John R. Baylor to Henry E. McCulloch, November 10, 1861

Col. H. E. MCCULLOCH, Commanding Department of Texas, San Antonio, Tex.:

SIR: I have nothing new to report as to the movements of the enemy. My spies report that there are sixteen companies at Fort Craig and three within thirty miles of the fort, and that every effort is being made to enlist the Mexicans, who are much divided on the subject of making war upon Texans or of taking any part in the war atall. There exists, too, disaffection among the regular troops, who have not been paid, many of them for one year and a half. There is a large train at Craig and quantities of supplies are being hauled there. All this would indicate that the enemy intend to make a move of some sort. I shall have them watched closely, and, should they come down, I have my supplies at Bliss, and transportation ready to move it down to Quitman or Davis, if necessary. I shall, with my mounted force, push to Santa Fé, and hold the country until the arrival of General Sibley. A party of citizens from California, who have joined my forces, report great excitement in Southern California, They know of no troops marching

*Seo September 24, p. 632, for Arizona, but say that Fort Yuma is being strongly re-enforced. I am convinced that a strong force stationed in Western Arizona would enable us to get hundreds of good Southern men, well armed and mounted, who are anxious to join our cause, and this would enable us to watch Sonora, and prevent United States troops from crossing that State, and, what is of importance, open communication with Guaymas and other posts on the Pacific, where we must, of necessity, get most of our supplies. I will keep you advised of all matters here, and act as circumstances may direct.

I have the honor to be, respectfully,