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Show NEW MEXICO DURING THE CIVIL WAR 369 abandoned, orders were given for the destruction of al] supplies at cut off by Indians as well as other hostile organization peremptory for self-defense. ’ attacks, makes a complete home Governor Gilpin on October 26, 1861, wrote Colonel Canby that ‘‘the strong and malignant element within this Territory [Colorado] , added to the desti- tution of arms and ammunition of any kind up to this time, has rendered abSolutely necessary the delay to furnish a garrison for Fort Wise. The population of the Arkansas River is not numerous enough to furnish one company, and to send them from the mining region has been impossible, from want of arms, ammunition, food, clothing, transportation or money to procure any of these essentials. I am incessantly occupied to comply with your requisitions at the earliest moment. The malignant secession element of this Territory has bered 7,500. It has been ably and secretly organized from November last, numand requires extreme and extraordinary measures to meet and control its onslaught. The core of its strength has at present withdrawn to gather strength from Texas, Utah, Arkansas, and from the country of the Confederat e Cherokee, Creek and other Indians. They contemplate to return with overwhelming strength and precipitate the neighboring Indians upon us. To prepare for what be accomplished by them is my duty. This country open everywhere the East, can only be defended by a sufficient force to meet the enemy in to the field. may It also enters into their plans to capture Forts Wise and Garland; to Surround New Mexico and invade it from the north. The Indian populations west of Arkansas have united with the rebel war to the amount of 64,500, capable of furnishing an efficient army for operations upon Territories, familiar with this country, and allied to the Georgians who these sympathize with Secession, and form a large proportion of our mining population.’’ Colonel Canby was not overly enthusiastic as to the loyalty and courage of the volunteer troops which were ordered mustered into service in New Mexico. There was pronounced disloyalty among the New Mexicans living in the Mesilla valley at this time, and over 200 had enlisted under the banner of the Confederacy. In the neighborhood of Alburquerque, in the Rio Abajo, prominent men — ricos — discouraged the native citizens from responding to the call for volunteers. On the 16th of August, 1861, Colonel Canby reported to the adjutant general of the army, St. Louis, Missouri, advising him of the fact that of the thirty-two companies authorized to be organized only nineteen had been completed, and that these ‘‘were below the minimum organizations preScribed by General Orders, No. 15, May 4, 1861.’’ He said that ‘‘ The people of the Territory, with few exceptions, I believe are loyal, but they are apathetic m disposition, and will adopt any measures that may be necessary for the defense of the Territory with great tardiness, looking with greater concern to their Private, and often petty interests, and delaying or defeating the objects of the Government by their personal or political quarrels. I question very much whether a sufficient force for the defense of the Territory can be raised within ‘ts limits, and I place no reliance upon any volunteer force that can be Taised, unless strongly supported by regular troops. The most that can be hoped from them will be the occupation of two or three important points, which may be fortified and held by them until the policy of the Government with Tegard to this Territory has been settled and expressed. ’ es There was much concern manifest by certain leading officers and citizens as to the effect of the order to withdraw the regular troops from New Mexico for the Purpose of sending them south to assist in putting down the rebellion. In a letter to General Fremont, commanding at St. Louis, Captain W. R. hoemaker, of the ordnance, at Fort Union, said: ‘‘We trust that these Statements in regard to the late events and present state of affairs in this Territory will reach you in time to arrest the operation of the order for the with- |
