A. L. Anderson to Benjamin S. Roberts, June 16, 1861

June 16, 1861. Byt. Lieut. Col. B. S. ROBERTS, R. M. R., Commanding Fort Stanton, N. Mex.:

SIR: Information from private sources indicates the possibility of a demonstration by Texas troops against the posts and publie property in or en route to this department. The particular objects of this demonstration can of course only be conjectured, but the lieutenant-colonel commanding directs me to advise you of the faets, in order that you may be on your guard and prepared to resist attack from any quarter.

He desires that you will as fully as possible keep yourself advised of –

any movements of the Texas troops in the direetion of New Mexico, and particularly that you will take measures for watching the approach from that State by the Pecos route. This should be done as quietly as possible, and by Mexicans or friendly Indians, if you can secure the services of men that are perfectly reliable. With the ostensible object of trading with the Indians they would be less liable to attract observation than parties of troops. In carrying out this object you are authorized to employ 15 or 20 Mexicans or Indians as spies and guides, Se. They will be required to furnish their own animals and arms, but will be supplied by you with subsistence and ammunition. The rate of compensation will be the same as has heretofore been authorized by department orders for similar services.

It is important, of course, that no unnecessary alarm should be ereated among the inhabitants in the neighborhood of your post, and you will accordingly take your measures with as much secrecy as possible, and conceal the real under some other plausible object. :

* Vol, I of this series, p. 606.

. The lieutenant-colonel commanding does not wish to trammel you by specific instructions, but trusts entirely to your judgment and discretion for the adoption of such measures as will, best secure the interests of the United States and maintain the honor of its flag.

I am directed also to put you on your guard against any attempts to ~ tamper with the enlisted men of your command similar to that which is – disclosed by the copy of a letter which I send herewith.

Please advise the department commander as soon as possible what effective force (volunteer) can be raised in the neighborhood of your post, and the amount of transportation that can be obtained there by. purchase or by contract. , L4

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,