x JOHN S. FORD to - Col. JOHN S. FORD, November 11, 1861

Fort Brown, Tex., November 11, 1861.

Assistant Adjutant-General, O. 8. A., San Antonio, Tex.: OAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, having received information from my spies of the presence of some: escaped prisoners of war near the mouth of the Rio Grande, I dispatched Captain Nolan and

Lieutenant Lively, with twenty-three men, to that point, with orders to

re v te – T. – de A FERIA x –

. retake them. They discharged the duty with prudence and propriety.

A copy of Captain Nolan’s report is inclosed. T shall send the prisoners to San Antonio with the train, which will return within a few days.

_ I have strong hopes of being able to recapture Colonel Anderson. A Lieutenant Williams, Second U. S. Cavalry, is reported to have been in Matamoras two days ago. I have spies on his track.

The Mexicans of Zapata County, who refused allegiance to the Confederate Government, are likely to give trouble. They are backed by a strong party in Guerrero, who avow the intention to take service with the North, should Mr. Lincoln send an invading force to the Rio

Grande. They are waiting an opportunity to make a descent upon

the loyal citizens living.on this bank of the river, and, should the mounted force be removed, they will do much mischief. The recent attempt is an evidence of their hostility. The prompt action of Captain

Brewin checked them. For further particulars you are respectfully referred to his report. In regard to the property mentioned, I shall

call the attention of the Confederate authorities to the fact, and let

them take the proper steps in the matter. – I have endeavored to avoid all chances of collision with the Mexican authorities, to prevent giving them offense, and to preserve neutrality between the contending parties. To effect these objects I issued an order, and forwarded the portion concerning Mexican affairs to Colonel Capistrom. I forward a copy of the order, of the note, and of Colonel Capistrom’s answer; also a copy of the order placing Lieutenant Lively on duty as post adjutant.* y

The companies of Captains Wilkie and Creuzbar will arrive to-morrow. The mounted companies are encamped at Rancho Viejo, 7 miles

distant. They are in one camp, for the purpose of exercising them in .

the battalion drill. . The work is progressing on the fort. I understand Lieutenant-Colonel Buchel, Major Gray, and Captain Settle arrived this evening,

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

x JOHN S. FORD,
Colonel, Commanding.
{Inclosure.]
Fort Brown, TEX., November 9, 1861.
– Col. JOHN S. FORD
Comdy. Rio Grande Military District, Fort Brown, Tex. :
Sir: I have the honor to report that in accordance with your instruetions I left this post on the 6th inst., accompanied by Lieutenant
Lively, of Captain Buquor’s company, and twenty-three men of my