George Wright to Justus Steinberger, April 28, 1862

Col. JUSTUS STEINBERGER, First Infantry Washington Territory Volunteers, under orders for Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.: COLONEL: After assuming command of the District of Oregon, I desire that early measures be taken to concentrate the Oregon regiment of cavalry and move it to the east of the Cascades. The headquarters of that regiment will be established at Fort Walla Walla, from which place a company should be sent to the Nez Percé country, to remain, probably, during the whole summer. But the principal object in having a large cavalry force in the Walla Walla country is to move over the mining district of the Salmon River in the spring and early Summer, and as the season advances to be thrown forward to meet the emigrants as they approach from the Eastern States. Let the staff officers of the different departments in your district prepare their estimates and requisitions for everything necessary during the next fiscal year as soon as practicable. I commit to your hands the District of Oregon, with full powers to dispose of the troops as you may deem best to preserve the peace of the country, and to maintain the honor of our flag and respect for our Government.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,