J. M. McNulty to Hpers. Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, August 14, 1862

No. 15. § Las Cruces, N. Mex., August 14, 1862.

I. Commanders of towns will at once establish sanitary regulations, and require them to be observed by the inhabitants and by the troops, so far as the policing of the streets and the keeping of their dwellings, quarters, stores, corrals, &c., in a state of cleanliness may be necessary to their health and comfort. Frequent inspections will be made by commanding officers or by a medical officer under his direction, to see that in all respects these regulations are followed.

II. It is expected that all of the inhabitants living along the Rio Grande southward from the Jornada del Muerto to Fort Bliss, in Texas, will, at the earliest practicable moment, repair their dwellings and clean up their streets.

The people may now rest assured that the era of anarchy and misrule— when there was no protection to life or property, when the wealthy were plundered, when the poor were robbed and oppressed, when all were insulted and mal reated, and when there was no respect for age or sex—has passed away; that now, under the sacred banner of our country, all may claim and shall receive their just rights. Therefore Jet the burden of anxiety be lifted from their hearts, and once more Jet them pursue their avocations with cheerfulness, and with the full confidence that the protection which now shelters them from injustice will always be stronger in proportion as they shall be powerless to protect themselves. .

The success of the march of this column was dependent upon two things: First, the endurance of the men; second, the care taken of them. From the first organization of the column the constant care of General Carleton was given it; the health of the men first, discipline next. Constantly watchful, the minutest detail received his personal attention. Every movement was based upon calculation; nothing avoidable left to chance. To conduct this expedition successfully required a clear head, sound judgment, indomitable will, and perseverance. All these General Carleton possesses in an eminent degree. It will not be too much to say that there are probably few men in the United States Aimy so well fitted to command an expedition of this kind. A military experience of more than twenty years, a great portion of it spent on our frontiers, has made him familiar by experience with the wants and requirements of men in desert marching. In this march everything was reduced to the smallest possible compass. No tents were used by officers or men during the whole march. Two wagons were allowed to a company. In these were carried camp and garrison equipage, ten days’ rations, mess furniture—everything belonging to a company. Every article was weighed. Officers, from the general down, carried but eighty pounds of baggage, including bedding, mess kit, &c. The troops suffered very little from sickness. The mortality was very small. Not one single death occurred on the march of the column from the

Pacific Ocean to the Rio Grande, from the 13th of April to the Sth of August, and but five deaths from disease in hospital during this time— two at Fort Barrett and three at Tucson. Every possible care was observed to guard against sickness. This, together with the splendid material of the men, will account for the success of the expedition and the slight mortality from disease attending it. General Carleton, on relinquishing the immediate command of the column, published the following general order, viz:

GENERAL ORDERS, } HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW Mexico, No. 85. f Santa Fé, N. Mex., September 21, 1862.

In entering upon the duties that remove him from immediate association with the troops constituting the Column from California the commandıng general desires to express his grateful acknowledgment of the conduct and services of the officers and men of that command. Traversing a desert country, that has heretofore been regarded as impracticable for the operations of largo bodies of troops, they have reached their destination, and accomplished the object assigned them, not only without loss of any kind, but improved in discipline, in morale, and in every other element of efficiency. That patient and cheerful endurance of hardships, the zeal and alacrity with which they have grappled with and overcome obstacles that would have been insurmountable to any but troops of the highest physical and moral energy, the complete abnegation of self and subordination of every personal consideration to the grand object of our hopes and efforts, give the most absolute assurance of success in any field or against any enemy.

California has reason to be proud of the sons she has sent across the continent to assist in the great struggle in which our country is now engaged.

The commanding general is requested by the officer who preceded him in the command of this department to express for him the gratification felt by every officer and soldier of his command at the fact that troops from the Atlantic and Pacific slope, from the mountains of California and Colorado, acting in the same cause, impelled by the same duties, and animated by the same hopes, have met and shaken hands in the center of this great continent.

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding Department.

Very respectfully,