George Wright to Lorenzo Thomas, November 21, 1861

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

GENERAL: I have this day forwarded to you by steamer a return of troops of this department. It is made up of the latest reports we have received. My troops are occupying a vast extent of country, extending from Yuma in the south to Colville in the north, a distance of about 2,000 miles over the route usually marched. The severe snow-storm in the mountains has completely blocked up the mail route east; and it will probably be several days before they can resume their regular trips. In the meantime 1 shall avail myself of the telegraph and the tri-monthly steamers to communicate with headquarters. Colonel Seawell sailed on the steamer to-day with three companies, Sixth Infantry. At San Diego he will receive five additional companies. Major Lovell, Tenth Infantry; Major Flint, Sixteenth Infantry, and Brevet Major Andrews, Third Artillery, I have placed on duty with Colonel Seawell’s command. The last steamer from Oregon brought down two companies of the Ninth Infantry, and on the steamer now due I expect five more companies of thesameregiment. They willall go East on the steamer of the 1st of December. Tie companies from Forts Dalles, Walla Walla, and Colville may be looked for by the 10th of December. Lieutenant Mullan has 100 good men of the Ninth Infantry as escort to the Walla Walla and Fort Benton wagon-road expedition. An order was sent early in October for those men to join their companies, since which we have heard nothing from them. The last general order I have received from your office was No. 89, of 11th of October, a single copy only. I have not yet received the Revised Army Regulations. I would suggest that in sending out books and large packages, the vcean route be used. Quiet pervades the Pacific Slope.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,