George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, January 9, 1862

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

GENERAL: Nothing of importance has transpired within the department since my communication addressed to you on the 31st ultimo. The Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Colonel Bowie, is now moving to Southern California. Three companies of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers, under the lieutenant-colonel of that regiment, have already been sent to the same point. This force will remain in the southern district of the State after the advance of Colonel Carleton. Colonel Lippitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, has moved with his headquarters to Fort Humboldt, and assumed command of that district. Colonel Lippitt has six companies of infantry and one of cavalry, a force deemed ample to quell any Indian disturbances in that quarter. Some weeks since serious apprehensions were entertained of Indian outbreaks along the Overland Mail Route, but thus far quiet has been maintained; the judicious distribution of provisions, to meet the immediate wants of those Indians, has had a good effect. I have sent two companies of the Second Infantry California Volunteers to Santa

arbara, about 400 miles down the coast; the battalion is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Olney, of the Second Regiment, and is posted at Santa Barbara to protect the loyal inhabitants of that district and enforce the laws of the United States. My latest advices from the District of Oregon contain no information of importance. The Indians are quiet. This is the most severe winter experienced on this coast for several years past. The incessant heavy rains, together with the melting of suow on the mountains, has swollen the rivers and streams, overflowed a vast extent of country, and destroyed an immense amount of property, and so obstructed our land mail-routes that we are forced to resort almost entirely to the express companies. My troops are mostly in tents or temporary huts, and although frequently very uncomfortable, have really suffered but very little. The men are well clothed, well fed, and but few on the sick report.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,