Edwin V. Sumner to George Wright, 1861-09-80

Col. GEORGE WRIGHT, Ninth Infantry, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Cal. :

COLONEL: As you are about to assume the important command of the southern district of this State, I wish to give you briefly my views and wishes in relation to that section of country. The secession party in this State numbers about 32,000 men, and they are very restless and zealous, which gives them great influence. They are congregating in the southern part of the State and it is there they expect to commence their operations against the Government. You will take such measures as in your judgment will most effectually crush out this disloyalty. It has been tolerated too long already, and I desire that you will put a sudden stop to all demonstrations in favor of the rebel government, or against our own. You will please establish a strong camp at Warner’s ranch and take measures to make Fort Yuma perfectly secure. You will probably find it necessary to place troops at Visalia and Santa Barbara, but I give no order for this. With the exception of the camp at Warner’s, I wish to leave the disposition of the troops in your district entirely at your own discretion. If it should become necessary to re enforce your command I will do it at once.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,