George Wright to James A. Hardie, November 20, 1861

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. O.:

STR: On the 16th instant I had the honor to acknowledge (by telegraph) the receipt of Major-General McClellan’s dispatch of the 13th. I have recalled Colonel Carleton from his command in the southern district, and as soon as he arrives I shall organize his command of at least one regiment, for the protection of the Overland Mail Route. I have conferred with Mr. Louis McLane, the agent, as to the most suitable point to locate the troops, in order to afford the required protection, He suggests Simpson’s Park, Ruby Valley, and Camp Floyd as the best positions to occupy. The first is 326 miles from Sacramento,

Ruby Valley 98 miles from Simpson’s, and Camp Floyd is 217 miles in advance of Ruby Valley. The weather for many days past has been tempestuous in the extreme, and the snow on the mountains is reported as very deep, and it may be next to an impossibility for the troops to cross over with their necessary supplies. Were it not for the starving condition of the Indians, no fears need be entertained of their committing any depredations. Twenty thousand dollars’ worth of provisions, annually distributed to the friendly tribes along this section of the route, would save the Government vast sums of money. The contracts made last summer for the transportation of our supplies from this place to Ruby Valley were at the rate of about $400 per ton; and at this season it will cost much more. Everything is quiet on this coast; nothing of importance has transpired since my communication to the Adjutant-General of the Army, dated on the 16th instant, a copy of which was forwarded to the Headquarters of the Army. I have removed the Third Infantry California Volunteers from Stockton to Benicia Barracks. Four companies of this regiment are already at their stations; the remaining six have been organized, and are progressing favorably in recruiting. Clothing for all the troops in the department is being made here. Very soon the supply will be ample and of a superior quality, at a reasonable rate. On the 9th I inspected the troops at Fort Point, one company, Third Artillery, commanded by Brevet Major Austine, and on the 13th I inspected the troops at Alcatraz Island, two companies, Third Artillery, commanded by Major Burton. It affords me pleasure to report that [ found the troops in high order. The armament of the fort, although incomplete, was found in handsome condition, and ready for any emergency.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,