George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, January 18, 1862

Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS,

Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0.:

GENERAL: Since my communications of the 9th and 10th instant T have been forwarding troops and supplies to the southern district preparatory to the advance of Colonel Carleton’s expedition. At this moment if is utterly impossible for troops or supplies to move into

PU VA aii the interior. The unprecedented rains and storms which have continued uninterruptedly for the past six weeks have submerged and saturated the whole country to such an extent that it is absolutely impossible to move. This state of affairs unavoidably delays the movement of Colonel Carleton. The elements are against us, but the troops are in fine spirits, and I have spared no pains to protect them during this inclement weather, and when an advance is made it will be by troops well disciplined and inured to camp life. The suffering in the interior of the State is beyond all present calculation. Many lives haye been lost. The city of Sacramento, the seat of government, has been for some time entirely under water, and the State Legislature has been compelled to adjourn. Many towns and villages have been swept away, and stock and other property to a vast amount have been destroyed. The inhabitants have been compelled to flee for their lives, and a large number have sought this city, where they are supported by charity. With regard to the military operations in this country, they are at present suspended. My troops, except in the District of Humboldt, have generally escaped the overflow. At the small one-company posts of Forts Ter-Waw and Gaston most of the buildings were swept off and some property lost. The pecuniary loss is but little, and prompt measures were taken to forward the necessary supvlies to the garrisons. In the present condition of the country we get no mails by laud from any direction. The expresses on the trimonthly steamers hence to New York, and also to Oregon, afford us the only means of communication. It is not improbable that many packages of orders and blanks (the latter much needed by the volunteers) may have been sent by the overland mail within the last two months, which will never reach their destination. I beg of you to send a supply by steamer. The new regulations have never been received. The only copy I have was purchased here. The country is quiet.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,