I thought I would start a series of short subjects on the war in Arizona. Not usually covered by the more popular war in the East.

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PICACHO, MESILLA VALLEY,
Arizona, August 3, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I had an engagement with the U. S. forces, numbering over 500 cavalry and infantry with four pieces of artillery, at Mesilla, on the evening of the 25th of July, in which the enemy were repulsed with a loss of 3 killed and 7 wounded.

On the 27th I captured at San Augustine Springs the entire command of the enemy under Major Lynde, consisting of eight companies of infantry, three of Mounted Rifles, with four pieces of artillery, together with all their transportation, arms, ammunition, commissary and quartermaster’s stores; all of which, with Fort Fillmore, are now in my possession.

Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and soldiers under my command, and especially to Captain Hardeman and company, who were the only part of the command engaged with the enemy.

I have thought proper to release upon parole the entire command of officers and men, as I could not, with less than 300 men, guard over 600 and meet another force of 240 of the enemy that is looked for daily.

I have the honor to be, respectfully,
JOHN R. BAYLOR,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Second Regiment Mounted Rifles, C. S. A.

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David Upton