G. Wright, June 4, 1861

MAJOR: I deem it my duty to invite the early attention of the general commanding the department to the defenseless condition of the posts and settlements on the Columbia River, as well as on the waters of Puget Sound. At this moment a single hostile steamer could enter the Columbia River and lay waste all the settlements to the Cascades, structed without delay at the mouth of the Columbia on Cape Disappointment. Such a battery it is believed would effectually prevent any hostile ship from attempting to cross that dangerous bar. Point Defiance, twelve or fifteen miles north from Steilacoom, is a good position for a battery, and would guard the settlements on the sound above that point. Should any sudden danger threaten this coast, the presence of a naval force would be indispensably necessary for our protection. At this moment we are destitute of heavy guns, suitable for sea-coast defense. Some eight or nine months since I made a requisition on the War Department for 15,000 stand of small-arms and equipments, as well as an ample supply of gunsof heavy caliber. But my requisitions and warnings have remained unheeded. The sites which I have above recommended for planting batteries I had surveyed by an engineer officer last fall and reserved for fortifications. In an emergency it might be expedient to dismantle the Massachusetts. I believe she has eight heavy guns as her present armament. I would most respectfully invite the general to peruse my communication to the headquarters of the Army dated about the 20th of October last, in which was fully set forth the present condition, wants, and future prospects of the Department of Oregon.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,