Unknown to E.R.S. Canby, July 7, 1861

Col. E. R. S. CANBY, Commanding Department, Santa Fé, N. Mex. :

COLONEL: Ireceived your dispatehes yesterday by Lieutenant Hall, and was very much astonished to receive such proofs of treachery against Colonel Loring. I had always believed him to be a man of the most unflinching honor and integrity. I was not so much disappointed in Major Sibley. Ithink the extracts inclosed do great injustice to the officers at this post. Ifully believe that every officer at this post will do their whole duty as long as they retain their commissions in our Army, though some may intend to resign soon. I believe that if the post had been attacked before my arrival, Captain Garland would have fought with his command to the last extremity.

This fort is very badly situated for defense. It i& placed in a basin surrounded by sand hills, at least half the circumference of the circle, and they are covered by a dense growth of chaparral. These sand hills completely command the post, and render it indefensible against a force

supplied with artillery. .A force of a thousand men could approach it

within 500 yards under perfect cover.

As yet I have not been able to make myself acquainted with the surrounding localities, but I am now of the opinion thatif Texas should make a strong effort to overcome Arizona, it’ would be poliey to withdraw our force beyond the Jornada to Fort Craig, as I do not think this post or the valley worth the exertion to hold it. If no more troops reach F’ort Bliss I do not think they will attempt any aggressive movement against this Territory other than theft or robbery, yet I shall be on my guard at all times. I shall make an effort to raise a company of – volunteers, but am not able to say with what success. I presume you e NOS before this of the departure of Colonel Loring prior to my arrival. $

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. LYNDE,