A. L. Anderson to Major Paul, June 30, 1861

Santa Fé, N. Mex., June 30, 1861.

SIR: Major Paul’s communication of the 22d instant, reporting the loss of 41 horses, of Company A, Mounted Rifles, and other communieations from Fort Bliss in relation to the same subjeet, have been received, and I am instructed to say there is sufficient evidence here to show conclusively that this robbery was not the unauthorized act. of a band of robbers, but was planned at Hart?)s Mill as early as the 10th or — 12th of this month, and is only one of a series that will be undertaken if prompt measures are not taken to defeat them. The horses were stolen for the purpose of mounting one of the companies of Texas troops now on their way to Fort Bliss. The reward offered by Magoffin and

XE PES PALA) the disclaimers of the Texan authorities are mere blinds, to throw you off your guard and keep the troops inactive until Fort Bliss is re-enforced. When this object is secured there will be demonstrations against your post, the trains that supply it, or against Fort Stanton.

The movements of the Texans at Fort Bliss have been watched, and although the precise object and the details of their contemplated movements cannot be ascertained, it is positively known that movements against New Mexico are on foot; that officers who recently left the coun_ try by that route have aided and counseled in the plans, and it is alleged that others still in the service are implicated in these transactions. There is no doubt that these movements will be undertaken the moment that the instigators feel assured of a probability of success. The leading secessionists in Mesilla are apprised of these plans, and to the extent of their ability will assist in carrying them out.

The State of Texas is avowedly at war with the Government of the ‘ United States. The character of the enemy you have to deal with has been fully exhibited in the last few months, and they now expect to be able in a few days to carry the war into New Mexico. It is hoped that before this time you have a sufficient force under your control to make them feel that the war is not to be entirely upon one side.

The surplus horses at Fort Craig will be sent down as soon as possible to Fort Fillmore for the purpose of remounting a part of Company A, but it will be very difficult to procure a sufficient number in the de- ` partment to remount the whole company. As many as can be procured wil be sent.

Orders have been sent direct to-day for the abandonment of Fort Buchanan; the garrison to report to you at Fort Fillmore as soon as possible. ” i

The lieutenant-colonel commanding directs me to repeat his assurance, that you will be supported in any measures that you may undertake by all the means that he can control, and that there is no intention of withdrawing any portion of the regular force under your command until the affairs within the limits of your command are placed upon a satisfactory footing. He desires that you will keep him fully advised of matters that transpire in your neighborhood, and that you will keep the – commanding officer at Fort Stanton advised of any matters that may affect his post.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,