Page 9 (Official Records Volume 4)

CHAP. XI.] SURRENDER AT SAN AUGUSTINE SPRINGS, N. MEX.

25th instant, and in reply beg to state that I herewith inclose a list of the men and officers included in the surrender, as requested by you, by name, with explanatory remarks.* The number of horses and mules surrendered by me was 100 horses and 2 mules. In addition, 8 horses were stolen. The number of sets of arms and equipments corresponds with the number of men.

In the order directing the paroled men of the Rifles to march into the States, dated the 25th instant, no mention is made of the disposition to be made of the four officers with them or the paroled men of Companies I and G included in the surrender, and now here under my command. I should like to be informed of this at once, and if they are to be embodied in Company F. There will then be three first sergeant with the command. How are they to be disposed of? With regard to the books, records, and property pertaining to Company I, Mounted Rifles, a part was kept in Albuquerque, to be forwarded by Captain McFerran out he ordnance officer here, a part is now here in daily use by the whole command, and the balance will be sent, as directed in your letter, to Santa Fe by the first opportunity. I shall be compelled, however, to retain the tents, as the depot here is entirely stripped, however, to retain the tents, as the depot here is entirely stripped of them. As soon as the muster rolls are completed, Private Marius, of Company I, not paroled, will be sent to Santa Fe to report, as directed.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ALFRED GIBBS,

Captain,

Rifles,

Commanding Squadron.

Lieutenant A. L. ANDERSON, A. A. A. G., Hdqrs.

Dept’s New Mexico, Santa Fe,

Through Commanding Officer Fort Union.

JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MO., November 7, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to request that a court of inquiry may be ordered, to convene at this place as soon as possible, to inquire into and report upon the facts and circumstances connected with and bearing upon surrender of Major Lynde’s command at San Augustine Springs, N. Mex., July 27, 1861, more particularly as relates to my connection therewith as commanding the mounted force of that command.

This request is made in the name of all the officers connected with my command.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ALFRED GIBBS,

Captain, Third Cavalry,

Commanding Squadron.

To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Statement of Captain Gibbs.

Captain Gibbs was relieved from duty as commissary, depot at Albuquerque, July 15. Received an order, July 17, to take Company I, Mounted Rifles, and escort 100 head beef cattle from Fort Craig to Fort Fillmore, and report to Major Lynde for duty. Left Albuquerque on the 18th. Reached Fort Craig on 22d. Started with the cattle cannot without great difficulty, as the animals were very wild and unruly. The escort consisted of 25 men, including 2 lieutenants. On the 27th, we arrived at San Augustine Springs, about 35 miles from Fort Thorn. Here we were surrounded by a large force of Texans, under Colonel Baylor, who demanded our surrender.