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

Page 88(Official Records Volume 4)


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

raise and of the points at which it can be assembled, I will detach as large an additional force as will be prudent under existing circumstances and will make the necessary preparations for the projected operations.

I do not think it advisable to leave this section of the country, but, if you can leave Santa Fe, will be happy to meet you at Albuquerque, to consult with you in relation to this matter.

I cannot undertake to arm or clothe this additional force to supply it with transportation or forage, or provision it fully. Ammunition to a limited extent, transportation to the depots that may be established, and for subsistence, beef, flour, coffee, and sugar, can be furnished. The troops will be mustered into the service of the United States for the time they are engaged in this service, and will be subject in all respects to the discipline and laws that govern other troops when in the service; and it must be distinctly understood by all who engage in this service that the campaigns against the Indians must be conducted in accordance with the laws of the United States and the policy and instructions of the War Department, and the campaign is to be made for the purpose of punishing the Indians, and not for the sake of plunder or captives.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. R. S. CANBY, Colonel Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding Department.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Belen, N. Mex., January 25 [?], 1862.

Major JAMES L. DONALDSON, Commanding Mil. Dis. Santa Fe, Santa Fe, N. Mex.: MAJOR: I have received your communication of the 26th [?],* and I have read with some surprise that portion of it which refers to an immediate movement upon Fort Fillmore. The persons who ask these questions are the tools of the emissaries of the Confederate. You know as well as I do that this invasion of the country has been impending for months; that it was arranged by a secretary of state of the Territory; and that it has twice failed in consequence of the pressing necessity of the Confederate in other quarters.

It is a proof of a premeditated plan to induce the removal of the troops to the South in order that this movement may be more effective at the North. I do not wish any questions to be parried on my account; but I wish it to be said distinctly that I will move when I get ready to move; and that will be when I know that the country behind me is secured from a revolutionary movement. The present clamor I know to be instigated by enemies of the Government, fomented by emissaries, who have been busy in the exercise of this baneful influence since the middle of last month, but who have hitherto escaped detection.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

ED. R. S. CANBY, Colonel Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding Department.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Belen, N. Mex., January 25, 1862.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a report from El Paso , (old) Mexico, which furnishes the latest information in regard to the numbers

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*Not found.

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