John R. Baylor to Commander Department Of Texas, October 25, 1861

_ COMMANDER DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS:

SIR: I hasten to inform you that my spies have returned from New Mexico, bringing the intelligence that Colonel Canby, with 2,500 men

. and a battery of flying artillery, are en route to this plaee. I shall be

compelled to fall back, as my force is too weak to meet them.. I have

petitioned time and again for re-enforcements to prevent this disaster, – to all of which a deaf ear has been turned. I have only to add that the

abandonment of the country will necessarily be attended with a great . Sacrifice of property, and subject the friends of our cause to persecution — and ruin. If it is the wish of the colonel commanding the department

that Arizona should be abandoned, and I presume it is, he can con-

. gratulate himself upon the consummation of that event.

The colonel commanding the department informs me iri his last orders

to me that in case of invasion I can make such disposition as I think

proper of the troops on my line, Se. This is liberal, when it is remembered that the troops of the enemy are but little over 100 miles from me and my re-enforcements scattered for 500 miles.

It is unnecessary to ask for re-enforcements, as I presume they are not to be had. I shall therefore fall back, and await the arrival of Brigadier-General Sibley. :

Respectfully, &c., ;