Today in History:

132 Series I Volume IV- Serial 4 - Operations in the South and West

Page 132(Official Records Volume 4)


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

that of the United States. About that time Captain Nolan attacked and killed several of the rebels, whereupon the remainder of them ran to the opposite side of the river, where they have remained ever since at a rancho opposite Carizzo. Their ranches on this side of the river are mostly deserted. Occasionally you will find servants in some of the ranches, attending to their stock. Is not this property subject to confiscation? If so, am I the proper person to take the matter in hand? Please inform me as to the way to proceed. I have the names of the refugees, furnished me by the chief justice of the county. I find it necessary to leave a detachment of men at Carrizo, as it is unsafe for the citizens to remain there without protection as long as these marauders remain at the rancho just across the river.

I learned at Carrizo that the majority of the Mexican citizens of Zapata County had never taken the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States, whereupon I issue an order for them all to come forward and fulfill that duty. The time being somewhat short, only twenty came forward; but, on election day, all will be required to do so before voting: In a few days I expect to report to you that all of the Mexicans in that county have become citizens. My command are all well, and fast improving in the drill.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

W.H. BREWIN, Captain, Commanding Ringgold Barracks.

HEADQUARTERS SIBLEY'S BRIGADE, A.T.V., San Antonio, Tex., November 8,1861.

General S.COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General C.S.Army:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward herewith for your information certain letters from Lieutenant-Colonel Baylor, Judge Crosby, and Judge Hart, relative to military movements on both sides in the Territory of New Mexico. I regard the probable advance of the Federal forces there as a movement decidedly to be desired by us, and that so soon as my force shall reach the field of action it must result in the destruction or capture of the enemy's forces. It is no doubt induced by the threatened attack of Lieutenant-Colonel Baylor on Fort Craig, made by my orders. Colonel Reily's regiment of my brigade is by this time some 250 miles en route. Colonel Green's broke camp yesterday, and my third regiment [Colonel Steele's] will follow very soon. Not an hour shall be lost in pushing forward the whole force. The delays heretofore encountered have been unavoidable. Messrs. Crosby and Hart are engaged under my authority in procuring supplies for my command, which I state here as explanatory of their letters.

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

H.H. SIBLEY, Brigadier-General, P.C.S.A.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS, Dona Ana, Ariz., October 25,1861.

Brigadier-General SIBLEY:

SIR: The enemy, about 2,500 strong, are on the march for this place-eleven companies of U.S. regulars and thirteen companies of New Mexican volunteers. They have a battery of artillery. I shall be forced