George Wright to Joseph Holt, April 10, 1862

Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: Since my communication addressed to you on the 5th instant nothing of moment has transpired. The Indian difficulties in the District of Humboldt have become so aggravated that I have determined to throw additional troops into that country and close up that war for the last time. Inclosed herewith is a copy* of a letter of instructions I have sent to Colonel Lippitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, which will advise you of the steps I have taken and propose to take for an effective campaign. From Oregon I have nothing special to report. My previous letters have informed you of the measures to be taken to preserve peace in that district, as well as to afford protection to emigrants when they approach. I have ordered Major Patten, of the Ninth Infantry, now at the Presidio, to proceed to Fort Steilacoom, Wash. Ter., and assume command of that post, and also to exercise a general supervision over all the posts on the sound, whether at present occupied by troops or not. Major Drum, my assistant adjutant-general, I have sent to the Southern District of California to inspect the troops of Carleton’s command, now at Fort Yuma, or en route. The major will be absent about twenty days. I beg of you to let Major Drum remain on duty in this department. My troops are so dispersed and occupy such a vast extent of country that the assistance of an experienced adjutant-general is of the greatest importance to me. Major Drum suits me exactly. He is capable, industrious, energetic, and zealous, an ornament to your department. I have deemed it best to retain the immediate command of my own regiment. The subalterns of the regiment having most of them been so lately appointed, I have not yet made a selection for adjutant. However, I can get along very well with the aid of my sergeant-major. The weather is steadily improving and the active operations have already commenced. Colonel Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers, the officer whom I have selected to command all the troops designated for the protection of the Overland Mail Route, is making his preparations to cross the mountains as soon as the roads are practicable.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,