The Confederate Government entertained hopes in the earlier period of the struggle securing New Mexico and Arizona, and if possible of gaining a foothold in California, in order to obtain supplies of men, horses, money, etc.
A large force came through Texas, captured New Mexico, and pushed their advance nearly to the Colorado River. A large party was organized in California under one Dan Showalter, which was captured near Warner’s Ranch by detachments of the First California Cavalry and First California Infantry. They were found to be loaded down with arms and ammunition, being armed with repeating rifles; and from dispatches intercepted and found on their persons it was discovered that several of them were commissioned as officers in the Confederate service. They were held as prisoners of war at Fort Yuma until exchanged.
These matters will be treated more fully when writing the histories of the different regiments.
The following correspondence will show the intentions of the Confederate authorities:
General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector-General, C.S.A., Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the Secretary of War, a communication from Lieut.-Col. John R. Baylor, First Regiment of Texas Mounted Rifles, informing that California is on the eve of a revolution, and recommending that the Southerners in that State be induced to join the Confederate States Army. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector-General, C.S.A., Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the Secretary of War, a communication from Lieut.-Col. John R. Baylor, First Regiment of Texas Mounted Rifles, informing that California is on the eve of a revolution, and recommending that the Southerners in that State be induced to join the Confederate States Army. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector-General, C.S.A., Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the Secretary of War, a communication from Lieut.-Col. John R. Baylor, First Regiment of Texas Mounted Rifles, informing that California is on the eve of a revolution, and recommending that the Southerners in that State be induced to join the Confederate States Army. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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Maj. S.B. DAVIS: SIR: I beg to call your attention to some matter of information that may be of service to the Government at this time. California is on the eve of a revolution. There are many Southern men there who would cheerfully join us if they could get to us, and they could come well armed and mounted. I would ask permission to get all such men as choose to join us, and would further ask that some arrangement for the purchase of horses in California be made. I could now buy the best of horses there for less than $50 per head, and there are many Southern men who would sell them for Confederate bonds. Another thing I take the liberty of suggesting is, that a force be placed in western Arizona, to watch the landing of United States troops at Guaymas, that they may not pass through Sonora to invade us. A party of Californians have just arrived, and report that there are no troops on the road at this time, but that the United States Government was trying to raise them for the purpose of invasion, and I am reliably informed that the Government of Mexico has sent orders to the Governor of Sonora to allow the passage of United States troops through that State, and agents are in Sonora buying corn and supplies for United States troops. I have thought proper to furnish you with this information and leave you to act upon it. Respectfully,
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Lieut.-Col. E.D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Army: SIR: I have the honor to report that I have found it necessary to withdraw the troops from Fort Mojave and place them at Los Angeles. There is more danger of disaffection at this place than any other in the State. There are a number of influential men there who are decided Secessionists, and if we should have any difficulty it will commence there. Fort Mojave is represented as an entirely useless post. There are no hostile Indians near it, and there is no traveling whatever on the road it is intended to protect. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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Lieut.-Col. E.D. TOWNSEND, A.A.G., U.S.A., Headquarters Army, Washington, D.C.: SIR: I have the honor to report that I have found it necessary to withdraw Brevet Major Carleton’s company of dragoons from Fort Tejon and to place it at Los Angeles. This will give a command at the latter place of one company of horse and two of infantry. The detachment will be commanded by Major Carleton. I have also to report the arrival of three companies of artillery from Oregon. The battery will take post at the depot at Benicia, and the two foot companies at Fort Alcatraz. I have informed Captain McDougal, the commander of the navy yard, that if he does not feel perfectly secure and wishes any further protection, I will place a company of artillery there. Captain Burton has been assigned to the command at Fort Alcatraz. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to communicate a copy of a letter of the third ult., addressed to this department by Mr. Thomas Sprague, late commercial agent of the United States, of La Paz, Lower California, relative to the supposed designs of the insurgents in this country to seize upon that province. It is suggested that orders be given to the commander of the military forces of the United States on the Pacific with a view to prevent the execution of any such designs. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD |
Any vessel sailing under the Secession flag, so called, which shall enter or attempt to enter any of the waters of the United States on this coast, will immediately be captured by the troops stationed there. Any such vessel which shall fail to come to or surrender on being duly warned, or which shall attempt to escape, will be fired into and sunk, if necessary. By order of Brigadier-General SUMNER.
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SIR: I have within a few days received information that I know to be entirely reliable, that it is the intention of the Secessionists to take possession of the Peninsula of Lower California, Mexico, as one of the preparatory steps to the acquiring of a portion or the whole of Mexico. Having possession of the Peninsula of Lower California, their intention is to cut off our commerce with Mexico, seize the Panama steamers, and with the aid of the treasure so acquired to be able to extend their conquest to Sonora and Chihuahua at least. The possession of the Peninsula of Lower California is absolutely and indispensably necessary to the proper advancement and protection of the Pacific interests of the United States. The native-born population of this State, without one solitary exception, will join the Secessionists. The most of the Mexicans and French will do the same. Rather than the filibustering Secessionists should get possession of the Peninsula of Lower California I think our Government quite warranted (in case no arrangement can be made with the Mexican Government for its purchase) in taking possession of it for our own protection; at least to hold it as against the designs of the Secessionists. For information in relation to the Peninsula of Lower California, I refer you to my last report to Secretary Cass. With high respect, I remain, your obedient servant,
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Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State: SIR: In accordance with your suggestion of the fourth instant, the commander of the forces on the Pacific Coast will be instructed to take measures to prevent the execution of any design that may be entertained by the insurgents of seizing Lower California. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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Brigadier-General SUMNER, U.S. Army, Commander of the Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.: SIR: The General-in-Chief directs that you act in concert with the Naval Commander on the Pacific Station in preventing, so far as your means will permit, any plans the Secessionists may attempt to execute for subjecting, or annexing, Lower California to the so called Southern Confederacy. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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Lieut.-Col. E.D. TOWNSEND, Assist. Adjt.-Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D.C.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of June fifth, and herewith inclose a copy of my letter to the senior naval officer at Panama on the subject embraced therein. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Commodore J.B. MONTGOMERY, or SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER, U.S. Navy, Panama: COMMODORE: I inclose a copy of a letter I have recently received, and I take an early opportunity to say to you that I shall be prepared at all times to act with you in preventing the Secessionists from getting a foothold on this coast. I have heard a report that Colonel Van Dorn, of the Southern Army, was seen at the head of one thousand three hundred men on the road between San Antonio and El Paso. I cannot say whether this report is reliable or not. I would respectfully suggest whether it would not be well to have one or two small steamers cruising on the coast between this and Acapulco, for the protection of the liners. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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Lieut.-Col. E.D. TOWNSEND, Assist. Adjt.-Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D.C.: SIR: I have the honor to report that I have found it necessary to withdraw from Oregon a considerable part of the force stationed there to reinforce the troops stationed in California and Nevada Territory. The troops withdrawn are three companies of artillery and will be nine of infantry. There is no secession element in Oregon, and nothing to apprehend there but the possibility of some Indian disturbances, which seem to me of little consequence, in comparison to preserving the integrity of the Union. As I reported on April twenty-fifth, I believe there is a large majority of Union men in the State, but they are supine from confidence, while there is an active and zealous party of Secessionists, who will make all the mischief they can. I have checked them in the southern part of the State by placing a strong command at Los Angeles, and they are now trying to organize in Nevada Territory, but I am moving reinforcements rapidly to Fort Churchill, which will put down this movement. The leaders of this party claim to be acting by authority from the Montgomery Government, which gives them some weight in the country. In concentrating troops to meet these emergencies I have been obliged to break up the posts of Ter-Waw and Tejon, but they had ceased to be of any importance as military posts. I would respectfully and earnestly represent the great importance of organizing the civil government in Nevada Territory immediately. I believe if the Governor and other officials had been there this difficulty would not have arisen. There is no law or government there at all, and the Territory is a place of refuge for disorganizers and other unruly spirits. I would respectfully remind the General-in-Chief that if he needs my services at the East, I can make such arrangements that everything will be secure here. I would not say this unless I knew I could do it. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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MAJOR: I would respectfully report that in carrying out your instructions by telegram of June 6, 1861, Captain Moore, Assistant Quartermaster, was directed to proceed to Carson City, accompanied by twenty dragoons, under the command of Lieutenant Baker, and take possession of all such public arms as might be held by citizens of that place or vicinity. Inclosed you will find the report of his action and the success with which he carried out his instructions from these headquarters. Captain Moore reports that the rumor that the Secession organization in Virginia City did intend to surprise this post and secure the arms here had a foundation in fact, and the Secession flag raised there on the fifth was undoubtedly to ascertain the strength of the secession feeling in the Territory. From all that can be learned I think that the force now en route for this post will be sufficient to preserve the Federal authority intact. I would, however, recommend that the arms called for in my letter of the sixth of June be forwarded, as the Union feeling is strong in and around Virginia City, but unfortunately the law-abiding citizens are without arms and ammunition. I received, June fourth, a letter from Mr. Buckley, Superintendent of the Overland Mail Company. He reports the Indians as quiet, and as evincing a disposition to remain so. They are very poor, having but little food, and are really in a most destitute condition. Up to the present time everything remains quiet in Virginia. I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
FORT CHURCHILL, NEV. June 10, 1861. Maj. GEORGE A.H. BLAKE, First Dragoons, Commanding: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions of June 7, 1861, I proceeded to Carson, with the detachment of twenty dragoons under the command of Lieutenant Baker. On my arrival at that place I called upon Mr. John Blackburn to turn over to me the public arms in his possession. Those he had in Carson were at once transferred to me, he at the same time giving an order on Captain Curtis and Mr. Shiririch, of Silver City, for twenty-one stand left in their charge for safe keeping. White in Silver City I heard a number of muskets supposed to be in the hands of different individuals. One examining the houses of these persons none were to be found, and they all stated that the arms had been turned over to Benjamin F. Lippincott, who was the Quartermaster of the command under Colonel Hays, and who had authority to receipt for the arms of the command. At Silver City I learned that the Secession flag was to be raised at 10 o’clock that day in Virginia City. Although my orders did not contemplate any resistance on the part of the people or that a demonstration adverse to the Federal authority would be made, I believed that the putting down of any movement of that nature would meet with your approbation. On my arrival at Virginia City everything was comparatively quiet, although there was considerable excitement among the advocates of the Southern rebellion. Immediate examination of all buildings suspected of containing arms was made. The building on which the Rebel flag was hoisted a few days since was found to contain no arms and the proprietor assured me that the flag was hoisted more for a joke than with the intention of causing any excitement. His statement, I believe, was intended for a blind, as I was subsequently informed from the most reliable residents of the place that there was, beyond a doubt, an organization to subvert the authority of the Federal Government in this Territory and declare in favor of the Confederate States. That there are arms in or near Virginia City there can be no doubt, but the organization has been so close in its operations that the responsibility can be placed on no one individual, nor can the Union men trace them to the haunts where they are probably secreted. Information against Captain Caperton of a nature sufficiently strong was presented as to warrant his apprehension. I was obliged to release him, as he brought witnesses to swear that the arms belonged to Captain Stover, and the ones referred to had been turned in to the Quartermaster of the command, Benjamin F. Lippincott. The arms secured by me were, by the direction of General Sumner, commanding department, turned over to a company enrolled in Virginia City, on the night of the ninth, for the especial protection of the interests of the Union. Two companies were formed, of fifty men each, who, in addition to the oath of the club, were sworn to faithful obedience to the President and the laws of the Federal Government, to suppress rebellion, and to be ready at any moment to yield obedience to the President or other loyal authority under him for the preservation of the Union. Four hundred men are enrolled. Of these one hundred are armed; the remainder, from the want of arms, are unable to place themselves in a state of such efficiency as they desire, but hope the General commanding will soon furnish the requisite arms and ammunition to enable them to carry out the object of their organization. After having taken such precautionary measures for the conservation of peace as I thought best, I returned to this post. In conclusion, I would call your attention to the faithful and efficient manner in which Lieutenant Baker and the men of his command carried out the orders given them under circumstances peculiarly embarrassing to an officer of the army. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
The seizure of the arms as herein reported had the effect to check at once the action of the Secessionists in Nevada Territory. Respectfully forwarded to Army Headquarters.
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Brig.-Gen. E.V. Sumner having been recalled for duty in the East, the command of this department, in obedience to the instructions of the General-in-Chief, devolves on Col George Wright, of the Ninth Regiment of Infantry. By order of Colonel WRIGHT.
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Col. E.D. TOWNSEND, A.A.G., Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D.C.: COLONEL: I deem it my duty to submit to the General-in-Chief the condition of affairs in the Southern District of California, and the prudential measures which I consider of vital importance in suppressing any attempts of the Rebel forces to gain a foothold on the Pacific Coast. The United States troops in this department can repel any direct invasion of the State by the Rebels; but the adjoining State of Sonora, with a feeble government and sparse population, presents inducements of the strongest kind for the Rebels to march a force into that country and obtain possession of the fine port of Guaymas. This once accomplished, it destroys our commerce in the Gulf of California and interrupts the natural transit in and out of Arizona. The fondly cherished hopes and aim of the Rebels are to obtain a port on the Pacific. Timely interference on our part will frustrate their designs. To protect Arizona and reestablish the authority of the United States Government in that country, the occupation of Sonora is a military necessity. The amicable relations existing between our Government and that of Mexico would not necessarily be interrupted by our temporary occupation of Sonora; the design and object would be apparent. At all events, Sonora is de facto independent of the central government, and has been so for four years; and I am assured by persons whose responsible positions and reputation guarantee their assertion, that the introduction of a force of United States troops would be hailed with joy, and meet with the moral and physical support of the entire population. We would not enter the country as conquerors, but as friends, to unite with the Government and people in driving back the Southern Rebels, who are now threatening their country with ruin and devastation. I am informed by gentlemen of high standing that the introduction of United States troops into Sonora would be agreeable to the present Governor – Pesqueira. Under all the circumstances, to protect ourselves, I consider it imperative that we should take the initiative in this matter. Sonora is weak and unable to resist a Rebel force, and if our aid is withheld she will inevitably be overrun – virtually conquered – and the Rebels obtain possession of the port of Guaymas. Let two regiments, one of cavalry and one of infantry, with a light artillery battery, be promptly thrown into Guaymas, and all will be well. A discreet and prudent commander would conciliate the Government and people of Sonora,and, cooperating harmoniously together, no Rebel forces could enter the State. Peace and prosperity would reign within its borders. Once occupy Sonora, and the reestablishment of our authority in Arizona would be a work of easy accomplishment. The force necessary for the expedition is now on this coast, and could be transported to Guaymas by steamers in a week’s time. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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Brig.-Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.: GENERAL: For several weeks past small parties have been organizing in the southern district of this State, with the avowed purpose of proceeding to Texas to aid the Rebels. To enable me to frustrate their designs, I have seized all the boats and ferries on the Colorado River and have them strongly guarded. I have reinforced Fort Yuma with two more companies, one of infantry and one of cavalry; also with two twelve-pounder brass cannon. Major Rigg, First California Volunteer Infantry, commanding United States troops near Warner’s Ranch, on the border of the desert between that place and Fort Yuma, has arrested a man by the name of Showalter, a notorious Secessionist, and his party of seventeen men. I have ordered the whole party to be taken to Fort Yuma and held securely guarded until further orders. I have given positive orders that no person shall be permitted to pass beyond Yuma or cross the Colorado River without my special permit; also that all persons approaching the frontier of the State shall be arrested and held in confinement, unless satisfactory evidence is produced of their fidelity to the Union. The time has arrived when individual rights must give way, and I shall not hesitate to adopt the most stringent measures to crush any attempt at rebellion within this department. I will not permit our Government and institutions to be assailed by word or deed without promptly suppressing it by the strong arm of power, feeling assured that I shall be sustained by my Government and receive the cordial support of every patriotic citizen on this coast. Hoping that what I have done or propose to do may be approved by the General-in-Chief and Secretary of War, I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Please inform General Wright that his course is fully approved.
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GENERAL: My reports and returns already made, and which you will receive with this, will inform you of the strength of my command. The troops are in good condition, and improving in discipline and instruction. The country is generally quiet. In the south-western portion of the State the sympathizers with rebellion are numerous, and small parties are constantly organized with a view to pass the frontier; but thus far we have defeated their attempts. The most stringent measures have been adopted and enforced to prevent the Rebels from receiving any assistance from this country. I am now actively engaged in preparing the means of transportation and all the supplies necessary for the expedition which I am authorized to make under Colonel Carleton. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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All persons who have been arrested or who may be arrested in this State as Secessionists or traitors to the country, will be kept in confinement at Fort Yuma until final action is had on each case. The garrison of that fort will be at once increased to nine companies – one of artillery, six of infantry, and two of cavalry. Its defenses will be strengthened and some heavy guns mounted, and it will be well supplied with ammunition, provisions, and forage. It is reported that the Navajo Indians obstruct the route from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, now important as the only one on which the daily mail from the States can be carried, that of the north being blocked up with snow; that of the south being in possession of the Rebels at its eastern end, and on the Rio Grande. These Indians are therefore to be brought to terms. An expedition, consisting of seven companies, will move up the Colorado on Colonel Hoffman’s trail. Three of these companies (infantry) will reoccupy Fort Navajo and reestablish the ferry. This force, as heretofore, will draw its supplies from Los Angeles. The other four – three of cavalry and one of infantry – will proceed on to Las Vegas, near the Potosi Mines, on the Salt Lake road, and establish a post at the old Mormon fort. This is preliminary to the movement, already ordered, of troops next summer to Fort Crittenden, near Salt Lake. The new post at Las Vegas will be known as Fort Baker.
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GENERAL: Inclosed herewith is a copy of a telegraphic dispatch which I had the honor to transmit to you yesterday. Also, copy of extract from a letter from Mr. Thomas Robinson, a resident of Guaymas, Sonora. This extract was presented to me by Mr. Flint, of this city, a gentleman of standing and reliability, connected with the steamship line between this city and Guaymas. From the best information in my possession at this moment, I am disposed to believe that the views taken by Mr. Robinson as to the intended movements of the Rebel forces are in the main correct. The large force I am assembling in the southern portion of this State, preparatory to an advance from Fort Yuma, will doubtless cause the Rebel leaders to deflect from their line of operations, and, if possible, gain the port of Guaymas. To frustrate all such attempts, I deem it of the first importance that a strong force should be thrown into that city, aided by the presence of a few ships of war. I propose to open a correspondence with the Governor of Sonora on this subject, and I am assured by the best authority that our temporary occupation of Guaymas, or any portion of the State, to protect it from the inroads of the Rebels, would be cheerfully acquiesced in by the authorities and people of that country. The storm has somewhat abated for a few days past. To-day it is raining again, and the roads are not in a condition to advance my expeditionary forces to Fort Yuma. However, it is only a question of time; we will be successful. I have no special news from the District of Oregon; all was quiet in that quarter when last heard from. The winter has been unusually severe, and the navigation of the Columbia River entirely obstructed by ice. The Legislature of California is now in session in this city, compelled to abandon Sacramento temporarily. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Brig.-Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C |
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Immediately on the receipt of this please call upon General Wright and state to him, in my name, that by express received by me to-day from Arizona and from most reliable sources, I have the following statement: “The Southern troops under Colonel Baylor, Military Governor, are expected at Tucson within ten days, numbering nine hundred men. It is said they will immediately make a strong and continued campaign on the Apaches; reports say (which I fear is very probable) they will march into Sonora; in the meanwhile their headquarters will be at Calabazes, on the line. Agents to purchase flour, corn, etc., are actually in the Territory, under escort; contracts for hay have already been given out. Brigadier-General Sibley, C.S.A., with three thousand men, takes command in Arizona and New Mexico, and will immediately attack the United States forces in New Mexico. The Southern soldiers are full of fight; only the other day one hundred crossed the Jronada del Muerto, drove in the pickets of the United States forces, and made forty prisoners.” These same reports were afloat here three days since when I arrived, and to-day they are confirmed. There is no doubt in my mind as to the desires and intentions of these Southern forces. What the devil do they care for Arizona, without one hundred souls in it and nothing worth having there! They wish to march into Sonora, as is intimated from any sources, and take quiet possession, for we are not at present in condition to resist, having just passed through a very sore trial, although with success. If they once get possession of this State and its posts, the North may just as well give up the complete line through from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of California, and it will require a supreme effort then to evict them. This is no newspaper talk, but something certain, and the only way to avoid a most serious and difficult position is for the United States Government to send, without a moment’s delay, the necessary forces to act. Let me request of you to urge upon General Wright the necessity of this step. Let one thousand men, properly equipped, be sent immediately to Guaymas, officered by gentlemen of prudence and judgment, and I will see that they get through immediately to Arizona. The Government and people will be too happy to see such a friend coming to their rescue. If necessary, let the General telegraph to Washington for the necessary powers. But he must act promptly, and I will guarantee his full success. And by adopting these measures he will have acquired a victory which will be more than galling to the South. I will take the contract for transporting troops and equipments to Arizona and furnishing everything necessary. You are aware the Congress of Mexico have given a cordial permit for transit of troops through Sonora, and our State will be pleased to forward the views of the United States Government or its representatives. You can assure General Wright that all my influence and that of my friends will be used in favor of his forces. Yours sincerely, THOMAS ROBINSON. |
GENERAL: Major Drum is still absent inspecting the troops at and near Fort Yuma. My latest dates from him are of the fourteenth instant. It is probable that Colonel Carleton is now at or in advance of Fort Yuma. Colonel Bowie’s Fifth Infantry, California Volunteers, is concentrating at Fort Yuma as a reserve. Carleton’s movement will sweep the predatory bands of Baylor and Riley out of Arizona and break up their plan of obtaining a foothold in Sonora, and then with the well appointed force under his command, strengthened, if necessary, by the fine reserve regiment of Bowie, I have no apprehensions as to the result in any conflict with the Rebels this side of the Rio Grande. Outwardly everything is quiet in this country, but I know that there are many men on this coast who are traitors at heart, and who are at this moment writhing under the defeats of the Rebels. They are harmless now, however, because so greatly in the minority; but such men require close surveillance. In the southern portion of this State there are more sympathizers with the Rebels than anywhere else, and I have now ordered Colonel Forman, of the Fourth Infantry, California Volunteers, now in camp at Sacramento, to proceed by the next steamer to San Pedro with his headquarters and three companies. The Colonel will take post at Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, where we have already four companies of the Second Cavalry. It has been my aim not to create any unnecessary alarm in the public mind on this coast, but to watch closely the progress of events and be ever ready to crush any attempt to raise the standard of rebellion on the Pacific. You will observe by my General Orders No. 17 that I am gradually drawing the cords a little closer around treason. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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