W. M. J. L. Nicodemus to M. E. Pino, January 17, 1862

Col. M. E. Pino, Camp Connelly, Polvadera, N. Mex. :

Sir: The colonel commanding the department has learned through Captain Archer that there has been a serious revolt in two of the coinpanies of your regiment, the men engaged in it alleging that they have not been paid and clothed as they were promised. Without stopping to inquire into the correctness of these complaints, he instructs me to say that all such mutinous conduct or tendencies must at once be suppressed by the most energetie measures, and all who have partieipated in the proceeding, either directly or indirectly, reduced to the most absolute subordination to law and discipline. {ín doing this, you should –

make such an exhibition of foree as will prevent any attempt to resist, but if resistance is offered, force must be used to the extent that may be necessary in order to overcome resistance and compel absolute submission. Until this is accomplished, no eoneession or compromise can for a moment be entertained.

The colonel commanding cannot believe that so serious a revolt as –

this is represented to be would have been undertaken if it had not been prompted and encouraged by designing and traitorous persons opposed to the Government of the United States, but too cowardly to undertake the risk of doing in person what they have prompted others to do, and he desires that y8u will rigidly investigate this matter, and ascertain, if possible, who have been the ringleaders of the revolt.

Should you need any additional force to enable you to carry out your instructions fully, you will at once report by special express.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,