OPERATIONS IN TEX., MEX., AND ARIZ. [CHAP. XI.

children at this post (Fort Fillmore, N. Mex). The camp women and children I will not pretend to enumerate. Yet all these were kept in the garrison to paralyze us when in presence of the enemy, seemingly preparing for the result-a surrender. Major Lynde was warned of this repeatedly, but was too weak to act. This has been one of the causes why I and others are now prisoners of war.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. COOPER McKEE, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Army.

To the SURGEON-GENERAL, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.

Statement of Asst. Surg. J. C. McKee, U. S. Army.

Dr. McKee agrees with McNally [No.5] so far as his deposition. He adds to this that if Lynde had laid down [?] in and given the word forward they would have taken the town.

Before going into town asked Major Lynde if he could take a house for his wounded. He said certainly -to take the first. Went forward with Lieutenant Brooks, who requested him to go with a flag of truce, and Brooks demanded an unconditional surrender (this before the fight). Major Waller's reply was, after riding back and seeing his colonel (Baylor), to come and take it. Lynde then ordered his forces forward, cavalry in front and artillery in the road. Ordered the battery to fire into a ground on the right and scattered them. The men cheered with enthusiasm. Advanced, throwing infantry to right and left in line of battle; cavalry in front and artillery in road advancing through a corn field towards the town. After advancing toward town the enemy were concealed in two corn fields; no scouts out.

The firing commenced by the enemy. One of the Rifles killed (Private Lane) and other casualties. Lieutenant McNally dangerously wounded. Two men were killed of Lieutenant Crilly's command in charge of battery. The fire was so hot on the battery that Crilly ordered his men to lie down. After this major Lynde rode up and told Dr. McKee that he wanted him to prepare his wounded for retreat. Dr. McKee asked him, "Retreated where, sir?" He said to Fort Fillmore. Got out his stretcher and carried his wounded in. Arrived about 10 p. m. That night he passed in attending to his wounded. Next morning no orders; all confusion; no one knew what was going on. Captain Potter came,a nd said he was going to put up a howitzer on Dr. McKee's kitchen. It was taken down in the morning. About 2 p. m. the adjutant (Mr. Brooks) gave the doctor an order to destroy his public property. He refused to obey orders. It was a written order which Brooks gave. An order was issued about 3 p. m. to retreat at 10 p. m., or thereabouts. Turned to and destroyed all my property. Asked Major Lynde's permission to apply fire, and was forbid.

Did not, however, get off until 2 a. m. Were ordered to march to San Augustine Springs, 25 miles. Marched the greater part of the men on foot. On getting within 6 or 7 miles of the Springs the Texans were Alden, of the Army, "Shall we go forward and try and bring back Major Lynde because the Texans are in our rear, or shall we stay back with our wounded and be taken prisoners?" On consultation, we concluded to go forward and tell Major Lynde, and try and get him back and protect his command. There was then but one company in the rear. Concluded to go after him.