ED. R. S. Canby, October 4, 1861

Santa Fé, N. Mex., October 4, 1861.

SIR: The picket skirmishing referred to in my last report of the 29th ultimo resulted in the capture of the captains and lieutenants, 9 men of Captain Minks’ company of mounted volunteers, 3 wagons, and 18 mules. The first lieutenant and the remainder of the company made their escape with their arms and all the horses of the company. The guard duty was negligently performed and the party was eompletely surprised ; no one killed or wounded. Captain Morris, Third Cavalry, with 100 men of that regiment, was sent in pursuit of the Texans, and after a rapid march of 80 miles found them strongly posted and protected by a barricade of fallen timber. A short skirmish ensued, which lasted until Captain Morris had exhausted his ammunition, when he withdrew his command and sent back for ammunition. The Texans — availed themselves of this opportunity to make their escape. Their cap- — tain, 10 men, and 22 horses were killed, 30 men and a large number of horses wounded. In Captain Morris’ command 3 men were wounded. The pursuing troops left Fort Craig hastily, and with only the ammuni- – tion in their cartridge boxes. With the exception of this oversight the affair was conducted with judgment and skill, and Captain Morris compliments the officers and men for great gallantry. The parties engaged were about equal in strength. )

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