Oregon and Washington Volunteers/4

[Governor Davis’ orders to Colonel John E. Ross, dated July 17, 1854.]
 Salem, July 17, 1854.  It having been represented at this office that it might be desirable or necessary for a detachment of volunteers to proceed out upon what is known as the southern route to Oregon for the protection of the coming immigration against hostile Indians, you are hereby authorized to enlist a company of volunteers and order them upon that service, if, in your judgment, it should be deemed expedient and necessary. The number of volunteers and time of service will be regulated by your own knowledge of the necessity of the case, and organized under such rules and regulations as you may see proper to adopt, not inconsistent with the militia law of this Territory. Quartermaster General Drew is authorized to render you any assistance in his power in arming, equipping, and subsisting of such command. I am aware of the many embarrassments under which you will labor if it should be considered necessary to raise such a command without a single dollar to defray expenses; you will be compelled to rely upon the liberality and patriotism of our fellow-citizens, who in turn will be compelled to rely upon the justness of the general government for their compensation.

For further information, I ask to refer you to my communication to Quartermaster General Drew of even date herewith, and remain, very respectfully, yours,  JOHN W. DAVIS, Governor. 
 * Colonel
 * Ninth Regiment of Oregon Militia.