Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-10-05
Letter from New Mexico.

Letter from New Mexico.
We publish below letter from an es-
teemed friend who has resided in Santa Fe
for 10 these many years-a native Virgil
man with whom we have spent many pleas
ant and agreeable hours in the days of ''auld
lang syne' amid the novel and exciting as
sociations of the city of the Holy Faith
scenes which have ''gone glimmering down
the dream of things that were," yet still
fresh in the Store house of memory.
TIE detail Of Indian news given by our
friend is exceedingly interesting to us. The
sad Encouragement of the affairs Of that dis
tant and neglected Territory in nearly all of
its departments, and especially the Indian
Bureau, ought to receive tie serious atten-
ton of the Government at Washington
Time and again has notice been drawn TO
this subject, but eglect more stubbornly 81
lent and intense has on each occasion fol-
lowed until it is logical to conclude that the
administration of James Buchanan, which
has been nothing but succession of magni-
fcent and sometimes criminal failures, will
in this particular instance prove its utter dis
regard and contempt for the browning duty
Of all government-th protection of the
lives and property Of its citizens.
We have promised olirself on several oc-
casions to 7entilate some of the facts in the
recent history Of the affairs Of that Terrific
ry, but have as often been driven from our
intention by the Importance of the present
political campaign. At the close Of this con-
test, which will be in few weeks, we will
then have more leisure and space to devote
to other than political matters, when we
shall endeavor to draw attention to and ex-
cite sn interest in the condition Of the Ter
ritory of New Mexico.
We shall be pleased to hear from our
frieiid frequently. In the meantime we adj
wise him to be mindful Of his scalp lock,
for ain enraged and excited Navajoe is
dangerous critter. We've seen 'em.
SANTA FE, New MEXICO,
Sept. 2, 1860.
Editor ''Stduxfon Vindtcator" Be
lieving that a line or two from Old New
Nerico would interest Yourself, and per-
haps some Of your readers, have not hes
tated to pen you few words in regard to
our local matters here away.
Our Indian difficulties are thickening up
on us every day. The Navajo tribe Of In
dams are becoming mere and more hostile
Since your departure frcm this place, the
Navajoes have been almost without an agent
in their midst. Gen'l Cowart, of Ca, re-
mained with them short time, resigned,
and went to more congenial chimes. Major
kendrick, Of Miss, remained here for
while, but has returned to the States on
furlough, understand I hope the Major
will return, as he seems to have been popu-
lar among the savages. These Indians
doubtless consider it very anomalous that
an agent cannot be found by our great and
beneficent government, to remain amongst
them more than few months, and not un-
frequently, weeks. Depredations are being
committed almost at our doors. It is true
that the Commander of the Department,
Col 7 Z. FauntTery, has had but few
troops for the past twelve months at his dis
posal to operate against these Indi-
ans. One regiment of infantry has recent
ly arrived from Utah, and will be sent into
the Navajo country as soon as supplies suf-
fcient can be obtained, and they take rea-
sonable rest. The Sovereigns, alias Vor
Populi, have become ennuied with the long
delay, aud have determined to take the mat
ter in their own hands. Subscriptions are
being taken all over the Territory for rails
ing regiment of mounted volunteers.
Those who are of the natives express an en-
tire willingness to- contribute literally to-
wards the enterprise. A Convention of
delegates from the various counties was
held here few weeks since, and many re-
solves, &c, were passed. Speeches were
made, and much excitement prevailed. In
fantry, you are we'll aware, is not calcula-
ted to contend with the wary, cunning, and
valiant Navajos; mounted men are. abso-
lutely essential: without them, very little.
if anything, can be accomplished. The
time for an active and vigorous war has in
deed arrived. The Indians are numbering
and robbing our innocent and defenceless
citizens by the wholesale. Scarcely a day
passes without the arrival Of some express
bearing the melancholy tidings of fresh dis
asters This state Of things must eventu-
ally result in the conquest Of our devoted
Territory bv the Navajo and other tribes IF
savage nomads. A few days since, several
mon were killed in this vicinity by the Nav
ajos, and such of our citizens W he, were able
to procure horses, guns. &c started TO- par
suit Of the red skins, and overlook q party