George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, December 17, 1861

rig. Gen. L, THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0.: GENERAL: Where the War Department require the officers of the Army to renew their oaths of allegiance I have assumed that all who did so were bound to serve the Government at least during the rebellion. Under these circumstances I have uniformly adhered to the practice adopted by my predecessor and declined receiving resignations from officers of the Regular Army. With regard to officers of volunteer corps I have occasionally accepted resignations tendered not for any want of loyalty to the Government, but for private reasons.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,