Major Ketchum, should he desireit. As Iam well advised through the Union Club here, and through spies, of all moves of the secessionists, and would know at least some days beforehand of a contemplated attack either here or at San Bernardino, I place no reliance upon the report. I shall leave my tents standing in my camp, but in obedience to the major’s orders report to him, taking with me 1 officer, 90 men and horses, 1 gun, 10 days’ provisions, and 6,000 rounds of ammunition. The depot quartermaster has gone over to San Bernardino, which cripples me a little, but I can get two public wagons. These will be enough, and there is not, I understand, a month’s supply of subsistence at the depot to take with me, though the major wishes me to do so. I pray the secessionists may attack me on the road, if they are after anybody. I think my ninety dragoons can give a good account of themselves, as we were going into Holcomb with sixty. I shall still have the marshal with me, and urge the major to permit me to execute the general’s directions about the deserters in Holcomb. Bryant is left in command here. He is a good officer, clear head, and will keep matters straight on election day.

I am, captain, your most obedient servant, JNO. W. DAVIDSON, Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding.

Fort TER-WAw, CAL., August 31, 1861.

MAJOR: In accordance with the direction of the general commanding, I have the honor to report my arrival at this post on the 28th ultimo [instant], and its occupation by Company O, Fourth Infantry. I found upon my arrival at Crescent City that the stock of barley (11,000 pounds) left by Lieutenant Turner in charge of Mr. Snider had been sold and transported to Crescent City; also two wagons. I have re-purchased one of the wagons and contracted for a supply of grain to be delivered here (10,000 pounds). I found nothing worth taking up on my returns of the property left by Lieutenant Turner except two

stoves and two pairs of andirons and a whale-boat, which will serve our purposes for a time. Apart from the item of transportation ( $25 to $30 per ton from Crescent City), this post is not an expensive one to keep up. Half the forage allowance will be sufficient, and fine beef-cattle can be purchased on the hoof from responsible parties for 5 cents or less. The Indian population are quiet and well disposed. Mr. Snider found no difficulty, I believe, in preserving and turning over to me in good order the buildings, garden, &c. There are no post records left behind. I remain, sir,

very respectfully, your Obedient servant,