OPERATIONS IN TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ. [CHAP.XI.
JULY 25-27, 1861.-Skirmish at Mesilla, evacuation of Fort Fillmore, and surrender of Union troops at San Augustine Springs, N. Mex.
REPORTS, ETC.
Numbers 1.-Colonel E. R. S. Canby, Nineteenth U. S. Infantry, with orders.
Numbers 2.-Major Isaac Lynde, Seventh U. S. Infantry, commanding captured forces.
Numbers 3.-Captain Alfred Gibbs, Third U. S. Cavalry, with application for court of inquiry.
Numbers 4.-Asst. Surg. J. Cooper McKee, U. S. Army, with "statement".
Numbers 5.-"Statement" of Captain C. H. McNally, Third U. S. Cavalry.
Numbers 6.-Recapitulation of troops surrendered.
Numbers 7.-U. S. Secretary of War to House of Representatives.
Numbers 8.-Lieutenant Colonel John R. Baylor, C. S. Army, and including subsequent operations.
Numbers 1. Reports of Colonel E. R. S. Canby, Nineteenth U. S. Infantry,* with orders.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex, August 4, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a report from Major Lynde, Seventh Infantry, commanding at Fort Fillmore. This report is in all respects unsatisfactory, and subsequent rumors, not yet confirmed, give a still more unfavorable complexion to the state of affairs in the South. These rumors, although so circumstantial as to give them an air of probability, seem incredible. If true, Major Lynde's abandonment of his position and trusts exposes the command from Arizona and the posts of Forts Stanton and Craig to great danger, if attacked by a superior force. The commanders of these posts are confident of their ability to hold their positions. The regular troops from the South have passed up. I have confidence in the commanders of both posts and of the four companies (Captain Moore, Fist Dragoons) now on the march from Arizona.
At my instance the governor or the Territory will call out the militia of the Territory and will furnish an additional force of mounted volunteers. I hope soon to be able to restore the Territory to its normal conditio. This news has roused the people of New Mexico form their apathetic condition, and i have now no doubt that the organization of an efficient home guard and the completion of the volunteer troops that have been called for will be speedily effected.
No official reports of events subsequent to the 26th inst. have been received, but I hope to obtain authentic information before mail leaves.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
ED. DR. S. CANBY, Major, Tenth Infantry, and Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel , Commanding Dep't.
To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C.
SANTA FE, N. MEX., August 11, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to transmit copies of two reports, the first form Major Lynde, Seventh Infantry, late commander of Fort Fillmore and ---------------
*See also Canby to Assistant Adjutant-General Western Department, August 16, in "Correspondence, etc.," p. 63.
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