Siletz Indian Agency, December 16, 1861 to Governor of the State of Sonora, December 16, 1861

SPECIAL ORDERS, } HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
December 16, 1861.
No. 235. San Francisco, Cal., December 16, 1861. 1. Company A, Third Artillery, Lieut. John B. Shinn commanding, will be sent without delay to Benicia Barracks, where it will be mounted and equipped as light artillery. * * E] * * * * By order of Brigadier-General Wright:

Assistant Adjutant- General.

Fort Bliss, Tex., December 16, 1861. His Excellency the GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SONORA:

SIR: Upon assuming command of the military forces of the Confederate States upon the frontier, I deem it of the first importance to come, if possible, to a frank and candid agreement with the government of the contiguous Mexican States in regard to certain matters which will necessarily concern the future relations of our respective Republics. In opening communications with Your Excellency upon these subjects, it is my first and most agreeable duty to assure you, as I most sincerely do, that the governments of the Confederate States and of the State of Texas are solicitous of cultivating with the Mexican Republic, and the several States composing it, relations not merely of peace, but of amity and good will. The maintenance of such rela. tions is a manifest necessity to the political and commercial well-being of countries whose common boundaries aud mutual intercourse are so

extensive as those of the northern States of Mexico and the Confederate States. Nothing shall be omitted on my part to inaugurate and preserve, as far as in my option, this policy of my Government, and I eutertain the hope that reciprocal motives will actuate yourself, sir, and the other high functionaries intrusted with the public affairs of the States of Mexico. Entertaining these views, I regret to be compelled to ask Your Excellency’s attention to certain statements which purport to emanate from the public journals of the City of Mexico and Vera Cruz to the effect that by some treaty or convention entered into within the last few months by the Central Government of Mexico and the Federal Government of the United States, the right has been conceded by the former to the latter to march troops and munitions of war across the territories of the Mexican States for the purpose of employing such troops and munitions in the war now pending between the United States and the Confederate States. It is incumbent upon me to ask from Your Excellency an explanation whether or not such a treaty or convention exists, or is recognized and respected by the government of Sonora. If Your Excellency shall apprise me such a right has been conceded to the enemy with whom my Government is at war, and that such a right is respected by the government of your State, the further duty will devolve upon me of informing Your Excellency in a future communication of the consequences which are to be apprehended in case the United States shall attempt to avail themselves of the facilities so afforded them to the injury of the States I have the honor to serve. I consider it proper to communicate officially to Your Excellency, as I have the honor now of doing, the fact that the forces under my command have now and for some time have had full possession of the region of country known as Arizona, and comprising the towns and settlements of the Mesilla Valley. It is no doubt a fact well known to Your Excellency that the settlements of Arizona have been long subject to frequent incursions from the hostile Indians who infest the frontiers to the great injury of your people, as well as ours. These Indians upon committing depredations within one jurisdiction have been in the habit of seeking refuge within the other. It appears to me that a system of co-operation can be easily devised between Your Excellency and myself by which, without the least offense or injury to our respective governments or people, an ample retribution can be inflicted upon these enemies of the humanrace. I propose to you that the troops of either government shall be at liberty to pursue them within the territory of the other, the pursuing force to report as early as practicable their purpose and strength to the nearest military post of the country within which it shall have entered. By concerted action of our respective forces upon such a basis it would seem certain that these predatory tribes can be effectually subjected or exterminated. Should this proposition meet Your Excellency’s concurrence I shall hold myself ready to embody it in any more solemn form that may be preferred by you. During the operations of my army it may become expedient to procure, by purchase from the market of Sonora, supplies for my forces. In that case I entertain the hope that the comities recognized and practiced between friendly governments will be extended to my agents. I would be pleased if Your Excellency would concede to me the right, under such reasonable regulations as you may desire, of establishing a depot in the port of Guaymas, and of transit from thence through the territory of your State. It is easy to see the immense advantages which must in a very brief period accrue to your people from such facilities, and I am prepared to give you, in any form you may suggest, the amplest guarantees that they shall not be abused. With high consideration, I am, Your Excellency’s obedient servant,

Brigadier-General, C. S. Army, Commanding Army of New Mexico.

Fort Hoskins, Oreg., December 16, 1861—4 p. m. Colonel CADY, Commanding District of Oregon :

COLONEL: On receiving the inclosed dispatches from the Indian agent at the Siletz block-house, which is about thirty-five miles from the post, Capt. J. O. Schmidt, the permanent commander of this post, immediately started with one-half the command (twenty-one men of Company D, Fourth Infantry, included), at this post. I then immediately dispatched an express to Fort Yamhill for more men to assist in garrisoning this post, as we are led to infer that this move is a preconcerted plan to withdraw the troops from this post so as to attack both at once, as we are threatened every day.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

First Lieut., Second Infty. California Vols., Commanding Post.
[Inclosure No. 1.]
SILETZ INDIAN AGENCY, December 16, 1861.
COMMANDING OFFICER AT FORT HOSKINS, OREG.:
SIR: From recent information of a very reliable character, and from
personal observations, I am induced to believe that an outbreak is contemplated among the Indians under my charge at no very distant day,
and in view of this fact, and for the purpose of warding off danger, I
would respectfully suggest that the military force at the block-house