HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO,
Santa Fe, N. Mex., November 12, 1865.
Major EMIL FRITZ,
Commanding Officer, Fort Stanton, N. Mex.:
MAJOR: You have doubtless heard of the escape of the Mescalero Apaches from the Bosque Redondo. Now is not the time for yourself or Your command to swap horses. Keep everything in order for fighting-everything on the alert. Help the people with all possible protection. Show in Your own person no boy's play now. Those Indians have got to be recaptured or killed, the men, and I want Your zealous help at once, and with no relaxation, to do it until it is done. Raise the whole of that part of the country to a determined spirit to get these Indians now, or they will never enjoy quiet or security. Keep a record of all You do. If the people will rise as one man the Indians will soon succumb; but if there is dillydallying and talk and no energy on the part of the troops and the people that part of the country might as well be given up to the Indians first as last. Tell the Aldoretes that I cannot use any clemency until the brother has given himself up and is with his company. Then I will consider the case. I want Lieutenant Edgar to do company duty and take the field. Lieutenant Haberkorn can act as adjutant as well as quartermaster and commissary, and when You are away, if necessary, as commanding officer. I wish You to see that Captain Baca takes the field and does his share also. You can have no drones about Your hive now; all must work.
Respectfully, Your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier General.
Pictured above is Emil Fritz, who would later go on to play a small part in the Billy the Kid saga.
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