CHAP.XI.] SURRENDER AT SAN AUGUSTINE SPRINGS, N. MEX.
the Southern District, and the second from Captain Gibbs, Mounted Rifles, and commander of the mounted force of the immediate command of Major Lynde at the time of his surrender. These reports embody substantially all the information that has yet reached me in relation to this disaster. As Major Lynde's conduct will be made the subject of judicial investigation. I do not think it proper to express an opinion in advance of that investigation.
I have no later information from Captain Moore's command. He will have , however, about 300 men, and is fully prepared to defend himself, and is no doubt warned of recent events by the couriers that have been sent to him from Fort Craig and fort Fillmore.
Fort Craig is in a position to resist attack, except by a very considerable force provided with artillery. The present garrison is three companies of regulars and two of volunteers. It will be re-enforced in two or three days by six companies, four of regulars and two of volunteers. Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts, Mounted Rifles, is in command of the troops in that quarter.
Fort Stanton has been abandoned, and its garrison reached Albuquerque on the 8th and 9th instant.
The entrancements at Fort Union are now so nearly completed that it can now be defended against a very large force. It is better provided with artillery than any other post, but there is not in the whole department sufficient for a single post of the size and importance of this post.
The greatest exertions are being used to organize a respectable volunteer force, but the progress does not meet my expectations. Seventeen companies have been mustered in. Two companies are expected in a few days from Colorado Territory, and several companies of mounted volunteers are promised by the end of this week.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
ED. R. S. CANBY, Colonel Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding.
To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C.
GENERAL ORDERS,} HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Numbers 31. } Santa Fe, N. Mex., Augusta 27, 1861.
The colonel commanding the department has learned with great gratification that certain reports and statements with regard to he troops included in the surrender of San Augustine Springs are unfounded and slanderous, and that, notwithstanding the difficulties in which they were involved and the seductions with which they were assailed, they have proved themselves, with a few dishonorable exceptions, loyal and faithful soldiers of the Union.
He sympathizes with them in their misfortune, and trusts that they will bear it with patience and look forward with hope to the period when it will be removed, and San Augustine be remember only as a watchword and an incentive to renewed exertions for the honor of their country and its flag.
By order of Colonel E. R. S. Canby:
A. L. ANDERSON, Second Lieutenant , Fifth Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General
