E. D. R. S. Canby to Governor of New Mexico, September 8, 1861

Santa Fé, N. Mex., September 8, 1861. His Excellency GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO 5 Santa Fé, N. Mex.:

SIR: I have the honor to state for the information of your excellency that the volunteer force required from the Territory of New Mexico is as follows: Two regiments of infantry, 2,092 officers and men, and two regiments of cavalry, 1,632 officers and men. The term of service, both of infantry and cavalry, is three years, but upon the representation that eavalry could not be obtained for that term of service, I have authorized the mounted companies to be mustered in for the period of six months. Of this force the regimental organization of the First (Col. St. Vrain’s) Regiment of Infantry is completed, but the companies are not yet full. ~ It will require at least 200 men to bring this regiment up to its maximum organization. In the Second (Colonel Pino’s) Regiment only eight cowpanies have been mustered in, and it will require at least 400 men to complete the organization of this regiment. The organization of the cavalry regiments has just commenced, and only one company has been mustered in. Four other companies are reported to be nearly ready, but it will require at least 1,000 men to complete the two regiments, or 1,200 if they are raised to the maximum. In addition to the above force, independent companies of mounted volunteers are called for, but only three have been organized. It is intended to incorporate these companies with the cavalry regiments if the men consent to that extension of their term of service. If they do not, they will be disbanded at the – expiration of the present term.

To recapitulate, there will be required for the infantry regiments 600 men and for the cavalry regiments 1,000 men : total, 1,600. The necessary expenditure incurred by the Territory in the organization of these regiments will be défrayed by the Government of the United States, and, as the appropriation for this purpose has already been made, there will be but little delay in securing the reimbursements.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,