Colonel Wright to John S. Mason, June 17, 1861

MAJOR: After making my orders on the 11th instant, I had an interview with Captain Russell, of the Fourth Infantry, the commander of Fort Yamhill. The captain, who is a very reliable officer, has represented to me the great importance of the post of Yamhill, there being at this moment some 1,200 Indians on the reservation at that place. Under these circumstances, upon mature consideration of the subject, I determined to order Captain Archer, of the Ninth Infantry, under previous orders for Fort Dalles, to continue his march and take post at Yamhill. In order that no delay might occur in the movement of Captain Russell, I have sent a small detachment from this post to Yamhill, to remain until the arrivalof Captain Archer. Ihave also ordered Company K, Ninth Infantry, to move down from Fort Colville and take post at Fort Dalles. With the present reduced force in the district 1 believe I have made the best distribution possible. Captains Wallen and Floyd-Jones, Fourth Infantry, with their companies, are now on the Cortez, and I expect Lieutenant Fleming, Ninth Infantry, with Company E, down this evening, to embark on the same ship.

Trusting that my orders and the distribution I have made of the troops may meet the approval of the general, I am, sir, your very obedient servant,

G. WRIGHT, Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.

SPECIAL ORDERS, Hpgrs. DISTRICT OF OREGON, No. 12. Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 17, 1861. Company E, Ninth Infantry, under command of First Lieut. H. B. Fleming, expected down on the steamer Julia this evening, will continue on and embark on the steamer Cortez, bound for San Francisco. Lieutenant Fleming on reaching the Cortez will report his command to the senior officer of the Army on that ship.

By order of Colonel Wright: