Randy,

I looked up Lt Bass and it seems he served in Company B of the 5th. I believe this was one of the companies who was armed with the infamous lances. I'm pretty sure it was Capt Lang of Company B who led the lancers on a heroic but ill advised charge into the massed Colorado volunteers who were armed with muskets and some rifles. The lancer charge was met with a volley from the federals and many saddles were emptied. Worse yet, some of the Southern riders were impaled on the bayonets of the infantry who were drawn up in squares ( according to some eyewitnesses) . My guess is that your Lt Bass probably participated in the lancer charge and was seriously wounded , dying a few days later from his wounds. There are several books out about the Battle of Val Verde. Bruce aleady told you about Martin Hall's classic . However, I'd also suggest you read Dr Don Frazier's "Blood and Treasure" and Don Alberts "Rebels on the Rio Grande" a diary of a sgt who served in the 4th regiment. There is also a book called "Bloody Val Verde" by Taylor. As far as modern historians go, I'd suggest that you try to get in touch with Dr Frazier and Jerry Thompson who , I believe, are probably the two best historians who focus on this part of the Civil War. I believe Dr Frazier scans this web site from time to time , so you might try to get him that way. I 'm pretty sure he is a professor bup at McMurray State in Abilene, TX. Dr Frazier's Blood and Treasure does a good job of covering the entire New Mexico campaign . I hope this helps.