Don C. Buell to George Wright, June 12, 1861

Col. GEORGE WRIGHT, Ninth Infantry, U. S. Army,

SIR: I have submitted to the department commander your communication of the 4th instant relative to the defenseless condition of the coast of Oregon and Washington Territory. He directs me to say that although he appreciates the importance of the subject, yet the urgent necessity for troops at other points with a view both to our Indian and internal relations, renders it impossible to adopt the means which you recommend for coast defense. He directs me to say also that if you should find the safety of the frontier settlements in your district against Indian hostilities will be seriously jeopardized by the withdrawal of as many companies as were called for in Special Orders, No. 97, of the 7th instant, you may diminish the number to four.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,