QUOTES FROM SOLDIERS
Photo courtesy of Museum of New Mexico Archives (A - neg. no. 9846)
"Citizens of New Mexico, your Territory has been invaded, the integrity of your soil has been attacked . . . and the enemy is already at your doors."—
U.S. Territorial Governor Henry Connelly's clarion call for service, September 9, 1861. By January, four thousand men had volunteered. The first major battle took place at Valverde on February 21, 1862.
Photo courtesy of Museum of New Mexico Archives (A - neg. no. 9846)
"Then came the grandeur of battle, the test of bravery, the madness of despair. With wild, fierce yells that reached far above the roar of artillery . . . this mass of excited humanity rushed fearlessly on."—
U.S. Captain Jacob Downing, reporting on the Battle of Pigeon's Ranch. Although the Confederacy won the battle, this was the closest they would ever get to Fort Union.
Photo courtesy of Museum of New Mexico Archives (A - neg. no. 9846)
"Come on and help me take that position or stay back and watch men who will."—
Confederate Major John "Shrop" Shropshire, just before he was shot between the eyes at the Battle of Pigeon's Ranch. An estimated 100 men died at the three battles of Glorieta, March 26-28, 1862.
Photo courtesy of Museum of New Mexico Archives (A - neg. no. 9846)
"You're right on top of them, Major."—
U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Chaves, pointing down to Johnson's Ranch, 500 feet below Glorieta Mesa, as he spoke to Major John "Fighting Parson" Chivington, March 28, 1862. Two hours later, Chivington's battalion rappelled down and destroyed the entire 70-wagon Confederate supply train, leaving the Confederacy no choice but retreat.
Photo courtesy of Museum of New Mexico Archives (A - neg. no. 9846)
"My dear sir, we beat the enemy where we encountered them. The famished country beat us."—
General Sibley, in a personal letter to the father of a fallen Federal soldier. In both major battles, Valverde and Pigeon's Ranch, the Confederates were victorious. In the skirmishes at Albuquerque and Peralta, the Rebels repelled attacks against their defensive positions.
