Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-03-30
Inter from New MexicO-CapIure of Fed
eraI Scouts, etc.


We are indebted to the San Antonio Herald
for the following interesting intelligence from
New Mexico:
Last Saturdays mail from FL Paso brought US the
Mesla Times Of the goth Ut and private letters
from which gather the following items
Rev. L. H. Jones chaplain Of Sibeys brigade writing
from Fort Thorn February 18th says the troops are all
in good heslth and spirits and eager for fight, which
shortly to come off at Fort Craig where the enemys
forces reported to be five or six thousand strong
He says not man has been lost out Of the Ist regiment
from any The p regiment has lest twenty-five or
thirty The weather is winty in good earnest-constant
high winds, with occasional rain and snow make the
hu-tops generally white The nights clear and cold
making ice that does not thaw during the day.
The Times gives the following additional news Of the
Confederate States army in New Mexico:
The Confederate troops Of Arizona intended for the
New Mexican campa gn, left Fort Thorn Monday the
10th inst under command Of Gen. Sbley. An express
from the command arrived at Mesilla yesterday the
2lst bringing The following int ligsnce
The troops arrived in sight of Fort Craig on the fol
lowing Sunday, but on the Wednesday preceding Major
Lockrdgei with an advance OF 80 meu camped within
threequarters Of mile of the fort and remained there
during the day for the purpose Of encng the enemy to
cOpe out and give him battle without success.
The next day, Major Pyron with his command took
twenty-one Federal volunteer prisoners They proved
to be scouting party their to Craig and had
mistaken for Federal soldery until too near to
escape They all very poorly clothed and mount
ed on emaciated WagOnhorses They were each exam
med separately and all agreed in their statements
Ihey represented the Federas force within the Fort
consist Of about 1900 regulars and from five to six thou
sand Mexican volunteers but that nearly all Of the latter
ad oeen forced to take up arns contrary TO their wish
and would not tight
They reported that the Mexcans were closely watched
by the regulars which rendered their escape impossible
The guard house is full Of who have had heir
heads shaved and been placed in irons on account of
their refusing to tight the Texans They said they were
glad they taken prisoners as they did not wish TO
nght AFTER the examination, they were discharg- d. /
with the exception Of one lieutenant who was recog
nized by several who had him in this va ey and
was consequently retained the supposition that he
was spy,
On the arrival of the main command Coils Scurrv
and McNeal with their regiments approached the fort
from the south, and Col Green the west Here tbey
prepared Tor battle, and awaited an attack The Fed
erals six eight hundred dragons on several
occasions, as if to make charge but before coming
within range OF our guns, would retreat the fort
which were evidently done to eptce our |
within certain range of their infantry who could be
plainly seen in the trenches outside the walls
Seeing that it was impossible TO draw the enemy out
as tue day closed the Confederate troops retired 20
position miles this side where thew remained ir,r
ing last Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday morning as
the express left the command crossing the river
probably with the intention Of attacking the fort on the
north side, where bette position be obtained
Cen Sioey who was indisposed when he started up I
country was taken i'll on Sunday last that he vas com
PEELED TO turn over his forces to Col Green of the ID
regiment 7. NJ. v, and who is still in command
train Of sixty wagons, escorted by $50 soldiers en-
tered Craig on the day Of their arrival containing sup
plies and the volunteers who captured said they
bad large quantities Of provisions in the fort but little
forage,
Gov Conley, the Armijos and most of the merchants
and business Of Santa Fe are at Fort Craig and
brought with them large quantity Of wine and eatsbe
anticipation OF grand feast to be partaen after their
defeat Of the rebel Texans Ia Arizona
Our troops are reported in excellent condition and
every seems fully determined 10 win or die When
hey came within sight of the fort which they had so
ong desired 70 sec they made the wekn ring with their
shouts and were eager for the FRAY which would decide
he fate Of New Mexico, and which crown Confsd
crate arms with another brilliant victory
We shall probably learn the result of this campaign
pregnant with important and lasting results, within
days and shall hasten 70 acqusint readers with
be facts at the earliest moment.