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

ports in relation to the Texan forces are apparently better founded than the previous reports have been. There appears to be but little doubt that a considerable force (estimated at 1,200 men, with seven pieces of artillery) is now on the march to this place. Whether any are approaching by the Pecos is uncertain, but probable. I think it advisable that all the militia should be held in readiness to turn out when called upon, and that all the arms and ammunition should be collected and held for the use of the troops; that the citizens should be instructed through the proper officers to with the roads and trails, to prevent the entrance of scouts, spies, or small parties who will enter the country for the purpose of cutting off our couriers, plundering trains, &c. They would be useful also in procuring information preventing the passage of spies, &c., blocking up the roads if the Texans attempt to penetrate the country, &c. A portion of the militia should be held in readiness to re-enforce Santa Fe and another Fort Union. There are a considerable number of Territorial arms below Albuquerque, which should be collected and sent to that place to arm militia. If powder and lead are taken from the merchants, it should be receipted for, and will be paid for by the Government if it should be used.

I will keep you continually advised of any important movement in this quarter.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

ED. R. S. CANBY, Colonel Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding Department.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Fort Craig, N. Mex., January 1, 1862.

WILLIAM GILPIN, Governor of Colorado Territory, Denver City, Colo.:

SIR: A large accession of the Texan force and the invasion of the Territory renders it necessary that I should again ask your excellency to send to Forts Wise and Garland as large a force of the Colorado volunteers as can possibly be spared. The necessity for this force, and particularly for a strong garrison at Fort Wise, is undoubted, and the prompt action of your excellency will be of material assistance in defending this Territory.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

ED. R. S. CANBY, Colonel Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding Department.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Fort Craig, N. Mex., January 3, 1862.

J. L. DONALDSON, Major and Q. M., Commanding Mil. Dis. Santa Fe, N. Mex.:

MAJOR: The Texan force that entered Alamosa yesterday morning was about 500 men, with two pieces of artillery. The object appears to have been the surprise of the outposts at that point. Information of the movement had been received from the Mesilla, and the immediate advance of the Texans was discovered by the advance pickets in season to permit the companies to retire without molestation and without loss of any kind. Failing in their object, the Texans retired rapidly by the