Wednesday, July 15, 2020
William Hicks Jackson
Thursday, August 30, 2012
The appointment of General Fremont to the command of . . .
Monday, July 9, 2012
A Desperate Battle In New Mexico
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
From New Mexico
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A Battle near Fort Craig
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
From New Mexico
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