William W. Mackall to S. Lovell, April 13, 1861

Capt. ©. S. LOVELL, Sixth Tnfantry, Commanding Fort Humboldt, Cal. :

SIR: Your letter of March 24 [23*] has been submitted to the general commanding. He is pleased to hear that the reported depredations by the Indians have been greatly exaggerated, and therefore that there is better prospect of complete protection from the guides and troops now at your disposal. Your orders to Lieutenant Lynn are approved—the duty imposed on you by the general in the prompt pursuit of the actual depredators in each case and their punishment, but no indiscriminate slaughter of the guilty with the innocent. Knowing that killing women and children by the troops in retaliation for injuries inflicted by the Indian bands would not be resorted to by the officers or soldiers of the Army he gave no orders in the case. It may be frequently the case that two, three, or four men will form a sufficient party, if led by competent guide, and it was on this account that he gave four or five to each detachment.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,