George Wright to W. Van Dyke, June 12, 1862

Hon. W. VAN DYKE, San Francisco, Cal. :

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this date, inclosing an extra from the office of the Humboldt Times. For several months past the Indian difficulties in the District of Humboldt have been watched over with much anxiety. Colonel Lippitt, an officer of much ability, was placed in the immediate command, and the zeal, perseverance, and energy which have been displayed by the colonel and those under his orders have thus far been highly commendable. Colonel Lippitt has in his district ten companies of infantry and one of cavalry, and it was supposed that this force would be ample for the maintenance of peace between the whites and Indians. Recent events show that although nearly 300 Indians have been collected at Fort Humboldt preparatory to their removal to the reservation, yet there is a band of determined warriors still acting in open hostility to the white people, and not until this band shall be subdued can peace and quiet be restored. I am informed that many men have left their families in that country and gone to the mines. This is to be regretted, as women and children thus left defenseless invite attacks from marauding bands of Indians. However, the volun. teer soldiers of California will not turn a deaf ear to the appeals of helpless women and children thus bereft of their natural protectors, but go on battling with the savage foes until a permanent peace shall be obtained. Orders have been sent to the commander of the District of Oregon to send the three companies of Colonel Lippitt’s regiment to Fort Humboldt as soon as they can be relieved by the Washington Territory Volunteers. One of the companies may be expected down by the 25th instant. The others, being at a more remote station, will not reach Humboldt for some weeks. In conclusion, I beg to assure you, and the people whom you represent, that I take a deep interest in maintaining peace in their country, and that no efforts on my part shall be wanting to afford them protection and security against their savage enemies. ;

With great respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,