George Wright to C. D. Emory, August 6, 1861

Second Lieut. C. D. EMORY, Ninth Infantry, Comdg. Detachment under orders for Camp Chehalis, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :

SIR: On reaching Camp Chehalis with your command, you will assume charge of the public buildings, together with all Government property you may find at that place. I am advised by the superintendent of Indian affairs that his agent will be at Camp Chehalis about the 15th instant for the purpose of proceeding to the agency established a few miles north of that place and erecting the necessary buildings. My object in sending yourself and command to Chehalis is to restore confidence to the settlers in that quarter and to aftord protection to the Indian agent and his party in establishing themselves at the agency. In the execution of this duty it will probably be necessary and proper for you to move up the coast and establish a temporary camp at theagency. You will obtain the most reliable information possible of the number, character, and habits of the Indians in that region. I also wish you to make a topographical sketch, accompanied by a brief memoir, of the country you may pass over. Keep your men under strict discipline and well in hand to meet any emergency, always having a sentinel on post by night and day. Look carefully after the provisions of your men; see that they are used economically and made to last at least until the 20th proximo. As you will have no medical officer with you, the surgeon at Fort Vancouver will prepare for you a small package of simple medicines, with directions for use in case of necessity. Your men should be prepared to bake their own bread. Take with you the necessary camp equipage, including about two tents, two axes, and hatchets, &c. Report to me by letter to the assistant adjutant-general as often as opportunity offers, and in case of necessity send a special messenger with your dispatches.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,