Unknown to Richard Coulter Drum, April 1, 1862

Maj. R. ©. DRUM, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, . Headquarters Department Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:

SIR: Since my last communication, dated March 1, referring to the progress made in the organization of this regiment, [ have the honor to submit the following report: Accompanying is respectfully transmitted consolidated tri-monthly report of officers and men at Alcatraz Island, exhibiting the organization of Company A, with eighty-one men and three officers, mustered into service by Capt. W. A. Winder, Third Artillery, U.S. Army. Of the 184 recruits unassigned, 80 men with their officers will be mustered into service to-day and organization of Company B completed. The remaining 104, divided into two skeleton companies, are commanded by first lieutenants each, mustered into service in accordance with General Orders, No. 61, Adjutant-General’s Office, August 19,1861. Of these detachments one lacks twenty-one men of the minimum standard, and I have extended the time to complete the company to the 5th instant. The other lacks thirty-five men, and the time to complete is extended tothe 10thinstant. James Tilton, who was advised in my last communication as having been appointed lieutenant-colonel, has declined the appointment on account of ill health, as incapacitating him for the duties of the position. The place has not yet been filled. Asst. Surg. Samuel Whittemore, having passed the board for the examination of officers in this regiment, was, on the

10th ultimo, mustered into service, and assigned to duty at these headquarters. Of the three companies authorized to be formed in Washington Territory and Oregon I have intelligence only from Captain Peabody’s on Puget Sound, and the report exhibits very little progress. The difficulty of communication with the interior is no doubt the cause of my not having heard from Captains Moore and Cannady, in the Columbia River district. Since my last report authority has been given to M. K. Shearer to organize a company for this regiment at Placerville, in this State, and to William M. Knox for one in Sacramento and Calaveras Counties, the time limited to the 1st May. I am also about giving authority to organize another company in this city, recruiting to commence when the two remaining companies, now incomplete, on Alcatraz Island, are full. This will make the last of the ten companies to complete the regiment.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,