E. D. R. S. Canby to of New Mexico, Santa Fé, N. Mex, January 1, 1862

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

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s communication of the 29th ultimo,* and to state in reply that the re-

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` 82 OPERATIONS IN TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ. — (Cuar. X. I. – ports in relation to the Texan forces are apparently better founded than the previous reports have been. There appears to be but little doubt that a considerable force (estimated at 1,200 men, with seven pieces of artillery) is now on the march to this place. Whether any are approaching by the Pecos is uncertain, but probable. I think it advisable that all the militia should be held in readiness to turn out when called upon, and that all the arms and ammunition should be collected and held for the use of the troops; that the citizens should be instructed through the propér officers to watch the roads and trails, to prevent the entrance of scouts, spies, or small parties who will enter the country for the purpose of cutting off our couriers, plundering trains, Sc. They would be useful also in procuring information, preventing the passage of spies, &c.,

blocking up the roads if the Texans attempt to penetrate the country, .

$e. A portion of the militia should be held in readiness to re-enforce Santa Fé and another Fort Union. There are a considerable number of Territorial arms below Albuquerque, which should be collected and sent to that place to. arm the militia. If powder and lead are taken from the merchants, it should be receipted for, and will be paid for by the Goverument if it should be used.

I will keep you continually advised of. any important movement in this quarter. i

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,