OPERATIONS IN TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ. [CHAP. XI.
lage of Apaches, and after a desperate fight were all killed except a Mexican, who came in, bringing the intelligence. Lieutenant White, in command of that post, sent out a detachment to ascertain if any were left, but found nothing but the hats, boots, and a number of horses that had been killed, besides several bodies of men, who were recognized as men of Lieutenant May's party.
I would urge the importance of more men being sent to me, as I can't hold the United States troops in check and operate against the Indians with the limited number of men under my command.
Very respectfully,
JOHN R. BAYLOR, Lieutenant Colonel , Commanding Second Mounted Rifles, C. S. Army.
General E. VAN DORN.
SEPTEMBER 25, 26, 1861-Skirmishes at Canada Alamosa (25th) and near Fort Thorn, N. Mex. (26th).
REPORTS.
Numbers 1.-Colonel E. R. C. Canby, Nineteenth U. S. Infantry.
Numbers 2.-Captain John H. Minks, New Mexico Cavalry, of skirmish at Canada Alamosa.
Numbers 3.-Captain Robert M. Morris, Third U. S. Cavalry, of skirmish near Fort Thorn.
Numbers 4.-Lieutenant Colonel John R. Baylor, Second Texas Mounted Rifles.
Numbers 5.-Captain Bethel Coopwood, Confederate forces.
Numbers 1. Report of Colonel E. R. S. Canby, Nineteenth U. S. Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex., October 4, 1861.
SIR: The picket skirmishing referred to in my last report of the 29th ultimo resulted in the capture of the captains and lieutenants, 9 men of Captain Minks' company of mounted volunteers, 3 wagons, and 18 mules. The first lieutenant and the remainder of the company made their escape with their arms and all the horses of the company. The guard duty was negligently performed and the party was completely surprised; no one killed or wounded. Captain Morris, Third Calvary, with 100 men of that regiment, was sent in pursuit of the Texans, and after a rapid march of 80 miles found them strongly posted na protected by a barricade of fallen timber. A short skirmish ensued, which lasted until Captain Morris had exhausted his ammunition, when he withdrew his command and sent back for ammunition. The Texans availed themselves of this opportunity to make their escape. Their captain, 10 men, and 22 horses were killed, 30 men and a large number of horses wounded. In Captain Morris' command 3 men were wounded. The pursuing troops left Fort Craig hastily, and with only the ammunition in their cartridge boxes. With the exception of this oversight the affair was conducted with judgment and skill, and Captain Morris compliments the officers and men for great gallantry. The parties engaged were about equal in strength.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
ED. R. S. CANBY, Colonel Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding Department.
The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Hdqrs. Western Department, Saint Louis, Mo.
