CHAP.XI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - CONFEDERATE.
of the kind feelings of the Chihuahuas which they were about to tender me.
Permit me to congratulate you, general, in having obtained the first official recognition of the Government of the Confederate States by any foreign power.
Under your instructions I went to Chihuahua as an officer in the Army of the Confederate States of America, as such and wearing the uniform of a colonel of cavalry of that army I presented myself to the governor of Chihuahua, as such I was accredited by you, as such I signed my name, as such was recognized, received, entertained, addressed, and reaccredited to you by the governor. I made it a point never to pay a visit of etiquette or ceremony but as an officer of the A.C.S.A., and ordered there by you as general in the Army of Confederate States of America.
May all due honor and credit attach to you for this point gained for our country.
General, I have the honor to be, with sentiments of highest respect, truly, yours,
JAMES REILY, Colonel First Reg't, Sibley Brigadier , Army of New Mexico.
[Inclosure Numbers 2. - Translation.]
JANUARY 11, 1862
It is with the greatest pleasure, general, I reply to your second communication, of the 27th December,* which was handed to me by your second in command, Colonel Santiago Reily, recommending him to me in his official character as your special envoy as well as personally.
I sincerely approve your choice, for Colonel Reily is certainly a prudent man and a most accomplished gentleman, whose manner and appearance alone would secure for him a most distinguished position. He has discharged with fidelity and intelligence the mission that you confided to him for my Government, making such explanations as were necessary on various matters which he was authorized to arrange, and of which I spoke to you in my note of that date. I understand he is fully convinced of the loyalty of my sentiments towards the respectable general-in-chief of the Army of the Confederate States, to all its citizens, and of the same Mr. Reily, who until now, has never asked any service from me. He will always find me disposed to lend him any assistance in my power. I give you most sincere thanks for the honor you have conferred upon me by the acquaintance of Colonel Reily, who leaves in this city the warmest sympathies, and I renew to you the assurances of my appreciation and my highest consideration.
God, liberty, and reform.
Chihuahua, January 11, 1862
LOUIS TERRAZAS.
Brigadier General H.H. SIBLEY, General-in-Chief of the Army of the C.S.A., Fort Bliss.
[Inclosure Numbers 5. - Translation.]
JANUARY 11, 1862.
I have the honor of replying to your letter of the 15th December, directed from Fort Bliss, Tex., and handed me by Colonel Santiago Reily.
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*See p. 168.
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