CHAP. XI.] SKIRMISH ON PEOSI RIVER, TEXAS.

NOVEMBER 1, 1861.-Skirmish with Indians on the Peosi River, Texas.

Report of Colonel H. E. McCulloch, C. S. Army.

GALVESTON, TEX., November 30, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain J. B. Barry, of my regiment, writes me that he attacked a party of Indians on Peosi River, a branch of the Red River, on the first day of this month, and killed ten of them dead on the field, and wounded two others severely, if not mortally.

He reports that he carried but ten days' rations, was out on the scout twenty-two days, during which time his command suffered greatly, but never murmured. The fight was a running one of several miles, consequently only a portion of his men could get up with the Indians; that six of his command overtook and engaged twelve Indians, keeping them from proceeding and holding them at by a for fifteen or twenty minutes until several others of his command came up; that during this time the fight was close and severe, the Indians fighting desperately, and apparently having the advantage of the fight at times, but finally gave way, and all of this twelve was killed or wounded, while he only sustained a loss of two men wounded, which he thinks will probably not be of any service to his owner in future.

This is the first decided victory that has been gained with any loss to the Indians by our troops during the present service that has come to my acknowledge, and I earnestly hope that it will be followed up by like brilliant and decided successes in the future.

Respectfully submitted.

H. E. McCULLOCH, Colonel First Reg't Texas Mounted Rifles, P. C. S. Army.

General P. O. HEBERT, Commanding Military Department of Texas.

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO OPERATIONS IN TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA FROM JUNE 11, 1861-FEBRUARY 1, 1862.

UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex., June 16, 1861.

To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Hdqrs. of the Army, City of New York:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt on the 14th instant of special orders form the Headquarters of the Army of the 17th ultimo, directing the movements of troops, recruits, &c.

The preparatory arrangements for the movement of the troops from the department are being made with as much rapidity as possible, but the scarcity of transportation (both public and private) in this country will occasion some delay. The companies at the interior posts that can be spared before the volunteers are mustered into the service have already been ordered in. Those of the Fifth Infantry will be concentrated at Albuquerque and Fort Union until transportation for the