The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-11-15
THE INDIAN WAR IN NEW MEXICO.

OFFICIAL REPORT OF CAPTAIN HATcH-BArfLE AT
THE ARROYO AND DEFEAT OF THE INDIANS
FoRT DEFIANCE ~ ~, Sept. rs, 1858.
SiRl have the honor 10 report that in obedience 10
Order No and special instructions OF Sept 23 1858,
left this post last evening at o'clock r. NJ command
of Company b, Third infantry, Lieutenant Whppe, and
ffty-eght rank and file, land Company /, Mounted
Rifles, fifty eight rank and file, and fifty four
horses. / reached Laganna Negra at five o'clock
this morning Finding the country beyond the Laganna
open and rolling, had no hope Of concealng my march
should conne my gait that Of the foot troops and
gage. therefore reluctantly separated myself from
Lieutenant Whpple, leaving the baggage in his charge,
and with him six Of my mounted men, and moved with
much rapdty as possible, by circutous route, to the
wheat field Of Varco Largo, situated about nine miles
from the Iaganna.
BY taking advantage Of the irregularities of the ground
reached without discovery the Arroyo with my company
succeeded in conducting il within two hundred Yards OF
the ranches Of varcalo argo's people before dis
covered by them, arriving there at O'Clock A. NJ
Immediately formed in columns of fours advanced to
the front Of the Noigcs and dsmounted my within
Il fly yards OF them
was met by about forty Nayajoes, armed almost
exclusively with firearms. The fire for few minutes
quite warm, when the Navaoes retreaed, leaving six
dead the houses, and two certainly Of those who
escaped severely wounded one Of these Varco Largo
himself, the head chief OF the Navajocs, probably
tally. My force was so small that was not willing TO
allow IL 10 be scattered in the thckets OF oak
near the ranch to look up the dead and wounded;
were il not for this / think / could have reported
larger loss OF the enemy captured upon the ground
fifty horses, aGd large number of buffalo robes,
blankets, saddles, &c. many Of these latter articles
caused to be thrown upon the wheat stack, which
fired by my orders. l then moved with the company 10
the open ground and half miles OF the wheat
fields, when was joined by the remainder Of the com
mand, under Lieut. Whpple After getting breakfast for
the command returned TO this post, where arrived
six O'Clock PM, having marched distance Of fty miles
in twenty hours and that upon meal.
am happy TO be able 10 report that bring my
mand back this post in good condition when left
here. The only reason can give for this s that these
Indians unaccusomed to the Of firearms
Most Of them probably using for tho first
time purchased for this war. Had they been
armed with bows and arrows, must have had
casualties to report for certainly behaved
with galIantry and coolness than did Varco largo
until he had discharged bis last shot from his rifle and
volver cannot praise too highly the conduct Of my
company. Their prompt obedience 10 orders, under "A
heavy ire, proved their discipline, their unhnchng
behavior and their gallanty Where all behaved well
could desire special mention The excellent conduct
without injustice TO the remainder Of the company, all
will take pleasure in testyng that the reputation earned
a few months since, under similar circumstances, was
well sustained on this occasion.
None regret more than myself the circumstance
that forced upon the leaving IN the OF Lieutenant
Whpple and his gallant command II painful TO my
feelings but felt II was my duty 10 do and Lieutenant
Whpp,e generously conceded with me in opinion. Yours
very respectfully. j. Y. HATCH,
Captain in command Of Rifle Company l.