Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1847-05-07
Brig. Gen. R. Jones. Adrt Gen U. s A.. washington.
Chihuahua---CoI.D onipI,an's Letters.
IlEADQUARrERs or ruE Amy IN CuIHuAHUA
liIx nL l,hihllahlaa Al .z..L On IsI-

lEADoUARrrRs or ruE Army CumuAHUA,}
City OF chihuahua, March 20. lsI7. (
SIR; The forces under command portion OF the
Missouri volunteers, called
invading New Mexico under tho command OF Br,sadier
General then Colonel kearny. After conquest of
New Mexico. ard before General kearnys departure for
California information was received that another regiment
and battalion IT Missouri volunteers would follow
US to Santa Fe The service Of large force being
y unnecessary in that State, prevailed Gen Kearny
to order my regiment TO report To at this city, The
der given the 23d September. 1885, but after the
general arrived ut La Joya southern part OF the State
he issued an order requiring my regiment make n
Paign in the country inhabited by the Navajo Indians lying
between the waters Of the Rio del Notc aud the Rio Colo
RADIO ct the west This campaign detained until the
ct December before the Del Norte. " @ i'm
meda,ely commenced our march for FL Paso del Nore
WIN about eOO niemen All communication between
chihuahua and New Mexico entirely prevented
GA the 25h of December, 1885, my van guard was 1T
tackled Brazito by the Mexican from this States
force about 49, aud tho force OF the enemy
100; the engagement lasted about forty minutes when
the enemy hed leaving GO killed and dead $50 woun
died. and one owzer, the only piece OF artillery on.
gagemen either side On the 29th entered FL Paso
without further opposition from the prisoners and others
learned that You had rot marched upon this State
determined TO order battery and 100 artierss from New
Mexico They arrived FL Paso about the h February
when took up the line OF march for this place. copy
my official report OF the battle of Sacramento enclosed
to you, will show all subsequent movements up TO
taking military possession OF this capital The day OF
arrival had determined send express YOU forth
with but the whole intermediate country the hands
OF the enemy and VIC ell. and had been for
months, from all information respecting the American ar
my Mexican reports never TO be fully credited vet
from all we could learn, did doubt that you would
be forced by overwhelming numbers abandon Salnlo,
and OF course could send express uader such cir
cumsances On yesterday received the first oera
bly, reliable information that battle had been fought near
SaIto between the American and Mexican forces, and
that santa Anna had probably fallen back San Luis de
Poiosi
My position here is exceedingly embarrassing In the
first place, Of the under my command have been
in the LIST of June aud have never received
cent Of Their marches have been hard especial
y IN the Navajo country, and forage that they are
literally without horses, clothes, money-nohing but
and disposition them. They are all voun-
esrs officers and men, and although ready any hard
ships or danger, are wholly unit To garrison
" Ii is confusion contounded" Having performed
march of than 1000 miles, and their term of service
rapidly expiring, they restless Join the army under
command. Still cannot leave this point safely for
days-the American merchants here oppose IL yio-
enty and have several hundred thousand dollars nj stake
They have sent me a memorial and my determination has
been made known In them copy both they will send
you. OF thing is necessary inform you the mer-
chants admit that their goods coud not be sold here in five
years 1t they 90 south they will be to the markets
of Durango and Zacaiecas they are am anxious
and willing protect the merchants far practicable
but protest against remaining mere a mere wagon
guard gaTrisoning city with troops wholly untitled for IT,
and who wall be wholly ruined by improper indu
gences. Having been originally ordered this point YOU
know the wishes OF the in relation it, and of
orders will be promptly and chcerfuly obeyed
fear there is ample use for us with YOU and would
greatly prefer joining before service expires
All Information relative to my previous operations pre-
sent VIII DE gwen You by MIR. j. Collins,
the bearer OF these dispatches He highly honorable
gentleman, and amateur soldier at Sacramento
The Mexicans report your late battle having been en-
Tely favorable themselves but taking il for granted
they report the truth, have fired salute for our
pietOy in honor Of yourself and Gen. Taylor presumng
from report, you were both present.
Very respectfully, your obedent servant
a. w. DONIPHAN
Comdg LIST Reg. Missouri Mounted Vols
Should the horses mules OF those bearing this EXPRESS
fail prove unfit upon, have TO request that
they may be supplied by the government with the proper
means OF returning.
a. w. DONIPIIAN,
Colonel LIST Reg. Missouri Vols
Brig. Gen. Wool, u. S. A.