Today in History:

278 Series I Volume L-I Serial 105 - Pacific Part I

Page 278 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. Chapter LXII.

CAMP IAQUA, CAL., May 30, 1864.

SIR: Pursuant to instructions I left Camp Iaqua on the 17th instant with ten men and ten days' rations, and accompanied the Government train same day to Brown's ranch and camped for the night; distance traveled, fifteen miles. May 16, I traveled with the Government train to Big Slough, a distance of seven miles, and camped, on account of a sudden for which made it impossible for me to know what course I was going after I had left the trail. May 17, at daylight I was attacked by a severe chill; got my men ready to march, but before 6 a. m. a heavy fever set in on me, so that I was unable to leave camp. May 18, sent to Fort Humboldt for medicine; unable to leave camp. May 19, the Government train arrived at Big Slough, and myself and men returned to Brown's ranch with the train and camped. May 20, I left Brown's ranch with the train, and returned to Camp Iaqua for the purpose of getting medical attendance; total distance traveled, forty-two miles. Trail good, wood and water plenty, and forage in abundance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN B. TAYLOR,

Second Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.

First Lieutenant J. P. HACKETT,

Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Camp Adjutant.

CAMP IAQUA, CAL., June 15, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of Orders, Numbers 8, dated Camp Iaqua, Cal., May 31, 1864, I left Camp Iaqua on the 1st instant, with one sergeant and twenty seven men of Company E, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, two packers, and thirteen animals, with ten days' rations; traveled fifteen miles, and camped near Mad River. June 2, went in search of a suitable location to build a block-house, and after traveling some distance both up and down the river selected a suitable place at a point about three-quarters of a mile from the Hyampom trail and close to the Weaverville trail. June 3, moved camp and commenced work on the block-house. June 4, employed in building block-house. June 5, sent a scout out with instructions to cross Mad River and proceed up that river in search of Indians; the scout returned on the evening of the same day, having traveled sixteen miles; reported no Indians or Indian sign to be found. June 6 and 7, employed on block-house; got it ready to put the roof on. June 8, Sergeant Baker, of Company E, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, arrived in camp and relieved me of the command in obedience to Orders, Numbers 11, of June 6, 1864. On the 8th I returned to Camp Iaqua, Cal., to attend a general court-martial. Total distance traveled, thirty-nine miles.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN B. TAYLOR,

Second Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.

First Lieutenant J. P. HACKETT,

Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Post Adjutant.

CAMP IAQUA, CAL., June 30, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 23rd instant I left camp at Soldier's Grove at 6 a. m. with ten men; crossed Mad River at the


Page 278 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. Chapter LXII.