George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, December 9, 1861

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

GENERAL: Inclosed herewith is a copy of a dispatch* which was sent to the Headquarters of the Army by telegraph on the 7th instant. I also transmit a copy of a communicationt this day received from His Excellency, J. W. Nye, Governor of the Territory of Nevada. The difficulties we should experience in attempting to march troops with their supplies across the mountains at this time are fully set forth in the Governor’s letter, and the obstructions have been increased by a severe storm during the last three days. After the receipt of Major-General McClellan’s dispatch, desiring me to send troops to protect the Overland Mail Route, I had several interviews with Mr. Louis McLane, the agent in this city, and I was fully satisfied that by distributing a moderate allowance of provisions to the Indians, who are in a starving condition along the route, the mail would not be interrupted. I had a large surplus of provisions at Fort Churchill, and under the circumstances of the case I have ordered that the flour and meat which can be spared, retaining sufficient to last the command until the ist of August,

*See Wright to Adjutant-General, 7th, p. 751. tSee Nye to Wright, 4th, p. 749.

48 R R—VOL L, PT 1 be placed at the disposal of Governor Nye, ex officio superintendent of Indian affairs. Anxious as I was to carry out the instructions of the General-in-Chief by sending the troops, I have not acted in this matter without due consideration, and after consultation and approval of Governor Nye and the agent of the line, and I trust that my course will be approved. On the 6th instant I inspected the arsenal at Benicia and also the troops at the barracks. Captain McAllister has a company of ordnance men at the arsenal. I found it in high order. The storehouses, magazines, shops, quarters, &c., were all critically inspected and everything found in superior order. I next inspected the quartermaster’s department, under the supervision of Capt. T. Moore, and found his books, papers, store-houses, and supplies all in good order. At Benicia Barracks I reviewed and inspected six companies of the Third Infantry California Volunteers, with one company of the Second Volunteer Cavalry, the whole commanded by Colonel Connor. The troops were in high order, well clothed, and presented a handsome appearance. They are progressing rapidly in discipline and instruction. Lalso inspected at the same place a squadron of the First Cavalry (regulars) commanded by Captain Whittlesey. This squadron has just arrived from Oregon, and will embark on the steamer of the 11th with. two companies of the Fourth and one of the Sixth Infantry (regulars) for New York. I shall then have remaining in this department but two companies to go Hast, the squadron of First Cavalry now en route from Walla Walla. Recruiting is progressing favorably, and by the end of this month the regiments will be full. Allis quiet within this department. Very respectfuily,

your obedient servant,