Possibly written and signed by John's wife Jesse Benton Frémont. General Frémont, commander of the Western Department, writes to Cameron, Secretary of War. Frémont writes, "I am desirous of placing a force of three thousand men near the Southern part of New Mexico, from which to threaten Arkansas and Texas. In operating in the Indian Territory and Arkansas, we will be met and opposed by a large force of Texans, now encamped near San Antonio, unless we keep them idle by a force threatening them with attack... A force occupying El Paso, Texas, could be moved either upon San Antonio or into the Indian Territory and thence into Arkansas..." Proposes to draw the El Paso force from the Pacific states, noting that it should be composed of artillery and cavalry, and should be moved by steamer. Suggests that the brigade should be put into motion immediately from California to El Paso. 1 black and white bust engraving of Frémont included.