University of California Berkeley 36TH CONGRESS, ) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. J Ex. Doc. 1st Session. S ) No. 69. INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TRANSMITTING, In compliance with a resolution of ihe House, information concerning Indian hostilities in the Territory of New Mexico. APRIL 16, 1860. Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed. WASHINGTON, April 12, 1860. To the House of Eepresentatives : I transmit, herewith, a report of the Secretary of War, with its ac- companiments, communicating the information called for by the reso- lution of the House of Representatives of the 20th ultimo, respecting Indian hostilities in .New Mexico. JAMES BUCHANAN. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 12, 1860. SIR : In compliance with the resolution in the House of Represen- tatives of the 20th ultimo, hy which " the President of the United I States is requested to communicate to th e House any information he may have concerning Indian hostilities in the Territory of New Mexi- co/' I have the honor to transmit, herewith, copies of the papers named in the accompanying list, containing all the information, in possession of this department, embraced in the terms of the resolution; which is herewith returned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. FLOYD, To the PRESIDENT. Secretary of War. INDIAN HOSTILITIES IX NEW MEXICO. List of papers accompanying letter from the Secretary of War, of April 12, 1860, relating to Indian hostilities in Neiv Mexico. 1. Colonel Bonneville to General Scott, September 25, 1859. a. To Captain Granger, July 5. b. To Major Simonson, August 7. c. To same, August 12. d. To same, same date. e. To same, August 14 /. To same, September 7. 2. Same to same, October 31, 1859. a. From Major Shepherd, October 14. b. From Major Buff, October 24. 3. Colonel Fauntleroy to same, November 6, 1859. a. From Major Buff, October 26. 4. Same to same, November 25, 1859. a. From Major Sbepherd, November 13. 5. Same to same, December 3, 1859. a. From Major Sbepherd, November 19. b. From Lieutenant Whipple, November 19. 6. Same to same, December 11, 1859. a. From Captain Elliot, October 22. b. From Colonel Keeves, November 27. c. Lieut Cook to Col. Reeves, November 27. d. Captain Elliot to same, November 27. e. Lieutenant Lord to same, November 27. /. Lieutenant McNeill to same, November 27. 7. Same to same, December 12, 1859. a. From Major Simonson, December 9. 8. Same to same, January 8, 1860. a. Lieut. McNeill to Captain Elliot, December 7, 1859. 9. The Adjutant General to Colonel Fauntleroy, January 10, 1860. 10. Col. Fauntleroy to Gen. Scott, January 22/1860. a. From Captain McLane, January 6. 11. Same to same, January 29, 1860. a. From Major Shepherd, January 17. b. To same, January 27. 12. Same to same, February 10, 1860. a. From Colonel Reeves, January 3. 13. Same to same, February 19, 1860. a. From Captain Hatch, Feb. 7. b. From Colonel Porter, Feb. 11. c. General orders, Feb. 18. 14. The Ajutant General to Colonel Fauntleroy, Feb. 25, 1860. 15. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott, March 4, 1860. a. From Lieutenant Dickinson, Jan. 25. b. From Major Shepherd, Feb. 14. c. Orders, February 12. 16. Gen. Scott to Col. Fauntleroy, March 29, 1860. INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 8 T/tefolloiving papers ivere furnished by the Department of the Interior. 17. Mr. Collins to Mr. Greenwood, October 16, 1859. 18. Same to same, Nov. 27, 1859. a. Mr. Kendrick to Major Shepherd, October 25. 19. Same to same, Dec. 5, 1859. a. Proceedings of meeting at Las Vegas. 20. Mr. Greenwood to Mr. Thompson, Dec. 24, 1859. 21. Same to same, Dec. 30. 1859. 22. Mr. Collins to Mr. Greenwood, Jan. 7. 1860. a. To Colonel Fauntleroy, Dec. 4, 1859. 23. Same to same, Jan. 29, 1860. 24. Same to same, Feb. 4, 1860. a. Resolutions of the Legislature of New Mexico. b. To Governor Rencher, Jan. 21. 25. Same to same^eb. 5, 1860. a. From Mr. Kendrick, Jan. 20. b. From same, Jan. 23. 26. Same to same, Feb 10, 1860. 27 Same to same, Feb. 12, 1860. 28. Same to same, Feb. 19, 1860. 29. Mr. Greenwood to Mr. Thompson, March 2, 1860. 30. Same to same, March 23, 1860. 31. Same to Mr. Collins, March 26, 1860. 1. Colonel Bonnerville to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPT. OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. M. Sept'r. 25, 1859. COLONEL : I have the honor to enclose for the information of the Lieutenant General-ia-chief, copies of instructions sent from these headquarters. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. L. E. BONNEVILLE, Colonel 3d Infantry, Comg. Dept. Lieut. Col. L THOMAS. A. A.G., Headquarters of the army, Neiv York City. I a. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, July 5, 1859. CAPTAIN : Captain Claiborne having reported the Indians in the vicinity of the Canadian to be hostile, I send you the enclosed order. The department commander directs that the command travel as light as possible, and be furnished with provisions and transportation sufficient to reach Albuquerque, where directions have been given to 4 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. re-supply it. The transportation, taken from your post or hired, will be returned from Albuquerque. Sufficient provisions will be taken from Albuquerque to reach Hatch's ranch, where a depot is already established. As the command may have to operate from Hatch's ranche, they will take along a sufficient supply of pack saddles. The department commander leaves it to your option to go on the expedition as the officer designated or to send an officer. This order is not to interfere with the detail of Captain Hatch and the men already ordered with him from your post. You will notify these headquarters by express of the departure of the command designated in the enclosed order. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN K. WILKINS. First Lieut. Third Infantry, A. A. A. G. Brt. Capt. JORDON GRANGER, First Lieut. R. M. R., Comdg. Fort Crai&N. M. 1 b. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, August 7, 1859. MAJOR : Your communication of July IT has been submitted to the department commander, who directs me to state in reply that Mr. Kendrick, the newly appointed agent for the Navajoes, has arrived here and will shortly leave for Fort Defiance ; he will carry out fur- ther instructions from the Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Instructions will be sent you at the same time. As there is a possibility that war may ensue, you cannot be too diligent in obtaining every information in regard to the country. It would also be advisable to keep your command fully prepared to strike a decisive blow at any moment. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. WILKINS, First Lieut. Third Infantry, A. A. A. G. To Major J. S. SIMONSON, R. M. R., Comdg. Fort Defiance, N. M. 1 c. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, August 12, 1859. MAJOR : The department commander directs me to inform you that the new agent for the Navajoes, Mr. Kendrick, carries out further in- structions from the Superintendent of Indian Affairs in regard to those Indians. Upon his application you will take possession of any In- dians or flocks he may designate, and hold them subject to his orders. Should he require you to punish any one party of the Indians, you will do so ; but this is not to be considered as a declaration of war INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXECO. 5 against the whole nation, the department commander reserving to himself the right to declare a general war against the Navajoes after consultation with the Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Should you, however, observe a general uprising among the Indians, you will immediately commence hostilities. Under such circumstances you cannot act too promptly. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. WILKINS. First Lieut. Third Infantry, A. A. A. G. Major J. S. SIMONSON, JR. M. R., Comdg. Fort Defiance, N. M. I d. ^ HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, August 12, 1859. MAJOR : The department commander directs me to say to you that when your command was ordered to the Navajoe country, it was ex- pected they would return about the 15th of September. Under pres- ent circumstances that will not be possible, unless the present diffi- culties terminate, of which you will advise these headquarters and await instructions. By this time your exploring parties have, no doubt, informed you of the nature of the country, and the places where the Indians cultivate, graze their animals, &c. ; and you must have formed some idea how the war, if it become a matter of necessity, can be carried on most successfully. From what the department commander saw last winter, he thinks Fort Defiance too far in the region of snow to be available as a depot for the troops to act from in the winter, for the Indians even declined attending the council on account of the depth of the snow. His idea is that Zuni on the south and Tunichey on the north would be nearer the wintering ground of the Indians, where the troops would have to go in search of them and their herds and their flocks, and that Fort Defiance could be left with merely a garrison sufficient to defend it. He requests your views on the subject. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. WILKINS, First Lieut. Third Infantry, A. A. A. G. I e. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, August 14, 1859. MAJOR : Your report and enclosures of August 3 were duly received and submitted to the department commander, who directs me to state that he is glad the Indians are desirous of complying with the agree- 6 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. rnents made with the Superintendent of Indian Affairs last December ; the report will he forwarded for the information of the General-in- chief. With regard to withdrawing the troops, he is of the opinion that now is the time to make a final adjustment of the Navajoe difficulties. As long as the Indian department are in negotiation on the suhject of peace or war, he cannot see how he can well withdraw the troops ; that in the meantime it is desirable you continue explorations. The Navajoes have been represented as the owners of large herds of horses and sheep, and it is probable with their desire for concealment you may not have seen all. It is necessary that this should be known to a certainty, as a basis for the Superintendent of Indian Affairs and himself to act on. Last winter it was frequently reported that the Navajoes had driven large numbers of their animals sixty miles south of Zuni, also to the waters of the Chiquito Colorado, and on the northern slope of the Sierra Blanco ; others represented that they were hid to the north and northwest of Mogin, and that Cayatano's band took refuge to the north of the San Juan. From your representations of the late rains and the coming up of the grass, this is probably the time when examinations of these por- tions can be most readily made. It is well understood that grass is deficient in the neighborhood of Fort Defiance on account of its ele- vation. Last winter it was covered with deep snow, whilst in the distant valleys and plains there was no snow and an abundance of grass, and there it was where the Indians were supposed to have win- tered their stock. He suggests that in case you should find it impos- sible to carry sufficient provisions on your pack mules to explore these distant places, why it would not be advisable to load all your wagons, mules, and horses, if necessary, and establish a depot on the Mogins, on the Chiquito Colorado, or at Zuni, and from either as a centre con- tinue your explorations? Should it be necessary to hire Moqui, Zuni, or other Indians as guides for this purpose, you are authorized to do so. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. WILKINS, First Lieut. Third Infantry, A. A. A. G. Major J. S. SIMONSON, E. M. R., Comdg. Fort Defiance, N. M. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, September 7, 1859. MAJOR : The department commander directs me to inform you that a report has reached him that Guerro, having some papers supposed to be for these headquarters, was set upon by a party of Indians, at present unknown, and has not since been heard of. He also directs me to say that the report of Captain Schroeder, INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 7 third infantry, does not meet his approval in this much, that he ap- pears to regard the object of his scout as a trivial matter, whereas the department commander thinks a great deal of importance would have attended its success. In addition to this, forwarded as it has heen to the headquarters of the army, it may be looked upon in a different light from what he (Capt. S.) supposes, and reflect upon others. I am directed also to say that you mention " there are some ten or twelve men in the nation who do all the stealing." If you can catch some of them, and hang two or three, it will have a salutary effect on the whole tribe. The department commander desires you to write by every mail and keep him informed of the state of affairs. I am. very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. WILKINS, First Lieut. Third Infantry, A. A. A. G. Major J. S. SLMONSON, E. M: R , Comdg. Fort Defiance, N. Jf. 2. Colonel Bonneville to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, October 31, 1859. COLONEL : In continuation of my former communications on the state of the Navajoe affairs, I have the honor to enclose for the information of the Lieutenant General-in-chief the following papers : A. Copy of Major Shepherd's report. B. Copy of my instructions to Major Ruff. In connexion with the above, I would state that the last year's re- quisition for clothing has not yet arrived in the department. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B L. E. BONNEVILLE, Col. Third Infantry, Comdg. Department. Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, A. A. G., Headquarters of Army, Neiv York City* 2 a. HEADQUARTERS, FORT DEFIANCE, NEW MEXICO, October 14, 1859. SIR : Your letter of the 2d instant directing me to commence hostile operations against the Navajoes has been received. The same mail brought department orders, No. 123, of the same date, relieving Major Simonton from command here and directing Major Ruff to proceed hither and assume command, but no order placed me in command of the troops in this region. By law and the regulations I am only the commander of this post until Major Ruff shall arrive. Your letter of the 2d instant only authorizes my command over the troops in the Nava- INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. joe country for one specified object, and this letter is not even address- ed to me as the commander of this station. I have nevertheless made an inspection of the animals of this command with a view to their condition for offensive operations. I have also considered very carefully that portion of your letter which declares the meditated at- tack as not designed as a "general war against the nation," and I have therefore respectfully to report the following : The animals are not in a (sufficiently good condition to continue hostile operations. An attack could be made, but there it would end ; because the service which should be exacted to make a telling blow would exhaust both horses and mules. The grass is getting poor and the weather so cold as to form ice every night. What would be re- quired of the animals in a hostile campaign is widely diiferent from their services during the exploration of past summer. The men also of the force outside the garrison have not clothing for enduring the cold nights on a campaign when fires are not permitted to be lit. And with respect to the contemplated blow not being a "general war against the nation," I have to report that no one who has ever been long enough here to know the character of the Navajoes can possibly doubt that it will have that result. The murderers and robbers re- ferred to in your letter may or may not reside in Tuniche valley or its vicinity, although they may have first gone there. One of them is quite positively known to live in Chelle ; and besides the people of Tuniche of to-day are not the same as of yesterday. At all events, it is well known that they are so closely allied to those this side of the mountain that it is impossible to make a strike upon them without its being regarded as a war upon all, and materially different from a con- flict and chastisement following an immediate and successful pursuit of a foraging band. Executing a campaign now would doubtless fall the most heavily upon some of the tribe who have spent the summer in riding about engaged in efforts to effect a fulfilment of the last treaty. Consider- ing, therefore, a general war as beyond all question an inevitable re- sult, it becomes my duty to apprise the department commander of it, and besides to offer some considerations which a presence here would force upon his mind. The blow which is directed in your letter, if ex- ecuted now, will result in the expenditure of a million of dollars, or thereabouts ; because after the blow is struck the offensive cannot be resumed by the troops ; and consequently three thousand Navajoe in- dian warriors will have it all their own way next spring, when a full preparation to combat them may be completed. This certain success over us which the climate and the strength and condition of these In- dians will secure for a period of six months, comprising the winter, and the always backward spring in this high altitude, will prolong a contest which should begin and terminate successfully in the other six months, that is to say, the warm months. These views are in my mind quite sufficient to justify a pause be- fore committing an act which will eventuate in such serious and mo- mentous consequences ; and I cannot deny myself the hope that the department commander will approve of delay a delay from which no harm can ensue, as the Indians can be attacked hereafter as well as INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 9 now, with this important difference, that an attack now will expose our weakness in not being prepared for a successful conflict, and thereby tend to confirm them in their conviction that they are the stronger party. Were not in fact some of these causes urged for a de- lay the main reasons for the armistice last November and December, which terminated in the treaty signed December 25, 1858? It can hardly be deemed amiss in me to suggest a continuance through the coming winter and spring of the conciliatory and temporizing policy adopted by the Indian Agent here for the past few months, reserving hostili- ties for next summer, when everything can be fully prepared. By staying the hand now, the Indians cannot possibly do more than dur- ing open warfare, when it will be impossible to resist them successfully until next summer. The main probability of the former case is, that their forays will extend only to the means of subsistence. In all the foregoing I do not consider solely the evils to the govern- ment, on the contrary the evils will fall heavily upon the settlements near the Kio Grande ; and here I may with propriety add, that I am not unaware that the mouthing politician and the land warrant spec- ulators, in office as well as those out, crave the very state of things of which I suggest an avoidance. Besides, it must be well known that there are in every town of this Territory great numbers of idle and vicious men, who desire enrolment as volunteers for the especial grati- fication of the same propensities as those of the Indians; not so much in a spirit of retaliation as of an instinct engendered by their idleness and irreflective character never looking to the future consequences during the winter season when they have no occupation. Your letter of the 5th inst., addressed to Major Simonson, reached here day before yester- day. Major Simonson had previously left the post for Albuquerque. Some remarks were anticipated upon the papers sent you by Major Simonson, the receipt of which you acknowledge. These papers men- tioned that the Indian Agent, Mr. Hendrick, had held another coun- cil, and had granted the Navajoe's further time for a settlement, &c. Your silence in regard to them, and also in regard to your pre- vious orders to me to begin hostilities, is surprising, and leaves me in doubt ; and your official announcement that Colonel Fauntleroy is ordered to command the military department does not relieve me from the difficulties which I find before me. I shall await an answer, or further orders, before proceeding to ex- tremities. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. L. SHEPHERD, Captain Third Infantry and Brevet Major commanding post. Lieut. J. D. WILKINS, Third Infantry, A. A. A. ., U. S. A., Department of N. M. 10 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN T NEW MEXICO. 2 b. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa fe, October 24, 1859. MAJOR : The department commander directs me to inform you that he has already advised the commanding officer of the troops in the Navajoe country of murders and depredations committed in the vicinity of Atrisca, and of the pursuit of the perpetrators in the direc- tion of Tuniche. This murder and depredation was also acknowl- edged by the Navajoes in the council held September 25th, as will he seen by Major Simonson's report of September 28th. The department commander hoped that the Indians would have been overtaken and punished by Captain Shroeder; in order to secure their punishment he further directed in case Captain Shroeder returned unsuccessful, that the whole of the available command should move to that part of the country, so that punishment might follow close upon the offence. Your attention is called to his instructions of the 2d instant, com- municated to Major Shepherd by Major Simonson ; also to his former instructions. He desires they should be carrried out. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. WILKINS, First Lieutenant Third Infantry, A. A. A. G. To Major C. F. RUFF, R M. R., Commanding Fort Defiance, N. M. 3. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, November G, 1859. COLONEL: I have the honor to state, for the information of the Lieu- tenant General-in-chief, that, on my arrival in this department, I found that the Navajoes, (Indians,) having been charged with the murder of several Mexicans and the commission of depredations upon the stock of the citizens of the Territory, a force, composed of the troops at Fort Defiance, and various detachments from different posts of 'the department, had been sent out to their country with the view of over- awing the Indians, and enforcing a compliance with certain treaty stipulations* made by them with the government. Actual hostilities had not been commenced. In this state of affairs, the enclosed copy, received at these headquarters, and marked A, will show the present con- dition of things in the Navajoe country, as reported by Major Ruff, regiment mounted riflemen, the officer in command of the troops in- tended for the field, and which report, together with a communication from the Superintendent of Indian affairs in New Mexico, and the known impossibility of procuring and furnishing supplies necessary to the successful prosecution of the campaign, induced the withdrawal of the force for the present from that country, excepting the regular garrison at Fort Defiance. I have been the more induced to this course of withdrawing the INDIAN HOSTILITIES IV NEW MEXICO. 11 troops, because it affords an opportunity to submit several matters touching the subject of war against the Indians on the borders of this department, to the Lieutenant General-in-chief, and to receive such instructions from the proper authority as will enable me to determine in future the ground upon which the commanding officer of this de- partment may, with propriety, make war or withold the interference of troops in the settlement of Indian difficulties. The greatest embarrassment arises from the fact that many of the claims set up against the Indians for plundering and stealing stock, &c., are either wholly fabricated or to a considerable degree exagger- ated, and if war is to be commenced upon the simple presentation of these claims, the cause for war becomes interminable, or the Indians must be extirpated. The general notions which the commanding officer of this department entertains on this point are, that the troops should be employed in the defence of the Territory, giving immediate protection to life and property within the same, and carrying war into the enemy's country, only in instant pursuit for depredations com- mitted, or making invasions in case of murder, when of a character, and under circumstances which evince a general hostile feeling, or for the enforcement of the delivery of offenders in case of these murders. In other words, I mean to draw a distinction, as cause of war, between claims for thefts, &c., which have been allowed to accumulate and not redressed at the time, and those which may be followed up by continuous pursuit, or take place under the eye of troops. Deliberate and unprovoked murders are always legitimate cause of war, if not redressed. In the case of the Navajoes, many claims against them now are the accumulated losses for years, and are almost all under some cloud as to the just extent to which they have really existed. Should not these, then, be wholly repudiated by the military authority, or submit- ted by some process provided by the government for their re-examin- ation or sealing. These claims otherwise may be augmented indefi- nitely in number and amount, and soon raised to a degree beyond the possibility of the Indians to redeem. If, then, you are to make war for these, the opportunity to endless frauds is opened, or the Indians divested at least of their property, and instead of one or two, or a few robbers on our borders, they are made a nation of robbers. The present condition of the command in the Navajoe country is such as to require it to be withdrawn until spring. I shall then demand the offenders in all cases of murders, and I promise to exterminate the Indians, unless they deliver them up ; but I desire most especially to be instructed as to how far I must proceed to enforce claims for money, or other compensation for depredations upon property. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, TI10S. T. FAUNTLEROY, Col. 1st dragoons, Com. Dept. Lieut. Col. L THOMAS, A. A. Gen., Headquarters Army, N. T. City. 12 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. a. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Defiance, N. J/., October 26, 1859. SIR : I have the honor to report that I arrived at this post on yes- terday, and in compliance with department's special order No. 123, have this day assumed the command of the troops in the Navajoe country, and of this post. From the examination and inspection I have so far heen enabled to make, I find a very great deficiency of clothing and commissary sup- plies for the men, and of forage for animals. All the companies and detachments not forming the regular garri- son of the post, are entirely destitute of shoes and socks ; no jackets ; blouses and trowsers nearly worn out; " requisitions for stockings " were made by Captain Walker, E. M. K., two months since, as he reports to me. It is hardly necessary to state that, in this rigorous climate, and amid the deep snows of the rapidly advancing winter, any movement of men bare-footed and otherwise insufficiently clothed, will be impossible. The supply of the four companies composing the regular garrison, is already nearly exhausted, and will be entirely exhausted by the month of December. There exists, also, a great scarcity of ammunition for the troops temporarily at the post less than forty (40) rounds per man. Detailed estimates will be prepared and forwarded as early as pos- sible ; but two hundred pairs of boots, six hundred pairs of shoes, and fifteen hundred pairs of socks, should be forwarded here im- mediately. In the subsistence department there is less than two months' supply of bacon, and but twenty (20) days' supply of flour, twenty (20) days' supply of coffee, and two months' supply of sugar ; fifteen (15) days' supply of soap, and other supplies in about the same proportion, allowing nothing for contingent loss or damage. The supply of corn for one hundred and thirty-two (132) head of beef cattle is but (5,000) five thousand pounds. In the quartermaster's supplies there is corn but for eleven (11) days, two hundred and forty-three (243) horse shoes, and six hundred and twenty-five (625) mule shoes, and one hundred and seventy (170) pounds of shoe nails of all kinds. Such is the result of the examination made by me to-day. Estimates and requisitions in form, not already forwarded, will be transmitted as soon as practicable ; and I close this hasty communication with the urgent request that shoes and stockings, and flour for the men, and corn for the animals, be forwarded as soon as practicable. Your most obedient servant, C. F. RUFF, Major E. M. R. Commanding. 1st Lieut. JNO. D. WILKINS, 3d Infantry. A. A. A. Gen. Dep. of New Mexico, Santa Fe, N. M. NOTE. I desire to add to the above, that there is no guide at the post, and that none can be procured in this vicinity, and have to INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 13 request that at least two good guides be sent here, if any operations against these Indians are to be carried on. 0. F. RUFF, Major. 4. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, New Mexico, November 25, 1859. COLONEL : I have the honor to enclose, for the information of the Lieutenant General-in-chief, a copy of a report of Brevet Major and Captain 0. L. Shepherd, 3d infantry. This expedition had left before the order for the withdrawal of the troops from the Navajoe country was received at Fort Defiance. The troops in the Navajoe country, with the exception of the regular garrison at Fort Defiance, have been withdrawn, and are now en route to their proper stations. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. T. FAUNTLEROY, Col. 1st Dragoons, Com. Dept. Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, A. A. A. Gen. Headquarters Army , N, Y. City. 4 a. FORT DEFIANCE, NEW MEXICO, 'November 13, 1859. SIR : I have the honor respectfully to report that, in obedience to post orders No 89 of the 30th ultimo, I marched on the 1st instant with the following command, composed of companies "B," U C," and "G," 3d infantry, 213 men, officered by Captain Johns, and Lieuts. Walker, Hildt, and Dickinson, and 60 men of the regiment of mount- ed riflemen, officered by Lieuts. Du Bois and Claflin, attended by act- ing assistant surgeon Alden in campaign against the Tuniche Nava joes. On the third day out, we descended into the valley of the Tun- iche and found it apparently deserted. The fourth day a few Indians hovered around us, making signals, and watching our movements, thereby showing that they had been by some means apprised of our designs. The fifth day Lieut. Walker, with a detached party of ten infantry, succeeded in wounding badly one Indian, who escaped by falling down a precipice thirty or forty feet in height, and afterwards creeping out of sight. As this precipice could not be descended by the party, the wounded Indian escaped through the assistance of his companions after Lieut. Walker had left that part of the mountain ; and as was afterwards verified by the examination of another party. On the morning of the sixth day after the command had begun its march, Lieut. Hildt, with a detached party of twelve footmen, in- fantry and riflemen, succeeded in killing one Indian and wounding 14 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. another, who escaped by clinging with both arms to his horse's neck, although wounded in several places. Lieut Clafliu, with ten mounted men, was detached in pursuit, but, having two miles the start, the other Indians succeeded in carrying away the wounded one. On returning to the line of march, the rifle- men were fired upon once by the Indians from a high hill, but with- out effect. The remainder of this day, and the seventh and eigth, were spent in going to the Ojos Calientes, to the junction of the Ar- roya of Tuniche and the Eio Chaco, and in returning to and ascending to the top of of the mountains, rising five thousand feet above the val- ley. On our route up, we examined a -deserted village. On the ninth day we travelled eastward along the crest of the mountains, observing at different points its northern side. At the end of about ten miles we finally discovered two small flocks of sheep halfway down the side of the mountain. Knowing that there were Indians in their vicinity, the command was here divided, one half un- der Captain Johns went to the northwest to make an attack from that side, while the other half should attack from the opposite direction. Two deserted rancherias were thus discovered, but during the attack only about ten or twelve Indian men were seen, and two old Indian women. The two old women were captured but afterwards released. Of the men one was killed and one wounded by a small detached party of infantry under Captain Edgar. The same party captured one of the flocks, about 200 in number. The riflemen shot one Indian from his horse, and while endeavoring to make his escape among the deep and precipitous ravines^ shot him twice again, and while iii the act of going up to him as he was crawling on his hands and knees over the crest of a ravine, the rally was sounded, and they therefore left him, He probably died immediately. They also succeeded in wounding two others, and in capturing about 80 sheep, being a portion of one of the flocks. One Indian pony, and a mare and colt were captured and brought to this post by the command. Nothing of importance was found in the two small rancherias, only a few sheep skins, and three or four buffalo robes, some wearing materials, a spade, hatchet, and brass kettle, and some grass seed for eating ; also 40 or 50 small kids, all going to show that they had nothing to live on except the milk of the goats and the meat of the sheep ; one of the old women, whom we detained for one night, said the same thing. The tenth day was occupied in skirting for about eight miles further along the mountain side, without finding any more Indians. The captured flock of sheep and goats was abandoned at this day's encampment. The flock toot immediately the back trail- to the Kan- chcria. Owing to our provisions being nearly out and the exhausted state of the command, we occupied the eleventh day in crossing over to the west side of the mountain, and the twelfth day in marching to this post. The whole distance marched over was about 180 miles. The weather was mostly clear, but cold and windy. The whole cam- paign was of the most arduous- description, and the men suffered much from cold, particularly the outlying pickets. Two Indians were killed and left on the ground, and six were badly wounded, three of whom so severely as to produce death without doubt. INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 15 The command had more success than there was reason to expect after the abandonment of that section of the country. The great number of heavy and fresh trails, showed that nearly all the stock had been re- cently driven away to the river San Juan, and towards the mountains near the Indian town of Jemez, the Indans accompanying them. No loss of life was sustained by the command in the campaign. One horse was so injured by a fall during the chase that he had to be shot. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obediedt servant, 0. L. SHEPHERD, Gapt. 3d In'y and Br't Moj. commanding detachment in campaign. Major C. F. RUFF, R. M. Riflemen, commanding Fort Defiance, New Mexico. 5. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, New Mexico, December 3, 1859. COLONEL : I have the honor to enclose for the information of the Lieutenant General- in-chief, copy of the report of a scout recently made by Lieutenant William D. Whipple, third infantry, also the letter ot Major 0. L. Shepherd, commanding fort Defiance, forward- ing the same. 1 would also state that the expedition against the Final Apaches in tne vicinity of foft Buchanan, which was organized prior to my arri- val in the department, has commenced operations, but no official in- formation has been received from it. lam, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. T. FAUNTLEROY, Col. \st Dragoons, commanding department. Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, A. A. G. Headquarters of the Army, New "York City. 5 a. HEADQUARTERS, FORT DEFIANCE, NEW MEXICO, November 19, 1859. SIR : I respectfully enclose the report of Lieutenant Whipple, who was sent in campaign against Tunicha Navajoes. The stolen flock of sheep from the post was trailed by a party under Corporal Mutchler, for about twelve miles north in the direction of the Tunicha mountains, to where the flock was divided into three or four parts and driven thence. The party soon lost the trails The Navajoe chief Huero Miles, ibllowed the said trail from the post for more than an hour, and then returned and reported that they had been driven off by the Tunicha Indians, and as he offered ti> lead the troops he was taken at his word. Lieutenant Whipple was accordingly ordered to start at dark of the same day, the 14th ; the flock having been stolen and driven away the previous night, and be- fore Major Ruff had relinquished command of the post on the inoru- 16 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. ing of that day at ten A. M. The sheep were unquestionably stolen in retaliation of the campaign which I had just previously made. The pieces of tent named in the report, were parts of the tent stolen out of the post garden while my campaign was being made, first frightening away the man who slept in the tent, or while he went to the assist- ance of another man who was sleeping in another tent, a short dis- tance from the first. The whole campaign of Lieutenant Whipple was executed with great vigor and celerity, and merits praise. It must teach the Indians that they can be pursued and punished. They are the same people all along the mountains, who rode in great numbers into Captain Schroe- der's camp last summer with their bows in their hands and their ar- rows between their teeth, this being their defiant language fora read- iness and desire for conflict, and wanted to know of him whether the Americans wished war. I cannot say whether they will attempt anything more about this post every precaution is taken to prevent their success but "the set- tlements may look for the worst. The great mass of the Tunicha Indians have evidently fled from those mountains, and probably gone northward to the valley of the river San Juan, with their flocks, &c. One good thing has resulted from this last affair, which has been desired for a long time, viz : Huero's conduct forms the first precedent of arraying himself virtually against the evil portion of his people, and may induce others to follow his example. He and his friends ex- pect to be attacked in turn by the Tunicha Indians, and I assure him that the good men must be successful if they unite and stand to each other. If the Indian department manages the matter judiciously, or it be left to the military, a combination of the good may be effected against the bad, and thus result ultimately in some organization of these peo- ple. This condition has always been considered hopeless. As to the loss of private Rice, company E, third infantry, during the campaign. I am informed by Lieutenant Shipley that he was one of those half crazy men whose conduct could never be foreseen or con- trolled when left to himself. He is known to have asked others to branch out on "their own hook/' Every proper signal was made after the affair to attract him to camp, but without avail. Lieutenant Walker is sent down to-day to escort the captured horses as far as Albuquerque. The goats will follow in a few days. Enclosed is the receipt of Mr. Kendrick, Indian Agent, for the cap- tured horses and goats. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. L. SHEPHERD, Capt. 3d Infantry andBv'tMaj. commanding post. P. S. You are respectfully referred to my letter of the 15th inst., in connexion with the foregoing. 0. L. SHEPHERD, Capt. 3d Infantry and Bv't Moj. commanding post . LT. JNO. D. WILKINS, A. Ass't Aft Gen. U. S. A., Dep't New Mexico, Santa Fe, N. M. INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 17 Receipt of Mr. Kendrick , Navojoe Indian Agent, for horses and goats, dec. j captured by Lieutenant Whipple. Received, fort Defiance, New Mexico, November 19, 1859, for the Indian department, of Brevet Major 0. L. Shepherd, third infantry, commanding post, sixty-two (62) horses and one (1) mule ; also one hundred and twenty goats. The horses and mule appraised at $40 each ; the goafs appraised at $1 25 each. SILAS F. KENDRICK, Indian Agent. 5 I. FORT DEFIANCE, N. M., November 19, 1859. SIR : In obedience to post orders No. 9*7, dated Fort Defiance, N. M., November 14, 1859, I started from this post after dark on the night of the date of the order, in the direction of the Tunicha range of mountains to overtake and punish, if possible, the Navajoes who stole the flock of public sheep from this post on the night of the 13th instant, and which it was ascertained had been driven in the direction aforesaid. My command consisted of 145 men of companies "B," "C," "E," & "G," 3d infantry, the officers of which were Lieutenants J. J. Walker and A. N. Shipley, 3d infantry, and myself. I was also ac- companied by Mr. S. F. Kendrick, agent for the Navajoe Indians, El Huero, a chief of the Navajoes, and Fernando, Navajoe, interpre- ter for the Indian department at this post. Our march the first night was continued until two o'clock a. m., when we bivouaced upon the mountain, and when near the unde- fined line separating the Chusca and Tunicha portion of the range. la the morning, being unable to discover any trace of the lost sheep, we marched at nine o'clock a. m. in the direction of the eastern entrance to " Washington Pass," and encamped at night upon the Tunicha mountains, intending, in conformity with orders, to attack any Nava- joe Indians found east of that range. The next day, (16th,) while marching near the eastern crest of the mountain, Lieutenant Shipley, Mr. Kendrick, and myself, after a long and careful search of the plain of Tunicha and the slope of the mountain, with the aid of a spy glass, discerned a thread of smoke rising from among the pine trees about three miles down the mountain. The lodges from which the smoke arose were invisible; we could not, therefore, judge of their number, and the consequent strength of the enemy. A small pond of water was observed about two miles south of this spot, which was appointed as a rendezvous and camping place. We soon after began descending the mountain, on the only practicable trail in the vicinity, more than two miles south of where we had seen the smoke, intending to conceal our movements until the pack-train was disposed of at the above mentioned pond of water, and then to pro- ceed to surprise the rancheria. Our plans were frustrated by an un- H. Ex. Doc. 69 2. 18 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. foreseen circumstance. As we were descending a very steep and winding part of the trail, a mounted Navajoe suddenly appeared around a bend, coming up the mountain a few yards in front of us. He stopped for an instant, then turned and fled. The Navajoe inter- preter, who was in advance, fired at him with a pistol, but without effect, so far as I was able to ascertain, though we soon after cap- tured a horse saddled, but with no rider. Knowing that all further attempts at concealment would be useless, I gave the order to advance. Lieutenants Walker, Shipley, myself, Mr. Kendrick, and El Huero, being mounted upon private horses, formed ourselves into a small mounted force, and knowing that whatever was done must be done quickly, I directed the men to follow rapidly in our direction, and we dashed down the mountain towards where he had seen the smoke. As we approached the vicinity of the huts we came upon the fresh tracks of horses and sheep. Not knowing the exact location of the huts, and expecting to find the warriors with their stock, we kept upon the trail of the latter, which was followed by Huero with unsurpassed skill and rapidity, though the Indiana, by frequent turnings and doublings over the rocky ground and through the thickets, attempted to throw us off the track. We soon came upon the horses and sheep in a rocky glen thickly grown up with pinon and cedar, in the possession of six or eight warriors, so far as we could judge, who were hurrying them off. When they found themselves discovered, they attempted, to stam- pede the horses, but without success, as we did not give them time. With a few shots, a war whoop from Huero, and a cheer from the others, we dashed .upon them, when the Indians ran away, leaving their stock in our possession. As the country was impracticable for mounted pursuit, being about five miles from where the chase began, and knowing that our men were still far behind, I deemed it prudent to secure what we had, by taking it as quickly as possible to the ren- dezvous. The Navajoes soon appeared gathering in considerable strength in our rear, and as the sheep travelled very slowly, we thought it best to leave them and take the horses to the camping place, which we accomplished, and later in the day the men took the sheep to the same place. The main trail which the troops were on led them to the houses, of which there were about twelve. The Indians had, however, received sufficient warning to enable them to escape with their lives, leaving behind, however, blankets, cooking utensils, provisions, wearing ap- paratus, &c. As an evidence of guilt on the part of these Indians, I would state that I found among their property a portion of a tent, undoubtedly a part of one of those stolen from the garden at this post a few nights since. Knowing that the alarm was spread throughout Tunicha, as signal smokes and fires were soon made upon the tops of the mountains, I knew that any further surprise for the present was out of the question; and, being encumbered with stock, I thought the best course was to return to the post of Fort Defiance, which we reached in the evening of the next day, bringing in sixty-two captured horses, one mule^ an equivalent in sheep for those stolen from the post, and between 'one hundred and twenty and one hundred and thirty goats. INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW NEX1CO. 19' The loss on our part was one man. Private Patrick Rice, of "E" company, 3d infantry, missing, supposed to have voluntarily sepa- rated himself from the command. The men exhibited the greatest zeal, and could their ability have equalled their wishes, the surprise of the village would have been com- plete ; but the command was composed of infantry entirely, and of course could not move with the celerity required by the circum- stances. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, First Lieut. 3d Infantry, Com. Scout. Second Lieut. H. DICKINSON, Third Infantry Adjutant, Fort Defiance, N. M. 6. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF N. M., Santa Fe, N. M., December 11, 1859. COLONEL : I have the honor to state that when I came to this depart- ment, I found an expedition had been organized against the Pinal Indians, in the vicinity of Fort Buchanan. Papers marked Nos. 1 and 2, herewith enclosed, will exhibit the manner in which that expe- dition has been carried out. I have felt myself compelled to order the additional troops, sent to reinforce Lieutenant Reeve, Captain 8th infantry, back to their posts. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. T. FAUNTLEROY, Colonel First Dragoons, Com. Department* Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, Ass't Adj't General, Headq's of the army, New York City. 6 a. FORT FILLMORE, N. M., October 22, 1859. SIR : I have the honor to inform the department commander, that the details from Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Fillmore, New Mexico, have been organized as required by special order No. 121, Sep- tember 26, 1859, and that the command will leave here to-morrow for the depot on the San Pedro. Colonel Reeve has been notified of this. Fifty rounds per man of rifle and carbine ca' ridges, and twenty-four of pistol, is being taken, also a pair of horse shoes and a pair of mule shoes, with nails for the same, and extra nails ; twelve head of beef cattle will also be taken. A notice of Captain Wain- wright, of ordnance stores having been ordered, has been received at this post. The horses of company "C" rifles having recently joined from the field, and a greater portion of those of company " A" rifles hav- ing been received from Fort Leavenworth, are thin, and require corn, which I have arranged to be taken, eight pounds to the animal, for 20 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW NEXICO. fifteen ^days ; without this the horses would not he in condition for the campaign on reaching the depot. The department commander has, in this, a report for the equipment, &c. of my command, which I consider all that can be taken for the march. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. ELLIOT, Captain Rifles, Commanding. "First Lieut. JNO. D. WILKINS, 3d Infantry, A. A. A. G. Headq's Dept. of N. H. Santa Fe. 6 b. CAMP SAN PEDRO, N. M., November 27, 1859. SIR : I have the honor to submit the following report of the expedi- tion made hy the troops under my command against the Final Apache Indians, from which I returned yesterday. I marched from this camp on the 12th instant, with company "D " and a detachment of company " G-,' 1 1st dragoons, and companies "A" and "C" mounted rifles, nuinbeing in all 171 men and 5 officers, supplied with 15 days' rations. On the morning of the fourth day's march, while descending the San Pedro, the command was hailed by some Indians from the top of a hill, some half or three- fourths of a mile from the road, and I sent out a guide to learn what Indians they were and what they wanted. After some little delay the guide returned, bringing with him seven (7) of the Indians, informing me at the same time that they were Finalenos ; that they had asked him who we were, and where we were going ; to which he replied : " That we were friends ; that we were not going on a campaign, but were going to look for gold, and find a place to put a fort ;" and told them to come and see the captain, and he would give them some tobacco and something to eat. These rep- resentations were made without my knowledge, for I had given in- structions to the guide to u see who they were and what they wanted," never supposing that he would use any deception upon his own respon- sibility. There were others of the same party remaining amongst the hills, and those who had come to us called them to come also, but they would not do so. Twelve of them were, however, at one time in my power. Had the whole party come in, I would have seized them to prevent them from giving notice of our march, but should not, of course, have used any other violence towards them. As it was, to have a portion of them would not have prevented the others from giving notice to their friends; and I could not attack and kill them, as they had been placed in my power by the misrepresentations of the guide. As, however, the com- mand was much in want of guides, I seized two of them and made them act in that capacity during the expedition. As the facts proved, notice had already been carried to the Indians of our advance, by two men on INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 21 horseback, who passed the command on the night of the third day's march. We reached the camp of a party of them on the morning of the sixth day, about one hundred and ten or one hundred and fifteen miles from this camp, on the north side of the Mescal mountains, hut, of course, found it deserted, it having been left probably the day before. The Indians had fled into the Mescal mountains, when pursuit, which could be made only on foot, would have been worse than useless, and it would have been easy for them to avoid us for a much longer time than we had rations for ; besides a delay in such a search would have prevented us from examining other localities where it was possible we might meet with success. On the night of the same day, (the 17th,) Captain Elliot and Lieutenant McNeill were despatched with two companies of rifles, (70 men,) to examine another location, which place they reached in the forepart of the following day, and by the night march were enabled to surprise a small camp of Indians, capturing one man, two women, and seventeen small children. The man and one woman, (his wife,) I kept prisoners for the purpose of making guides or messengers of them, as the service may require. The other woman (an old and wretched creature,) with the children, I permitted to go free, as they would only be a useless burden to the command if re- tained. On the 18th I marched with the mounted companies of dra- goons to visit the locations north of the Final mountains, where the Indians are in the habit of planting, but there, also, I found everything recently deserted, notice of our advance having reached them in time for them to flee to the mountains. I remained in camp at this place during the 19th for Captain Elliot's comma id to rejoin me. From this point it became necessary to commence our homeward march, being over one hundred and forty miles from the depot, having but seven days' ra- tions on hand, many of our horses and mules being nearly tired out, and an excessively rough country to travel over. On the 18th, the first horse (" A" company rifles) gave out, was abandoned and shot. On the night of the 19th one of the Indian prisoners, first taken, es- caped. From the 20tb, during the march home, horses and mules were daily abandoned and killed, having given out and broken down from hard work and starvation. Of company " A" rifles, five horses and one mule killed ; of company " C" rifles, three horses killed ; of company " D " 1st dragoons, one horse lost and two killed, (these latter belong- ing to company " C" rifles, but serving with company " D " dragoons,) and three mules killed. Of the horses of company A and C rifles, a large number had arrived from Fort Leaven worth but a short time be- fore leaving the Rio Grande, and were totally unfit for field service, being low in flesh and in want of rest. The horses of company " C " had been most of the summer without corn, and were not in proper condition for hard service. A large number of the pack-mules which came from the Rio Grande were in bad condition when they left there ,, and being packed from there to this depot, were, of course, in much worse condition when they arrived here, some 25 of them being unfit to go on the scout from this place. Those that did go were necessarily heavily packed ; and of the number now remaining but 15 are fit for immediate service. Of the horses and mules of company "G" dra- 22 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. goons, none were broken down, having started fresh from Fort Bu- chanan, but several of the mules are rendered unserviceable from sore backs, some seven or eight of the fourteen used being fit for imme- diate service. I enclose herewith Lieutenant Cooke's report of his movement during my absence from the depot, he having been left in command of company B, 8th infantry. For the better information of the colonel command- ing, I enclose herewith the reports of the company commanders of the condition of their animals. The detachment of company " Gr " dra- goons, was under my command, there being no dragoon officer with it. I would respespectfully state, as my opinion, that no beneficial re- sults can be obtained by prosecuting the campaign at this season of the year, from this point. This depot is nearly sixty miles from Fort Buchanan, and the means allowed me to supply the command are totally inadequate. Unless full forage can be fed to the animals while here, they cannot possibly do any service, as the best of them would be entirely broken down by another expedition of fifteen days. The country over which we have to pass on both sides of the Gila is ex- ceedingly rough, and, with the slow progress necessarily made, noth- ing could be done in less than fifteen days. The Indians have scat- tered in small parties, and taken refuge where there is but little water, so that at those points no considerable number of animals could be supplied The Final and Mescal mountains can be reached from Fort Buchanan as quickly, and over a much better country, by way of Tueson than by the San Pedro, from this point. The amount of trans- portation from Fort Buchanan here can thus be avoided, and if turned in the other direction would place our supplies nearly three days' march nearer the Indian country. I would further express, as my opinion, that the present is not the best season to prosecute a campaign against these Indians. The spring and summer would be better, when they must leave the mountains to plant, as is their habit, and gather their crops. If they remain in the mountains they must be pursued by in- fantry, moving from some depot established in the near neighborhood, from which men can make marches of a few days, carrying their own rations for the time. Cavalry sufficient to intercept or pursue in case of flight from one mountain to another, would be all that would be necessary. These Indians are now very poor, have but little stock, and are in a state of great alarm about their safety. Some good might be accomplished by negociatiori through the woman in our possession, as a messenger, if such a course should be thought advisable. In a few days, as soon as our animals are a little rested, I shall abandon this depot and move the command to Fort Buchanan, for the purpose of having forage for our animals, and as soon as a sufficient number of the best of them are a little recruited, I shall make another expedi- tion into the Final country by way of Tueson. This will probably destroy the efficiency of the entire number of animals for the whole winter. It is impossible to make many expeditions of fifteen days each, through this country, in the winter season, with she same animals. Department special orders No. 121, suggests a scout against the Chiricahui Indians. Since the publication of that order, the Indian INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 23 agent, Dr. Steck, has visited those Indians, has distributed presents to them, and met with and treated them in all respects as faithful friends. It is well known that they have often stolen during the half past year, and no demand was made by Dr. Steck, so far as I know, for a restitution of the animals. They are responsible for about twen- ty-four animals, stolen in July last, from the Ariraca mine, belong- ing to the Sonora Exploring and Mining Company ; also five animals stolen from the Patagonia mine. I cannot make an expedition against these Indians with the means left in my possession after an- other scout against the Finals, and shall therefore await your further instructions on this subject. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. V. D. REEVE, Brevet Lieut. Col. U. S. A., commanding. Lieut. JNO. D. WILKINS, Act. Asst. Adj. Gen. U. S. A., Santa Fe, N. M. 6c. CAMP SAN PEDRO, November 27, 1859. COLONEL : I have the honor to report that a party of about ten Pinal Indians passed my camp on the 14th instant, from whom I succeeded in capturing near thirty horses. The most of these horses, being wild and hard to manage, I had shot, fearing they might stampede the government animals under my charge. On the 19th instant, another party of the same tribe passed in my neighborhood, whom I attacked, wounding three, and capturing fit- teen head of cattle. Very respectfully, JNO. K. COOKE, Second Lieutenant Infantry. Col. J. V. D. KEEVE, Com'g Pinal Expedition) Camp San Pedro, Arizona. Qd. CAMP ON Rro SAN PEDRO, ARIZONA, November 27, 1859. SIR : By your direction I give the following report of the condition of the horses of my company. I left Fort Bliss with ftfrty-two horses, twenty-four of this number were received from Fort Leavenworth a few days before leaving, and were thin and weak, but reached this camp in better condition than they were on leaving Bliss. During the scout from the 12th to the 26th, six horses and one pack-mule were necessarily abandoned, one of the six horses may be brought in to-day, having been sent for and corn sent ; one horse was left at Fort 24 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN MEW MEXICO. Fillmore, unable to travel. Of the thirty-five horses now present,, I have twelve old and five new ones, that eight or ten days' rest and grain will bring in condition for a scout, the other eighteen will not be fit for a scout in less time than five or six weeks, with the greatest care. For immediate service, without grain, I have not five horses- that could be depended upon ; of fourteen pack-mules, only five are fit for service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. ELLIOT, Copt. Rifles, com'g comp. "A." Bt. Lieut. Col. J. V. D. EEEVE, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. 6 e. HEADQUARTERS, CAMP SAN PEDRO, N. M., November 27, 1859. SIR : I have the honor to report that of forty-seven horses with which company " D," 1st dragoons, started on the Final Llano ex- pedition, two belonging to company " C," regiment mounted rifle- men, were necessarily abandoned, given out on the fifteen days' scout which has just returned. One of company " D," 1st dragoons, una- voidably lost. There is left in the company forty- three horses, be- longing to company " D," one to company " C" regiment mounted riflemen ; nine of those of company u D " are unfit for immediate use, one belonging to company " C" regiment mounted riflemen is unfit for use, on account of their being old, poor, and worn out. Of the seventeen mules turned over to me for the use of myself and company, three have been abandoned, given out ; of the fourteen re- maining in the company, not more than five are fit for immediate use, the others are poor and broken down. Kespectfully submitted, R. H. LORD, Second Lieutenant 1st Troop, com'g D. Lieut. Col. REEVE, Eighth Inft. com'g exp'd, camp San Pedro, N. M. CAMP SAN PEDRO, N. M., November 27, 1859. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report in regard to- the condition of the public animals in my charge. On the 23d ult. I left Fort Fillmore with fifty-three horses belonging to company C, regi- ment mounted riflemen, for this camp, and eighteen pack-mules for the use of the detachment and myself. Out of this number two horses belonging to the company had to be left behind on starting on the scout of fifteen days just terminated one in consequence of having given out, and the other having too sore a back to travel. During the IN'DIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 25 scout referred to above, three horses of my detachment gave completely out, and to prevent their falling into the hands of the Indians I or- dered them to be shot. Of the fifty horses left, five at the present time are fit for immediate service. With two weeks' rest and full forage for the same time, twenty-five I think would have so far recuperated as to be in scouting condition. It would require two months' rest and full forage for the same time to get the majority of horses in a condi- tion for effective service. And here I would respectful!}' call your at- tention to the fact that the great majority of my horses have been without forage from the early part of June to the middle of October, and consequently had not the necessary strength for a campaign in such a country as that through which we have just passed ; also some of the horses brought with me had arrived but a short time before from Leaven worth, and were both leg-weary and poor in flesh, and consequently were not in a fit condition for the service required. Five out of the eighteen pack-mules turned over to me are in a situation for packing ; the others are either too weak or have such sore backs as to render them useless. I am, colonel, very respectfully your obedient servant, H. C. McNEILL, Second Lieutenant R. M. R., commanding detachment and company C. Brevet Colonel J. V. D. KEEVE, U. S. Army, Commanding expedition against Pinal Indians. 7. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, N. M., December 12, 1859. COLONEL : I have the honor to enclose for the information of the Lieutenant General-in-chief the enclosed report, marked A., showing the disposition of the Indians on the mail route between Independence and this place. The point indicated in the report is beyond the limits of this department, being between it and the department of the west. As this mail is very irregular, communications for this dej a,:tment had better be sent via the overland mail from St. Louis. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. T. FAUNTLEROY, Colonel First Dragoons commanding department, Liutenant Colonel L. THOMAS, A. A. G., Headquarters of the Army, New-York City. 7 a. HEADQUARTERS, FORT UNION, N. M. , December 9, 1859. SIR : I have the honor to report the return of Sergeant Francis McCabe, of company H, regiment mounted riflemen, and escort with 26 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. the mail, this morning. Sergeant McCabe reports that he was at- tacked by about twenty mounted Kiowa Indians on the night of the 4th instant at Cold spring ; that the attacking party were driven off in a few minutes, but that about ten Indians on foot kept up a fire from the rocks near the camp for several hours ; that next morn- ing he found the Indians near the road about six hundred yards from his camp, attacked them and compelled them to run away. When the mounted Indians made the attack on his camp, he saw about twenty more on foot on an adjacent hill ; these Indians started a fire on the prairie which burnt to within a few rods from his camp. The ser- geant is of opinion that several Indians were killed and wounded, as also several of their horses. One man, private Isaac H. Baker, com- pany H, regiment mounted riflemen, was slightly wounded. Sergeant McCabe speaks in high terms of the coolness and courage of his men, and says, "that Corporal Thomas N. Brierly, company G-, regiment mounted riflemen, particularly distinguished himself. He also reports that a majority of his men have had their ears, fingers, and toes badly frozen, and that some Mexican traders informed him that the Kiowas have declared their determination to kill every white man that may happen to fall in their way." I am. sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. SIMONSON, Major E. M. E., commanding post. Lieut. J. D. WILKINS, A. A. A. G., Department of New Mexico, Santa Fe. 8. Cclonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Fort Union, Santa Fe, January 8, I860. COLONEL : I have the honor to enclose for the information of the General-in-chief a copy of the report of Second Lieutenant H. C. McNeill, regiment of mounted riflemen, of a scout against the Final Indians. I am. very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. T. FAUNTLEROY, Colonel First Dragoons, commanding department. To Lieutenant Colonel L. THOMAS, A. A. G., Headquarters of the Army, New York city. 8 a. FORT BUCHANAN, N. M. December 7, 1859. CAPTAIN : I have the honor to report that, agreeably to your order, I started on the night of the 3d inst., at ten o'clock, with a detach- ment of 25 men composed of detachment of companies "A" and "C" rifles, in pursuit of a party of Final Indians, reported to have passed INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO, 27 Dragoon Springs at 2 o'clock p. in. of that day, At 11 or 12 o'clock next day I came in sight of the Indians, and, after a sharp chase of seven miles, succeeded in overtaking them just as they were about en- tering the mountains. I proceeded at once to attack them, killed two, wounded three, re- covered from them a Mexican captive, captured all their animals, thirteen horses and other plunder. The horses being poor, broken down, and unfit for service, no account was taken of them, and not wishing to be encumbered, I ordered the plunder to be burned, only reserving such articles as I deemed would be useful in recovering the parents or friends of the captive boy. I had one horse belonging to company "A" so badly wounded as to be necessitated to abandon him. I can but regret that the weak and poor condition of my horses, together with a detention of half an hour caused by the guides losing the trail, prevented my overtaking the Indians before they reached the mountains, as in that case I could have killed the entire party. There were some ten or twelve Indians, as near as I could estimate them all. In conclusion, I would state that all my men behaved well. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. C. McNEILL, 2d Lt. B. M. E. Com. Detachment company "C." Capt. W. S. ELLIOT, R. M. R. Com. Detachment companies (< A." and "C." 3. The Adjutant General to Colonel Fauntleroy. ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE. Washington, January 10, 1860. SIR : The letter of Colonel B. L. E. Bonneville, 3d infantry, to the assistant adjutant general at the headquarters of the army, dated the 14th of August, 1859, reporting the state of affairs, at that time, with the Navajoe Indians, has been forwarded to this office and laid before the Secretary of War, who has endorsed it as follows : "The instructions of the department commander to the command- ing officer of Fort Defiance, dated the 12th of August, are not entire- ly approved. It is not deemed advisable that even isolated attacks on the Indians shall depend rigidly on an intimation of the Indian agent. The authority and influence of the agent must be sustained, but the commander himself, in the absence of orders from higher authority, will judge whether the circumstances require that the Indians, or particular parties of them, shall be punished, and the responsibility of the decision must rest solely on him." "J. B. FLOYD, "Secretary of War. "WAR DEPARTMENT, January 5, 1860." I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant General. Col. T. T. FAUNTLEROY, 1st Drag. Com. Dept. N. M., Santa Fe } New Mexico. 28 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 10. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS DEPT. OF NE\V MEXICO. Santa Fe, N. M., January 22, 1860. COLONEL : I have the honor to enclose, for the information of the Lieutenant General-in-chief, a copy of the report of a scout, under the command of Captain George McLaiie, K. M. K. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. T. FAUNTLEROY, Col. 1st Drag. Com. Dept. Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, Asst. Adjt. Geril., headquarters of the army. New fork city. 10 a. FORT CRAIG, NEW MEXICO, January 6, 1860. SIR : I have the honor to report that, pursuant to the verbal in- structions of the commanding officer, I left here yesterday at 2 o'clock p. m., in pursuit of Indians reported to have driven off several herds of sheep from the vicinity of this post, killing or capturing the pas- tors grazing there. My command consisted of Lieut. Cressy, Corporal Knox, Lance Corporal Monohan, and private Ronayne of company "J" rifles, and Sergeant Cosgrove, Lance Corporal Price, and 40 men of company "F" rifles ; we were accompanied by the guide of the post, whom I found to be an excellent trailer. After a gallop of three quarters of an hour, I reached the spot where the Indians had attacked the herders and driven off the sheep ; one of the herders I found here dead. The Indians, from appearances and accounts, had made their attack before sunrise that morning, so I immediately pushed on, keep- ing up a brisk gallop until the lateness of the evening compelled me to move at a slower gate, to prevent losing the trail. After a hard ride over, for a portion of the time, a pretty rough country, we over- took, in the mountains west of here, at about 8 o'clock of the evening, nearly, if not the entire herd of sheep driven off; the Indians availed themselves of the cover of the night to make good their escape ; they made no effort to defend their booty, in fact, I neither saw nor heard an Indian. Pursuit of the Indians could amount to nothing practica- ble, scattered as they were through the hills, and, fearing that they might return to annoy me, I camped out, and regarding it as in every way more preferable to going into camp. I headed the herd in a direct route, and by a far shorter one than the one I had just passed over, for the post arriving here at 2J o'clock this morning, after a fa- tiguing march of twelve hours in the saddle. The distance marched, during the twelve hours, I judge, to have INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 29 been some fifty or sixty miles ; the number of sheep captured, I sup- pose can be fairly stated as having been at least six thousand. Very respectfully your obedient servant, GEORGE McLANE, Capt. ft. M. E. Com. Company "J." Bvt. Capt. JOHN P. HATCH, U. 8. A., Post Adjutant, Fort Craig, N. M. Respectfully forwarded. A. POTTER, Bvt. Lieut. Col. U. S. A., Com. Post. HEADQUARTERS, FORT CRAIG, N. M. January 10, 1860. 11. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPT. OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, January 29, 1860. COLONEL : I have the honor to forward for the information of the the Lieutenant General-in-chief, the enclosed report of brevet Major 0. L. Shepherd, 3d infantry, commanding officer at Fort Defiance, which will fully disclose the disposition of the Navajoe Indians with regard to peace or war. Upon my arrival in this Territory in November last, I was compelled to withdraw the troops from the Navajoe country on account of the condition of things in this department the advanced state of the season, the total unpreparation of the troops, and the utter impossibility of supplying the command in the Indian country dur- ing the winter season. This was reported at the time of withdrawal. The state of things as seen by the report enclosed, will in all proba- bility make a campaign against the Indians necessary; under which circumstances I now submit for the approval of the Lieutenant General- in-chief the plan of a campaign. This will be to employ ten com- panies of volunteers, unless more troops, to the amount of a regiment at least, be sent here, and three hundred Utah Indians. I have been informed directly from this tribe of Indians, that they desire to act under my command in any expedition that may be gotten up against the Navajoes; and Kit Carson, the great pioneer and woodman, has assured me that that number can be raised, the best riflemen in the world. I desire that I may be allowed to employ them, as they do not require pay as soldiers, but only to be supplied for a short time with provisions, until they can get well into the Indian country. I cannot but recommend this plan, as it will at once have the effect to get the co-operation of a most valuable force, and at the same time employ these restless people, who otherwise must foray upon our own settlements. If a war against the Navajoes becomes necessary, I desire to make it as depisive as possible, by striding a blow that they will never for- 30 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. get. If my views are carried out, I promise the Navajoe difficulties will never be again heard of. I desire an answer at the earliest possible moment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS T. FAUNTLEROY, 1st Dragoons, Commanding Dept. Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, A. A. G. y Headquarters of the army. New York City-. P. S. I also enclose a copy of my letter to Major Shepherd, com- manding officer of Fort Defiance, upon the recept of his report. 11 a. HEADQUARTERS, FORT DEFIANCE, Neiv Mexico, January 17, 1860. SIR : My letter to department headquarters, of the 14th October last, plainly told and showed what would be the consequence of mak- ing a "foray" against the Tunicha Navajoes, in obedience to orders dated Headquarters, Department New Mexico, October 2, 1859. In spite of the representations of my letter, the order was reiterated, and Major Ruff, then newly arrived, without a solitary day's experience with the Navajoe Indians, disagreed in the face of the unanimous opinion of the officers belonging to the post " that there loould result a tvar," and directed the execution of the order, and immediately after its accomplishment the whole outside force marched away. It looked somewhat like the wicked fleecing, &c., and perhaps the Navajoes may have drawn this conclusion. This cherished question of doubt as to whether " there would result a war" has to-day been entirely solved. It is in haste that I now therefore report, that about three hundred Indians attacked the beef herd belonging to this station, a few minutes after sunrise this morn- ing at its grazing camp, eight miles distant from the post .There was a guard of thirty-two privates and three non-commissioned officers over this herd. The attack was begun upon the wood-wagon party, which had just turned out of sight around the point of a hill, about 400 yards from the corral. Three men of this party were killed almost immediately they fired but two shots in defence ; being undoubtedly completely surprised by the Indians from behind the hill. It was at this point that they awaited the herd, as it had been driven in that direction on the previous morning. The six oxen hitched in this wagon were captured. The main attack on the herd out grazing was promptly repulsed by a loss of two Indians, shot helpless from, their horses ; they were car- ried away, however. Nearly all the guard being by this time at the herd, it was advanced towards the Indians in order to provoke a re- newal of the attack, but the Indians could not be rallied again. The herd was then driven in the immediate vicinity of the camp. Huero, the Indian recognized by the treaty of December 25, 1858, as the head chief, and accordingly named Huero Miles, was readily INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 31 recognized as the leader of this attacking force, and Juan, (known as Navajoe Jack,) formerly the interpreter of this post, was also seen as a leader. Sergeant Gahle of company C, 3d infantry, having charge of the guard, now despatched a slip of paper, reporting the attack of the post, by means of a dog ; the paper being tied to the neck, and some- thing else to his tail. The Navajoes heing repulsed in this attack, they next proceeded, "before the dog reached the post, up on the mountains, partly in the direction of the post, and attacked three mule teams hauling in lumher logs. In this they were completely successful, capturing all the eighteen mules, and wounding severely one of the teamsters, and wounding the only escort man so badly that he died before he could be brought to the post in a wagon sent for him. Two of the mules escaped from the Indians and returned to the post. This lumber party consisted of three mule teams and four ox teams, with their drivers, and Sergeant Zimmer, of company B, 3d infantry, and twelve privates. The mule teams being loaded up first, were dis- tinctly ordered by the sergeant to remain till the other teams were ready, but as soon as they could leave unobserved by him, while he was engaged with the other wagons, they started and took a road not expected by him. Previous to this last attack only three Indians were seen in the mountain, and they took a direction, while seen, op- posite to the post. One of these three was of the attacking party, because- he left his skin cap on the ground. The number engaged in this attack was not ascertained; about eighty were afterwards seen further in the mountains. The error of judgment of Sergeant Gable, in sending out so small a party for wood, was to a great degree redeemed by his good defence of the herd, while in fact surrounded by so large a force of mounted Indians. The loss sustained by the government is sixteen mules, six oxen, and four soldiers killed, viz : Privates Weber, of company B, Kice and Gaffy, co-npany E, and Cogan, company G. Day before yesterday it was reported by the interpreter of Mr. Kendrick, Indian agent, that either this attack was to be made, or a campaign on the Kio Grande. A reinforcement of twelve men and a non-commissioned officer was accordingly sent after tattoo to the grazing camp, but a party of five men came to the post yesterday from the camp and reported no signs except two mcocason tracks, and there being in at the post at the same time so many, apparently friendly Indians, well known, the rumor was placed on the same footing as & hundred heretofore of a like import. Our Navajoe interpreter, Jose, was granted a leave of ten days, about a month since, but has never returned or been heard of. As he has been the only truthful man ever engaged, it is possible he may have been killed, as threatened last spring. As for the beef herd itself, it would have been no great loss if cap- tured, as they are all so lean as scarcely to be eatable at all. ^ There is not hay enough for the mules alone, and grass does not spring up in this vicinity until the month of June. 32 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. An impression has been created by Colonel Backus and others that this is a fine grazing region, but nothing is more wide of the truth, and consequently it was more than folly to send here so large a num- ber of lean beeves as was sent last summer. Besides, the issue of such beef as part of the ration, is a sinful fraud upon the soldier, and the quantity ought, in all conscience, to be increased to a pound and a half at least to the ration. To-morrow morning Lieutenant Dickinson will start early with forty men and two non-commissioned officers on the Albuqurque road to meet any supply train which may be en route, and to reinforce the two mail parties now absent. I shall not take the field till the return of Lieutenant Dickinson. The Navajoes have patiently bided their time in thus taking the initiative, in retaliation for the Tunicha foray last November, and they have doubtlessly well hidden their families and herds. A short delay on my part may tend to quiet their vigilance. No apprehension may be felt in regard to the safety of the post, but the people along the river ought to be apprised of war. There is no need of sending any more animals to the post till the grass shows signs of springing. Footmen can keep two-thirds of the Navajoe country perfectly free from Indians, that is to say, with an area of eighty miles for a radius; but the nights are too cold just now for us to expect to do much. All trains ought properly to be guarded by escorts from the river. The duty of the troops here will be immensely greater than at any other post. Lieutenant Hildt's return to his company will of course be needed immediately, as also an additional surgeon for the post ; one physician will be required at all times at the post, and the other in the field when a command may sally forth. The culpable men in the mule losses will be brought for punishment. In my next communication, next mail, I shall make some remarks in regard to command and the mode of compaigning. I shall state why my own experience should not be disregarded. First and foremost, the principles should be assumed at the outset and adhered to the end, that rank should not gloss over disqualifi- cation, either mental or physical, which may disincline the commander himself to take the field and thus lose the knowledge of experience. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. L. SHEPHERD, Capt. 3d Infantry, and Bvt. Maj. Comd'g Post. Lieut. J. D. WILKINS, A. A. A. G., Dept. of New Mexico, Santa Fe, N. M. P. S. Half of this command will be discharged by the 1st of July next by expiration of term of enlistment. 0. L. S. INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 33 11 b. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, January 27, 1860. MAJOR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 17th instant. The department commander deems the present season of the year unfavorable to the successful prosecution of a campaign, and there- fore directs that you make no expedition against the Navajoes at this time, hut occupy the troops under your command in keeping open the communication with Albuquerque and in protecting property on the road in the vicinity of your post. He desires that your command be put in as high a state of efficiency as possible by spring, and that they be fully prepared for campaign service. You will keep the department commander constantly advised as to the state of affairs with the Indians, and should you deem a reinforce- ment at any time necessary, give early information. The department commander perceives that you have taken advan- tage of your official report to animadvert on other officers, and he directs that in future you will confine your remarks to the subject- matter of your communication. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. WILKINS, ~Lst Lieutenant 3d Infantry, A. A. A. G. Brevet Major C. L. SHEPHERD, U. S. A., Commander Fort Defiance, New Mexico. 12. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, New Mexico, February 10, 1860. COLONEL : I have the honor herewith to enclose the report of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel J. V. D. Reeve, captain 8th infantry, marked u A/' of a second scout or expedition against the Final Indians. In this report he has used language in the highest degree disre- spectful to the commanding officer of the department, insubordinate in its character, and deserving official notice. I therefore request that this officer may be immediately ordered back to his post, in order that proper steps may be instituted for that purpose. Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Reeve received a leave of absence from these headquarters immediately after his first report, and left the de- partment before his second reached its destination. With great respect, your obedient servant, T. T. FAUNTLEROY, Colonel 1st Dragoons, Commanding Department. Lieutenant Colonel L. THOMAS, Ass't Adj't Gen'l, Head Quarters of the Army, New York City. H. Ex. Doc. 69 3 34 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 12 a. FORT BUCHANAN, NEW MEXICO, January 3, 1860. SIR : I have this day returned from an expedition of twenty-one days against the Final Indians, in continuation of the campaign ordered against them. I find here on my return your communication of the llth ultimo, in which the colonel commanding has directed you to state that the campaign has been an " entire and utter failure/' and his deep mortification thereat. Before making the comments which I intend upon this letter, I will state what has been done since my report of the 27th of November last. For information as to the movements of a part of the command under Captain Elliot, rifles, I enclose you herewith his report to me. Com- panies D and G, 1st dragoons, and a detachment of company C, rifles, under my command, in all one hundred and ten men and five officers, including Assistant Surgeon McKee, made an expedition to the Final mountains, leaving this post on the 14th ultimo. The re- sult of this expedition was : eight Indians killed, one wounded, and twenty-three prisoners ; all but one of the latter being women and children, six of them were left in the mountains, being either old and decrepit, or to oyoung to bring with us, as they would have proved but a useless burden. Two horses and one mule were captured. One prisoner escaped during our homeward march. On our part there were no casualties except one, Captain Ewell slightly wounded in the hand. This skirmish occurred the 25th of December. The distance marched was three hundred and fifty miles. Our loss in animals from cold, fatigue, and starvation, was three horses and four mules of com- pany D, 1st dragoons. Particulars of the march, relating to snows and other obstacles, I will not state, as I presume they will possess no in- terest. The campaign, then, has consisted of two scouts, the first of fifteen days, and the second of twenty ; and the result twelve Indians killed, (counted,) eleven (known to be) wounded, (and probably more,) forty-six taken prisoners, one hundred and eleven head of horses and cattle captured, together with four guns and numerous bows and ar- rows, and other property to them of much value. I have now to state that I think the colonel commanding has been hasty in declaring the campaign to be an " entire and utter failure," for he had but the work of fifteen days upon which to base such decla- ration, and was at the same time informed that another expedition would be made from this post after the animals had been rested and re- cruited for a few days. The responsibility for the " want of prepara- tion and efficiency of the troops" does not fall upon my portion of the command ; without my being consulted in the slightest particular, the "preparations" for the campaign were made at department head- quarters. The depot selected, to be on the San Pedro, near the mail station. The pack animals assigned, one for every three men, ten extra mules assigned for the troops to go from this post, lest they should be short of transportation ; and I was required to place supplies in depot " for the probable duration of the campaign' ' with the teams of INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 35 the post, only Jive in number, after which to use a part of the mules for packing. The only expense authorized was the hire of " three or four guides/' but not a single packer, or herdman for driving a few beef cattle, was allowed. I was not in all this allowed as much discretion as is usually given to a corporal in the performance of his duties, save to make or not an expedition against the Chiricahui Indians when the Pinalenos were subdued. The command from the Bio Grande were required to pack twenty days' provision on their mules, with extra horse shoes and nails, but no means were furnished them of bringing an article of extra clothing to supply them during a winter campaign. All instructions furnished me were literally followed until found inap- plicable and impracticable. The animals from the Rio Grande arrived in the condition I have stated in a former report. Not one of the ten mules sent for the troops at this post was applied to their service ; and all the companies took the field with a less number of mules than one to every three men. There were two wagons at Fort Bliss and seven at Fort Fillmore left without mules ; and had they been used with the same mules which were packed, all the animals, both mules and horses, would have arrived at the San Pedro in a fit condition, com- paratively, for any service. I assert, and without fear of contradiction, that in the campaigns in New Mexico, from 1854 to the present time, with the same number of men, the same short time, the same limited means, small expense, and small losses, and the same unfavorable sea- son, there has never been any more, even if as much, accomplished, as has been done by the troops under my command during the Final cam- paign. Had I taken upon myself the responsibility of not starting " from the depot in the condition represented," I should have expected that such an assumption would have cost me my commision, inasmuch as dispensing with the campaign would have been a flagrant disobe- dience of orders. " If the success of the campaign" was deemed of the greatest importance, the means for carrying it on should have been commensurate with that importance. There was no lack of volunteers, guides, spies, and employees in the Mescalero campaigns of 1854 and '55, nor in Gila campaign of 1857, nor in the Navajoe compaign of .858; no lack of hired trains for transporting supplies of all kinds on those occasions, as they were undoubtedly deemed of " im- portance." Yet here where there are but five or six mule trains and wagons to supply the post with wood and water, to supply the de- pot sixty miles distant, and then to take even a part of these mules for packing during scouts, and that too at a season of the year when grass is winter-killed, and corn becomes indispensable to sustain animals in a condition for service, is allowing, according to my experience, very inadequate means to the success of an important campaign. I assert that the campaign has not been a failure, and that undue haste and consequent injustice to the troops engaged in it, is mani Tested in any assertion to the contrary. Even if the Indians had received no pun- ishment, yet some compensation has been gained in the knowledge of a country heretofore almost unknown, save to two or three Mexicans who have been captives among the Pinalenos. I have but to say further, that the exposures to cold, mud, rain, and snow, and the excessive fatigues of marching over an exceedingly rough 36 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. country, have been borne by the troops with cheerfulness, and their duties done with alacrity. The troops from the Rio Grande will be ordered to their stations as soon as their animals are somewhat rested and fitted for the march. I am, sir. yours, respectfully, J. D. V. REEVE, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel United States Army, Commanding campaign against the Pinalenos. Lieutenant J. D. WILKINS, Acting Asst. Adjt. Gen. U. S. A., Sante Fe, N. M. 13. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT, NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, February 19, 1860. COLONEL : I have the honor to enclose, for the information of the Lieutenant General-in-chief, copies of reports of the commanding officers of Fort Craig, which will, to some extent, show the state of things in this department with regard to the Navajoes, and what is being done for the protection of the frontier. I also enclose a copy of my general orders No. 2, which will exhibit the steps instituted with reference to an early Navajoe campaign. I conceive it proper, also, to mention that I have received from El Paso, accounts going to show that the Mexicans are likely to enact on that border scenes similar to those at Brownsville. 1 consider it very important that that point should be strengthened as soon as pos- sible, especially as I shall have to use the greater part of the troops on that quarter in the Navajoe country. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. T. FAUNTLEROY, Colonel 1st Dragoons. Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, Ass't Adj't General , Headquarters of the Army. 13 a. HEADQUARTERS, FORT CRAIG, New Mexico j February 7, 1860. SIR : Colonel Porter, before leaving here this morning, directed me to make a detailed report of occurrences in the vicinity of this post within the past week, and the operations of the troops stationed here. On Thursday evening last, at dusk, a Mexican named Contreras brought the report to this post, that on the Tuesday previous some twelve thousand sheep and four boys had been captured by the Nav- ajoes opposite and near Los Lanas, on the east side of the river. He said they were coming down the country, apparently intending to cross the river at a pass opposite the Ojo del Muerto. He had been upon INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 37 the trail, and had left it thirty miles to the northeast of here. His son was one of the hoys captured. I was immediately dispatched, with forty men and three days' pro- vision, to endeavor to intercept them. Sefior Contreras accompanied me. On Tuesday morning Colonel Porter, receiving a note from me in- forming him that the Indians had given me the slip, and were still pursuing the same route, sent company "T," Captain McLane and Lieutenant Cressey, with three days' provisions, down the river on this hank to intercept the Indians opposite the Ojo del Muerto, or such a point as he might learn they would cross. At twelve o'clock on Monday, Sergeant Sunday, with twelve men, was sent to reinforce Captain McLane, and take him three hundred rations. At 3 o'clock a. m., this Tuesday morning, information was received here that the Indians had driven off about five thousand sheep from Perago, nine miles below here. First Sergeant McQuaide, with fifteen men, was sent immediately to take the trail and pursue them. At the same time an express from Sergeant Sunday gave information that the Navajoes had crossed the river at the Ojo del Muerto, on Monday at noon. Captain McLane passed down the river the night before under false information that they were intending to cross at a pass below. Colonel Porter and Assistant Sergeant Perin, with every available man of the command, left here at nine a. m v this morning, taking a northwest course, hoping to intercept the Navajoes at a pass in the mountains about sixty miles from here. At twelve m. to day, a Mexican arrived with information that early this morning seventy head of oxen were taken by the Indians from a point seven miles from here in a westerly direction. They have taken a course which will undoubtley bring Colonel Porter on their trail. The whole appears to be a combined movement ; the depreda- tions committed last night being intended to draw off the troops from the pursuit of the main body. It is now pretty well ascertained that the Indians number considerably over one hundred, and it is reported that they crossed the river in the face of quite a large party of Mexi- icans assembled to oppose them. Nine o'clock p. m. Don Manuel Chaves came into the post this evening with seven Mexicans ; he is directed from Captain McLane's camp at the Canada de la Mosa. By him, Captain McLane writes that his horses are completely broken down, and that he is unable to pursue the Indians. Don Manuel, who has in his party a guide per- fectly well acquainted with this country, having been furnished by me with fresh animals and provisions, left immediately to overtake Colo- nel Porter. There can be but little doubt that Colonel Porter will intercept the Navajoes at a point about ninety miles west of here. Information has been received that First Sergeant McQuaide was in close pursuit of the Indians who last night took the herd from Perago, and has probably before this taken the sheep from them. Three thousand of the sheep with the main body of the Indians were left by them at the crossing of the river ; three thousand more were aban- doned on the Jornada, and taken possession of by Mexicans. At last advices they still had about eight thousand with them. 38 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. February 8, 1860, eight o'clock a, m. Nothing further heard from the parties out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN HATCH, Brevet Captain U. S. A. Com. Post. Lieutenant JOHN D. WILKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Headquarters, Department of New Mexico. 13 b. HEADQUARTERS, FORT CRAIG, New Mexico, February 11, 1860. SIR: Up to eight o'clock a. m. of the 8th instant, Captain Hatch reported to the headquarters of the department the movements, &c., of the troops of this garrison. I have now the honor to state in brief the result of their operations, deferring until the reports are regularly made out by those in command of the separate detachment, a more detailed account. 1st. First Sergeant Hugh McQuaide, of company " F," regiment mounted riflemen, returned with his command at 10 o'clock a. m., on the 9th instant. He had overtaken the Indians about eighty miles from this post, killed one of them, and captured 1,500 sheep. 2d. News arrived on the 9th, at noon, that Captain Chavis, who, with seven Mexicans, had left this post on the 8th, to aid and guide the detachment with Colonel Porter, had met a large party of Indians, who had killed two of his men, and wounded three others, and asked for assistance. Sergeant McQuaide and twelve men, company F, re- giment mounted riflmen, were sent at dark to their relief; he returned during the night, it being too dark for him to proceed. Lance Cor- poral Price and eight men, company F, regiment mounted riflemen, were sent next morning at reveille for the same purpose, and returned at four p. m., bringing in Captain Chavis' s party. (They are now in hospital at this post.) Captain McLane with his company, " T," regiment mounted rifle- men, returned on the morning of the 10th. He had met a party of Indians at the crossing of the Rio Grande, near the Canada Alamosa; killed fifteen of them, captured six thousand (6,000) sheep, ninety-four beeves, nine horses, and two burros. 4th. Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Porter, with his command, returned at one o'clock this morning ; they had engaged a party of Indians, at a point ninety miles west from here, (the Sierra Los Eros,) killed and wounded sixteen of them ; captured two horses, 420 sheep, and three beeves. In addition to the animals directly captured by the troops, by the indirect influence and presence in the vicinity of the river, by the troops under command of Captain McLane, the Indians were forced to abandon some seven thousand sheep, which were taken by the Mexicans. INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 39 Among the sheep captured by the troops, were some believed to have been stolen from Anton Chico, or Jemes. Nearly all the sheep taken are in charge of Mexicans in this neighborhood. The order for the movement of Captain McLane's company has been received. I will detain it until the 15th at this post, when it will leave for Albuquerque ; its services may be necessary here for a few days to come. I would respectfully, but urgently, request that the company which is to replace Captain McLane's, be sent here be- fore the next moon, as there can be no doubt that the Indians will continue to be troublesome for some time to come. There being no subaltern for duty at this post after Captain T. shall have left, I will retain Brevet Captain Hatch, acting assistant com- missary of subsistence and acting assistant quartermaster, for the present. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PORTER, Bvt. Lieut. Col. U. S. A., com' g post. Lieut. JOHN D. WILKINS, A. Asst. Adj. Gen. head'qrs dept. of N. M. y Santa Fe. 13 c. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, February 18, 1860. [General Orders, No. 2.J I. The following commands will be organized, fully equipped, and held in readiness to take the field. 1st. Companies " B," (Claiborne's,) an( i " D," (Jones's) regiment of mounted riflemen ; two officers and one hundred and twenty enlisted men from the post of Los Lunas, Major C. C. Libley, 3d infantry, in command. 2d. Companies" A," (Eliott's,) F/' (Porter's,) and"K," (Walk- er's,) regiment of mounted riflemen, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel A. Porter, United States army, in command. 3d. Companies "B," (Duncan's,) and u G-," (Morris's,) regiment of mounted rifles, Capt. Thomas Duncan, regiment of mounted riflemen, in command. 4th. One hundred and fifty enlisted men, 3d infantry, with a due proportion of officers from Fort Defiance; Brevet Major 0. L. Shepherd, 3d infantry, in command. 5th. Companies " H," (Lindsay's,) and " T/' (McLane's,) regiment of mounted riflemen to accompany department headquarters. II. The effective mounted men of the regiment of mounted riflemen will only be taken. III. To each command there will be assigned a due proportion of spies and guards. IV. The commands registered above will receive special instruc- tions from headquarters. The quartermaster's and subsistence de- 40 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. partments are hereby directed to furnish the necessary transportation and supplies. By order of Colonel T. T. Fauntleroy : JOHN D. WILKINS, First Lieut. 3d Infantry, Asst. Adj. Gen. 14. The Adjutant General to Colonel Fauntleroy. ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, February 25, 1860. COLONEL : It appears from your requisition that you contemplate calling volunteers into service for the purpose of making war upon the Navajoes next summer. I am therefore instructed by the Secretary of War to inform you that the appropriations for the army will not admit of such extraor- dinary expenditures as would necessarily attend the raising of volun- teers, and that a considerable portion of your mounted troops will be required for this service. I am further directed by the Secretary of War to say that it is designed to increase the military force in the Navajoe country, and other parts of New Mexico, and that the presence of your effective force, combined with a just but firm policy towards the Navajoes, will, it is expected, render anything like general hostilities against that tribe unnecessary. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your ob't ser'vt, E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant General. Col. T. T. FAUNTLEROY, First Dragoons, com'g dep't of New Mexico, Santa Fe, N. M. 15. Colonel Fauntleroy to General Scott. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT NEW MEXICO, Santa Fe, March 4, 1860. COLONEL : I have the honor to enclose for the information of the Lieutenant General commanding the army : " A." Report of Second Lieutenant Wm. Dickinson, 3d infantry, of attack made by the Navajoes, while escorting a government train. " B." Copy of report of Brevet Major 0. It. Shepherd, United States army, of attack made by Navajoes on the government cattle herd. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. T. FAUNTLEROY, Col. 1st Dragoons, commanding department. Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS, Asst. Adj. Gen. Head'qrs of the Army, N. Y. City. INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 41 15 n. FORT DEFIANCE, NEW MEXICO, January 23, 1860. SIR : I have the honor to report that in obedience to post orders No. 4 of January 17, 1860, I left this post January 18, in command of a detachment of two men, nor commissioned officers, and forty privates, for the purpose of meeting and escorting to this post any trains that might be en route, and also to reinforce the two mail par- ties absent from here. Near the close of our first day's march my advance guard of eight men under Corporal Edgar, of company B, 3d infantry, captured three mounted Navajoes, five beeves, five loose horses, aside from those ridden by the prisoners, and about fifteen sheep. I found my march so encumbered by those animals that I felt forced to have them shot, (except the sheep,) part of which we used, and let the rest go, which was done by my order that evening Meantime the Indian prisoners, who had been dismounted for the purpose of using their horses in driving the other captured animals, had been embarrassing the march of the rear guard, and caused them to open out some distance ; at this time they were attacked by a mounted force of about thirty Indians, accompanied by five saddled horses without riders. A sharp firing was sustained for some minutes by the guard, the Indians using their rifles and arrows. Two Indians were shot from their horses, and it is believed that one of them was killed. Their comrades swung them on to their horses and carried them off. Some of their horses were wounded. On the 20th I reached Bacon Spring Pond, where I was joined by a quartermaster supply train of seventeen wagons, escorted by Corpo- ral Fitzpatrick of eight men of company F, 3d infantry, The whole country from the eighteen-mile pond to this point was alive with Indians and herds. I was anxious to be as unencumbered as possible, since I had to return in escort to a valuable train through the worst part of the Navajoe country, and I determined therefore to send the three prisoners on to Albuquerque in charge of Corporal Edgar, with twelve privates and a teamster. I despatched this party on their way early that afternoon. Nothing occurred on our return march until about 11 o'clock a. m. of the 22d, when at the sixteen-mile pond, when a fire was opened on us from the woods to the left, and private Geissler, company B, 3d infantry, was shot through the arm. The train was packed, and, after a brief consultation with the wagon-master, I determined to push on for this post. A force of about fifty or sixty mounted Indians hung upon our march and kept up a brisk fire upon us. No further damage was sustained, however, except the receipt of about a dozen shots in the wagons. The enemy seemed to use nothing but rifles this day. I threw out a skirmishing party of eleven privates, under Corporal Fitzpatrick of company F, 3d infantry, to cover our ad- vance, deploying them right and left to clear the woods and occupy heights. Also a like party under Sergeant Speakheart, of company 42 INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. E, 3d infantry, to cover the rear of the train. The rest of the com- mand I distributed from front to rear on both sides of the train. The most serious attack and the hottest fire experienced during the day was .about four miles this side of eighteen-mile pond, where a very considerable force of Indians sustained a fire upon us from the woods for many minutes. It required much exertion and a rapid fire from us to dislodge them. One Indian was killed. They continued to annoy our march all day, and kept up a dropping fire on us until we reached within half a mile of the rocks known as the haystacks, about six miles from this port. The entire command behaved most admirably, and fought zealously. I wish to mention the good conduct of Sergeant Speakheart, of com- pany E, 3d infantry, while in charge of the rear guard, and of Corpo- ral Fitzpatrick, of company F, 3d infantry, in charge of the advance guard of skirmishers. Nothing could exceed their coolness, and the truly handsome manner in which they executed the difficult duties entrusted to them. Corporal Edgar of company B, 3d infantry, is also deserving of much praise for the readiness and skill with which he surrounded with his guard, and surprised and captured the party of Indians on our first day's march. The command and train reached here at dark on the 22d. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ,W. DICKINSON, 2d Lieut., 3d Infantry, Commanding Detachment. Bt. Maj. 0. L. SHEPHERD, 3rd Infantry, Commanding Fort Defiance, Neiv Mexico. 15 b. HEADQUARTERS, FORT DEFIANCE, New Mexico, February 14, 18oO. SIR : I respectfully report that no Indians in any number have shown themselves since the 23d ultimo, either around the post, to the working parties, or cattle guard, till the 7th instant, wlien they showed a white flag to the guard over the beef cattle, under Sergeant Werner, company "C," third infantry, about seven miles distant from the post, at a grazing camp on the west side of the mountains. This was done evidently to decoy some men of the guard out into an ambuscade. Being apprised of this at night, I reinforced the guard by ten men, with orders to fire upon all Indians hovering within shot. The guard then consisted of forty-one (41) privates and three (3) non- commissioned officers. The following morning a strong attack on three sides was made by a force of Navajoes, numbering, according to the uniform account, more than five hundred, half of this number being on foot and the other half mounted. The attack was begun about half an hour after sunrise, and continued for two hours or more. After the first attack was bravely repulsed and the cattle driven within the corral, the men of the guard gave cheers, whereupon the Indians became infuriated and renewed the firing from the adjoining INDIAN HOSTILITIES IN NEW MEXICO. 43 woods at long range, but without doing damage. At the beginning a portion of the Navajoes got partially between the herd of cattle and the camp, and another force was firing at the guard of fifteen (15) men, under Corporal Bailey, company " G," third infantry, from the opposite side of the cattle. Fortunately, at sunrise an advanced guard of ten men under Cor- poral Ell wood, company " B," third infantry, had gone out and got posted half a mile in advance in the woods ; this advance guard, after being driven back to the woods twice, now succeeded in effecting a junction with the herd guard. This guard, being now twenty-seven (27) strong, commenced a slow retreat to the camp, about half a mile distant, first dislodging the Indians in the narrow strip of woods be- tween the herd and the camp. The camp itself was, in the mean- while, defended from the side of the canon by Sergeant Werner and seventeen (17) men. For about an hour after all the cattle were safely corralled the firing was scattering at long distance. The Navajoes probably discovered by this time the approach from the garrison of Corporal Healy, company