George Wright to Louis McLang, December 16, 1861

Louis McLAng, Esq., Agent Overland Mail Company, San Francisco, Cal.:

SIR: After my several interviews with you on the subject of the protection of the Overland Mail Route, and a careful consideration as to the most judicious course to pursue, I have reached the conclusion that the only feasible mode is to issue a moderate quantity of provisions to the Indians along the route, who are in a starving condition. It is next to impossible to send troops with their supplies over the mountains at this time; the expense would be enormous. The mail route must be protected, and I deem it my duty to act for the best interests of the Government and the country. Under these circumstances, in behalf of the Government I have to request that you issue in the course of the winter and spring to the Indians near your stations at and west of Camp Floyd, not to exceed 250 barrels of flour and 50,000 pounds of fresh beef, or equivalent in other articles of food. Feeling assured that the agents of the company will procure the provisions economically, and issue them judiciously, I cannot for a moment doubt that the Department will approve of my course, and that the company will be reimbursed by the United States Government.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,