George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, April 11, 1862

Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: Inclosed herewith is a copy of a communication * which I addressed to Colonel Cornelius, First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers. Disposed as my troops are, over a wide extent of country, it requires the greatest vigilance to prevent waste and extravagance. The commanding and staff officers generally have but little, if any, experience; but they have the Regulations, and I have, in repeated circulars and orders, explained to them very carefully as to the manner of making contracts or purchases; notwithstanding all this, irregularities will creep in. To watch over the interests of the United States I am now sending experienced officers to inspect every post and camp within the department. In these times, when all the means and money at our disposal are required for the legitimate expenditures of the Government, I am determined that no unfaithful officer or agent shall for a single moment retain his position.

With great respect, your most obedient servant, y