Edwin A. Rigg to James H. Carleton, March 27, 1862

Col. JAMES H. CARLETON, Commanding Southern District, Los Angeles, Cal. :

COLONEL: I had the honor to inform you in a hasty note that I had received information of a large force of troops passing through the mountains, ostensibly on their way to Tucson—seventeen companies, 100 strong, 400 of whom are New Mexicans. I have since had further conversation with the person who brought me the information, and find that 200 miles above here, on the Colorado River, he fell in with eight Americans and two Spaniards or Sonorans, The Americans were all Northern men leaving for California on account of their Union proclivities, knowing that troops were coming this way (this is their story).

The Spaniards intended to remain on the river to mine. Upon reflection, and believing that troops were seen in that direction coming from Santa Fé, or in that direction, they could only be Confederate troops, coming for one purpose, viz, Yuma. They could come through what is known as the Zuni Pass, between the Sierra Blanca and Mogollon Mountains, striking the Salina River and following it down to the adjoining territory known as German Ehrenberg’s map (issued in 1858 from his private notes), and those of Colonel Gray, Major Heintzelman, Lieutenant Parke, and others, I find a trail laid down running through that pass by the Pimas to San Xavier, nine miles south of Tucson. If the troops are our own, they would, if successful at Craig, come that trail, perhaps, to cut off troops at Tucson. If Sibley has given battle at Craig, and was successful, he would, knowing that Hunter was at Tucson, follow up in that direction direct or take the trail mentioned above, to avoid being discovered, with a view of reaching Yuma before re-enforcements could reach here. From where he could strike the Gila, following the Salina to its mouth, he would not have over ten days’ forced marches. They are provided with pack animals only. Mr. Weaver knows the country well, and assures me that they can not cross anywhere but at that point. He has gone up himself to follow in that direction for information for me, and I will hear from him in seven days. I have thought it best to inform you of this immediately. Should they be Confederate troops, we will give them a fight from Grinnel’s all the way down. I respectfully submit this to the colonel commanding for what it is worth. I sent Mr. George Martin into Sonora last night. He will push his scouts through the Papagos toward Tucson and Pimas, and assures me that in five days he can give me positive information about troops being there and the number of them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,