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

in this Territory, at the head of which are Magoffin, Hart, and Crosby. Sibley is also said to be associated with them. It is alleged that Colonel Loring is in communication with these parties, and that he will remain in the department long enough to prevent any measures being taken to frustrate these designs. When Colonel Loring left this place every officer here and implicit confidence in his integrity, but I am sorry to say that some information received, since he left has shaken that confidence. It is a long step from confidence to absolute distrust, but it is necessary that you should be on your guard against any betrayal of the honor or interests of the United States. I send this communication by Dr. Alden.

In haste, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

ED. R. S. CANBY, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Tenth Infantry, Commanding Dep't.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex., June 30, 1861.

Major I. LYNDE, Seventh Inf., Commanding Fort Fillmore, N. Mex.:

SIR: I had occasion on the 24th instant to put you on your guard against the alleged complicity of Colonel Loring in the treasonable designs of the Texas authorities at Fort Bliss. I now send a copy of one and extracts from another letter, sent to me after the arrival of the mail yesterday, which fully confirm all the information I had previously received. Although Colonel Loring was still in the department, I have not hesitated, since this information was communication to me, to exercise the command and to give any orders or to take any measures that I considered necessary to protect the honor or the interests of the Government.

Sibley's letter shows the Texas authorities at Fort Bliss count upon Colonel Loring's aid in furthering their plans, and indicates the manner (by delaying his departure) in which this aid is to be rendered. Colonel Loring's resignation was tendered on the 13th of last month, and has doubtless long since been accepted; but this is not material, for any failure to act at once, or any hesitancy in acting, may be in the highest degree disastrous. In this case, then, as in all similar cases that may occur, you will at once arrest the implicated parties, and hold them securely until their guilt or innocence can be determined by the proper securely until their guilt or innocence can be determined by the proper tribunals. No considerations of delicacy or of regard must be permitted to interfere when the honor of the country and the safety of your command are involved. I send these communications by Lieutenant Hall, Tenth Infantry.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

ED. R. S. CANBY, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. Army, Commanding Dep't.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex., July 7, 1861.

Major I. LYNDE, Seventh Inf., Commanding Southern Mil. Dist., Fort Fillmore, N. Mex.:

MAJOR: In the organization of the volunteer companies in this part of the department I have endeavored to secure at least one American who could be relied upon among the commissioned officers of each company. It is desirable that the same principle should be observed in organizing the companies that you may call for in your neighborhood.