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

would urge that re-enforcements hurry up as fast as possible. I shall have to fall back on Quitman, and maybe Davis. I am sending my supplies ahead, and will keep the enemy inn check, if possible; but send up men as soon as possible, for they will be needed. It is reported to me that General Sumner is on the way from Guaymas with 2,000 regular troops to meet the forces from above at Mesilla. Hurry up if you want a fight.

JOHN R. BAYLOR, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Second Reg't Mounted Rifles.

[Judge S.HART:]

DEAR JUDGE: I write a few lines to say we are all quiet and busy forwarding our supplies. No news from above. My spies are down from Thorn. No sign of the enemy so far. I will have them watched, and let you know in time all the news. Cannot you send pony to Chihuahua to ascertain if Sumner is coming across? I learn he is coming, and think it should be seen to by all means. Keep cool, for we have time. They will get no re-enforcements from Kansas, and if Sumner does not come we will bag the whole party before spring. So far they have no re-enforcements, and are depending on Mexicans who have been pressed into service. I shall just keep out of the way and let them fall to pieces of their own weight. The money Price took at Lexington was to pay the New Mexican troops off, but won't be used for that purpose now, and how long the Mexicans will serve without pay will be seen; not long, I imagine.

Kind regards to madam and boys.

Yours,

JOHN R. BAYLOR.

DONA ANA, October 24, 1861.

[Judge S.HART:]

DEAR JUDGE: My spy returned yesterday, bringing me news that Colonel Canby was at Craig with 2,500 men, and would move against me by the 1st of November. Last night an express from Santa Fe arrived, bringing me the same news, and confirming all the particulars stated by my spy.

I want you to get all the transportation possible to move the stores at Fort Bliss to Quitman or Davis, as I shall direct. I shall send all from here, and make my arrangements for an orderly retreat, as it is folly for me to attempt resistance against such odds; and, besides, it only amounts to the inconvenience of moving, for when General Sibley gets with me we will return and get pay. I send you an extra which was brought by express from Santa Fe. This is a damper on the enemy, for it was the very funds intended to pay off the very troops in New Mexico, who have had no pay for eighteen months. There is great dissatisfaction up there for want of pay among the regulars and the force used to get the natives in the ranks. With three more companies I would fight them, but don't think it prudent now. Tom has deserted and gone to Kentucky. Don't be alarmed. I can get out of the way, and you must all look out and remove your effects across the river. Tell Crosby and Magoffin to be calm, and do not create a panic. All will turn out right. A little time is all we want. You will hear of some tall guerrilla work before long.