Sunday, April 11, 2010

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

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