CHAP. XI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

to leave the country unmolested; also the invasion by Texas militia of the Indian Territory, and the occupation by them of Forts Washita and Arbuckle, and again the expected occupation of Fort Bliss by four companies of Texas militia, renders this frontier peculiarly important.

In connection with the above it may be proper to state that a Convention was held in Mesilla on the 16th of March, 1861, purporting to be a "Convention of the people of Arizona," acting separately from the government of the Territory of New Mexico, repudiating the United States, and attaching themselves to the Confederate States. I considered the whole transaction as a farce, and treated it with silent contempt, determined, however, if they attempted to carry out any of their resolutions by resisting or interring with any of the United States civil officers, that I would protect the latter and punish the former.

Yesterday Mr. L. Labadi, the United States agent for the Indians near Tucson, showed me a paper (a copy of which is inclosed), saying was accompanied by three other citizens of Mesilla, who threatened to tar and feather him if he attempted to exercise the duties of his office. I promised Mr. Labadi military protection should any attempt be made against his person.

The paper referred to is the sixth resolution of the Conventio, in which they do not recognize the United States Government ,and bind themselves to resist any officer appointed by said Government with also appended to the petition tot he governor of New Mexico begging him to use his influence to have United States troops stationed in Mesilla for the protection of its citizens. Now that their fears are allayed with reference to an alleged invasion from Mexico, they are secretly engaged in fomenting opposition tot he United States, and when the four companies of Texas militia reach Fort Bliss difficulties may be reasonably apprehended, and I therefore recommend that a stronger force be stationed here to overawe any attempt on this post. Two additional companies would probably be sufficient.

I think it proper to state that inducements are held out to our men to desert, with their horses, arms, &c., by secret agents of Texas. They are told that it is not desertion to quit the United States Army and to join the South, and that they will be paid all arrearage due the, &c.

Thus far I ma happy to report that there has been no discontent among the men, and the discipline of the command is perfect. They are now engaged in target practice.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. R. PAUL.

Breve Major, U. S. Army, Commanding Post.

[Inclosure.]

MESSILAA, 14 de Junior de 1861.

Dr. LORENZO LABADI, Las Cruces, N. Mex.:

The sixth resolution of a Convention held in the city of Mesilla, Ariz., the 16th day of March, 1861, is as follows:

Resolved, That we will not recognize the present Black Republican administration, and that we will resist any officers appointed to this Territory by said administration with whatever means in our power.

A true copy.

JAS. A. LUCAS, President of the Convention.

Attest: CH. S. A. HAPPIN, Secretary.