G. Wright, May 9, 1864

SIR:

Tranquillity prevails throughout the department except in the District of Humboldt, where the Indian war is being prosecuted vigorously and successfully. Col. H. M. Black, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, has been zealous and indefatigable in pursuing the enemy, and his officers and men h» ve endured the hardships and exposures of that inhospitable region, amidst the snows and rains, with the greatest cheerfulness. The whole country is covered with our scouting parties, and already between thirty and forty of the hostile Indians have been killed and many wounded, with but trifling loss on our side. Some of the principal chiefs have surrendered, and Colonel Black expresses the opinion that the war will soon cease.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,