William W. Mackall to Japt. J. Stewart, February 20, 1861

Japt. J. STEWART, Third Artillery, Commanding Alcatraz Island, Cal.:

Sir: Brigadier-General Johnston directs me to say that he expects and orders you to maintain your post and defend Alcatraz Island against all efforts to seize it, from whatever direction such efforts may be made. No interruption will be given to the commerce of the harbor by hailing boats passing in any direction, or at any distance, or even coming to the island, unless, in this last case, from the numbers and appearance of the persons on board an attack from them may be feared, and then, be the answer what it may, no gun must be fired; the sentinel or guard must report without delay. The only conditions on which you will be justifiable in using your arms will arise when an organized attack is made on your post, and of this fact you must be the sole judge, and are forbidden to delegate the authority to fire, or to order any party to be fired on, to any officer, non-commissioned officer, or sentinel.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,