Unknown to T. Moors, U.S. Army, February 9, 1862

Capt. T. Moors, U.S. Army, Assistant Quartermaster, New San Pedro, Oal.:

CAPTAIN: The trains for my expedition will be four in number, each one to have fifty six-mule teams and wagons, and each train to have one wagon-master and three assistant wagon-masters. The wagonmasters are to be the following persons, viz: Joseph Winston, now on Lieutenant Hammond’s papers; William S. Veck, now on Lieutenant Hammond’s papers; Gabriel Allen, now on your own papers, and N. L. Roundtree, now on your own papers. The public service does not require, nor do I deem it necessary, to have any director of trains or chief wagon-master; therefore you will not have any person employed in either of these capacities. The assistant wagon-masters will be selected by yourself from amongst the teamsters, and recommended for the place to me. If I agree with you as to the qualifications and efficiency I will confirm their appointment. You will issue property, so that each wagon-master will be responsible for his train; and you will hold him responsible that 1t is properly cared for at all times, and properly accounted for at such periods as may be necessary to insure the Government against loss, and to keep each team and wagon in serviceable condition. As you have but one forge at New San Pedro, you are authorized to employ Mr. Banning to shoe the mules which came down on the Senator on her last trip. I trust you will leave no, effort untried to have these mules especially cared for and got ready for field service. Send me an account of the quartermaster’s stores, means of transportation, and of forage and subsistence stores for which you are responsible, and which is now on hand. I am much pressed with business, but I shall try to be down to inspect your trains, &e., in a few days.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,