Lorenzo Thomas to G. A. GROW, Speaker of the House of Representatives, December 12, 1861

Hon. G. A. GROW, Speaker of the House of Representatives :

SIR: In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 4th instant, asking what measures have been, or ought to be, taken to expose and punish such of the officers now on parole as were guilty – of treason or cowardice in surrendering Fort Fillmore, in New Mexico, to an inferior force of Texas troops, I have the honor to inclose a report of the Adjutant-General, which, together with a copy of General Orders, No. 102, herewith, furnishes all the information in the possession of the

Department. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

[Inclosure. HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE, Washington, December 11, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the reference to this office of a resolution from the honorable the House of Representatives, dated December 4, 1861, asking what measures have been taken, or ought to be taken, “to expose and punish such of the Officers now on parole as were guilty of treason or cowardice” in the surrender of a ” force of United States troops,” under Maj. Isaac Lynde, in New Mexico, in July, 1861, “to an inferior force of Texas troops,” We.

In compliance with your instructions, I have the honor to report that Major Lynde was, by direction of the President of the United States, dropped from the rolls cf the Army, November 25, 1861, for the offense alluded to in the resolution. It is believed that no other officer of the command was in any way involved in the suspicion of complicity in the offense, and the commanding officer, Major Lynde, was the only person on whom the responsibility could rest.

The resolution is herewith respectfully returned, together with a copy – of General Orders, No. 102.

Respectfully submitted.