CHAP. XI.] FORT STANTON, N. MEX., ABANDONED.

from Fort Buchanan to Fort Fillmore, succeeded by ignominious flight in making their escape. On the night of the 7th instant an express reached them from Fort Craig, when they immediately burned all their transportation and supplies, and fled in great disorder and haste, saving nothing but their arms and animals.

By express from Fort Stanton I learn that the receipt of the news that Major Lynde had surrendered, Colonel Roberts, in command of that post, fled in haste, leaving the post on fire, which was extinguished by a storm of rain. Most of the commissary and quartermaster's supplies were saved and a battery. On the receipt of this intelligence I sent Captain Walker's company to occupy Stanton, and will send a train for the commissary and quartermaster's stores, leaving only two months' supply for the troops now there. The families there were at the mercy of Indians and Mexicans, and I thought it proper to garrison the post, at least until I could learn the wishes of the Government, I have also established a Provisional Government for the Territory of Arizona, and made the appointments to fill the offices necessary to enforce the laws. I have proclaimed myself the governor, have authorized the raising of four companies to hold the Territory and afford protection to the citizens, and extended the limits of the Territory tot he parallel of 36o 30'; thence due west to the Colorado, and down that stream to its mouth.

The vast mineral resources of Arizona, in addition to its affording an outlet tot he Pacific, make its acquisition a matter of some importance to our Government, and now that I have taken possession f the Territory, I trust a force sufficient to occupy and hold it will be sent by the Government, under some competent man.

I urge the acceptance of the companies I have raised, as they are composed of the very best material, and are invaluable as soldiers. Captain Coopwood's company especially has been of great service to me, as spies cannot be supplied.

I have acted in all matters relating tot he acquisition of Arizona entirely upon my own responsibility, and can only refer the matter, through you, for the approval of the Government.

Inventories of all property captured from the Army will be sent to you as early as possible. I regret to say that a good deal has been stolen by both prisoners and Mexicans, but in the excitement of the time I could not avoid such acts, my time being occupied with other matters. The arms and ammunition are valuable, and many that are broken and injured by the enemy can be repaired. I will send them down to the arsenal by the first opportunity. The artillery (twelve pieces) can be used by mounting them again, as no damage was done to the guns except spiking them.

I cannot conclude without alluding to the manner in which my men have conducted themselves in this short campaign. They have endured hunger and fatigue without complaint, and for a week did not east more than a meal in twenty-four hours. For four days they did not unsaddle their horses, and during the whole time behaved in a manner worthy of veterans.

Yours, very respectfully,

JOHN R. BAYLOR, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Second Reg't Texas Mounted Rifles.

General EARL VAN DORN, Commanding Department of Texas.