Winf"d S. Hancock to and Assistant Quartermaster, May 4, 1861
ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER’S OFFICE,
Los Angeles, Cal., May 4, 1861.
Maj. W. W. MACKALL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.: MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Special Orders, No. 68, from headquarters Department of the Pacific, of April 29, 1861, and letter of instructions of same date, from same source. I shall attend to the matters referred to therein as promptly as possible. I will be able to send thirty wagons, and that number will, I think, be sufficient to bring in everything valuable. One of the trains is returning from Fort Mojave (it will be here in a few days); another is on the route to Fort Tejon, and will be here in about the same time. The half train will be here to-morrow. I will advise you in a few days as to the date the train may be expected to reach Fort Mojave, and as to other matters. No time shall be lostin bringing in the troops. In the meantime I believe if there is trouble here I will be able to defend the public property with the supporters of the Federal Government to be had on my call from among the citizens of Los Angeles. If there should be a difficulty in California it is likely that it will first show its head here, but I do not think the matter is ripe vet for any serious movement. it will, I think, bedeferred until ademand is made for direct taxes to support the Government, or for troops to actively assist in putting down insurrections, or possibly not until after they have mustered their forces at the next general election—say for Congressmen. There are people here anxious for a difficulty and there may be (I believe there are, although not yet formidable) organizations to that end. The people generally are scarcely prepared for strife, and there is a strong loyal element among them. On the other hand, there is quite a number of reckless people who have nothing to lose, who are ready for any change, and who are active in encouraging acts tending to hostilities, and Lregret to say that it is unfortunate that, as a general rule, those persons who have heretofore been influential and active leaders in politics, and have exercised great control over the people, are encouraging difficulties here by open avowals of their opinions. It may as well be said in this connection that there is here belonging to the State a new bronze field piece and carriage (I think a 6-pounder gun), which in case of difficulty is not likely at first to be in the hands of persons supporting the Federal Goyernment. 1 would respectfully suggest, therefore, that it might be wise
to send here a gun of equal or greater caliber. The moral effect would not be trifling in case of a difficulty, and the adverse party in possession of the other gun. A 12-pounder howitzer, it seems to me, would be the best (two might be better). The harness should be sent here also. I could furnish suitable mules. It might be manned by a detachment of infantry or by a detachment of dragoons. The latter would be the best, for these people will be mounted. I am, sir,
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WINF”D S. HANCOCK,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
SAN FRANCISCO, May 4, 1861.
Maj. G. A. H. BLAKE,
First Dragoons, Fort Tejon, Cal.:
SIR: Report at this place in person instantly for special duty.
Answer.
Assistant Adjutant-General.