Edward R. Geary to George Wright, U. S. Army, April 20, 1861

Col. GEORGE WRIGHT, U. S. Army, Commanding District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :

DEAR SIR: I inclose you herewith a copy of an agreement made with the Nez Percé Indians in regard to the occupation of a part of their reservation by the whites for mining purposes. The existence of extensive deposits of gold in the Nez Percé country is now placed beyond conjecture. Hundreds of white men are already in their country, and daily accessions will soon swell the number to thousands. This is inevitable, and the agreement entered into with these Indians was the only measure left me for preserving the peace of the country and protecting this tribe, which has ever been so faithful to our Government, from the fearful evils arising from the presence among them of a mining population. Many of the chiefs seemed fully aware of the evils arising from the presence of the miners, and their strenuous opposition to their presence was only overcome by assuring them that military force would be provided for the preservation of order to aid the agent in executing the intercourse laws, and prevent the aggression of the miners on the inhabited portion of their reservation. I have therefore earnestly to press the importance of having a proper military force without delay placed so as to protect the whole reservation from the intrusion of whisky traders, and from the beginning to aid the agent in enforcing the laws regulating trade and intercouse in the Indian country. I would regard dragoons as the most efficient class of troops for the service required, and am satisfied that a squadron could be maintained in the vicinity of these mines at an expense to the Government little greater than that required should they remain in garrison, There will be little difficulty in obtaining abundant supplies of fuel, grass, and water. I trust, sir, the views I have hastily expressed will meet your concurrence, and that you will present to General Johnston, commanding this department, the urgent necessity of carrying the stipulations of the agreement into effect, and of ordering the military force stipulated for into the Nez Percé country at the earliest practicable moment. Permit me to say that severe illness, confining me to my room for several days, has prevented me from laying this subject before you at an earlier day.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,