John R. Baylor to Henry Hopkins Sibley, October 25, 1861
October 25, 1861.
MEI Doña Aña, Ariz., October 25, 1861.
Brigadier-General SIBLEY :
SIR: The enemy, about 2,500 strong, are on the march for this place—
eleven companies of U. S. regulars and thirteen companies of New
Mexican volunteers. They havea battery of artillery. I shall be forced
_ to fall back, as my force is too weak to meet the enemy. Iam forwarding my supplies to Quitman, and will send them, if necessary, to Davis.
2E would respectfully urge that re-enforcements be sent at once, as the . supplies of this valley are of the utmost importance to us, and will be
consumed or destroyed by the enemy if they are allowed to remain. There is now a fine Supply of corn in the valley—enough to furnish two or three regiments. have on hand no corn and but little hay. I would not accumulate supplies for fear of an invasion. I can save most
-` of my commissary and hospital supplies. 1 have ordered corn thrown
into Davis in large quantities, for your use as well as mine, should I be forced there.
I get my intelligence from Santa Fé by three gentlemen well known as men of veracity. Messrs. Phillips and Battle are two of them. Battle says the officers told him that General Sumner was coming across from Guaymas, and was expected to meet Colonel Canby at Mesilla. 1 have
spies now on the road to ascertain if this is so, and will know soon.
The Mexican population are decidedly Northern in sentiment, and will avail themselves of the first opportunity to rob us or join the enemy. Nothing but a strong force will keep them quiet. I would again urge that re-enforcements cannot be too soon sent up. :
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Second Regt T. M. R.
EL Paso, October 27, 1861.
: . General H. H. SIBLEY, Commanding Sibley Brigade, dec. :
– SIR: The mail has just arrived here from San Antonio, and I am advised by Captain Walker, in command of Fort Bliss, that he will cause
it to return forthwith. Colonel Baylor’s dispatches will no doubt advise
you of the condition of affairs here at this time. We are looking for
Colonel Baylor with his entire force at any moment. The merchants