Missilla Aug^t 7^th 61

To Col. Jn^o. R. Baylor

Com^g S. Confederate Troops in Arizona—

 

Having been placed temporarily in command of the Texan forces of this district by the generous desire of yourself and then under your command to allow me & the companions of my journey from California to participate in the glorious achievements of the Texan Confederate forces, for the special object being the capture of the only remaining column of the enemy's forces in this territory, which the courage of the troops would have acomplished with as much facility as they gained their recent brilliant victory over nearly three times their number of the but for his ignominious flight after the destruction of all public property that could impede it. My duty requires that I should now proceed on my journey. I therefore respectfully / restore to you, the authority vested in me by your magnanimity and to request that you will now resume command of the gallant troops troops whose conduct & courage on the field of battle under your command and whose devotion to the cause of freedom, & independence, commands the admiration of their country.

 

            In taking leave Colonel I beg leave to tender to you and through you to the troops my most hearty thanks and to say that I will hold in lasting and grateful remembrance your kind courtesy to me & my companions

 

With great respect

Y^r. O^t. svt.

A. S. Johnston

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