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