CHAP. XI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
ment. If it is the intention of the Government to retain this department, I urgently recommend that the supplies necessary for the efficiency of the troops (regulars or volunteers) and especially those already estimated for, should be furnished as soon as practicable.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
ED. R. S. CANBY, Colonel Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex., August 16, 1861.
To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Western Department, Saint Louis, Mo.:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of General Orders,* Numbers 2, of the 26th ultimo, and to transmit in reply a summary statement* of the volunteer force that has been mustered into the service in this department, and will submit a more detailed statement in a few days.
The organization of a volunteer force in this department has progressed. Of the thirty-two companies that I have called for to replace the regular troops that have been ordered out of the country only nineteen have been organized, and several of these are below the minimum organizations prescribed by War Department General Orders, Numbers 15, of May 4, 1861.
The people of the Territory, with few exceptions, I believe, are loyal, but they are apathetic in disposition, and will adopt any measures that may be necessary for the defense of their Territory with great tardiness, looking with greater concern to their private, and often petty interests, and delaying or defeating the objects of the Government by their personal or political quarrels. I question very much whether a sufficient force for the defense of the Territory can be raised within its limits, and I place no reliance upon any volunteer force that can be raised, unless strongly supported by regular troops. The most can be hoped from them will be the occupation of two or three important points, which may be fortified and held by them until the policy of the Government with regard to this Territory has been settled and expressed.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
ED. R. S. CANBY, Colonel Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding Dept.
FORT UNION DEPOT, N. MEX., August 17, 1861.
Major General J. C. FREMONT, Commanding Western Dep't, Hdqrs. Saint Louis, Mo.:
SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith the copy of a letter addressed to Colonel Canby, at present in command of the United States troops in New Mexico. In addition to this, Colonel St. Vrain and Kit Carson have addressed you on the subject. We trust that these statements in regard to the late events and present state of affairs in this Territory will reach you in time to arrest the operations of the order for the withdrawal of the regular troops from here at this time, as the whole aspect of affairs throughout New Mexico has completely changed since there has been time to make any representation to the authorities at
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*Not found.
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5 R R-VOL IV
