The following named persons are reported to me as being detained against their will by martial law. . . A[ndrew] J. Higbee. . P. J. Rolf [P. T. Rolfe]. . J. G. Rolph. It will tend greatly to allay excitement if they shall be immediately discharged and suffered to go without molestation.

It is also reported and generally beleived but whither truly or not I have not yet learned, that there are many forageing parties abroad from committing depredations upon the cattle & property in the vicinity

These acts if correctly reported must absolutely cause [cease] immediately, if you expect any person here to have the power to preserve the peace In case the persons accused should make no resistance to an arrest. it will be against orders to be accompanied with others

If it should become necessary to have witnesses on the trial, I will see that such persons shall be duly summoned, & I will also guarrantee the safety of all such persons as may thus be brought to this place from either for trial or as witnessess for the accussed.

If the individuals accused cannot be found when required by the constable it will [p. 9]