1861 - 1862

OFFICIAL RECORDED CONFEDERATE

CORRESPONDENCE for the NEW MEXICO

CAMPAIGN

_____________________________________________________________

HART's MILL, EL PASO, Tex., June 12,1861.

Col. W.W. Loring:

My Dear Loring: We are at last under the glorious banner of the Confederate States of America. It was indeed a glorious sensation of protection, hope, and pride. Though its folds were modest and unptretending, the emblem was still there. The very Southern verdue and familiar foliage, as we progressed on ur journey, filled us with enthusiasm and home feeling.

We shall have no trouble from here down to San Antonio. The stage runs regularly semi-weekly, carrying five passengers and a reasonable amount of baggage, reaching San Antonio in six days; thense to Berwick Bay in stages, and to New Orleans by rail.

Van Dorn is in command at San Antonio. He has ordered four companies of Texas Troops to garrison this post. They cannot be expected to reach here, however, before the 1st proximo. Meanwhile, Colonel Magoffin, Judge Hart, and Crosby are very much exercised and concerned on account of the public stores here in their present time ungarded condition.

There are full supplies of subsistance and ammunition here for two or more companies for twelve months. The loss of these supplies by capture or destruction would occasion serious embarrassment to the cause. The gentlemen I have named have applied to me for advice in the premises. I have promised to hasten on from below by forced marches to cavalry force en route here. Meanwhile you may, by delaying your own departure a week or two, add much to the security of this property.

I regret now more than ever the sickly sentimentality (I can call it by no other name) by which I was overruled in my desire to bring my whole command with me. I am satisfied now of the disaffection of the best of the rank and file in New Mexico, and that we are regarded as having betrayed and deserted them. I wish I had my part to play over again; no such peace scruples should deter me from doing what I considered a bounden duty to my friends an my cause. I do not advocate the meeting of duplicity and dishonesty by the like weapons, but if I capture the treasury buildings I shall certainly not send back to my enemy the golden bricks.

Should you be relieved from command too soon to present an attempt on the part of your successor to recapture, by a coup de main, the property here, send a notice by extraordinary express to Judge Hart. Your seat in the stage may at the same time be engaged.

Movements are in contemplation from this direction which I am not at liberty to disclose. You arrive here in time for everything and to here everything. Rhett, I fear, has shamefully betrayed his money trust. My love to those who love me.

Faithfully, yours,

H.H. Sibley

Adjutant and Inspector General's Office,

Richmond, July 8, 1861.

Brig. Gen. H.H. Sibley, Richmond, Va.:

Sir: In view of your recent service in New Mexico and knowledge of that country and the people, The President has intrusted you with the important duty of driving the Federal troops from that department, at the same time securing all the arms, supplies, and materials of war. You are authorized to take into the Confederate States service all disaffected officers and soldiers on the original commissions of the former and enlistments of the latter.

You will proceed without delay to Texas, and in concert with Brigadier-General Van Dorn organize, in the speediest manner possible, from the Texas troops, two full regiments of cavalry and one battery of howitzers, and such other forces as you may deem necessary. If successful in accomplishing the object herein indicated, the President directs that you will, in the exercise of a sound discretion, proceed to organize a military government within the Territory, the detail of which you will submit to him at the earliest possible moment. The instructions being of a general nature, it is not deemed necessary to confine you to matters of detail which may from time to time arise. In this respect you will be guided by circumstances and your own good judgement.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

FORT BLISS, TEX., September 24, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report that Mr. Barnes, the agent sent by me to transport prisoners to New Mexico, has returned, and brings what I consider reliable information.

The order for moving the United States troops out of New Mexico has been countermanded, and the colonel commanding that department is raising two additional regiments of volunteers, two being already raised. Fort Union is abandoned, and the enemy have taken up a position 2 miles from the fort, which they are fortifying. They have twenty-five pieces of artillery of various sizes. There are at this time at Union seven companies of regulars and three of volunteers, at Santa Fe, four companies; Albuquerque, four, and at Craig, five.

Barnes conversed freely with Judge Beard and many other prominent Americans, all of whom (Governor Connelly excepted) are for the south. There is some division among the natives, who are resisting the levy of their men as soldiers.

I shall watch closely their movements, and act as circumstances may direct. I will again urge the necessity of forwarding with haste re-enforcements. The Indians are exceedingly troublesome, and the Sonora Mexicans are threatening to rob Tucson, and have robbed Tubac. As I have before stated, I cannot, with the limited force under my command, keep the enemy in check and afford any protection to the citizens. My opinion is that troops are on the way from California to this Territory; but I shall do all in my power to hold the country against all odds. I will make no move against the enemy until the arrival of General Sibley. New Mexico can now be easily taken.

I shall send a agent to treat with the Pima and other friendly Indians in Western Arizona, as I deem it important to secure their aid and good-will.

I have the honor to be, respectfully,

JOHN R. BAYLOR,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Texas Mounted Rifles.

RICHMOND, September 25, 1861.

General H.H. SIBLEY, San Antonio, Tex.:

GENERAL: The Secretary of War, in reply to yours upon the subject of additional regiments, authorizes your acceptance of the tender of all armed regiments made to you by the Governor of Texas.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

R.H. CHILTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,

Dona Ana, Ariz., October 14, 1861.

Col. H.E. McCulloch:

Sir: Please find enclosed a copy of a letter received at my headquarters to-day. It embraces a correct account of the present critical condition of the citizens and miners in that region of the Territory which includes the locality of the Pinos Altos and other important mines of Arizona. The most important and available to the Confederacy are under the sway of Indians. I am at present unable to render the necessary assistance, although I have ordered Maj. E. Waller to proceed thither and render what aid he would with a detachment of 100 men. He left for the Pinos Altos mines on the 10th instant.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

John R. Baylor,

Lieut. Col. Comdg. Second Reg't T.M.R., P.C.S. Army.

DONA ANA, October 24, 1861.

[Judge S. Hart:]

DEAR JUDGE: My spy returned yesterday, bringing me news that Colonel Canby was at Craig with 2,500 men, and would move against me by the 1st of November. Last night an express from Santa Fe arrived, bringing me the same news, and confirming all the particulars stated by my spy.

I want you to get all the transportation possible to move the stores at Fort Bliss to Quitman or Davis, as I shall direct. I shall send all from here, and make arrangements for an orderly retreat, as it is folly for me to attemp resistance against such odds, and, besides only amounts to the inconvenience of moving, for when General Sibley gets with me we will return and get pay. I send you an extra which was brought by express from Sata Fe. This is a damper on the enemy, for it was the very funds intended to pay off the very troops in New Mexico, who have had no pay for eighteen months/ There is great dissatisfaction up there for want of pay among the regulars and the force used to get the natives in the ranks. With three more companies I would fight them, but don't think it prudent now. Tom has deserted and gone to Kentucky. Don't be alarmed. I can get out of the way, and you must all look out and remove your effects across the river. Tell Crosby and Magoffin to be calm, and do not create a panic. All will turn out right. A little time is all we want. You will hear of some tall guerrilla work before long.

I have only to add that I leave to your good sense and judgement to do as you think best. Don't fail to send corn at once to Quitman and a large supply for Davis. This must be done at once. I will keep you advised of all movements.

Yours, in haste,

JOHN R. BAYLOR.

Dona Ana, October 24, 1861.

To the Commanding Officer C.S. Troops en route for Fort Bliss:

Sir: I am in receipt of reliable information that 2,500 of the enemy, with one battery of artillery are now on the road for this place, and I would urge that re-enforcements hurry up as fast as possible. I shall have to fall back on Quitman, and maybe Davis. I am sending my supplies ahead, and will keep the enemy in check, if possible; but send up men as soon as possible, for they will be needed. It is reported to me that General Sumner is on the way from Guaymas with 2,000 regular troops to meet forces from above at Mesilla. Hurry up if you want a fight.

John R. Baylor,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Second Reg't Mounted Rifles.

Dona Ana, Ariz., October 25, 1861.

COMMANDER DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS:

SIR: I hasten to inform you that my spies have returned from New Mexico, bringing the intelligence that Colonel Canby, with 2,500 men and a battery of flying artillery, are en route to this place. I shall be compelled to fall back, as my force is too weak to meet them. I have petitioned time and again fir re-enforcements to prevent this disaster, to all of which a deaf ear has been turned. I have only to add that the abandonment of this country will necessarily be attended with a great sacrifice of property, and subject the friends of our cause to persecution and ruin. If it is the wish of the colonel commanding the department, that Arizona should be abandoned, and I presume it is, he can congratulate himself upon the consummation of the event.

The colonel commanding the department informs me in his last orders to me that in case of invasion I can make such disposition as I think proper of the troops on my line, & c. This is liberal, when it is remembered that the enemy are but little over 100 miles from me and my re-enforcements scattered for 500 miles.

It is unnecessary to ask for re-enforcements, as I presume they are not to be had. I shall therefore fall back, and await the arrival of Brigadier-General Sibley.

Respectfully, & c.,

JOHN R. BAYLOR,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Arizona.

HEADQUARTERS,

Dona Ana, Ariz., October 25, 1861.

Brigadier-General Sibley:

SIR: The enemy, about 2,500 strong, are on the march for this place---eleven companies of U.S. Regulars and thirteen companies of New Mexican volunteers. They have a battery of artillery. I shall be forced to fall back, as my force is too weak to meet the enemy. I am forwarding my supplies to Quitman, and will send them, if necessary, to Davis. I would respectfully urge that re-enforcements be sent at once, as the supplies of this valley are of the utmost importance to us, and will be consumed or destroyed by the enemy if they are allowed to remain. There is now a fine supply of corn in the valley---enough to furnish two or three regiments. I have on hand no corn and but little hay. I would not accumulate supplies for fear of an invasion. I can save most of my commissary and hospital supplies. I have ordered corn thrown into Davis in large quantities, for your use as well as mine, should I be forced there.

I get my intelligence from Santa Fe by three gentlemen well known as men of verocity. Messr. Phillips and Battle says the officers told him that General Sumner was coming across from Guaymas, and was expected to meet Colonel Canby at Mesilla. I have spies now on the road to ascertain if this is so, and will know soon.

The Mexican population are decidedly Northern in sentiment, and will avail themselves of the first opportunity to rob us or join the enemy. Nothing but a strong force will keep them quiet. I would again urge that re-enforcements cannot be too soon sent up.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN R. BAYLOR,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Second Reg't. T.M.R.

EL PASO, October 27, 1861.

General H.H. SIBLEY, Commanding Sibley Brigade, & c.:

SIR: The mail has just arrived here from San Antonio, and I am advised by Captain Walker, in command of Fort Bliss, that he will cause it to return forthwith. Colonel Baylor's dispatches will no doubt advise you of the condition of affairs here at this time. We are looking for Colonel Baylor with his entire command at any moment. The merchants and most of the families of this part of the country have "pulled up stakes" and gone to the Mexican side. Colonel Canby's force is said to be 2,700 strong, and that he will approach us in three columns, one via the river, one via El Jornada, and another by Stanton--the latter intended to cut off Baylor's retreat. This seems to me rather a hazardous enterprise for a prudent man like Canby to embark in. You can imagine what an unsettled state the country is in. I for one shall stand my ground until the last moment, and will not cease to do all that can be done in the way of providing for your command, at least so long as I may have it in my power to remain. I have not made arrangements with a responsible party to proceed at once and buy up a quantity of corn, beans, & c., in Mexico for your use. None of these supplies, as a matter of course, will be brought on this side of the river until such time as they would be safe from the enemy. The party who will make these purchases is not known as a contractor for the Confederate States, and will therefore run no risk in his purchase.

I regret not having received additional instructions per last mail. I shall engage all the arms and munitions possible to be had. I am sending an express to Sonora with a view, among other things, of watching the California route. It may be that there is some intelligence between Canby and Sumner, and that it is desirable to get Baylor out of the way to enable them to form a junction at Mesilla. This is, however, purely conjectural on my part.

In very great haste, your obedient servant,

J.F. CROSBY.

EL PASO, October 27, 1861.

General H.H. SIBLEY, C.S.A.,

Commanding Brigade for Arizona and New Mexico

en route to San Antonio:

MY DEAR GENERAL: A week since Judge Crosby called on me in reference to supplies for your brigade. I immediately took steps to secure supplies of breadstuffs, the greater part of which must come from Sonora, as there is great scarcity in the State of Chihuahua. I sent for my Sonora agent to come here a month since, to meet and see what would be required of me to furnish the Confederacy. This agent was to have left about this time with a proper escort from Colonel Baylor, and some thirty to forty wagons, to commence hauling supplies from the Sonora border to the Rio Grande, which would have commenced to arrive at Fillmore by the middle of December. In the mean time my mills will furnish from the limited supplies of grain here. I have now some 40,000 to 50,000 pounds of flour, and will have 40,000 to 50,000 pounds more if the New Mexican troops do not succeed in forcing Colonel Baylor to fall back beyond this place.

The flour I have here, and may make till I am interrupted, I am now placing in a place of safety in El Paso, Mexico, as recommended by Colonel Baylor in his letters, which I inclose. I shall do everything in my power, and all that is possible for a man to do in my circumstances and situation, to further the public service. This you well know, and I need not assure you of the fact. You must especially heed Judge Crosby's and Mr. Richardson's suggestions as to things here, and what you and the commanding officers of the department must do to facilitate Mr. Richardson and myself to furnish supplies by procuring some cash funds. I can command here now from $40,000 to $50,000, all or most of which must go into Sonora immediately to pay for flour & c. As suggested by Colonel Baylor, I have engaged an ex[ress to go to Sonora to learn if Sumner is actually is coming from California via Guaymas or Fort Union. By the same express I will order the purchase of more flour, beans, salt, beef, soap, corn, & c. I have there already some 10,000 pounds of corn and 300,000 pounds of flour, all for your brigade, and waiting your movement. I enclose herewith my last letters from Colonel Baylor. His command is in peril. I hope God in his goodness will so order things as not to make his retreat necessary from Arizona.

Our express from Sonora, with intelligence from Forts Yuma and Guaymas, will be back in twenty days, when you and Colonel Baylor will be fully posted up as to Sumner and his movements. If he is making way, towards Arizona from California. Be easy about your supplies; we shall get all we want from Sonora--what this valley cannot furnish--until such time as you may be in full possession of New Mexico, and can avail of its resources or such part as the hungry Federals may leave for your command.

Truly and sincerely, yours,

S. HART

HEADQUARTERS SIBLEY'S BRIGADE, A.T.V.,

San Antonio, Tex., November 8, 1861.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General C.S. Army:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward herewith for your information certain letters from Lieutenant-Colonel Baylor, Judge Crosby, and Judge Hart, relative to military movements on both sides in the Territory of New Mexico. I regard the probable advance of the Federal forces there as a movement decidedly to be desired by us, and that so soon as my force shall reach the field of action it must result in the destruction or capture of the enemy's forces. It is no doubt induced by the threatened attack of Lieutenant-Colonel Baylor on Fort Craig, made by my orders. Colonel Reily's regiment of my brigade is by this time some 250 miles en route. Colonel Green's broke camp yesterday, and my third regiment (Colonel Steel's) will follow very soon. Not an hour shall be lost in pushing forward the whole force. The delays heretofore encountered have been unavoidable. Messrs. Crosby and hart are engaged under my authority in procuring supplies for my command, which I state here as explanatory of their letters.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H.H. SIBLEY,

Brigadier-General, P.C.S.A.

HEADQUARTERS,

La Mesilla, Ariz., November 10, 1861.

Col. H.E. McCULLOCH,

Comdg. Dep't of Texas, San Antonio, Tex.:

SIR: I have nothing new to report as to the movements of the enmy. My spies report that there are sixteen companies at Fort Craig and three within 30 miles of the fort, and that every effort is being made to enlist the Mexicans, who are much divided on the subject of making war upon Texans ot taking part in the war at all. There exists, too, disaffection among the regular troops, who have not been paid, many of them for one year and a half. There is a large train at Craig and quantities of supplies are being hauled there. All this would indicate that the enemy intend to make a move of some sort. I shall have them watched closely, and, should they come down, I have supplies at Bliss, and transportation ready to move it down to Quitman or Davis, if necessary. I shall, with my mounted force, push for Santa Fe, and hold the country until the arrival of General Sibley.

A party of citizens from California, who have joined my forces, report great excitement in Southern California. They know of no troops marching for Arizona, but say that Fort Yuma is being strongly re-enforced. I am convinced that a strong force stationed in Western Arizona would enable us to get hundreds of good Southern men, well armed and mounted, who are anxious to join our cause, and this would enable us to watch Sonora, and prevent United States troops from crossing that state, and, what we must, of necessity, get most of our supplies.

I will keep you advised of all matters here, and act as circumstances may direct.

I have the honor to be, respectfully,

JOHN R. BAYLOR,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Texas Mounted Rifles, P.A.C.S.

HEADQUARTERS SIBLEY BRIGADE,

San Antonio, Tex., November 16, 1861.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector-General, C.S. Army:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on Monday next, the 18th instant, I shall move with my headquarters to assume in person the command of our forces in the Territory of Arizona, and to conduct the military operations there and in New Mexico.

Before proceeding on this distant field of duty it appears proper that I should briefly communicate to you such facts concerning my official transactions here and touching the present condition of my forces as may be necessary for the information of your office. On my arrival here, about the middle of August last, I confidently expected to be able to raise and organize my brigade within a very brief space of time, and to have been enabled by this date to have it actively employed in the accomplishment of the objects for which it was raised. Many unexpected circumstances, however, have occurred to defeat this expectation. In the first place, I was disappointed in not receiving from the executive of this State as efficient a co-operation as was desirable. This arose from no want of disposition or zeal on the part of Governor Clark to render every facility in his power for a rapid organization of the force called for. It was the consequence simply of the system of the State military organization to which the governor had recourse to supply troops. He ordered a sufficient number of companies which had reported to him as organized to report to me for the service of this brigade, but the most of these companies had, as it appeared, either entirely disbanded, or their numbers had become diminished below the minimum of the Confederate service. The reliance, therefore, which was placed in this mode of raising the men caused the first serious delay.

In the second place, the designation by the governor of companies organized under the State law operated to deter other companies not so organized from offering their services to me, which many would have done at once but for the opinion, very generally prevalent, that the brigade be filled by the companies ordered by the governor. Although at the very earliest day that it became apparent that the companies ordered out by the governor could not br relied on, I at once resorted direct to the people themselves, yet it required some time to counteract the effects of the misplaced reliance upon the State system.

Another source of delay arose from the competition for men which grew out of the calls for the several regiments required for the service east of the Mississippi.

I enumerate these sources of delay simply to explain the unexpected detentions which I have encountered, and not as implying any imputations upon any one whatever.

Although I am advancing to the field of duty assigned me with the confident hope of being able to accomplish everything designed there by his excellency the President, yet it is proper that I should state that very great deficiences still exist in the arms of my troops, notwithstanding every effort on my part to obviate them. Every company reported itself short of arms, and gave the sufficient reason that they were not procured in their respective sections, partly in consequence of the great reluctance of the people to allow the serviceable arms to be removed from the State, for the defense of whose coast it was generally believed they would shortly be required. The difficulty thus arising had to be surmounted in some manner. Wherefore, in virtue of the authority delegated to me in the written instructions of his excellency the President, I directed the purchase of serviceable fire-arms and the construction of lances. There not being a dollar in the hands of any of the disbursing officers of my command, I was necessitated to resort to the credit of the Government for these purchases. These liabilities are outstanding, and on the 13th of the present month I inclosed to the Chief of Ordnance the estimates of the funds necessary for the liquidation.

To another matter I desire to invite your attention. Shortly after my arrival here General Van Dorn was relieved from duty as commander of this department, and Col. Henry E. McCulloch was left in that position. Brigadier-General Hebert came within limits of this department, but did not come on to its headquarters and assume the command, but up to very recently left Colonel McCulloch to act in that capacity, so far at least as the depots and military affairs of this place and section were concerned. Major Maclin, assistant quartermater and acting ordnance officer of this department, left this place to meet General Hebert at Galveston, and still remains there. Colonel McCulloch shortly afterwards also left for the same purpose, and the intelligence was soon returned that he had been relieved of the command of the department by the General. The General has not come here. The consequence of all this is that there is, and for the last two or three weeks has been no officer within my reach to whom I could apply for the issues of ordnance stores absolutely necessary for my command. In this situation I assumed the responsibility of ordering and requiring from the subordinates in charge of the ordnance stores here the issuance of such ordnance stores as were indespensable to my command and as could be spared from the service of the department itself. On assuming this responsibility I immediately communicated the fact to General Hebert, at Galveston, with the reasons and motives for my actions, but have as yet received no reply from him. Not to have this responsibility would have been to incur another and an indefinite delay, which would have probably paralyzed my command for the winter, and would certainly have disabled me from arriving at El Paso, as I hope to do, in time to secure the small force there under Colonel Baylor, whose communication regarding an immediate attack by a greatly superior force forwarded to you on the 8th instant.

These facts will, I trust, vindicate me from any imputation of unwarrantable intrusion upon the powers of the department commander, which I have scrupulous to avoid.

The Fourth Regiment (Colonel Reily's), being the first of this brigade, took up the

line of march on the 22d of last month, and at last advices was making rapid progress. The Fifth Regiment (Colonel Green's), being my second, took up the march on the 2d instant, and will make all possible dispatch. I hope to arrive at El Paso in time to overtake my advance corps. Colonel Steele's regiment is just now completely organized, and will probably be able to march by the 20th instant.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H.H. SIBLEY,

Brigadier-General, P.A.C.S.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 9

HDQRS. SIBLEY BRIGADE, A.G.O.,

San Antonio, Tex., November 16,1861.

I. The headquarters of this brigade will take up the line of march for El Paso on Monday next, the 18th instant.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

III. On the advance of headquarters, Col. William Steele, commanding Third Regiment, will assume the command in chief of all troops belonging to this brigade, remaining in or about this place, until he shall rejoin headquarters.

IV. Colonel Steele will take up his line of march with his command to rejoin headquarters at the earliest day practicable.

By order of Brig. Gen. H.H. Sibley,

A.M. JACKSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of New Mexico.

FORT DAVIS, TEX., November 21,1861.

General Sibley,

Commanding Brigade of troops in the State of Texas:

SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter recived by me this morning from a gentleman in Chihuahua. The author of this letter is in every respect reliable. He is known to most of the merchants in Western Texas and many persons of Louisiana. I, however, send it to you just as he sent it to me, in order that you may act upon it as you see proper.

W.C. ADAMS,

Commanding Post.

CHIHUAHUA, November 6, 1861.

To the COMMANDER OF FORT DAVIS, Texas:

DEAR SIR: There is a rumor in town, said by persons that pretend to know to be official, that 7,000 Federal troops had landed at Guaymas from California, Destined to operate against Texas. It is also said that the governor has received official orders from the city of Mexico not to obstruct in any way whatever the passage of Federal troops over the Territory of this State. I inform you of these rumors, fearing lest you may not have any advice of it, and also that you may convey to General Sibley the intelligence, that he may act in the matter as his judgement may dictate.

I remain, yours, most respectfully,

GEO. L. MACMANUS.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS,

Galveston, November 25, 1861.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector-General C.S.A., Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the Secretary of War, a communication from Lieut. Col. John R. Baylor, First [Second] Regiment Texas Mounted Rifles, informing that California is on the eve of a revolution, and recommending that the Southerners in that State be induced to join the Confederate States Army.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P.O. HEBERT,

Brigadier-General, P.A., Comdg. Dep't of Texas.

HEADQUARTERS,

Dona Ana, Ariz., November 2, 1861.

Maj. S.B. DAVIS:

SIR: I beg to call your attention to some information that may be of service to the Government at this time. California is on the eve of a revolution. There are many Southern men there who would cheerfully join us if they could get to us, and they could be well armed and mounted. I would ask permission to get all such men as choose to join us, and would further ask that some arrangement for the purchase of horses in California be made. I could now buy the best horses there for less than $50 per head, and there are many Southern men who sell them for Confederate bonds. Another thing I take the liberty of suggesting is, that a force be placed in Western Arizona, to watch the landing of United States troops at Guaymas, that they may not pass through Sonora to invade us. A party of Californians have just arrived, and report that there are no troops on the road at this time, but the United States Government was trying to raise them for the purpose of invasion, and I am reliably informed that the Government of Mexico has sent orders to the governor of Sonora to allow the passage of United States troops through the State, and agents are in Sonora buying corn and supplies for the United States troops. I have thought proper to furnish you with this information and leave you to act upon it.

Respectfully,

JOHN R. BAYLOR,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. T.M.R.

HDQRS. SECOND REG'T TEXAS MOUNTED RIFLES,

La Mesilla, Ariz., December 2, 1861.

Brigadier-General Hebert,

Commanding Department of Texas, San Antonio, Tex.:

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that my spies have returned from the immediate vicinity of Fort Craig, and report the enemy fortifying that place strongly, and also extending their camps and fortifications down the river as far as Alamosa, 30 miles below the fort. General Sibley's troops have not arrived yet, but I learn are within a short distance of Fort Bliss. I shall continue to watch the movements of the enemy until the arrival of General Sibley, when he will have command and act as he thinks proper.

I have no fears now of an invasion from above, an happy to state that my regiment is in fine health and ready for any service demanded of them. The small-pox has abated, and will, I hope, entirely disappear in a few days more. I regret to report the loss of seceral men by that disease. Since putting my men in quarters the health of the command has greatly improved.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN R. BAYLOR,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

HDQRS. SECOND REG'T TEXAS MOUNTED RIFLES,

Mesilla, December 14, 1861.

Hon. J.P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, C.S.A.:

SIR: I have the honor to forward you a statement of the disposition of the "Federal drafts" captured at the surrender of Fort Fillmore, amounting in all to $9,000, $5,500 of which were on the assistant treasurer of New York. The other $4,000 were drawn on the assistant treasurer at Saint Louis, Mo. I sent the drafts by Mr. William McGrorty to New York for collection, which resulted as follows: $4,500 were paid by the assistant treasurer, New York. The other $1,000 draft was not paid, Mr. Cisco, the assistant treasurer, stating that the drawer had no funds in the Treasury to his credit. The $4,500 draft on assistant treasurer in Saint Louis were left by Mr. McGrorty in New York for collection. Saint Louis being under martial law, Mr. McGrorty felt it unsafe to go there in person. I have since received no information if the drafts have been collected or not. I have paid out of the above amount the following sums, viz: $500 was claimed by Lieutenant Plummer, acting assistant quartermaster, U.S. Army, as private funds, which I refunded him. Four hundred and eleven dollars paid Samuel J. Jones, sutler at Fort Fillmore, for corn delivered the quartermaster, U.S. Army, and not paid for by the United States. The corn was in store at Fort Fillmore when the post was abandoned, and Lieutenant Plummer, acting assistant quartermaster, certified to Mr. Jones' claim of the Federal troops at San Augustine Springs. Three hundred dollars I have paid Mr. McGrorty for part of his expenses to New York in prosecting the collection of said drafts. The balance $3,289, I send you herewith the quartermaster's receipts for that amount. The drafts on Saint Louis, left in New York for collection, I will duly account for when informed of the payment thereof.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN R. BAYLOR,

Comdg. Second Reg't Texas Mounted Rifles, C.S. Army.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 10

HDQRS. ARMY OF NEW MEXICO,

Fort Bliss, Tex., December 14, 1861.

I. Brig. Gen. H.H. Sibley assumes from this date the command of all the forces of the Confederate States on the Rio Grande at and above Fort Quitman and all in the Territory of New Mexico and Arizona.

II. The forces under the orders of Brigadier-General Sibley will hereafter be known and designated as the "Army of New Mexico."

III. Headquarters of this army are temporarily fixed at Fort Bliss, whither communications will be forwarded until furthur orders.

By order of Brig. Gen. H.H. Sibley.

A.M. JACKSON,

Acting Adjutant-General, Army of New Mexico.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 12

HDQRS. ARMY OF NEW MEXICO, A.G.O.,

Fort Bliss, Tex., December 20, 1861.

The general command of the forces of the Confederate States, assumed by Brig. Gen. H.H. Sibley, in General Order, No. 10, from these headquarters, and the proclamation of martial law promulgated by him, not being intended to abrogate or supersede the powers of Col. John R. Baylor, as civil and military governor of Arizona, he will continue the full exercise of the functions of that office.

By order of Brig. Gen. H.H. Sibley.

A.M. JACKSON,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of New Mexico.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN MILITARY DISTRICT,

San Antonio, Tex., December 31, 1861.

Col. H.E. McCULLOCH,

Commanding Western Military District of Texas:

SIR: I have the honor herewith to transmit for your information a note from Colonel Steele, of General Sibley's brigade. You will readily perceive that the commans of yourself and General Sibley's somewhat clash, as General Sibley assumes the command of all troops on the Rio Grande above Fort Quitman. Making his headquarters at Fort Bliss, and styling his command the Army of New Mexico.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B.E. BENTON,

Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,

Western Military District of Texas.

SAN ANTONIO, TEX., December 31, 1861.

B.E. BENTON, Aide and Acting Adjutant-General:

SIR: General Sibley's order, which you asked a copy, is packed in my regimental desk, and has gone forward. Its purpose is, assuming command of all the troops on the Rio Grande above Fort Quitman, and designating his command as the Army of New Mexico.

Your obedient servant,

WM. STEELE,

Colonel Seventh Texas Mounted Militia.