CHAP. XI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

FORT WISE, COLO., August 22, 1861.

Colonel CANBY, Santa Fe, N. Mex.:

SIR: Yours of the 13th* has been received. In reply I have to state that I have been informed of three columns moving up from Texas east of the mountains in the direction of Fort Union. This news came from the Kiowa Indians.

Since then these Indians have been watching these columns, and the last two parties have reported that these columns have concentrated and turned back. This later news I cannot understand, and am waiting for further developments.

I have employed the Kiowas extensively as spies, and I think them faithful, as the Texans are their bitter enemies. I have a good interpreter.

The Kiowas are all here except those that are out on the watch. I do not think the Texans can get within 75 miles without my receiving a report of it. I would be thankful for any further news you may be able to send me with respect to the attempt to take this post.

I have directed one train by the way of Garland, now three days on the road.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ELMER OTIS, Captain, First Cavalry, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. Mex., September 6, 1861.

Captain I. N. MOORE, First Dragoons, Commanding column en route to Abo Pass:

SIR: Instructions have been sent to the commander of the Southern Military District to suspend the movement of the regular troops from Fort Craig until further orders, and if your command had marched, to halt the squadron of dragoons at the Abo Pass until the volunteer force now being organized for that point can relieve it. The colonel commanding accordingly directs that you establish a camp at the most advantageous position in the neighborhood of that pass, for the purpose of watching and guarding that portion of the frontier. Instructions were sent by the express this morning to the staff officers at Albuquerque to make the necessary arrangements for supplying the subsistence and forage required for your command during its halt at that point. The infantry companies of your command will be sent to Albuquerque, where they will be halted until further orders. The instructions are sent direct, because it is apprehended that the instructions to Colonel Roberts may not have reached him in season to communicate to you.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

A. L. ANDERSON, Second Lieutenant, Fifth Infantry, A. A. A. G.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, September 8, 1861.

To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Western Department, Saint Louis, Mo.:

SIR: I have the honor to transmit copies of letters from and to the governor of Colorado Territory.

---------------

*Not found.

---------------