CAMP BAKER.--On Tuesday last Captain Harris' company of cavalry, numbering eighty men, rank and file, left for their new quarters.
    The point selected is on Coleman Creek, within a short distance of Phoenix and is said to be a beautiful spot surrounded with shade trees, and well supplied with wood and water.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 7, 1861, page 3


    MILITARY APPOINTMENTS.--Chas. S. Drew, formerly of this place, and J. S. Rinearson, of Oregon City, have been appointed Majors of the cavalry regiment now being raised in this state.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 21, 1861, page 3


    Capt. Truax's company of cavalry left town on Thursday last for Camp Baker. He is still engaged in recruiting, and proposes to increase his command to the largest number allowed, viz: ninety-two men.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 21, 1861, page 3


Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 4, 1862, page 2


    SALUTE.--The troops stationed at "Camp Baker" fired a salute on the 8th inst., in commemoration of the battle of New Orleans. They used the cannon recently received from the state by the county authorities.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 11, 1862, page 3


    NEAR THE MAXIMUM.--The two companies now at Camp Baker number about 85 men each. Enlistments will be continued until the maximum is reached--92 men. Hurry up if you wish to join either of these companies.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 11, 1862, page 3


    CAMP BAKER.--The soldiers at Camp Baker are getting along fine and enjoying good health.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 18, 1862, page 3


    CAMP BAKER.--The publisher of the Sentinel took a flying trip on Monday last to Camp Baker. He thus describes what he saw and heard:
    The Camp is now occupied by two companies, "The Baker Guards" and "The Jackson Rangers." The place is situated about eight miles in an easterly direction from Jacksonville, and one and one-half miles west of Phoenix, on a small mountain stream called Coleman's Creek. The site is a beautiful and admirable one. There is plenty of dry, level surface for drilling and maneuvering, as well as for the buildings required for four full companies. Twenty-five log houses have already been built, and more can be put up at short notice. From the amount of work done, we judge the men have had plenty of extra duty to perform, but as the most of them have been accustomed to work, and will get extra pay for extra service, they prefer to do it. Now that sufficient ground has been prepared, three hours in each day will be devoted to infantry drill. When all become proficient in that, they then will be put through on horseback. The men are contented and orderly, and seem to take everything merrily. Between building houses, grubbing, exercising horses, drilling, attending bugle calls (especially the one calling them to their regular "human be-ans"), pitching quoits, running foot races, jumping, and other gymnastic exercises, they certainly enjoy themselves as well, if not much better, than the rest of mankind. The officers are gentlemanly, hospitable and generous to visitors, and much liked by the men. The intercourse between the officers and privates is gentlemanly and soldier-like. The utmost good feeling prevailed. Success to the Baker Guards and the Jackson Rangers.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 22, 1862, page 3






    RECOVERING.--The two persons who were injured at Camp Baker, on the 20th inst., by the premature explosion of a cartridge, are fast recovering. Their injuries are not as great as at first supposed. One of them will soon be able to discharge his duties again. The sight of the other is not permanently affected, and amputation of the arm will not be necessary. We are obliged to Captain Harris for the above information.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 29, 1862, page 3


Sir
    I have the honor to inform you that Major J. S. Rinearson 1st Oregon Cavalry with Co. C of that regiment have been this day ordered to proceed to and take post at Camp Baker near Jacksonville, Oregon in compliance with your request for a military force in that sector.
W. H. Rector Esq.
    Supt. Indian Affairs
        Salem
            Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 20; Letters Received, 1862, No. 143.


Sir,
    I have to acknowledge yours of the 18th enclosing duplicate of yours of July 2nd requesting troops, also a duplicate of July 2nd enclosing receipts for $500. A check for the above amount was transmitted to you on the 18th inst., same as yours. It was the very best that could be done. In regard to troops I would say that a full company of cavalry in command of Major C. S. Drew are on their way to Camp Baker in Southern Oregon. The reports in circulation concerning the hostile acts of the Klamaths are considerably exaggerated. Agent Logan of Warm Springs states that no murders have been committed, and those passing his agency report no difficulty with those Indians. [Patton is geographically confused. Warm Springs was on the northern route of the Oregon Trail; the Klamaths were "annoying" travelers traveling on the southern route, hundreds of miles away.] Supt. Rector prior to his departure did not specially authorize me to issue any instructions in regard to an expedition to the "Lake country." I have no doubt but that Major Drew will at an early day as soon as his command are recruited proceed to that country. Should he do so you will avail yourself of their protection and accompany them. You ask if articles of subsistence can be issued to the Rogue Rivers now temporarily sojourning near your place. In reply I have to say that the subject was fully discussed by both Supt. Rector and "John" prior to his receiving permission to go. It was expressly understood that they were to receive nothing while off the reservation and would return at any time when ordered so to do. With these facts before me I do not feel willing to authorize you to make any issues without the Supt.'s express orders. Arrangements will no doubt be made immediately upon his return concerning these Indians, and should they remain some provision ought to be made for them. You will advise this office whether they have worked any, [and] whether they have made any preparation for winter or not.
Amos E. Rogers
    Sub-Agent
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 9; Letter Books H:10, pages 164-165.


    RED TAPE ORDERS.--We have, at Camp Baker, a fine company of men, commanded by accomplished officers, ready and anxious to do any service required by the government for the protection of the overland emigration to Southern Oregon, and to break up the heavy Indian tax arrangement in the broad and fertile Klamath Lake Valley. But we are informed that the whole company have only three muskets, and they are not very superior weapons. The men have never received a dime in money, and the Quartermaster's purse has the deepest winter in it. Rumor says that they have some supplies at Crescent City, but whether the officers have any official notice of the fact or not does not matter, as money is necessary to start the motive power to get it here. It is thus that the emigration to Southern Oregon is protected, thus her rights asserted! Let us be understood: we attach no blame to the officers in this matter; we know they are anxious to go into active service.
    Ere long, we expect to hear news from the plains that emigrant trains have been robbed and plundered, by Indians known to be hostile. But what of that! Red tape must triumph, although the mangled victims of Indian ferocity are left to bleach by the wayside.
    Every year have the people of Southern Oregon been compelled, at heavy expense, to raise volunteer companies for the protection of overland emigration seeking her borders. Every year have the emigrants for Southern Oregon been compelled to go some four or five hundred miles out of the direct road, or run the gantlet of hostile Indians. Volunteers for any other place can be armed and equipped and dispatched to their fields of operation, but if, by any gracious condescension, we are permitted to have one company, three or four old muskets and a military camp is ample protection for us. Let the ball roll on--red tape is our candidate.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 23, 1862, page 3


    THE company of volunteers at Camp Baker has received its full quota of arms and clothing, and is to go in a few days to Klamath Lake, where a part of the company is already stationed.--Statesman.
    The above ought to be true, but it is not. Not a man of them has ever set foot in Klamath Lake Valley, and, furthermore, we do not believe that Major Drew would consider it safe to send part of a company over there. It is doubtful whether the full company would be sufficient.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 27, 1862, page 3


Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 10, 1862, page 2


NOTICE--All proper accounts for subsistence supplies, contracted by Lieut. Jesse Robinson, 1st Cav. O.V., A.C.S., during the period from November 1, 1861 to March 31, 1862 will be paid, if made in proper form, on presentation to the Commissary of Subsistence at Fort Vancouver, W.T.
    By request of Captain Jno. Kellogg, Commissary of Subsistence, San Francisco, Cal.
Dec. 8, 1862.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 10, 1862, page 2


    ARREST OF A SECESHER.--A man by the name of Dunlap was arrested by Sergeant Moreton, of Co. C, at Phoenix, in this county, on Christmas, for hurrahing for Jeff. Davis, drinking to the arch-traitor's health, and denouncing the government. He was taken to Camp Baker and asked to take the oath of allegiance. Refusing to comply with the request, he was, we are informed, put into the guardhouse. Served him right. Quite an excitement was the consequence of this little episode.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 27, 1862, page 3


    HE TOOK IT.--The secesh lately arrested at Phoenix, in this county, after lying in the guard house a day or two, concluded to take the oath of allegiance. After the wholesome physic had fairly settled on his stomach, he was released.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 3, 1863, page 3


    . . . A rampant secesher of Jackson County, named Dunlap, got on a bender at Phoenix on Christmas and let himself out in extravagant praise of Jeff. Davis & Co., and then denounced the United States government in such terms that the commanding officer at Camp Baker thought it best to cool him off in the guard house. He was kept in confinement a couple of days, and then marched out in the presence of the soldiers drawn up in line and obliged to take the oath of allegiance, which a correspondence says he took "with fear and trembling." Upon being released he left, on 2:40 time, and has not been heard of since.--Served him right.
"Domestic Items," Oregon Statesman, Salem, January 5, 1863, page 2


Weekly Butte Record, Oroville, California, February 21, 1863, page 2


    TO HOLDERS OF VOUCHERS.--We are informed by Mr. Alex.Miller that all quartermaster accounts contracted by Lieut. Robinson before the 1st of May, 1862, will be paid at Camp Baker; and all contracted after that time will be paid at Vancouver.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 25, 1863, page 2


    PERSONAL.--Lieut. White, of Camp Baker, paid us a visit on Thursday last. He reports the health of the troops at that point good, and that they are anxious for active service. No finer company of men than that composing Capt. Kelly's command can be found in any country.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 14, 1863, page 2


    STRATEGY BY VOLUNTEERS.--It has been generally noticed by our citizens that the soldiers of Co. C, at Camp Baker, are remarkably quiet, well-behaved men. The best of feeling exists between them and our citizens. This is the more remarkable from the fact that, for sixteen months' service, they have not, as yet, received any pay. True, they are comfortably quartered at Camp Baker, and the inner and outer man well provided for; but the lack of money necessarily deprives them of many little articles they desire. Their greatest punishment, however, is in being unable at all times to have within "supporting distance" a "longitudinal chunk of the pure Virginia weed"--the staple luxury of the American soldier, sailor and citizen. It is said that a sailor will sell his last shirt for a chew of tobacco, and it not surprising that a soldier should barter his boots for a whole pound of the coveted article.
    Not long since, a soldier of Co. C struck a trade with a German in Phoenix, exchanging his boots for a pound of tobacco. This German is proprietor of a gingerbread bakery and also trades in tobacco, whiskey, lager, etc. The soldier returned to camp, indifferent to the consequences of appearing on drill the next morning without his boots as he rolled a sweet morsel of the luscious luxury under his tongue. His companions were apprised of his luck by a generous division of the tobacco. As the tobacco went round, a mischievous genius proposed a plan for regaining possession of the boots and having a good time generally. The plan was agreed to and carried out in following manner: After tattoo, at night, a corporal's guard of the men went to Phoenix, and posted themselves near the bakery. One of the party then went into the house, represented to the German that he was going to desert, and wanted to sell his overcoat. After some bartering, the German agreed to give him a can of whiskey and a five-dollar greenback for the coat. The trade being made, and the woman of the house kindly furnishing him with eatables to sustain him on his lonely way, he started for the door, his appearance in front of which, in his shirtsleeves, was the signal for the self-constituted guard to arrest him, which they quickly did, and rushing into the house, demanded the coat. The thoroughly alarmed lager-beerian hastened to hand over not only the coat but the boots also. He protested that he had not bought the articles; that the soldier had just left them there; and to conciliate the guard, he liberally treated all to whiskey, lager, gingerbread, etc. Of course, as the German had not bought anything, it would not do for the soldier to criminate him by returning the whiskey and greenback. After refreshing themselves at the expense of the liberal baker, the party returned to camp, gloriously drunk, and singing a patriotic song. The guard was called out, and the whole party lodged in the guardhouse until morning, when Capt. Kelly, after hearing the facts, released them, evidently satisfied that such a trick could not be played twice in the same community.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 14, 1863, page 2


    MILITARY.--Major Drew has received instructions from General Wright that the new company being raised here will be mounted, and attached to the command for Klamath Lake. Each private who furnishes his own horse and horse equipments will receive twelve dollars per month for their use and risk--making his total monthly pay $25. To this also will be added $100 bounty at the end of enlistment. This bounty will be paid, however, at any time when the soldier is mustered out of the service after the expiration of six months.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 1, 1863, page 2


    INDIANS.--The citizens in the vicinity of Phoenix having petitioned Mr. Rogers, Indian agent, to remove a squad of Indians who had become a nuisance there, that gentleman, on Monday last, went out and ordered them to leave by Wednesday. This order will be obeyed, as the Siwashes are in fear of the soldiers at camp.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 8, 1863, page 2


Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 8, 1863, page 2


    RECRUITING.--Lieut. Hand went to Camp Baker today, with three recruits. He expected to be joined by two more on the way.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 11, 1863, page 2


    MILITARY.--A large number of deserters from the regular and volunteer force of the U.S. army have availed themselves of the privilege offered by the proclamation of the President, returning them to the service without punishment, on condition that they would report themselves to a proper military officer before the 15th of April, 1863. Six or eight have reported to Capt. Kelly, at Camp Baker. Read the "circular" in another column.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 11, 1863, page 2


    COMPANY "G."--Recruiting for this company has thus far progressed remarkably slow, there being but twelve privates enrolled up to present writing. The obstacles that have retarded the filling of the company may be thus briefly stated: First, The proclamation of the Governor called for volunteer troops to operate against the Snake Indians. The people of Southern Oregon reasoned that they had done their whole duty in sending three hundred volunteers for the protection of the northern frontier against hostile tribes of Indians. Second, The fact that the company stationed at Camp Baker has not yet received a single dollar for their service of eighteen months has been a strong argument used by semi-secessionists to dissuade persons from enlisting. And there are other and minor objections which have had their influence. The backward, wet spring has kept the miners employed much later in the season than usual; the fabulous accounts of the richness of the northern gold fields is attracting many persons thitherward; and Captain Kelly's company, at Camp Baker, has enlisted fifteen or twenty men since they have been stationed there. But we have reason to hope that Lieut. Hand will yet be able to fill his company up to at least the minimum number in time for service at the Klamath post. The impediments in the way of recruiting we trust will soon be removed. The troops will be stationed where Southern Oregon most needs them--at Klamath Lake. By the middle of the coming month, we are assured, Company C will receive its full pay; miners will be idle for want of water, and conflicting and probable discouraging reports will reach us from the northern mines. The knowledge of these facts will greatly aid the recruiting agents in Douglas, Umpqua and Josephine, which counties will be thoroughly canvassed. If, on the return of Colonel Drew, Company C should be ordered to repair to Klamath Lake, many of our prominent citizens have expressed to us that it would be good policy to place Lieut. Hand in charge of Camp Baker until his company is complete. That the company can be filled by the first of July we are well satisfied.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 25, 1863, page 2


    MONTHLY MUSTER AT CAMP BAKER.--Thursday last was the regular monthly muster day at Camp Baker. The day opening with fine weather, and the roads being in good condition, numbers of citizens availed themselves of the inviting opportunity to visit the camp and witness the exercises. We were of the party who secured Clugage & Drum's fast horses for the occasion. Arriving at camp at about ten o'clock, after a delightful drive, we found the company on the parade grounds, being put through the infantry drill by Captain Kelly. A goodly number of ladies, gentlemen and infantry, from Phoenix and vicinity, were in groups cozily located under shade trees, viewing with interest intent [on] the maneuvering of the troops. Our party were soon comfortably seated in front of the Captain's quarters, with a good view of all the grounds.
    The various movements of the company drill were very quickly, neatly and precisely executed, and the pleasure of the spectators was evinced by smiling countenances and exclamations of admiration. The more exciting and fatiguing skirmish drill, though necessarily less precise, was executed with such activity and in so systematic a manner as to clearly show that each officer and private well understood the duty required of him. At about twelve o'clock, the morning exercises having concluded, the company was dismissed, uproarious with joy at the glad news that the long-looked-for paymaster, Major Sprague, was then in camp.
    After partaking of an excellent dinner, and otherwise enjoying the hospitality of the officers of Co. C, the visitors repaired to an open plain some two miles from the camp to witness the cavalry drill. Here the troops were formed in line of battle. The skirmishers thrown out soon encountered an imaginary foe, when the bugle sounded "rally to the rear," and then they came, rushing to the rear of the main body and there forming in line. Then, at the sound of the bugle, went the grand charge of the main body, cutting to the right and the left as they go. To those who had never saw a battle, the front of that line seemed a very unhealthy place for enemies to the flag. The charge resulted in the complete rout of the enemy. The number of killed, wounded and missing on our side, one, he being caught under the branch of a tree and knocked senseless to the ground; but it is said that he has been so often "killed entirely" that he now considers it a part of the drill.
    Captain Kelly is a thorough soldier. The perfect discipline displayed in the exercise reflects great credit on both officers and men. The fine, commanding appearance of Lieuts. White and Underwood was very generally remarked, especially by the lady visitors. Taken altogether, we believe Co. C would pass muster under the eye of any general officer, as efficient for service on any field.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 2, 1863, page 2


    THE PAYMASTER.--Major Sprague, Paymaster U.S.A., and Mr. Haskins, assistant, arrived in this place on Wednesday last. On yesterday they commenced paying off the troops at Camp Baker, and in the space of six hours disbursed over $23,000, in legal tender notes. Today they expected to get through paying the entire command. This payment includes all the pay due up to the 28th of February. On Monday the command will be paid on the muster roll dating from the 28th of February to the 30th of April. The whole amount to be disbursed by the Paymaster, including that already paid, will amount to nearly $40,000.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 2, 1863, page 2


    Our town was visited during the week by quite a number of soldiers from Camp Baker, who, we are happy to say, behaved themselves admirably well, considering the amount of bad whiskey they drank. We have not learned of any arrests having been made by the Marshal, and with the exception of one or two, they were all able to navigate. Yesterday we did not observe any in our streets, and our town fell back again into the even tenor of its way.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 9, 1863, page 2


    DESERTED.--Four men deserted on Monday night from Camp Baker, with their horses; one of them was corporal of the guard and two of them were on post at the stables. One of the horses threw his rider and returned to camp. Their names are Corporal Garland, privates Casey, Daniels and Kerby. We warn the people of this valley against harboring or assisting deserters in any manner whatever, as the penalty is very severe. It would be well for our Butte Creek secessionists to take notice. We would also state to our merchants that it is a criminal offense to sell citizens' clothing to soldiers; we believe that some of our sympathizing seceshers in the clothing business may profit by this slight hint. All the exterior clothing that soldiers are allowed to wear is furnished them by the quartermaster.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 13, 1863, page 2


    MISPLACED CONFIDENCE.--On last Friday afternoon, Lieutenant Hand placed a horse in charge of a soldier by the name of Reich, a German Jew, belonging to Company C, to take up to Camp Baker from this place, but instead of doing so he concluded to go to Yreka. The fellow had intended to desert, and all he wanted to consummate his intention was a chance to steal a horse, when the Lieutenant came to his assistance and unwittingly furnished him one, saving him any further trouble on that score. We believe there is a severe penalty for anyone assisting a soldier of the United States to desert, but whether it will apply in this case or not we are unable to say. The deserter was so closely pursued by men sent from Camp Baker on Saturday morning, and so close were they upon him on the afternoon of that day that he was obliged to leave the horse and take to the brush. The horse was recovered and brought back to Camp Baker, but the deserter managed to make his escape. They also recovered another horse, thought to be the one stolen from Mr. Ish on last Friday night, which was supposed to have been ridden by a friend of the deserter. This horse was left at Cole's, on the other side of the mountain. No doubt but Mr. Constant may find his horse over in that vicinity, for we believe these to have been the two men who passed through Phoenix on last Friday night, mentioned in another article.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 13, 1863, page 2


    About four o'clock Thursday morning Edward Hill, alias Havis, made his escape from the guard at Camp Baker. During the night he managed to saw off his shackles, and under pretense of the necessity of being taken to the rear was let out, and while passing from the guard house to the rear he made a break. Four shots were fired at him by the guard, but unfortunately they all missed their mark. He had been arrested for murdering a soldier at the Dalles some eighteen months ago.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 20, 1863, page 2


    RECAPTURED.--Edward Hill, alias Harris, who escaped from the guard at Camp Baker, has been recaptured, and is now in irons at the camp.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 23, 1863, page 2


    GONE NORTH.--In obedience to an order from headquarters, Lieut. Hand started from this place on Wednesday last, with his squad of recruits to report at Vancouver. The Lieutenant will probably be assigned to duty as 2nd Lieut. in Captain Noble's company.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 6, 1863, page 2


    LATER.--Since writing the above, we learn from Lieut. Underwood that an order had been received at Camp Baker this morning for Lieut. Hand to report himself at that camp. A special messenger has been sent with the order, and it is probable that in a day or two the Lieut. will return. The first order came from Governor Gibbs; the latter from Gen. Wright.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 6, 1863, page 2


    Col. Drew has informed us that he will start from this place on Monday next, to select a site for the proposed military post at Klamath Lake. The Colonel will take with him a detachment of troops from Camp Baker, and a number of our citizens will avail themselves of the opportunity for a pleasure excursion to the lakes.
    Col. Drew will select the ground for the post as soon as possible so that the contracts for the erection of the buildings may be let, and the work pushed forward to an early completion.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 20, 1863, page 2


    IN DEMAND.--Fishing tackle, rifle ammunition, and quadruped conveyancers, on Monday last, for the party who left our place on that day for a pleasure trip and tour of observation to the Klamath Lakes. We hope they will have a delightful time, and that the promised report of a description of the country, the location of Fort Klamath, etc., will not fail to reach us.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 24, 1863, page 2


Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 8, 1863, page 2


    Col. Drew, with an escort of thirty-three men, under command of Lieut. White, and a number of citizens of Jackson County, left Camp Baker on the 7th instant, for the purpose of exploring the country east and north of Mount McLoughlin, and for the purpose of finding a suitable situation for establishing a military post. Our first camp was on Butte Creek, fifteen miles from Camp Baker. Here Judge Prim came very near being bitten by a huge rattlesnake. This camp we named Rattle Snake.
    July 8th we camped on Rancheria Prairie, near the place where the Ledfords' party were murdered by the Indians in the spring of '59. The distance we came today was about twenty miles.
    July 9th we crossed the mountain on the trail taken by the Pathfinders in the spring of 1862, under command of Col. Ross, and soon come upon places where they had done considerable work, in the way of building bridges and sinking mining holes. Four miles from the summit, on the west side, we came to a beautiful lake, on the north side of which we camped. This is called Summit Lake, and is about four miles long. It reminded me somewhat of the description given of the "Lake of Como.'' The distance traveled today was about fifteen miles.
    July 10th we traveled down the west side of the lake and continued descending towards Klamath Lake Valley. From our camp at Summit Lake, to the foot of the mountain, it is about ten miles. We continued along the west side of the lake, traveling in a northerly direction, for about eight miles, and camped. The distance traveled today was about eighteen miles. In descending the mountain we occasionally caught a glimpse of the lake and valley below; the scenery was beautiful.
    July 11th traveled about twelve miles north and then changed our course to the east, across the head of the lake. Here we crossed a bridge over Martin's Creek, built by Col. Ross' party; eight miles further we came to Wood's River, where we camped.
    July 12th we had a fine mess of fish for breakfast; built a raft this morning and by eleven o'clock we were all on the east side of the river, safe and sound; four miles further and we came to the east side of the valley, where we camped on a beautiful stream of pure, cold water. Col. Drew crossed the stream and traveled down some four or five miles further, where they found La Lake's camp, but the old man was not at home. It appears from what we could learn from the Indians who were left in charge of the camp that they were holding a council of all the tribes in the valley east of where we were, making preparations for declaring war against the Pit River Indians. The Colonel continued his investigations down the east side of the valley until he struck the alkali soil, when he returned to camp.
    July 13th we have fish in "copious effusions." Mount Shasta could be seen very plainly from this point. It lay directly south of us. We traveled along the valley in a northerly direction, crossed several branches running into Wood River, the banks of which were high and dry, and camped in a fine grove of trees near the center of the valley. Here we left a number of men who had taken the mumps.
    July 14th crossed the head of the valley and struck an Indian trail running west over the mountain, and thinking that it might be a shorter cut through the mountains towards Rogue River Valley and that it might possibly connect with the wagon road, we ascended the mountain and camped about eight or ten miles from the valley. So far the trail has been very good.
    July 15th after following the trail a number of miles it gave out entirely and we traveled for some time on our own hook until we brought up all standing by a deep canon. We retraced our steps a few miles and camped.
    July 16th we continued our retreat in "good order." Our citizen friends, being anxious to return home, concluded today to take a shortcut and left us at the place we camped on the 14th. We have since learned that they had a hard time of it, and at last were compelled to beat a retreat and take the old road.
    July 17th we rested on our oars and caught fish.
    July 18th we turned our faces towards home and camped at the foot of the mountain.
    July 19th we crossed the mountain and camped on Lick Prairie.
    July 20th we reached Camp Baker.
    Klamath Lake Valley is one of the finest grass countries I have ever seen. The water is pure and cold; the fish are splendid. Game does not appear to be plenty at this season of the year. The soil is light and dry, and appears to be formed of pumice stone, of which the entire upper part of the valley is covered. The Indians are good looking, treacherous, bloodthirsty and thieving. They are a noble specimen of "Lo, the poor Indian!" Persons wishing to visit the valley should be very cautious and keep a close lookout for their "har."
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 22, 1863, page 2


    ORDERED NORTH.--Col. Drew has received instructions from General Wright to send Lieutenant Hand, with his command, to Vancouver. It is probably intended that the Lieutenant's detachment shall be attached to Capt. Noble's company.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 22, 1863, page 2


    MILITARY DEPARTMENT.--Lieut. Wm. M. Hand called upon us Monday to bid us goodbye. He is en route for Ft. Vancouver. The Lieutenant is a whole-souled, laughing, good fellow, and has the pluck to do and dare.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 29, 1863, page 2


    New Company Full.--We understand from Gov. Gibbs that the company recently recruited by Capt. John F. Noble, being now full, will be mustered into the service of the United States tomorrow, at Vancouver, as Co. "G" of the First Regiment of Oregon Cavalry. The officers commissioned by Gov. Gibbs are, besides Capt. Noble, H. C. Small as 1st Lieutenant, and Wm. M. Hand, 2nd Lieutenant. The company will for the present be stationed at Vancouver.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 8, 1863, page 2


    COMPANY C.O.V.--Lieut. Hand with his squad of recruits arrived at Fort Vancouver, W.T., on the 7th inst., and all were mustered into service in Co. G on the 10th. John P. Noble had been commissioned Captain of this company by Gov. Gibbs, but he failed to pass the examining board, and the organization of the company was therefore effected as follows: Henry C. Small of Lane County, Captain; Wm. M. Hand, First Lieutenant; Patrick McGuire, Second Lieutenant, and seventy-two enlisted men. Our best wishes are with Co. G.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 19, 1863, page 2


    CORRECTION.--The town edition of the Sentinel, of Saturday last, contained one of those annoying mistakes which will sometimes occur. It was stated that sixteen soldiers had deserted from Co. C, Oregon Cavalry, since they had went out to the prospective Klamath post. This error arose from misapprehension of a statement that sixteen men had deserted from Co. A, Capt. Harris, in the northern country. Several months since, four or five men deserted from Co. C, but the officers considered them no loss, as they were such worthless character that the company is profitably rid of them. Many of the privates in Co. C are men of property and influence, and, as a body, no men are more trustworthy.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 19, 1863, page 2


    The Eugene Review of the 22nd inst. says, "Five soldiers deserted from Camp Baker, Jackson County, last week." This is a mistaken statement. We have authority to say that not one soldier has deserted from that camp in the two months past.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 26, 1863, page 2


    The Sentinel denies the statement that soldiers had lately been deserting from Camp Baker.
"Domestic Items," Oregon Statesman, Salem, August 31, 1863, page 2


    Beans are freely offered in our town at $6 per 100 pounds, while at the same time the beans consumed by Company C are shipped from San Francisco at a cost of not less than $14 per hundred pounds. Pork is sent from the Atlantic States to supply the company, while a better article could be procured here for about one-half the cost. Thus thousands of dollars are squandered by a ridiculous "red tape" policy, over which the company officers has no control.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 7, 1863, page 2


Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 10, 1863, page 2


Sir
    On the 3rd of September last I was ordered by Major Drew to proceed with a detachment of forty men of my company to "Little Butte Creek," Jackson County, with instructions to establish my camp there, to send out scouting parties to Rancheria Prairie and around that neighborhood, and to take up and bring into this camp all Indians found in the neighborhood.
    On the 26th inst. Major Drew ordered that La Lake and other Indians be allowed to hunt in and to the eastward of Rancheria Prairie until the 7th proximo. The Major having gone to Yreka for a few days, leaving me in command here, I sent for La Lake to inform him of what my orders were, and to direct him to govern himself accordingly, also to make arrangements with him to hunt up some horses belonging to my company that are lost or stolen. I find that he is very much displeased at being deprived [of] the privilege of coming into the settlements as he has been accustomed to do, says that he has been slandered by fools, and wants to know why his people are suspected and kept out, while the "Modocs," whom the whites know to be thieves, are allowed to come into Jacksonville on the public road. He wants to know whether himself and people are to be kept out of the settlements this winter or not, and says if he is that he will have to go to the Dalles or some other place, and that he would like to know before the bad weather sets in.
    He has said, though I was not aware of it at the time, nor until he left here, "that if the Bostons insisted on his being roguish, or dangerous, and treated him so, that they might find out next summer whether he could be or not," or words to that effect.
    From what I can hear there seems to be now trouble apprehended by the settlers from these Indians, unless they may be provoked to it by shutting them out from the settlements, and curtailing former privilege which they have been accustomed to in coming in to trade &c., or by treating them different to other tribes which they consider more deserving to be looked on with suspicion.
    La Lake was very angry when he left, and I will not be surprised to hear of trouble if he is kept out this winter.
To
    Mr. Rogers
        Jacksonville
            Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 20; Letters Received, 1862, enclosure to No. 261.


Sir
    Yesterday, I sent you accounts for 2nd qr., and with them I enclosed copy of a stipulation entered into on the 10th inst. with a part of the Klamath tribe of Indians, also copy of a letter recd. from Capt. Kelly concerning these Indians.
    The order of Sept. 3rd, spoken of by Capt. Kelly, was made at my solicitation. Upon that date Michael Hanley Esqr., a worthy citizen of this county, came to me with complaints that a few days previous a man who was herding stock for him (Hanley) on Little Butte Creek had been insulted and his life threatened by Indians. Precisely what Indians they were he was unable to state, but presumed them to be of Klamath Lake tribes. He also stated he had been informed that a Mr. Miller residing on Butte Creek had been frightened while hunting in "Rancheria Prairie" by demonstrations from Indians and that he hastily packed up and left for home, followed some eight miles by the Indians on his return. I immediately went with Mr. Hanley to Major Drew, who on hearing the statement of Mr. H. said if it was thought best he would send a portion of his command to that region of country to remain at least until the rains set in. He accordingly went to Camp Baker and gave the order the same evening. I determined to go out with Capt. Kelly in order to fully acquaint myself with the facts in the case and sent to the country for a horse for the trip. In the meantime, however, I learned from a reliable source that no Indians were then in that region, nor had there been for some days previous. I therefore deferred going until the 10th. The troops went over on the 6th and established camp on Little Butte Creek. When I arrived at their camp on the evening of the 10th Capt. Kelly had but just returned from Big Butte & Rancheria Prairie, where he had been with a detachment of men to satisfy himself whether or not there were any Indians on this side of the mountain. He now went to the summit of the mountains between this valley and the lakes, but found no Indians, nor any traces of their having very recently been there. The summer road to Klamath Lakes is through this region. Some of the Indians had been in town and returned about two weeks previous. There had probably been none there since. Capt. Kelly's orders were to arrest and bring into camp all Indians that came within reach. I asked him if any measures had been taken to let the Indians know of this order. None that he was aware of. I conversed with settlers in the vicinity with reference to the conduct of the Indians as they passed to & from the lakes. The general feeling seemed to be that they were annoying. "Sometimes they left fences down as they passed through fields &c."; yet I could discover no feeling of alarm, nor any fear of the Indians beyond these put by annoyances. Miller I did not see. He was not at home, but I learned from some of his neighbors that he had frequently had little difficulties with the Indians about going through his fields &c., yet there was very little importance attached to it by them (the neighbors).
    I expressed a desire to Capt. Kelly to go to the lakes and see the Indians for the purpose of getting some explanations in regard to these rumors, as also to acquaint them with the determination to arrest any of them that came in, until these hostile demonstrations had been satisfactorily explained. Capt. Kelly was "very willing to take the trip" and "would march at a single day's notice if the Major would give the order and furnish two pack mules for the transportation of supplies." The Major had heretofore divulged that he was "not authorized to expend the money for transportation consequent upon such a trip."
    I came home on the 12th and immediately called on Major Drew, repeated to him the substance of my conversation with Capt. Kelly and desired him to issue the order. The Major would not "trust forty men to go there." He "really believed the Indians were bent on mischief and were only making an opportunity to make demonstrations in earnest. If he sent "any it must be the whole company," but he "really saw no necessity for going there at present, and should refuse the escort." Under these circumstances I could do nothing but await future developments. No Indians, except now and then a straggler that did not seem to hail from any place, came in for more than a month. On or about the 20th Oct., "La Lake," "George" & "Long John" came to Rancheria Prairie with about forty of their tribe. A messenger at once came to Major Drew to know if they were all to be arrested. He gave an order, as he told me, that they had leave to hunt there for ten days. Some Indians came directly to town to see me, and desired to know why they were placed under these restrictions. I explained to them the word that Mr. Hanley brought, and asked him to explain. "If Mr. Hanley's herder had been troubled by Indians" they "know nothing of it." "He stopped some twelve or fifteen miles off the direct road to the lakes." The case of Miller was the result of a mistake of his own. They "were on their way to town," "had encamped on Rancheria Prairie," "saw his smoke and were going towards his camp in a friendly manner," "but he seemed to be alarmed and was making great haste to get away." They spoke to him at a distance; seeing his evident uneasiness. "This only increased his speed." I have been twice to see Miller, but neither time found him at home. I left word that he should call and see me, but have never yet seem him. I can therefore only judge by circumstance whether or not there is any plausibility in this statement of the Indians.
    About this time a roving band of Modocs, about 20 men & 40 to 50 women and children, passed through town and encamped at two or three different points in the mines. These came in on the Yreka road, and were not questioned by the military. They did not come to see me, nor did I happen to see them pass through. These came to winter in this vicinity for purposes of trade, their women being the principal stock.
    The copy of treaty or stipulation, sent you, shows the conclusion finally arrived at with the Klamath Lakes. The foregoing, together with copy of Capt. Kelly's letter, will I trust explain the necessity of making the arrangement. Major Drew will continue his camp on Butte Creek and would rather (he says now) have the Indians at Rancheria Prairie than farther off, unless entirely out of the country. This arrangement will enable him to keep an eye on them. At the final conclusion with the Klamath Lakes I sent for the Modoc chief and gave him choice to go with his people to Rancheria Prairie with the others or go entirely out of the country. He preferred the latter, saying that he was afraid of the Klamath Lakes. I then gave them all until Wednesday the 12th inst. to get away. The Klamath Lakes obeyed without trouble, and I had supposed this to have been the case until today with the Modocs, as they made great show Tuesday & Wednesday 11th & 12 inst. of getting off. Information however came to me, lately, that some of the men with twelve to fifteen women and some children of the Modocs had found their way, somehow, on to Applegate Creek, evidently seeking to evade my order. Major Drew will send a file of soldiers to direct their movements as soon as I ascertain and inform him precisely where they are.
    The Indians desired to have inserted in the stipulation the permission to have their "firearms" repaired to enable them to hunt game. Never having had any instructions upon this point I, of course, declined to make that a part of the arrangement. I will now ask whether or not I can or should permit the repairing of "firearms" for these Indians, in any event, under their present relations to the government? If so under what circumstances should the permission be granted. They have never yet applied for permission to purchase ammunition, yet this may occur at any time. I therefore desire to know my duty upon this point also.
    I failed to place in the stipulation the condition, but I made the Indians fully understand that my action in this matter needed the sanction and approval of the Superintendent to make it conclusive. I hope it will meet your approval.
Hon. Wm. H. Rector
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
        Salem Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 20; Letters Received, 1862, No. 265.


    . . . A rampant secesher of Jackson County, named Dunlap, got on a bender at Phoenix on Christmas and let himself out in extravagant praise of Jeff. Davis & Co., and then denounced the United States government in such terms that the commanding officer at Camp Baker thought it best to cool him off in the guard house. He was kept in confinement a couple of days, and then marched out in the presence of the soldiers drawn up in line and obliged to take the oath of allegiance, which a correspondence says he took "with fear and trembling." Upon being released he left, on 2:40 time, and has not been heard of since.--Served him right.
    . . . The wire for the Oregon telegraph was shipped from New York, July 25th, but has not yet arrived. The southern part of the line cannot now be put up before the snows leave the Crescent City mountains, in the spring.
"Domestic Items," Oregon Statesman, Salem, January 5, 1863, page 2

Sacramento Daily Union, May 4, 1863, page 1


    CHARGES PREFERRED.--Sub-Indian Agent A. E. Rogers, in Oregon, has preferred charges against Colonel Drew, in command at Camp Baker and Fort Klamath. An officer was sent to Jacksonville to inquire into the truth of the charges, and to make a critical examination into the military transactions in that section, and also to report upon the propriety of building the new fort in the locality selected by Colonel Drew. The objection to the new fort at Klamath Lake appears to be that it is too remote from the immigrant road and civilization; while the advantage claimed for the location is that the Indians, once "corralled" there, will never be able to find their way to the white settlements!

    Mr. Jacob Ish has rushed into print, in T'Vault's Confederate organ [the Oregon Intelligencer], to deny a statement incidentally published by us several weeks since, that Maj. Glenn had held a mortgage on the Ish farm. This statement was made in an article in which we charged that the Ish Bros., notorious secessionists, were favored by the contractor with the exclusive privilege of furnishing hay and oats for Co. "C," O.V.--"Abe Lincoln's minions"; and that that privilege was costing the government about one-third more than it would if the usual competition was allowed. We had no intention of injuring the credit of Ish Bros. by saying that Maj. Glenn held a mortgage on their farm. It would have answered as well our purpose, as stated above, to have said that Mr. Glenn had an order (as we have been informed he had) on Ish Bros. It is mere quibble; the charge we have made still stands, undeniable.
    We reassert what Mr. Jacob Ish has not denied, that Horace Ish, understood to have been interested in producing hay and oats for Co. "C," is generally believed by the loyal people in this community who best know him, to have gone to assist his friends in "fighting for their rights." And there is reasonable grounds for the belief. He is known as a generous, open-hearted man of high-strung temper. His early associations in the South, and his lifelong prejudices against the North, lead him to deeply sympathize with the South, in their grievous sufferings, and to desire to assist them in their mad designs. From our own knowledge of Horace Ish, we believe he would rather die in the front ranks of the Confederate army than live in opulence in the Northern States. In that he is to be admired over the sneaking Copperheads who, while fattening upon the bounty of our government, are covertly going all they can to embarrass it in its struggle for national unity, and pusillanimously whining of abolition tyranny.
    Mr. Ish, in his communication, uses the language and style peculiar to the "chivalry." Denunciation and invective comprises three-fourths of it. While we are perfectly careless of his personal opinion of us, we always hope to deserve and receive the fiercest anathemas from him and his Confederate kind.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 14, 1863, page 2


    BROKE JAIL.--Two soldiers, who were deserters, confined in the county jail, succeeded in sawing off the fastenings on the cell door, and by executing a bold and skillful flank movement, made their escape to the mountains about 4 o'clock p.m. on Wednesday last. When last scene, the bold cavalrymen were making a desperate charge over the hill, in the rear of Mr. Hoffman's residence.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 16, 1864, page 8


    Hobart Taylor, with Captain Curry's command, writing to his brother in this valley, Augustus Taylor, under date Camp Barry, August 14, 1864, says:
    "While out on our last raid, we found a wagon, with cooking utensils in it, two day books--one of them showing an account with several men in Carson Valley--several photographs and ambrotypes, letters, and various other things. The wagon was recognized as belonging to four young men who undertook to follow us. Appearances at the wagon indicate that the Indians had attacked them in the night, as the place where their fire was built had had water thrown upon it. We camped close to the place, and sent out men to look for the ladies, but found nothing to show that they had been massacred. A few bullet holes were found in the wagon bed and ox yoke. They were either murdered away from their camp, or else they have made their way to Canyon City, which was the nearest point from their camp. I hope they have made their escape, for it is horrible to think that they have been cut off from their friends, in the prime of life and the vigor of manhood, far out from the busy scenes of Christian civilization, with no one to carry the sad news to their friends.
    "The Quartermaster took charge of all the letters, books and photographs so that, if possible, their relatives may be found."
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 17, 1864, page 3


    There is a piece of school land back of Phoenix, on which Camp Baker stands, once a grand forest, which is now almost worthless. Uncle Sam has made sad havoc of the wood and timber.
Last revised May 4, 2024