William W. Mackall to Second Lieut. Edward Dillon, March 12, 1861

Second Lieut. EDWARD DILLON, Sixth Infantry, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Bragg, Cal.: SIR: The commanding general directs you to take the field with your detachment and proceed to the region of country between the Coast Range and the coast watered by the Eel River and tributaries. You will keep your command in motion and visit the settlements in that region, giving protection to the settlers and their stock, pursuing and attacking any parties of Indians who may commit depredations. A detachment from Humboldt has been ordered to the same district. On reaching the neighborhood put yourself in communication with the commanding officer, and you will then be able to concert your movements and thus better attain the object had in view. If at any time you find that a force greater than your own is required you must unite your forces. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,