W. M. J. L. Nicodemus to E. Otis, October 27, 1861

Santa Fé, N. Mex., October 27, 1861.

Capt. E. Otis, Fourth Cavalry, Comdg. Fort Wise, Colo. :

SIR: Your communication of the 17th instant has been received, and I am instructed by the colonel commanding to say that your action in suspending the removal of Company C, Tenth Infantry, is approved. Upon the arrival of a sufficient volunteer force to render your position perfeetly secure, he desires that this company may then be sent to Fort Union. It is not his intention to give any orders in relation to your command, exeept such as may be necessary and incident to its position in keeping open the communication with the Missouri frontier or in carrying out the instructions of the commander of the Western Department, but will give any orders or assume any responsibility in relation ‘ to your post that you may consider necessary. Fort Wise is so important (both as regards our Indian relations and our communications with the East) that it would be unwise to hazard these interests by withdrawing you from that post, and it is his intention that your own,

and probably both the cavalry companies, shall remain (even if a volun: :

teer force is furnished by Governor Gilpin) until affairs in that quarter are in a settled condition.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,