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

in person to the governor of that State the communication addressed to him by the general, of the contents of which you have already been apprised. In that communication it has of course only been practicable to explain to the governor the general outline of the policy and general nature of the objects which are at present n contemplation. To unfold that policy and to explain those objects in detail, to further their accomplishment to counteract any adverse influence, and to obviate any possible objections are the chief and primary duties devolved upon you. The mode and manner of discharging this duty is of course left to your own judgment and discretion.

You will also call to the attention of the governor the exaction of duties by the custom-house officer at El Paso from citizens of this place, removing their goods, &c., there for temporary security a few weeks since, and ask that such duties be remitted to the parties who paid them.

You will be accompanied by the volunteer aide-de-camp of the general, Captain G. Dwyer, of whose zeal, intelligence, and accomplishments you can avail yourself in your intercourse with the officials with whom you will be brought in contact. This assistance you will find valuable in many respects, and his association, the general hopes,will prove an agreeable one to each.

Should a safe opportunity offer, you will report as early as possible the nature of the reception given you and the prospects of a favorable adjustment of the matters intrusted to your charge.

Should you, after discharge your mission at Chihuahua, arrive at the conclusion, from such information as you can there obtain, that it is expedient and primitive of the public interest for you to proceed to Sonora, you will do so. Otherwise you will arrange for the transmission to the governor of that State of the official communication of the general.

Upon the completion of your mission you will report in person to the general commanding.

I am, colonel, your obedient servant,

A.M. JACKSON, A.A.G., Army of New Mexico.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NEW MEXICO, A.G.O., Fort Bliss, Tex., December 27, 1861

To His Excellency GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CHIHUAHUA:

SIR: I have the honor hereby t accredit to your excellency Colonel James Reily, of the Army of the Confederate States, who is charged with the duty of delivering to your excellency a communication of importance, and of further explaining the views entertained and objects contemplated by me.

Colonel Reily is the next officer to myself in rank and command present on this frontier with the forces of the Confederate States, and your excellency, will reorganize in his selection for this duty the desire I have of manifesting to you my high respect and appreciation.

I commend to your consideration the representations which he shall make to you, and bespeak for him your highest confidence and esteem, as well in his private as in his official capacity.

With great respect and the highest consideration, I am, your excellency's most obedient servant,

H.H. SIBLEY, Brigadier General , P.A.C.S., Commanding Army of New Mexico.