HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, Cal., July 18, 1862.

Captain H. B. MELLEN,

Second Cavalry California Vols., Commanding Fort Crook, Cal.:

SIR: The department commander has directed Captain David B. Akey's company of cavalry to proceed to Red Bluffs, on the Sacramento River, for the purpose of operating against a band of Indians which has recently made incursions into the northeastern part of Tehama County, in this State. It is not known to what tribe these Indians belong, except that they are not of the tribe residing at Big Meadows, in the northwestern part of Plumas County. The latter are represented as very friendly, and in the expedition hereinafter directed the general desires you to afford them the necessary protection, not only from hostile bands of Indians, but unauthorized organizations of white men. Captain Akey will be instructed to inform you of his arrival at Red Bluffs, on the receipt of which the general desires you to proceed in the direction of the recent disturbance and act as far as possible in concert with Captain Akey against the parties who committed the outrages in Tehama County. In the interval you will inform yourself regarding the country through which you will have to pass, and gain any other information that may be useful in executing the duties assigned you. You will leave at Fort Crook one commissioned officer and five men to guard the post.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, Cal., July 18, 1862.

Brigadier General, BENJAMIN ALVORD, U. S. Volunteers,

Commanding District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:

SIR: In consequence of its having arrived so near Walla Walla, and being too late for its return, the escort to Lieutenant John Mullan's wagon-road expedition will be sent to Fort Vancouver, whence the men will be sent to their respective companies. Should it be necessary to give any further protection to Lieutenant Mullan's party, the general desires you to send a company of Oregon cavalry out for this purpose. The general authorizes you to relieve Colonels Steinberger and Cady from the examining board by substituting any officers that are or may be on duty at Fort Vancouver.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHD. C. DRUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,

Olympia, Wash. Ter., July 18, 1862.

General B. ALVORD,

Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:

DEAR SIR: I am very glad to hear of your brigadier's commission, and I heartily congratulate you upon your reception of that just and well-merited tribute of proper respect and reward, at length rendered for your past lifetime of faithful and devoted services you have so