Unknown to James S. Wadsworth, December 14, 1861

Santa Fé, N. Mex., December 14, 1861. The ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C. :

SIR: I have the honor to report that there has been no change in the position and number of the Confederate troops in the Mesilla Valley. The information from that quarter is as late as the 7th instant. No material changes within the department have,taken place since my last report. The attitude assumed by the Indians on the Arkansas has rendered it necessary to detach a mounted force (80 men) from Fort Union for the protection of the trains on the road to this country. The best instructed of the volunteer troops are being put in position as fast as they can be replaced by raw troops, to support the movement upon the Mesilla Valley, which I hope soon to be able to make. I shall leave in a few days for the southern part of the Territory, for the purpose of seeing that the preparations for this object are as complete and perfect as possible.

Our operations are still greatly embarrassed by the want of transportation. The arrival of mules from the East in a few days will probably enable us to overcome this difficulty.

The contractors for supplying horses for the regular and volunteer cavalry have failed entirely, in consequence of the disturbed condition of affairs on the Western frontier. New contracts have been made, and it is hoped that the contractors will prove more successful.

Detailed estimates for supplies in the different staff departments are now being prepared and will be forwarded in a few days.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,