Lieutenant-General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, Thursday June 11, 1868

FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO, June 11, 1868, Thursday.

Dear Brother: I have now been in New Mexico three weeks along with Col. Tappan, peace commissioner, for the purpose of seeing the Navajos, and making some permanent disposition of them. By a debate in the Senate I see you have a pretty good idea of their former history. These Indians seem to have acquired from the old Spaniards a pretty good knowledge of farming, rearing sheep, cattle, and goats, and of making their own clothing by weaving blankets and cloth. They were formerly a numerous tribe, occupying the vast region between New Mexico and the Colorado of the West, and had among them a class of warriors who made an easy living by stealing of the New Mexicans and occasionally killing. . . .

We found 7200 Indians there, seemingly abject and disheartened. They have been there four years. The first year they were maintained by the army at a cost of about $700,000, and made a small crop. The second year the cost was about $500,000, and the crop was small. Last year the crop was an utter failure, though all the officers say they labored hard and faithfully. This year they would not work because they said it was useless. The cost has been diminished to about 12 cents per head a day, which for 7000 Indians makes over $300,000, and this is as low as possible, being only a pound of corn, and a pound of beef with a little salt per day.

Now this was the state of facts, and we could see no time in the future when this could be amended. The scarcity of wood, the foul character of water, which is salty and full of alkali, and their utter despair, made it certain that we would have to move them or they would scatter and be a perfect nuisance. So of course we concluded to move them. After debating all the country at our option, we have chosen a small part of their old country, which is as far out of the way of the whites and of our future probable wants as possible, and have agreed to move them there forthwith, and have made a treaty which will save the heavy cost of their maintenance and give as much probability of their resuming their habits of industry as the case admits of. . . .

Of course I have noticed Grant's acceptance. I take it for granted he will be elected, and I must come to Washington. I shall not, however, commit myself to this promotion till he is not only elected but until he vacates and I am appointed and confirmed. . . .

Yours affectionately,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 318-9

From New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, May 15.

The Santa Fe mail arrived with advices from Ft. Craig to the 23d.  Gen. Canby was at that place with his command.  It was presumed he would move to Messilla in a short time.

The Texans in their retreat down the river abandoned 35 of their wagons, and buried some of their guns.  They then divided into small parties, and fled to the mountains, abandoning their sick, and all who could not travel at the requisite speed.  It is thought the enemy will not make another stand in the territory, but will endeavor to get home.

A hundred teams, with provisions that had been collected at Santa Fe, were sent to Fort Union on the 23d.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

From New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, MO., April 7. – The Santa Fe mail has arrived.

The Texans, one hundred and fifty strong, had evacuated Santa Fe and were marching down the river.

It was reported that Col. Canby had intercepted an express with orders to the commander of the Texan forces to evacuate the territory and return to Texas.

Col. Stough had left Fort Union with 1,400 men to effect a junction with Col. Canby.

The Texans were exacting contributions and forced loads from the inhabitants – as high as $20,000 being extorted from single individuals residing near Albuquerque; clothing and provisions were taken from merchants without regard to politics or circumstances.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

From New Mexico

(Correspondence of Mo. Republican.)

FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO, March 31. – Our Column, under the command of Col. Stough, is breaking up camp for a forward movement south, toward the rebel forces.

The Texan army occupies a strong position in the vicinity of Albemarque [sic], 17 miles south of this depot, about midway between this and Ft. Craig, where Col. Canby was at last accounts.  The Texans have taken up this strategic point doubtless intending to march upon either Col. Canby, as they leave their stronghold of Fort Union or Fort Craig, and by their superior force, which is estimated at 2,400 strong and 21 pieces of artillery, face about and assault the column before it can form a junction and cut us up in detail.

It would appear that Col. Sturgh [sic] and Col. Canby, department commanders, are not acting in concert, and some men are of opinion that this movement of the most difficult of military combinations may not prove successful, and at our depot at Fort Union the other supplies left as comparatively defenceless.  I can scarcely believe, however, that Col. Sturgh will march beyond supporting distance of this department, and Texans are occupying Santa Fe, 100 miles south of this, with from 100 to 200 men.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

KANSAS CITY, April 7 [1862].

The Santa Fe mail has arrived.  The Texans, one hundred and fifty strong, had evacuated Santa Fe and were marching down the river.  It was reported that Col. Canby had intercepted an express with orders to commanders of Texas forces to evacuate the territory and return to Texas.

Col. Slough had left Fort Union with 1,400 men to effect a junction with Colonel Canby.  The Texans were exacting contributions and forced loans from the inhabitants. As high as twenty thousand dollars were exacted from single individuals residing near Albuquerque.  Clothing and provisions were taken from merchants without regard to politics or circumstance.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 12, 1862, p. 2

From New Mexico

Correspondence of the Missouri Republican

FORT UNION, N. Mexico, March 23.

Our column under command of Colonel Slough is breaking up camp for a forward movement south toward the rebel force.

The Texan army occupies a strong position in the vicinity of Albuquerque, fifteen miles south of this depot, midway between this and Fort Craig, where Col. Canby was at last accounts.  The Texans have taken up this as a strategical point, doubtless intending to march upon either column as they leave their stronghold of Fort Union or Fort Craig, and by their superior force which is estimated at two thousand four hundred and twenty-one pieces of artillery, and whip one and turn about and assault the other column before they can form a junction and cut us up in detail.

It would seem that Col. Slough and Col. Canby, department commander, are not acting in concert, and sound men are fearful that this movement, one of the most difficult of military combinations, may not prove successful, and render our depot at Ft. Union, the only supplies left us, comparatively defenceless.  I can scarcely believe, however, that Col. Slough will march beyond supporting distance of this depot.

The Texans are occupying Santa Fe, 100 miles south of this, with from 100 to 200 troops.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHIGNTON, April 2.

Tribune’s Special.

A reporter sent to the other side of the Potomac, assured us this morning that secretary Stanton had issued an order forbidding newspaper correspondents, as well as all others not actually connected some way or other with the service from accompanying any of the corps de armes.  Very many correspondents are with the army, and it is understood that an order was dispatched yesterday that the whole of them be cleared out and sent back, under penalty of immediate arrest and confinement if they attempt to stay.

Blenker’s brigade has been assigned to Fremont’s command.  Carl Schurz is to have command of a division under Fremont.

Col. Van Allen resigned his command of the 3d N. Y. Cavalry yesterday.  Lieut. Col. Mix will succeed him.

Times’ Correspondence.

It is not yet positively determined who will succeed Carl Schurz as Minister to Spain.  No nomination will be made to the Senate by the President until Schurz is confirmed as Brigadier General.  Hon. Geo. Ashman, of Mass., is talked of for the place.

Major Donaldson, chief of the quartermaster department in New Mexico, arrived at Washington to-day.  He brings much important information in regard to the rebel raid into that Territory.  He says the rebels hold every position of value, except Forts Craig and Union.  The latter, which is the most important fort in the far West, containing millions of dollars worth of government stores, is now safe beyond peradventure, and garrisoned by fifteen hundred soldiers.  It has water within the fortifications, and provisions for an almost unlimited siege.  It will be the rallying point for the ample Union forces now marching to expel the invaders.  Major D. relates many incidents of the late battle near Fort Craig, and says that Major Lockridge, of the Nicaragua filibusters, fell dead at the head of the Texas Rangers in the terrible charge on McRae’s battery.

Secretary Stanton will probably proceed to Fort Monroe to-morrow, to give matters there his personal attention.

WASHGINTON, April 3.

It is now conceded among the rebels that the Virginia troops are equal, if not superior, to any in the army, notwithstanding the brag of the South Carolina chivalry. -  It is charged upon them that they were the first to break ranks and run at the battle of Bull Run.  A large number of desertions from the North Carolina and Georgia regiments are reported to have taken place lately.  The time of the London troops expires on April 23d.

The teamer King Phillip arrive from the lower river last night, bringing up four refugees from Richmond and Westmoreland county, Va., who came off from Kinsale on Saturday last.  They state that the rebels are pressing every man between the ages of 18 and 48 into the service, and they have been closely hunted by the press-gangs for a week or two.  The rebels had nearly all  left the neighborhood of London, but a few squads of their cavalry roamed through the country, pressing into service all able to bear arms.  The refugees also say that late secession papers state the Federal loss in the conflict with the Merrimac was fifteen hundred men.  Also, that the shots of the Monitor had no more effect on the sides of the Merrimac than hailstones.

Our loss in the engagement on Saturday and Sunday, March 22d and 23d, was 86 killed and 424 wounded; fifty have since died.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 1

NEW YORK, March 27 [1862].

Santa Fe advices of the 10^th inst. state that the Texans had taken Santa Fe.

Maj. Donelson, commander of that department, reached Kansas City of the 25^th en route for Washington, to urge forward reinforcements for Forts Craig and Union.

All the Government property had been sent to Ft. Union.  All American families had fled thither.

Four hundred troops at Ft. Wise are ordered to reinforce Ft. Union, which will make a strong defense.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 2

From New Mexico

CANSAS CITY, May 10. – The Santa Fe mail has arrived with advices from Fort Craig to the 23d of April.  Gen. Canby was at that place with his command.  It was presumed he would soon move forward to Messailla.

The Texans on their retreat down the river abandoned 35 of their wagons and buried some of their guns.  When they crossed the Purcio river at its junction with the Rio Grande, they then separated into small parties and fled to the mountains abandoning their sick and those who could not travel at the requisite speed.

It is thought that the enemy will not make another stand in the Territory, but endeavor to get home.

One hundred wagons of provisions that had been collected at Santa Fe, were sent to Fort Union on the 23^rd.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

The Rebel troops driven out of New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, April 28. – The through mail with Santa Fe dates to the 12th, and Ft. Union to the 15th, arrived to-day.

After the battle of Pigeon Ranche, Colonel Slough fell back to Fort Union, where a dispatch was received from Gen. Canby, ordering a junction to be formed with him at Galestough. Major Paul was placed in command. The troops for the junction ordered by Gen. Canby, arrived at Galestough on the 8th in advance of General Canby, and learned that the Texans had abandoned Santa Fe, and were retreating from the Territory.

Major [Duncan] of Gen. Canby’s command, who was in command of the advance guard, had fallen in with a large party of Texans, when a fight occurred, the latter being repulsed. Maj. Duncan was slightly wounded.

Gen. Canby reached Galestough on the 11th and an immediate pursuit of the Texans was ordered, who were thirty miles south.

No doubt was entertained for the speedy capture of Sibley’s command, as they were entirely destitute of everything, having lost it at the battle of Pigeon Ranche all their baggage and supply trains, provisions, &ct.

The health of the rebel army was not good, and many had died; 140 sick and wounded were left in hospital at Santa Fe.

A large number of merchant trains were passed en route to this city.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday May 3, 1862, p. 4

From Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH, Feb. 10.

By general order No. 17, Gen. Hunter declares martial law throughout the State of Kansas, and declares the crime of jayhawking shall be put down with a strong and summary process.

Jos. Holmes, Secretary of New Mexico, eleven and a half days from Santa Fe, brings important dispatches to Gen. Hunter, and information regarding affairs in the Territory.

The rebel Brigadier-Gen., H. H. Sibley, was within 30 miles of Ft. Craig, with 2,000 Texans with artillery, and had issued a buncombe proclamation.

Col. Canby has taken active measures to oppose him, and feels able to make a successful resistance.

It is reported that a considerable force of Texans are advancing up Rio Pecos to attack Fort Union.

An express has been sent to Denver City for reinforcements, and the Colorado Troops would probably march immediately.

Martial law was proclaimed in the territory, and all the able bodied men were being drafted to serve in the militia. All the mules, horses, and ammunition in the territory have been seized for used of the government.

The Indians in territory reported troublesome.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

The Battle In New Mexico

FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO,
April 4, 1862

We left Camp Well, February 22d, en route for Santa Fe. We had a fine time, good weather and good health throughout the regiment. – Every thing went smoothly until we got within 150 miles of Fort Union, when we heard that Col. Canby had had a battle with the rebels and was defeated, and that the rebels were marching on Fort Union. We marched 30 miles that day, stopped on Red river, got some supper, unloaded our wagons, and leaving a guard of 100 men to take care of the baggage and beef cattle we jumped into the wagons, and away we went as fast as mule flesh could carry us. We traveled until two o’clock, in the morning, stopped – made some coffee and took a bite, and away we went – traveled all day, came to a Mexican town, stopped and stayed all night – started in the morning before day light, heard that the rebels were in forty-five miles of Fort Union, we lost no time, and at sun down were landed in the Fort. We soon learned that there was not any danger – the men in the Fort got scared and got up this report. We remained in Fort Union until the boys we left back came up. We drew a suit of clothing and exchanged our old guns for new ones. We were beginning to get tired of staying in Ft. Union, when there was an order read on dress parade at night, that we should be ready to march in the morning with a pair of blankets to the man, and just the clothing we had on our backs. So we started with about sixty wagons of grub and ammunition, and four pieces of heavy artillery and four pieces of light. We traveled three days and camped, got news that the enemy were advancing upon us. So Major Chivington, at the head of about 300 men, started to meet them, (by the way, they were some forty miles ahead of the Major.) The enemy had taken their position in a canon [sic], one of the best positions in the world for defence. The Major marched into the canon, found the enemy ready for him, who fired their cannon and musketry, but did little damage, the shots going over their heads. So the Major ordered his boys to make a bold charge – no sooner said than done – the rebels saw the boys coming with blood in their eyes, got frightened, took to their heels and away they went, leaving their dead and wounded on the field – it is not known how many they lost, but it is supposed about seventy. Our loss was four. The Major gathered up all the guns they left behind, and broke them over the rocks. The rebels sent a flag of truce. The Major sent a dispatch to us, and retreated about eight miles, and took his stand. You can bet we were not long in getting ready. We marched all night, came to the Major’s camp before sun up, eat some breakfast, got ready and started to meet the devils. They had advanced on us, and taken their position, at a place called Pigeon’s Ranch, right in a canon, covered with trees and bushes; it so happened that my Company (or the company I belong to,) were detailed to support one of the batteries, and we had to march in rear of the battalion. We had not gone far before we could hear the booming of the cannon, and well knew the fun had commenced. My captain, (Wilder,) came riding up, and we took a double quick, and soon came to the scene of action – one of our batteries had taken its stand. As we came up to our battery, the bullets from the enemy whistled all around us, and one of our boys fell, shout through both legs. – We took our stand behind our artillery, which we were ordered to support. We laid down on our bellies, and the rebels would shoot over us every time. We could not see the enemy, the bushes were so thick – the devils undertook to flank around us, and come in and get our guns, so our Captain was ordered to take the first platoon of his men and go upon the hill and cut them off. I went with him. We took our stand upon the rocks, where we had a good chance to give them the contents of our guns. We were within 200 feet of them, and when they would stick their heads over the rock we would give them h—l. We lost one man at the rock, but he was not killed instantly, and two wounded, and on the side of the rock where the rebels were there were fifty killed and a great many wounded. It put me in mind of hunting squirrels. While we were peppering it to them at the rock, the other boys were giving it to them down in the canon. The devils made a charge on our battery, but our boys who remained back with the battery, made a rush at them and they run. There was a continued roar of cannon intermingled with musketry, when they made a rush at our battery – our gunners discharged their four guns in amongst them, and it mowed them right and left. After fighting six hours, we discovered about 300 Texans coming over the rock where we were, and our Captain thought it was useless for so few of us to fight hand to had; so he ordered us to retreat, and as we did so, they poured a volley of musketry into us, which wounded one of our boys, but they did not get him; I was by his side and helped him along. When we got down where our battery was, we found our men on the retreat. They retreated a little ways, made a stand and waited for them to come up, but they retreated the other way. So we went to camp, and the rebels sent a flag of truce; they wanted a truce for three days, but our Colonel would not grant it longer than to the next fore noon. The best of the joke was, that, while we were fighting, Maj. Chivington took between three and four hundred men, and went over the mountains, came to where they had left their train of sixty-four wagons of provisions, ammunition, clothing, &c., set fire to them and burnt them to ashes, killed a lot of mules and destroyed two pieces of artillery. The rebels who were guarding the train fired on the Major with both guns, but did no harm, and having accomplished his object, he returned to our camp. The loss of the enemy according to their own account was 400, but we think it was much larger. Our loss, in killed, was 32, and about 60 wounded, and 12 taken prisoners; besides the killed and wounded on the rebel side, we took 103 prisoners. We expected they would attack us again the next day, but as soon as they got their dead buried they left for Santa Fe.

Joseph Cramer is no coward in a fight. He fought bravely.

C. H. FARRAR.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

From New Mexico

The through mail, with Santa Fe dates to the 11th, and Ft. Union 15th, arrived today. After the battle of Pyon’s Ranch, Col. Slough fell back to Ft. Union, when a dispatch was received from Gen. Canby, ordering a junction to be formed with him at Galveston. Maj. Paul was placed in command. The troops for the junction ordered by Gen. Canby arrived at Galesburg on the 9th, in advance of Gen. Canby, and learned that the Texans had abandoned Santa Fe, and were retreating from the territory.

Maj. Duncan of Gen. Canby’s command, who was in command of the advance guard had fallen in with a large party of Texans, when a fight occurred, the latter being routed. Maj. Duncan was slightly wounded. Gen. Canby reached Galveston on the 11th, and an immediate pursuit of the Texans was ordered, who were 30 miles south. No doubt was entertained of the speedy capture of Sibley’s command, as they were entirely destitute of everything having lost at the battle of Pyon’s Ranche [sic] all their baggage and supply trains, prisoners, &c. – The health of the rebel army was not good, and many had died. 100 sick and wounded had been left in hospitals at Santa Fe.

A large number of merchant trains were passed en route to this city.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 30, 1862, p. 1

The War in New Mexico – An Incident

The Government is so occupied in striking at the heart of rebellion in the seceded States, that it has not given that attention to the territory of New Mexico which, under other circumstances, it would have received. The consequence has been that the few troops stationed there have had to contend against a superior force of the most daring rebels that are engaged in the effort to subvert the Government. Hordes of these scoundrels, inured to privations that admirably fit them for camp life, have swarmed up from Texas, and, led by daring men, have boldly attacked our troops and driven them back, step by step, until they have nearly reached Fort Union on the North. Kit Carson still remains at Fort Craig, some three hundred miles south, but having only seven hundred men at his command. A vigorous onslaught of the enemy in force, would drive that bold man from his position or oblige him to surrender.

Had Wm. Gilpin, ex-Governor of Colorado territory, instead of holding the regiments he organized in the gold mines, for months in idleness, sent them to the succor of the troops in New Mexico, this state of affairs might have been prevented. In no portion of the Union have our troops contended with greater bravery then in New Mexico, but owing to their location and comparative insignificance of numbers, and the public mind being engrossed in scenes nearer home, very little attention has been given to the struggle of these brave men, to prevent the inroads of the rebels.

A little incident was narrated us a few evenings since by Judge Hubbell, of Albuquerque, that shows the fierceness with which both parties fight. – Although it may have been in print, the particulars have not been given with that minuteness to which so fierce recontre is entitled. A company of one hundred mounted Texans attacked a force of eighty-five of our men engaged in guarding a battery. The former went in, as they boasted, with the determination of “cleaning out the d----d Yankees and showing them another Bull Run on a smaller scale.” At the first fire our men emptied fifty-seven saddles! The balance of the Texans, no way disconcerted, hastily dismounted, and with a bowie knife strapped to each mans wrist and a revolver in each and, rushed upon the loyal troops. The latter gave way not an inch, but with bayonet fixed advanced into the charge. Then followed the most terrible had-to-hand fight recorded in this war. Both parties fought for life, and with a determination unequalled. We know not who long the struggle lasted, but when it ceased only five of the brave but misguided Texans remained alive, and but eight of the Federal troops were left to boast of the victory they had so terribly achieved.

With so many troops at its command our Government should not allow the brave loyalists of New Mexico to be driven from their homes, and the few Federal regiments stationed there to be cut to pieces by these Texan banditti. Without delay sufficient force should be sent thither to drive back the rebels and recover the property of our loyal citizens that has been seized upon an confiscated by the rebels. In no event should those noble men, Col. Canby and Kit Carson, be sacrificed upon the unholy altar of rebellion. They should be rescued immediately from the perilous position they now occupy.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 26, 1862, p. 2

From New Mexico

(Correspondence of M. Republican)

FT. UNION, NEW MEXICO, April 13. – Colonel Slough, after the battle of [Apache Canyon], fell back and took position at Bernal Springs, 45 miles south of Fort Union. This was deemed the strategetical [sic] point, being within supporting distance of Ft. Union, and in a position to harass the enemy, and to form a junction with Col. Canby when he shall leave Ft. Craig, 200 miles south. We had been there one day, when Col. Canby sent from Fort Craig, his Assistant Ad’jt General, with preemptory orders to Col. Slough to fall back with his column to Ft. Union, which was immediately observed.

It would seem that we crippled the enemy in the Apache [Canyon] more than was believed at first. We have reliable information that we killed over 100 men, including 6 officers, and wounded over 200.

We have now prisoners at Ft. Union 21 officers and 82 privates.

The enemy fell back to Santa Fe and are again, it is believed, concentrating in their old position at Albuquerque.

Yesterday an express arrived from Colonel [Canby], stating that he would leave Ft. Craig on the 31st of March.

If the enemy is still in the vicinity of [Albuquerque], with ordinary traveling Col. Canby is in their immediate vicinity and his column 180 miles from [Albuquerque] will only leave this morning. He will be unsupported by this column, and with 900 regulars will have to encounter their forces unless he can slip by and join the column which leaves here this morning.

It is understood that Kit Carson with a regiment of New Mexican volunteers, 700 strong will remain and garrison Fort Craig. It is rumored that Colonels Stute and Busler of the rebel army are advancing into New [Mexico] with 800 additional men.

Important events will probably occur before the next Express leaves for the States.

A well authenticated report has since reached here that the Texan forces, 2,000 strong, are entrenching themselves at Santa Fe. Colonel Canby having strengthened his command up to 1200 is fifty miles south of Santa Fe. This may enable our two commands to act together, and make us 2400. If this is the case we will have one of the bloodiest battles of record.

The enemy’s artillery numbers about 18 Pieces, ours 12 pieces.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Handsome Victory in New Mexico

{Correspondence of the Missouri Republican.}

APACHE GLEN, NEW MEXICO,
BETWEEN SANTA FE AND FT. UNION, March 30.

Since I wrote you Col. Slough’s column, 1,300 strong, have advanced to Hegan’s Ranch, 25 miles north of Santa Fe, where they encountered the enemy – strength not known – and immediately engaged them. Maj. Crittenden, 1st Colorado volunteers and two companies U. S. infantry, under Capt. Lewis, were sent across the Moir to fall upon their rear. Col. Slough, according to programme, gave way gradually, which left the supply train of the rebels unsupported, which Maj. Crittenden and Capt. Lewis easily captured, together with about fifty loaded wagons, which were burned, and twenty prisoners and one 2-pound howitzer taken from us at Fort Craig, which was spiked by our troops.

Col. Slough who commanded them fell back to a strong position. Our trophies are 100 prisoners; privates and officers; 50 loaded wagons burned; one piece of artillery of the enemy spiked, from 100 to 200 killed and wounded, one major, two captains, &c. Our loss is about 18 or 20 killed including Lieut. Baker of Colorado volunteers, and 30 or 40 wounded.

It is supposed the rebel Gen. Sibley will advance upon Col. Slough’s column with his entire force, from 2 to 3,000 strong, and that Col. Slough will fall back upon the trenches at Depot Union.

At last accounts Col. Canby had not left Fort Craig. With Col. Slough’s command it is believed he can hold Fort Union against any force the rebels can bring against it.

The whole command engaged on our side behaved with signal gallantry and coolness, both volunteers and regulars.

P. S. – March 31. – 95 prisoners with 11 officers of the rebel army have just passed under an escort and will arrive at Fort Union to-night or early in the morning.

Col. Slough’s entire command has fallen back to Bencal Springs, 44 miles from Fort Union, and within supporting distance.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 1

The Battle In New Mexico

A Signal Success Gained by the Federal Troops

From Major A. H. Mayer, late of this city, and Major elect of the Fourth Regiment New Mexico Volunteers, who just arrived direct from the seat of war, we are favored with the following interesting particulars of the late engagements near Santa Fe.

The main fight took place at Apache Canon eighty miles from Fort Union, and twenty from Santa Fe. Three battalions, one under Major Chivington, one under Capt. Lewis, regular, and one under Capt. Wynkoop, advanced to the canon on the 28th ult., when the pickets reported no enemy in sight.

The command then advanced, when shots were fired at them by the Texans, who were in ambush, and they succeeded in killing 4 of our privates. – Our men, under Slough, rushed on them, killing 20 or 30 Texans, wounding many of them, and taking 7 prisoners, 4 officers and 3 privates. – Major Chivington’s command, which went ahead and surprised the Texan pickets, taking 67 prisoners and 64 provision wagons, arrived, and a plan of action was determined upon – to meet the enemy in front and flank them at the same time.

About 12 o’clock on the 28th ult., the action became general, the Coloradians [sic] doing wonders. The battery under Capt. Ritter, and also the howitzer battery under Lieut. Claflin, cleaned the Texans and things generally. The fight lasted until 4 o’clock, when flags of truce were interchanged to bury the dead and care for the wounded. The enemy had about 2,000 men and one six pounder. We had 1,300 men and one each six and twelve-pounder and four howitzers. The enemy lost their entire train (64 wagons and provisions) and 230 mules, - about 150 killed, 200 wounded and 93 taken prisoners, among whom are 13 officers. Some of the latter have held commissions in the volunteer corps of the Territory.

Capt. Cook was wounded, but is doing well. His heaviest injury was sustained by his horse falling down and bruising his ankle. Lieut. Marshall, of Cook’s command, shot himself while trying to break one of the Texan guns lying in the field after the battle. Lieut. Chambers was wounded severely, and afterwards died. Lieut. Baker (or Becker) and Lieut. P. McGrath were also killed.

The Texans, when surprised, supposed it was Col. Canby’s force instead of ours that was coming.

The Texan officer in command, with two of his companies, made two different attempts to charge on our men and seize their batteries, but were each time repulsed with a tremendous loss on their side, and while daring, noble deeds were performed by our soldiers. At one time the Texan companies charged within a few yards of our batteries.

Captains Logan and Wynkoop were with Chivington when they seized the above wagons and prisoners. Capt. Sopris’ and Anthony’s companies, during the fighting in the canon, were situated so that their men sustained the heaviest disaster.

Our command fell back on the morning of the 30th, having done, as all say, wonders. Even the Texan officers and privates acknowledge this. The prisoners taken were sent to Fort Union. Col. Slough’s entire command marched on the 30th to San Jose, towards Fort Union, so as to be prepared for emergencies, on the reported arrival of Sibley with 600 men. Sibley is said to be on the march towards Pigeon’s Ranch, with the expectation of reinforcing the enemy, and waiting for either Col. Slough’s command or Col. Canby’s, whom he expected to intercept en route to Fort Union.

Our troops will remain for the present about San Jose, or Vernal Springs, so as to be on hand. No word was received, up to the hour of starting, from Col. Canby. Our wounded are doing well. The Texan officers in command were Col. Acarry, Col. Bailer, Capts. Carey, Enos and Chapin, Surgeon-General Bailey and Assistants Holden and Whittock – {Rocky Mountain News Extra, April 9.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2

The Battle at Apache Pass

Kansas City, April 14.

The mail from Ft. Union has arrived, and brings us confirmation of the battle at Apache Pass, the main features of which were given in a dispatch from Denver City. Our forces numbered 1,350; the Texans, 1,800. Our loss in killed, wounded and missing was 150; the enemy acknowledged their loss to be for 300 to 400.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862, p 1

Battle in New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, MO., April 14. – The mail from Ft. Union has arrived and brings confirmation of a battle at Apache Pass, the main features of which were given in a dispatch from Denver City. Our forces numbered 1,350, Texans, 1,800. Our loss, killed, wounded and missing, 150, the enemy acknowledged their loss to be 340 to 400 in killed.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862