George Wright to His Excellency JOHN WHITEAKER, September 12, 1861

His Excellency JOHN WHITEAKER, Governor of the State of Oregon:

SIR: The threatening attitude of the Indian tribes in the country east of the Cascade Mountains having produced much alarm amongst the settlers, causing many of them to abandon their claims, and the regular force under my command having been reduced during the past year by the withdrawal of fourteen companies for service in California, leaving an inadequate number of troops necessary for the protection of the settlements, I have the honor to request that your Excellency will call for one company of volunteer cavalry to be mustered into the service of the United States at Fort Dalles, Oreg., for the period of three years unless sooner discharged. The organization of the company will be one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, four sergeants, four corporals, two buglers, one farrier and blacksmith, and seventy-four privates. Every member of the company will be required to furnish his own horse and horse equipments, and will be paid for their use and risk such allowances as are now or may hereafter be established by law. The Government will furnish arms and subsistence when the organization of the company shall have been completed and the company accepted. When fully organized, I request that your Excellency will direct the captain of the company to report to Capt. Joseph H. Whittlesey, of the U. S. Army, at Fort Dalles, who has been ordered to inspect and, if accepted, to administer the oath of allegiance and muster the company into the service of the United States.

With great respect, I have the honor to be, your Excellency's most