E.R.S. Canby to Assistant Adjutant-General, July 29, 1861

A ‘ Santa Fé, N. Mex., July 29, 1861.

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

E SIR: I have the honor to report that thus far only twelve of the – volunteer companies called for in this department have been organized, and that the enrollment of the others is progressing very slowly. -It

is certain that a sufficient force cannot be raised to hold the posts in

Dotia Atia and Arizona Counties, and it is questionable whether Fort _ Stanton can be retained. The withdrawal of the regular troops will – leave the lower counties entirely exposed to Indian and Texan depreN dations, and the upper country to invasion by two routes that are now covered by Forts Fillmore and Stanton. My opinion of the result of – such an invasion, if opposed only by New Mexico volunteers, has already _ been communicated through Captain Wainwright.

“d The troops from the most distant posts are being withdrawn as – rapidly as the circumstances of the country and the slow organization — of the volunteers will permit, but a strong force will be kept at Fort

Stanton and Fort Fillmore until the troops have been withdrawn and the publie property removed from the most exposed points.

The disturbed state of the lower country and the difficulty of procuring transportation will delay these movements, but I expect that – the first column (six companies of infantry and four of cavalry) will be ~ in readiness to march from Fort Union by or soon after the middle of X. next month. E – — Indian depredations, particularly in Arizona, continue to be very fre- . quent. In other respects the state of affairs has not materially changed . since my last report.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,