ED. R. S. Canby to Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding Department, January 13, 1862

Belen, N. Mex., January 13, 1862.

The ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF tu9jóE ARMY, Washington, D. O.: SIR: The last mail from the East brought information from private sources that the paymaster who was understood to be on his way to

this country with funds for the payment of the troops has been detained at Fort Leavenworth, and that no funds would be sent out until spring

Whether this report be true or not, the effect of this circulation throu gh the country at this time will be exceedingly unfortunate, and itis greatly to be apprehended that the volunteer forces already organized will melt away by desertion, and the people of New Mexico will be rendered still more apathetic than they now are, even if the disaffected of both classes are not stimulated into active opposition to the Government. – The Mexican people have no affection for the institutions of the United States; they have a strong, but hitherto restrained, hatred for the Americans as a race, and there are not wanting persons who, from the commencement of their troubles, have secretly but industriously endeavored to keep alive all the elements of discontent and fan them into flames. The long-deferred payment of the volunteers has given so much plausibility and coloring to their representation as to have produced .a marked and pernicious influence upon these ignorant and impulsive people.

Without crediting these reports, 1 think it proper to state that, unless measures are taken at an early period to remove these causes of dissatisfaetion, the consequences will bein the highest degree injurious to the interests of the Government.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Colonel Nineteenth Infantry, Commanding Department.