Unknown to G. Wright, U.s. Army, March 27, 1862

Col. G. WRIGHT, U.S. Army, Commanding Department of the Pacific :

SIR: On account, no doubt, of the threatening appearance of Indian affairs in Washington Territory and Oregon there are rumors that the troops now in this part of the State are to be removed north. In consideration that this might be the case in anemergency, I deem it my duty to represent to you our condition. The eastern frontier of Southern Oregon is occupied solely by Indians, though it contains large valleys susceptible of cultivation as well as extensive range for stock. If there should be war with the Indians north, the probability of which is unquestionably great, it will involve the Indians south. They are well aware that two-thirds of our citizens will leave for the northern mines, and anxious at the same time, naturally, to commit depredations upon the settlements. This will leave Jackson County especially exposed, and offer inducements to make equal cause with the Indians of the north as well as to commit depredations (which will necessarily lead to war) on their own account. Aside from any predisposition of these Indians for hostilities, they may find aggravations from the fact that their country will be extensively prospected and traveled over by parties going to Salmon River mines, or those of Humboldt River, who, through thoughtlessness or recklessness, may provoke hostilities from which the innocent are always the greatest sufferers. Without being able to obtain positive evidence of the fact, I am satisfied that they have accumulated this winter a large amount of ammunition. In connection with this I ask respectfully to suggest that a military establishment east of this valley has been for a long time necessary to the promotion of the interests in every respect of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Its importance under present circumstances is largely increased. It will lead to the peaceable development of a large tract of agricultural and mineral district now unoccupied with but little additional cost to the Government. Troops in that direction would be convenient enough to attend to any emergency that might arise from the present disturbed condition of the country. In this end of the State we are about evenly divided as to the national issue. On account of the agitations consequent upon our coming elections, as well as those ‘that may occur from possible reverses to the national arms, our condition cannot be foretold. Under the instructions from Adjutant-General’s Office of September 24, 1861, after consultation with the gentlemen embraced in them, I proceeded to organize four companies in the southern part of the State. Two were promptly filled in this county. ‘he severity of the winter postponed for some time the necessary steps for the organization of the other two. Good substantial citizens were selected in the adjoining counties, who immediately applied themselves to raise the other two. The continued severity of the weather, with much local opposition, prevented their completion before the receipt of your order reducing the regiment to six companies (it. was forwarded promptly to the parties concerned). On the 24th of February forty enlisted men were mustered in for one of these companies, and ou the 12th March fifty for the other—between these dates and the receipt of your order. I am informed that they number about seventy each enlisted men. It will be a severe disappointment to those who have worked’ under many disadvantages, now that they have nearly the required number, after their efforts and outlays, to be left out. If the requirements of the service and your duty will allow it, I

respectfully