G. R. Paul to LORENZO LABADI, Las Cruces, N. Mez, June 16, 1861
June 16, 1861.
June 16, 1861. ACTING ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, ; Headquarters Department New Mexico, Santa Fé, N. Mex. : SIR: I have the honor to report that the bad faith of Texas in capturing the United States troops who were within the limits of the State, after having made a solemn agreement that they should be permitted.
“Car, XI] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.
to leave the country unmolested ; also the invasion by Texas militia of the Indian Territory, and the occupation by them of Forts Washita and Arbuckle, and again the expected occupation of Fort Bliss by four companies of Texas militia, renders this frontier peculiarly important.
In connection with the above it may be proper to state that a Convention was held in Mesilla on the 16th of Mareh, 1861, purporting to be a “Convention of the people of Arizona,” acting separately from the government of the Territory of New Mexico, repudiating the United States, and attaching themselves to the Confederate States. I considered the whole transaction as a farce, and treated it with silent contempt, determined, however, if they attempted to carry out any of their resolutions by resisting or interfering with any of the United States civil officers, that I would protect the latter and punish the former.
Yesterday Mr. L. Labadi, the United States agent for the Indians near Tueson, showed me a paper (a copy of which is inclosed), saying that it was handed to him by Mr. Kelly, editor of the Mesilla Times, who was accompanied by three other citizens of Mesilla, who threatened to _ tar and feather him if he attempted to exercise the duties of his office. _ [promised Mr. Labadi military protection should any attempt be made
against his person.
The paper referred to is the sixth resolution of the Convention, in which they do not recognize the United States Government, and bind themselves to resist any officer appointed by said Government with whatever means in their power. The signatures of the document are also appended to the petition to the governor of New Mexico begging him to use his influence to have United States troops stationed in Mesilla for the protection of its citizens. Now that their fears are allayed with reference to an alleged invasion from Mexico, they are secretly engaged in fomenting opposition to the United States, and when the four comanies of Texas militia reach Fort Bliss difficulties may be reasonably
prehended, and I therefore recommend that a stronger force be stationed here to overawe any attempt on this post. Two additional companies would probably be sufficient. ;
I think it proper to state that inducements are held out to our men to desert, with their horses, arms, &c., by seeret agents of Texas. They are told that it is not desertion to quit the United States Army and to join the South, and that they will be paid all arrearages due them, &c.
Thus far I am happy to report that there has been no discontent among the men, and the discipline of the command is perfect. “They are now engaged in target practice.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brevet Major, U. S. Army, Comdg. Post.
[Inelosure.]
MESILLA, 14 de Junio de 1861.
Dr. LORENZO LABADI, Las Cruces, N. Mez.:
The sixth resolution of a Convention held in the city of Mesilla, Ariz.,
the 16th day of March, 1861, is as follows:
Kesolved, That we will not recognize the present Black Republican administration,