E. D. R. S. Canby to His Excellency H. CONNELLY, January 21, 1862

His Excellency H. CONNELLY, Governor of New Mexico, Santa Fé, N. Mex. :

SIR: I have-the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communieation of the 12th instant* in relation to the protection of the inhabitants of the Territory against Indian depredations.

In answering this communication it is proper to state the actual cizcumstances of the country as regards the threatened invasion, the Indian depredations, and our means of resisting the first and anticipating the latter. 7 .

It is known from authentic sources that three regiments were organized at and have marched from San Antonio, Tex., for the invasion of this country, and it is understood that a fourth regiment, having the same destination, was organized at Austin. Two of these regiments (Reily’s and Steele’s) have reached Arizona. The other two (Green’s and the regiment from Austin) are not yet accounted for, and are said to be coming by the way of the Pecos. This may be considered doubtful, but – the adjutant-general of Texas in his official report states the force in Arizona and New Mexico at 4,000 men, and it is safe to assume that it

approximates to that number. The Indians are numerous, but less formidable from their numbers

-than from their subdivisions into small parties and the impracticable – Character of their country. k

The plan and scope of the Texan operations admits of the concentration of their entire force in one body, and permits them to assail the Territory with the great bulk of their force at any one of several points. Our own circumstances are widely different. We have an extensive country to defend and long lines of communication to protect, and it is barely possible to keep in hand a force that will not be inferior to that which the enemy is able to send into the country. It would be exceedingly unwise, in my judgment, so to disseminate our forces that they could not bé concentrated in season to meet invasion at any point that may be attempted.

I appreciate fully the situation of the inhabitants of the country, and will do whatever I can to relieve them from the depredations from which they are now suffering. As soon as advised of the force that you ean

o raise and of the points at which it can be assembled, I will detach as large an additional force as will be prudent under existing circumstances, and will make ihe necessary preparations for the projeeted operations.

I do not think it advisable to leave this section of the country, but, if you ean leave Santa Fé, will be happy to meet you at Albuquerque, to consult with you in relation to this matter.

I cannot undertake to arm or clothe this additional force, to supply it with transportation, or forage, or provision it fully. Ammunition to a limited extent, transportation to the depots that. may be established, and for subsistence, beef, flour, coffee, and sugar, can befurnished. The

troops will be mustered into the service of the United States for the –

time they are engaged in this service, and will be subject in all respects to the discipline and laws that govern other troops when in the service; and it must be distinetly understood by all who engage in this service that the campaigns against the Indians must be conducted in accordance with the laws of the United States and the policy and instructions of the War Department, and the campaign is to be made for the purpose of punishing the Indians, and not for the sake of plunder or captives. ;

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,