CHAP. XI.] SURRENDER AT SAN AUGUSTINE SPRINGS, N. MEX.

Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and soldiers under my command, and especially to Captain Hardeman and company, who were the only part of the command engaged with eh enemy.

I have thought proper to release upon parole the entire command of officers and men, as IA could not, with less than 300 men, guard over 600 and meet another force of 240 of the enemy that is looked for daily.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, JOHN R. BAYLOR, Lieutenant Colonel , Commanding Second Regiment Mounted Rifles, C. S. A.

HEADQUARTERS, Dona Ana, Ariz, September 21, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the engagement at Mesilla on the 25th of July; the capture of the United States forces the day after the next succeeding at San Augustine Springs, in the Organ Mountains, Territory of Arizona, and of my operations in the Territory up to the present time: On assuming command at Fort Bliss I ascertained that the United States forces were concentrating in strong force at Fort Fillmore, and from the proximity of that post i supposed that the object of the enemy wa to attack the forces under my command at Fort Bliss. I was satisfied that if I permitted them to concentrate, my command was too weak to maintain my position. I therefore determined to attack the enemy in detail, and prevent, if possible, the contemplated concentration. For that purpose I sent a detachment, under Major Waller, to reconnoiter Fort Fillmore and se the position of the enemy's pickets, also whether the fort could be approached without discovery. The reports of Major Waller satisfied me that I could easily in the night gain a position between the fort and the river (Rio Grande), and cut off the animals as they went to water; then the enemy would have to attack me in a strong position, thus rendering the protection afforded by the fort of no use. I accordingly took up the line of march in the night of the 23rd of July with 258 men, and in the night of the 24th succeeded in taking a position on the river near Fort Fillmore. The surprise of the enemy would have been complete but for the desertion of a private form Captain T. F. Tell's company, who reported to Major Lynde our strength and position. The long-roll was distinctly heard, which apprised us that our approach was known to the enemy.

On the morning of the 25th I determined to occupy Mesilla, and prevent, if possible, the enemy from getting a position there, as it was one that would be easily held, and would enable them to hold the country. I reached Mesilla in the afternoon of the 25th, and wa soon informed that the enemy were marching to attack us. I posted my men in position and awaited the arrival of the enemy. At about 5 o'clock I discovered their cavalry approaching the town by the main road, and soon after the infantry came in sight, bringing with them three howitzers. They formed within 3-- yards,a nd were, as near as I could tell, about 600 strong. A flag was sent int o demand the "unconditional and immediate surrender of the Texas forces," to which I answered that "we would fight first, and surrender afterward." The answer was followed by the enemy opening on us with their howitzers. After four or five rounds of bombs, grape, and canister, the cavalry formed and marched up within 250 yards, preparatory to making a charge. Captain Hardeman's company, being in position nearest the enemy, was ordered to 2 R R-VOL IV