CHAP. XI.] SKIRMISHERS AT CANADA ALAMOSA, N. MEX., ETC.

miles north of this place, he detailed a detachment of 110 men, and proceeded toward Fort Craig, for the purpose of reconnaissances. During his progress had two engagements with the enemy; the first in the town of Alamosa, in which he dispersed a New Mexican volunteer company, taking the captain, lieutenant, and several others prisoners. The following day had to contend against 180 or 190 cavalry from Craig, in which he also made them retire. For further particulars of his proceedings I refer you to a condensed copy of his report made to these headquarters.

Respectfully, &c.,

JOHN R. BAYLOR, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, C. S. ARMY, Headquarters Department, San Antonio, Tex.

Numbers 5. Report of Captain Bethel Coopwood, Confederate forces.

DONA ANA, ARIZ., September 29, 1861.

SIR: In obedience to your order of date September 18, 1861, I started from Camp Robledo on the 22nd instant to make a reconnaissance of the country around Fort Craig with a detachment of 112 men, including officers, detailed form Captain Pyron's company, B, and Captain Stafford's company, E, Second Texas Mounted Rifles, and my spy company, as shown by lists from the different companies, hereto annexed; also alone man, the Rev. William J. Joyce, of Captain Hardeman's company, A, Second Texas Mounted Rifles.

Having obtained reliable information that a company of U. S. volunteers had started from Fort Craig to occupy the town of Alamosa, 35 miles from Fort Craig, I marched with all precaution to that place, and on the morning of the 25th instant succeeded in getting between that place and Craig without being discovered. I immediately marched my force into town, and after some skirmishing captured Captain J. H. Minks, Second Lieutenant Metiaze Medina, and 23 privates and non-commissioned officers. In the skirmish 4 of the enemy were killed and 6 wounded. The remainder of Captain Minks' company fled early in the action, and escaped by crossing the river and taking to the mountains.

In the camp of Captain Minks I found amount of public property, and immediately appointed Lieutenant Poore to take charge of the same; and the duplicate of his inventory, hereunto annexed, exhibits the amount of property taken, except four Sibley tents and a number of saddles and other articles of small value, which were burned by my order, not having transportation for the same. Not having transportation for the prisoners, I administered to 22 of the m a strong oath, binding them not to take up arms against the Confederate States during this war unless exchanged, &c., and then set them at liberty without arms; but I held Captain Minks and Lieutenant Median and one sergeant as prisoners, and deliver them to you to abide your order.

From Alamosa I marched along the river road with the property taken to the place known as E Company Grove, and encamped for the night. On the morning of the 27th, while at breakfast, I was informed that my pickets were running into camp, and, rising to my feet, I saw