OPERATIONS IN TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ. [CHAP. XI.

if I capture the treasury buildings I shall certainly not send back to my enemy the golden bricks.

Should you be relieved from command too soon to prevent an attempt on the part of your successor to recapture, by a coup de main, the property here, send a notice by extraordinary express to Judge Hart. Your seat in the stage may at the same time be engaged.

Movements are in contemplation from this direction which I am not at liberty to disclose. You will arrive here in time for everything and to hear everything.

Rhett, I fear, has shamefully betrayed his money trust. My love to those who love me.

Faithfully, yours,

H. H. SIBLEY.

LA MESILLA, N. MEX., June 23, 1861.

HonorableJOHN S. WATTS:

SIR: I came up here two days ago hoping to meet you. I assure you that I find matters here in a most deplorable condition. A disunion flag is now flying from the house in which I write, and this country is now as much in the possession of the enemy as Charleston is. All the officers at Fort Fillmore, except two, are avowedly with the South, and are only holding on to their commissions in order to embarrass our Government, and at the proper time to turn over everything to the South, after the manner of General Twiggs. The Mesilla Times is bitterly disunion, and threatens with death any one who refuses to acknowledge this usurpation. There is, however, a latent Union sentiment here, especially among the Mexicans, but they are effectually overawed. Give them something to rally to, and let them know that they have a Government worthy of their support, and they will teach their would be masters a lesson. The soldiers also, in defiance of the teaching of their officers and the offer of gold from Hart, are yet faithful, and if a second lieutenant were to ask them to follow him, they would tear down this flag and throw the Times office into the river in one hour. Fifty of them could now go to Fort Bliss and bring up all the Government stores from that place, but instead of this a few thieves came up from El Paso a few days ago and stole 40 of the horses belonging to the mounted company at Fillmore. No effort was made to retake these horses, although the soldiers plead with their officers to allow them to follow the thieves. If Colonel Roberts, from Stanton, or any other faithful officer, would come here and take command, all would be right in three days. About 300 Texas troops are expected at Fort Bliss in about two weeks for this time, and if something is not done before that time Fort Fillmore will be surrendered. I have yet faith that this will be prevented. The only reason why I do not go immediately to Santa Fe is that I think I can be of some service to you here when you come to hold your court, and I claim it as my right to take part in the fight here, if fight it must be. I go to El Paso to-morrow, but will return in a few days to await coming events. I hope to find a letter from you at El Paso. I have nothing late from the States or from my brother.

Hoping that you will excuse my great haste, I am, very respectfully,

W. W. MILLS.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex., June 24, 1861.

Major I. LYNDE, Seventh Infantry, Commanding Fort Fillmore:

SIR: Information has been received here that some movement is in contemplation from Fort Bliss against the interests of the Government