MERCEDE INDIAN RESERVATION, Valley of San Joaquin, California, August 4, 1851.
Sir: Since my letter to you of July 23d ahout twenty Indians have left the Tuolumne river in consequence of the aggressions of the whites. They have gone to the mountains, but the greater portion remain in
the reservations, and may induce those who have left to return. At least this is my expectation, if I can by any means procure power to execute the laws over the territory; if not, I fear bad consequences will result, not only in one, but in every reservation within the valley of San Joaquin. I am convinced that a bad feeling exists among the Indians generally, in consequence of the whites remaining in the territory. This should be remedied at once. I must therefore urge the necessity of having a few troops placed within my control. This being done, I am sure I can quiet matters throughout the whole valley within twenty days.
This letter will be handed you by Colonel J.C. Fremont, who can give you further information touching the absolute necessity of my having troops at my command immediately.
Respectfully, &c.;,
ADAM JOHNSTON
General HITCHOCK,
West Pacific Division.
