George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, June 11, 1862

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

GENERAL: In my communication which I had the honor to address you on the 15th ultimo I reported that I had authorized Victor Smith, esq., the collector of customs at Port Townsend, Wash. Ter., to take charge of and use the public buildings at Fort Townsend as a marine hospital. Mr. Smith stated to me that he was going to Washington City and that during his temporary absence his duties at Port Townsend would be performed by Lieutenant Merryman of the U.S. Revenue Service. Lieutenant Merryman, on receipt of my permission to Mr. Smith, addressed a communication to me, under date of the 26th of May, which is herewith transmitted.t

As marine hospitals at certain points have been thrown open for the reception of sick or wounded soldiers I have assumed that the War Department would grant the use of any vacant buildings for marine hospitals at military posts at present unoccupied. Under these circumstances I have not revoked the permission I gave to the collector at Port Townsend, deeming it better to submit Lieutenant Merryman’s communication through your office to the Seeretary of the Treasury.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, i