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

at that point is equally as capable of defending it as two [both not being sufficient against a superior force], I would respectfully request that orders may be sent to Captain Morgan to join his regiment at this post immediately. He is, I understand, amply provided with transportation and camp and garrison equipage. We have at this post but two infantry companies [one of them composed entirely of Mexicans], which are so wholly inadequate to the necessities of the post as scarcely to need attention being drawn to the fact; yet, sir, I deem it my duty to urge, in the strongest terms, the necessity for the completion of the regiments and their assembly at this post in the shortest space of time. With the full force destined, or intended, for this point, I cannot but feel that in their raw and unorganized condition they are insufficient-how much the more so this is the case with the force now here you can well judge. Sir, I am so deeply impressed with the urgent necessity of the full force intended for this post being assembled and organized, that I feel at a loss to convey my impressions to you. In connection with this subject it will readily occur to your mind that means are requisite to provide for the force. Even with the small force now here, it is with no little difficulty that arrangements are made to obtain absolute necessaries, and even of these three are many things of which the troops are wholly destitute. Nearly everything which has been furnished the troops on this frontier in the past has been purchased on credit, and the hope of means being provided at any early day has been so often repeated as almost to produce a smile when expressed. Sir, the credit of the Government has been seriously endangered, and unless money can be had in a short time will be utterly ruined. Almost everything needed could be had here now, were we provided with the means of paying for purchases. Without money it is with the greatest difficulty that anything can be had; besides, everything purchased upon credit is at a cost outrageously high. Without money it is with the greatest difficulty that anything can be had; besides, everything purchased upon credit is at a cost outrageously high. Arms and other munitions can now be had in Mexico, but if not purchased soon [and money is needed to do so], the difficulties expected with Spain will utterly preclude the possibility of accomplishing it.

In my last report to headquarters I informed you that General J.M. I.Carvajal was in close proximity to Matamoras, and that an attack was anticipated. I now have to inform you that on the morning of the 20th instant General Carvajal, with a force of 1,800 or 2,000 men, commenced and attack on Matamoras, defended by General Guadaloupe Garcia, with a force of about 1,600 men. The contest has continued up to the present time, with the exception of two armistices, the first of twenty-four hours, to permit the withdrawal of foreign consuls, women, children, and non-combatants; the second, of forty-eight hours, terminating at 2 p.m. to-day, for a conference, having for its object a settlement of the difficulties. It has resulted, I understand, in no favorable has been destroyed, the principal portion of which, so far as I can learn, belonging to foreigners. I have endeavored to preserve as strict neutrality as practicable, though I have extended several favors, which I deemed dictated and demanded by feelings of humanity. The best possible feeling exists at the present hour between both of the belligerent powers and myself, and they are equally gratified, or so express themselves, at the neutral position I have assumed and the measures taken to preserve it.

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

A.BUCHEL, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.