VALVERDE
For a great account of the Battles of Valverde and Glorietta Pass, please follow this link to the New Mexico Genealogical Society
Comments
on New Mexican soldiers at Valverde
Steve Cottrell from his book Civil War in Texas and New Mexico Territory
...Meanwhile, at Fort Craig, Col. Canby and many of his regular U.S. Army officers were quick to point the finger of blame at the New Mexico militia units, who became scapegoats for the federal defeat at Valverde. Thus racism raised its ugly head at the fort since most troops and many officers of the militia units were Hispanics, such as the 2nd New Mexico Volunteers under the command of Col. Nicolas Pino. Such allegations were cruelly unfair, for many Hispanics had fought bravely and paid a heavy cost in blood for the Federal cause. For example, Col. Carson's Hispanic troops of the 1st New Mexico Regiment had done their duty with a courage second to none."
"On February 25, about two hundred Hispanic militiamen under Col. Nicolas Pino attempted to make a stand against Sibley's vanguard at the town of Socorro. However, when the Texans wheeled up an artillery piece and opened fire, the defiant militiamen had little choice but to surrender or be blown to smithereens"
Excerpt from Battle of Valverde after-action report submitted by LT
(Brevet Captain) George H. Pettis, commanding Company K, 1st California
Infantry and later, LT in 1st New Mexico Infantry
"It will
be observed that while Colonel Roberts was in command of the Union troops,
everything was moving in their favor, but when Canby assumed command, the tide of
battle turned, until finally the Union forces were beaten and in retreat…."It
was the almost unanimous opinion of the officers engaged at Valverde, that if
Canby had remained at Fort Craig on that day, the Confederates would have
commenced their retreat at that time for San Antonio, Texas."
Report of battle submitted by LT William W. Mills of Colonel Roberts staff
"The New
Mexican volunteers were keeping the enemy from the water and skirmishing
briskly at times…General Canby appeared on the field…after a brief consultation
with Roberts he advanced our battery about five hundred yards, withdrew Selden
from its support, leaving only two companies to protect it, and opened fire.
Carson's Mexican Regiment [1st New Mexico] had been moved to our
right and advanced, and with one company of Regulars, repulsed a charge of
Texas cavalry with some loss. I observed Carson closely. He walked up and down
his line, quietly encouraging his men with such words as "Firme,
muchachos, Firme [Steady boys, be firm]…I believe that if Col. Roberts had been
left to carry out his plans that day Valverde would have been a Union victory
and the campaign closed."