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

The names of the commissioned officers should be sent to this office, in order that they may be reported to the governor of the Territory for commissions. Dr. Steck, Mr. Labardine, and Mr. Mills have been suggested to me as suitable persons for these positions. It will be advisable that the companies now organized by you should be mustered in for the period of three months. Such of them as desire it may hereafter be mustered in for the period of three years.

ED. R. S. CANBY, Major Tenth U. S. Inf., Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel , U. S. A., Commanding Dep't.

FORT FILLMORE, N. MEX., July 7, 1861.

Colonel E. R. S. CANBY, Commanding Department, Santa Fe, N. Mex.:

COLONEL: I received your dispatch yesterday by Lieutenant Hall, and was very much astonished to receive such proofs of treachery against Colonel Loring. I had always believed him to be a man of the most unflinching honor and integrity. I was not so much disappointed in Major Sibley. I think the extracts inclosed do great injustice to the officers at this post. I fully believe that every officer at this post will do their whole duty as long as they retain their commissions in our Army, though some may intend to resign soon. I believe that if the post had been attacked before my arrival, Captain Garland would have fought with his command to the last extremity.

This fort is very badly situated for defense. It is placed in a basin, surrounded by sand hills, at least half the circumference of the circle, and they are covered by a dense growth of chaparral. These sand hills completely command the post, and render it indefensible against a force supplied with artillery. A force of a thousand men could approach it within 500 yards under perfect cover.

As yet I have not been able to make myself acquainted with the surrounding localities, but I am now of the opinion that if Texas should make a strong effort to overcome Arizona, it would be policy to withdraw our force beyond the Jornada to Fort Craig, as I do not think this post or the valley worth the exertion to hold it. If no more troops reach Fort Bliss I do not think they will attempt any aggressive movement against this Territory other than theft or robbery, yet I shall be on my guard at all times. I shall make an effort to raise a company of volunteers, but am not able to say with what success. I presume you are informed before this of the departure of Colonel Loring prior to my arrival.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. LYNDE, Major Seventh Infantry.

P. S.-From what I have just learned, I think I can raise one or two companies of volunteers, and they are kind of troops I want to act as spies.

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DISTRICT, Fort Fillmore, N. Mex., July 7, 1861.

Colonel E. R. S. CANBY, Commanding Department New Mexico, Santa Fe, N. Mex.:

SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived at this post on the 4th instant with the regimental staff, band, and Company E, Seventh In-