E. D. R. S. Canby to Winfield Scott, June 20, 1861

Santa Fé, N. Mex., June 20, 1861.

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

SIR: I have the honor to submit for the consideration of the Generalin-Chief the following statements and suggestions in relation to: the service of this department, basing them upon the supposition that it will not only be necessary to protect the inhabitants of New Mexico

“from Indian hostilities, but to defend the country against invasion and to-guard our communications with the East—at least as far as the crossing of the Arkansas.

In this view Fort Fillmore, or preferably Fort Bliss, on the south, and Forts Union and Stanton, on the east, will be important strategical points, and should be strongly garrisoned with, if possible, a large portion of each command—regular troops, both infantry and cavalry. Fort Garland and Fort Craig are of subordinate importance, but their garrisons should be determined by the same considerations. The principal depot (Albuquerque) should also be guarded by regular troops.

Fort Fillmore, Fort Stanton, and Fort Union are at remote and exposed points, and it will not be well to trust either entirely to new and undisciplined troops. Seven-tenths of the population and resources of the Territory and all the military supplies (in depot) are north of Fort Craig; hence the necessity for a strong and reliable garrison at that point, for the purpose of keeping open the communication with and supporting the posts in the South. Fort Garland, commanding the route to Colorado Territory, will be important in the event of political troubles in this country. This contingency is not anticipated, but it will not be wise to disregard it entirely. The contemplated change of the depot at Albuquerque, and the consequent abandonment of Fort Union, would remove the necessity for a separate garrison for the depot, but under existing circumstances it will not be prudent to establish it at a point ‘where it would be exposed to the danger of being broken up by the operations of a war.

To distribute the regular force left in the department at the points above indicated would leave no reserve, and would disseminate them so widely that they could not be concentrated to meet any emergency.

From a full consideration of the subject, it is my opinion that one of the infantry regiments (Fifth or Seventh) should be retained in this eountry at least until the volunteer regiments have attained some degree of instruction and discipline, and that some portion of this (volunteer) force should be mounted; and I have the honor to recommend that the – force to be retained in the department may be 1 regiment (10 companies) of regular infantry, 1 regiment (10 companies) of regular cavalry, 2 battalions (16 companies) of foot volunteers, and 3 squadrons (6 companies) of mounted volunteers; in all, 42 companies, or an increase of 8 eompanies over the force authorized by the special orders of May if it should be found that the volunteer force authorized for this Territory will draw too heavily upon its population, it is respectfully suggested that a part of it be drawn from Colorado Territory. It would be appropriate and politic to draw from that Territory the volunteers that will be needed within its limits. y

Many of the duties of escort, spies, scouts, &c., can be performed very efficiently by mounted volunteers, and the substitution of mounted for a portion of the foot volunteers authorized is suggested, for the purpose of relieving the regular cavalry from a part of these duties and husbanding their horses (which cannot be replaced in this country) as much as possible. :

A heavy harnessed battery (four 12-pounder guns and two 24-pounder howitzers) is greatly needed in this department. There are two 24pounder howitzers at the depot, but I have just learned from the military storekeeper that the carriages are unserviceable. The batterywagon is also unserviceable. +

I have also the honor to invite the attention of the General-in-Chief to the number of officers now absent from the mounted companies to remain in this department, and to request that as many as possible may be ordered to join their companies as soon as practicable. Lieutenant Averell, of the rifle regiment, although unfit for service in the field, may be usefully employed at one of the depots, and his services would be especially important when so many inexperienced officers are about to be called into the service.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,