Unknown to Lorenzo Thomas, February 8, 1862
Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. X. Army, Washington, D. O.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a com munication from Col. Justus Steinberger, dated on the 6th instant, and
54 R R—VOL L, PT I the reply which I directed to be made on the 7th.* The instructions from the War Department to Colonel Steinberger, dated on the 18th of October, 1861, authorized the colonel to raise and organize a regiment of infantry in the Territory of Washington and the country adjacent thereto. Colonel Steinberger’s communication will inform you of the embarrassments he has met with in raising men in Washington Territory and in the State of Oregon. I cannot anticipate much success in raising foot troops for service in that country. The newly discovered gold mines naturally draw off a large portion of the able-bodied men, and when it is considered that a regiment of cavalry is now being raised in Oregon, it cannot be expected that a regiment of infantry for home service can be raised from a sparse population. The colonel is very sanguine that he can raise a few companies in this city, and I have decided to establish him temporarily here for that purpose. My action in this matter is
respectfully submitted to the consideration of the
office, dated on 24th of September, 1861, was authorized to raise a regiment of mounted troops in Oregon. I have a communication from the
colonel, dated on the 8th of January, ultimo, in which he asks for
clothing, arms, &c., for six companies, immediately, and says further
next two months. I beg leave to ask your attention to the latter portion of the instructions to Colonel Cornelius. Thus far I have given
no orders or instructions to the colonel, as he was directed to report
and receive instructions direct from Washington. Now, as the regiment will soon be ready for field service, it is highly important that it