George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, March 1, 1862

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

GENERAL: When the order was received by Brigadier-General Sumner to send all the regular troops in this department East, excepting four companies of artillery, instructions were immediately sent for the escort of 100 men of the Ninth Infantry, with Lieut. John Mullan, on

57 R R—VOL L, PT 1 i the Fort Benton and Walla Walla wagon road, to be withdrawn and join their companies. The order reached Lieutenant Mullan in the Bitter Root Valley, but too late for the detachment to cross the mountains. The order is still in force, and the escort will be withdrawn as soon as the road over the mountains is passable. The Ninth Infantry now requires some 300 recruits, and although active measures are being taken to enlist men, yet we have thus far progressed but slowly, the volunteer service having absorbed the large mass of men disposed to join the Army for service on this coast. Under these circumstances it is submitted to the consideration of the General-in-Chief whether it would not be advisable to suspend the operations on the wagon road until a more favorable opportunity. The great excitement throughout this entire country, caused by the late discovery of gold mines in the north, has drawn off a large number of men who might otherwise join the Army. However, should any real danger threaten this coast, whether from enemies without or traitors within, a large force of men, loyal and true to their country’s flag, would be found ready to rush to arms.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,