George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, December 27, 1861

Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. O.:

GENERAL: In pursuance to instructions from your office, addressed to Maj. William Austine, Third Artillery, L have ordered him to proceed immediately to Washington for examination by the retiring board. I cannot part with Major Austine without expressing to the department my high appreciation of his services as commander of the fort at Fort Point for several months past. A few weeks since I critically inspected the major’s command, where I found everything in the highest order. By his industry and activity the fort has been put in the best possible condition to guard the passage of the Golden Gate. Major Austine appears to be in very robust health, and [ doubt not on his examination will be found able-bodied and fully equal to the performance of any duties which may be devolved on him. I should be very glad to have a field officer of artillery to command at Fort Point. Although we have but a small number of troops in the fort at this moment, yet the necessity may arise of throwing in a heavy force, in which event the presence of an artillery officer of rank would be of great importance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,