OPERATIONS IN TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ. [CHAP. XI.
the infantry regiments (Fifth or Seventh) should be retained in this country at least until the volunteer regiments have attained some degree of instruction and discipline, and that some porion of this (volunteer) force should be mounted; and I have the honor to recommend that the force to be retained in the department may be 1 regiment (10 companies) of regular cavalry, 2 battalions (16 companies) of foot volunteers, and 3 squadron (6 companies) of mounted volunteers; in all, 42 companies, or an increase of 8 companies over the force authorized by the special orders of May 17, 1861.
If it should be found that the volunteer force authorized for this Territory will draw too heavily upon its population, it is respectfully suggested that a part of it be drawn form Colorado Territory. It would be appropriate and politic to draw from that Territory the volunteers that will be needed within its limits.
Many of the duties of escort, spies, scouts, &c., can be performed very efficiently by mounted volunteers, and the substitution of mounted for a portion of the foot volunteers authorized is suggested, for the purpose of relieving their horses (which cannot be replaced in this country) as much as possible.
A heavy harnessed battery (four 12-pounder guns and two 24-pounder howitzers) is greatly needed in this department. There are two 24-pounder howitzers at the depot, but I have just learned from the military storekeeper that the carriages are unserviceable. The battery-wagon is also unserviceable.
I have also the honor to invite the attention of the General-in-Chief to the number of officers now absent from the mounted companies to remain in this department, and to request that as many as possible may be ordered to join their companies as soon as practicable. Lieutenant Averell, of the rifle regiment, although unfit for service in the field, may be usefully employed at one of the depots, and his services would be especially important when so many inexperienced officers are about to be called into the service.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
ED. R. S. CANBY, Major Tenth Infantry, and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex., June 20, 1861.
His Excellency GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex.:
SIR: In consequence of impending difficulties with the Comanche Indians, and the insecurity of the trains on the road from the crossing of the Arkansas to Fort Union, I have the honor to call for three companies of infantry volunteers, to aid in the trains on the routes form the Arkansas to this department. As three companies will probably form an integral portion of one of the regiments to be mustered into the service of the United States form this Territory, they should be raised in conformity with regulations prescribed in General Orders, Numbers 15, of May 4, 1861, and until otherwise directed by the War Department the organization of the companies should be the minimum prescribed by
