E. D. R. S. Canby to Um Y, June 30, 1861

Santa Fé, N. Mex., June 30, 1861.

To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, ( Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: Since my report of the 23d instant positive information has been received of the contemplated movements of the Texans against the interests of the Governmentin this Territory. This wasnaturally to have been expected, and measures were taken at an early period after Colonel Loring left this place to concentrate a sufficient force at Fort Fillmore to defeat any measures of this kind and to cover the movements that would be necessary in withdrawing the troops from the interior of Arizona. Several resigned officers who have left the Territory through Texas have aided and counseled in these contemplated movements, and my information implicates one or more who have not yet left the department. The commanders interested have been warned, and if the mischief has not already been accomplished it will be prevented. US

Major Paul’s report of the 22d instant undoubtedly chronicles one of a series of robberies that have for some time been in contemplation, and I cannot comprehend how the officers at Fort Fillmore can still place any faith in the protestations and disclaimers of the Texan authorities at Fort Bliss. It is notorious that for two months past they have been tampering with the enlisted men at the posts in the South and offering them large bribes to induce them to desert.

Indian depredations still continue; one near Socorro of some magnitude. The others are generally of but littleimportange. Several proved – upon investigation to have been committed by citizens, several of whom have been caught by the troops and are now in jail at this place.

The most assailable point in this department is the approach from

` Arkansas and Texas by the Canadian, and rumors indicate the probability of an invasion from that quarter. If it should be made in large force, serious difficulties may be apprehended, as the Mexican population will not furnish, for some time at least, a reliable force to resist invasion. To meet this possibility I am hastening as much as I can the organization of the volunteers called for, in order to concentrate as large a force of regulars as possible.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,