W. M. J. L. Nicodemus to William Chapman, October 22, 1861

Santa Fé, N. Mex., October 22, 1861. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM CHAPMAN, Commanding Fort Union, N. Mex. :

SIR: As the force in this part of the department has been untimely reduced, the colonel commanding desires that the utmost vigilance be observed in watching the country east of Fort Union, and particularly the approaches by the Canadian and Red Rivers, pushing your patrols and scouts from Fort Union and Hatch’s ranch in all directions far “T CnaP. XL] – CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.— UNION.

enough to give you timely notice of any approach from that quarter. These parties should be out continually, and so arranged as to leave no interruption of watchfulness. Whenever necessary, you will call upon Major Paul for any additional mounted force that you may need in addition to that belonging to your own command. Require Major Baca to make constant reports at least tri-weekly, using some of his mounted men for that purpose..

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,