Order

William L. Baker, Esq to Cmar. Lxii Correspondence Union And Confederate. 1051, May 3, 1862

SPECIAL ORDERS, } HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF OREGON,
May 3, 1862.
Now ll: f Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 3, 1862. I. Companies A and E (Smith’s and Gibbs’), Second Infantry California Volunteers, will be held in readiness at a moment’s notice to embark for Fort Humboldt on the steamer by which the companies under the command of Colonel Steinberger will arrive at this post. * * * * * * *

Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.

Pima Villages, May 4, 1862. Lient B. O CUTLER, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Southern California:

LIEUTENANT: I am as yet unable to report upon the supplies for 1roops available at this post with any degree of confidence. Mr. Ammi White, who was taken prisoner by the rebels, was the only person here conversant with the Indian resources. I have as yet only succeeded in eking out daily a supply of forage for the command. I can neither get any stock of forage in advance, nor have the indians yet produced their flourin any but trifling quantities. I am, however, trading under every disadvantage. It is difficult to make this people understand the magnitude of our demands, and further, 1 have nothing but promises to offer them in payment When the manta arrives I shall then understand whether they hold back their wheat and flour from fear of uonpayment, or because they have but limited quantities on hand. The first of the new crop of wheat should begin to come in within a fortnight. Of hay I can get but a mere daily ration. lam negotiating, with what prospect of success it is impossible to tell, tor a standing field of wheat, with the intention of feeding it and keeping the grain that comes in for future uses.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
San Francisco, Cal., May 5, 1862.
WILLIAM L. BAKER, Esq.,
U. S. Consul, Guaymas, State of Sonora:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 8th ultimo, for which please accept my thanks. I sent a
copy of your letter to Flag Officer Bell, and in reply he informs me that he has ordered the Saint Mary’s to Guaymas. You need be under

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Charleston Harbor, S.C., 1861. Summary: William L. Baker reports logistical challenges in securing sufficient forage and flour from local Indians to supply California Volunteer troops stationed in Oregon and Southern California during the Civil War.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 1 View original source ↗