George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, June 6, 1862

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

GENERAL: Herewith I have the honor to transmit a communication from Brigadier-General Carleton, commanding Column from California; also one from Lieutenant-Colonel West, commanding the advance at the Pima Villages, dated on the 17th and 13th of May.* These letters contain the latest advices I have received from General Carleton’s command. With reference to the Indian goods mentioned in these letters, I beg leave to submit the following explanation: I ordered the quarter master’s department to purchase certain articles suitable for trading with the Indians, such as manta, prints, &c., and turn them over to the quartermaster of General Carleton’s command. This was done on the score of economy, as the purchases of supplies from the Indians in Arizona and New Mexico can be made on much more favorable terms by paying in goods than by paying in cash. Under these circumstances I trust that the department will approve of my action. I have no later

news from District of Oregon than contained in my report of the 30th ultimo. I have broken up the recruiting rendezvous of the Third Artillery and Ninth Infantry in this city. Want of success in obtaining recruits is attributable in a great measure to the excitement consequent on the discovery of rich mines in various quarters. I have ordered Captain Stewart, Third Artillery, to report at these headquarters for special duty. I wish him to make a critical inspection of the troops, and particularly of the staff departments at several remote stations.

With great respect, your most obedient servant,