George Wright to Henry W. Halleck, February 20, 1863
Adjt. Gen. L. THOMAS, U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith the report of Col. P. E, Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers, of the battle fought on the 29th of January, on Bear River, Utah Ter., between U. S. troops and hostile Indians. Our victory was complete; 224 of the enemy left dead on the field. Colonel Connor’s loss was heavy. Out of 200 men engaged 14 were killed on the field and 4 officers and 49 men wounded; report of the suffering of his troops on the march and the gallant and heroic conduct of both officers and men in that terrible combat will commend the Column from California and its brave commander to the favorable notice of the General-in-Chief and War Department.
Very respectfuily,
your obedient servant,
Brigadier-General, U. N. Army, Commanding.
Cmar, LXIT.] ENGAGEMENT ON THE BEAR RIVER, UTAH TER.
[First indorsement.]
Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with the recommendation that Colonel Connor be made a brigadier-general for the heroic conduct of himself and men in the battle of Bear River.