Unknown to Sumner, June 5, 1861

General SUMNER:

My DEAR Sir: The Union men of this portion of our beloved country are very anxious to have aid from the United States representative on the Pacific coast, around which we can rally and protect this territory from the sympathizers of disunion. Cannot something be done for us? We are eleven-twelfths Union men, but we are without arms or organization, while the rebels have control of all the public or private arms here. Our hearts ache on beholding the vile secession fiag floating in our midst, and we unable to destroy it. A single file of soldiers with a commander is all we want, provided they bring arms for us to use.

Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., June 5, 1861—12 p. m.

Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal. :

MAJOR: A committee of gentlemen from Virginia City have just arrived and given positive intormation that a body of men numbering some 200 have organized themselves in favor of the Southern Confederacy. To-day they raised the rebel flag in that place, and say that they will put down any Union demonstration that the law-abiding citizens may attempt to getup. This gang of men is well armed and is composed of such men as have for some months bid defiance to the laws of the Territory. One of their number, Doctor McMeans, late State treasurer of California, avows openly that he is acting under authority. It is also rumored that Judge Terry has the commission of Governor of the Territory from Jeff. Davis, and is only waiting the proper opportunity to act. What reliance may be placed in this rumor is hard to determine, but the fact of their open organization and the raising of a rebel flag would warrant us in believing that there must be some truth in the statement. The Union men in Virginia and its vicinity are much alarmed for fear of their lives and property. They are well organized, but have no arms, and desire that at least 200 may be furnished them for the preservation of the peace. There are now 200 enrolled and determined to carry out the laws of the United States if they can only obtain arms. As they are from the Northern States and generally quiet citizens they are without even revolvers, which are usually carried by the rowdies of this country. At Carson City there are some eighty odd stand of Minie muskets belonging to the State of California. These arms are now in charge of a Mr. Blackburn, who is looked upon with suspicion by Union men. They are also in such a position that a few resolute men could easily take them. It is feared that this may be done by persons in Carson who have kept themselves well posted on the secession movements. I would respectfully request that two companies be ordered here from California; also that 300 stand of arms with ammunition be sent as early as possible. I should also add that there is a rumor that the secessionists will attempt to surprise this post and secure the arms here. Inclosed you will find a letter from a man who seems to have some information. The writing has been recognized by one of the gentlemen from Virginia City. He also says that heis a true man. The wire is down, or a summary of this would have been sent by telegraph. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,