Daily national Democrat., 1861-09-03
By ELE RAP II .
Startling News from ArIZona---Elever
Companies of United States troops
Captured by the Secession Forces.
Los ANGELEs. Sent. .

Companies OF united states troops
Captured by the Secession Forces.
Los ANGELES Sept ..
The San Diego and san Antonio mails ar
rived here On Saturday evening, with dates
from Mesila to August l3.
The Mesilla Times, [Secession] of July 81,
contains the following:
"Lieutenaut Colonel Bayler, commanding
the Confederate forces at Fort Bliss, Texas.
left there on the oath inst, with the forces
under his command, for Meslla Valley, The
force under his command was some 800 men.
On the night Of July "a a position had been
taken 10y the Confederates within 600 yards
of Fort Fillmore, and pickets were placed
and every prccaution taken TO storm the fort
by the next morning. The plan would have
been successful but for the deserlion Of a
picket. who went into the fort and gave the
alarm. The Confederate forces then moved
across the river, and at daylight took the
town of Santa Tomas Two companies of
United States troops had been stationed
there, but had retreated. Eight prisoners
were taken disarmed and then discharged,
after being sworn not to fight against the
Confederates.
About ten o'clock the ConfedcTato forces
entered Mesilla and were received with mani
festations of joy by the citizens. Prerara-
tions were Immediately made to receive an
attack from the U. S. troops, They were re
he ,iV abn -,
25th The Federals advanced to within 500
yards of our position and halted and formed
in line Of battle, with two howitzers in the
center and the infantry and three wings of
cavalry; the whole force appearing to lie
about 800 men a flag of truce was then
sent to our position with the modest demand
to surrender the town Internationally. This
was refused They then unmaskcd their
guns and commenced firing bombs and grape
into the town. Several shells were thrown
into different parts of the town without do
ing any injury. After firing couple Of
rounds Of grape at the more advanced posi-
ton Of our forces, the cavalry Of the enemy
made charge and had advanced 10 within
800 yards Of corral behind which Captain
llardmans Co. Of Mounted Rhcrlen were
stationed. From 40 to GO shots were fired
hy this company, killing and woundng 4,
throwing them into confusion, and finally
into a retreat their officers vanly trying to
rally them. The order to change was given
four times to no purpose, and they retired,
carrying with them their dead and wounded.
They were disheartened 10y their i'll success
in the charge, and as night was falling they
dew off their whole force in good order in
the direction Of Fort Fillmore.
Lieut.. McNalIy Of the U. 5. mounted rifles
was wounded in the shoulder. Lieut. Brooks
of the 7th infantry, was wounded in the arm
and had his sword shattered. A Sergeant
and gunner were among the killed
Capt George Frazier arrived on the night
of the 25th from FL Paso, with company of
Arizona Rangers.
All o'clock on the morning Of the 9th,
/ Major Lynde evacuated Fort Fillmore with
his command, previously destroying much
valuable property and munitions of war.
The U. 5. troops relreated in the direction
of Fort Stanton The road lay over the ta-
! ble lands and mountains to pass in the Or
Sauous chain, by way Of San Augustine
| springs, over a route where there was 10 wa
ter and the day was exceedingly hot. Some
six or seven miles on this side of San Angus
tine Springs, stroggicrs of the U. ). infantry
were oYcitahen. Both friends ard foes suf-
fcrcd intensely from thirst. The six miles
to the springs was Il succession OF charges.
Many were taken prisoners and dsarned in
squads The artillery was captured and the
greater part Of the infantry were taken be:
fore the main command was reached
Major iynle was camped near the San
Augustine springs and had still some 400
men with him, who formed in battle AIRY on
the appearance Of the Confederate troops
Advance was made to charge, by our
troops and they had reached within 800
yards when flag OF truce was raised 10y the
L, 5, column, desiring to know on what con.
dition our commander would receive sur
render. The reply was unconditional. -
This was sought to be modified by the L. :.
Commander, which was refused. They finally
agreed to the unconditional surrender of the
eleven companies Three were of the rcgi-
ment of mounted rifemen and eight COM
panies Of infantry.
All these important successes have been
gained without the loss of one drop of blood
on the Confederate side.