This journey was made by stage coach via Santa Fe as far as Kansas City,
thirteen hundred miles, in midwinter, and was not without interesting
incidents, one of which I will relate. We left Santa Fe with six
passengers, Judge S. Watts, two young ladies, two merchants and myself.
There was also the stage driver and the driver of a wagon which carried
our provisions and baggage. The weather, for the greater portion of the
time, was intensely cold, the ground being covered with snow. We slept
under a roof only twice during the journey of twelve days.
My brother, Anson Mills, was then a cavalry captain in the army, but I
had not heard from him for many months, and had not the slightest idea
in what part of the country he might be. One very cold day, about noon,
when approaching the Arkansas River, we met a train of wagons bound for
Santa Fe, and the wagonmaster informed us that he had the day before
been attacked by a party of Indians at the crossing of the Arkansas, but
had stood them off, and had moved on, uninjured. He advised us to return
to Santa Fe, but, incredible as it may seem, we decided to proceed on
our journey. I do not call this courage; to me, after so many years, it
appears more like foolhardiness!
Nearing the river, but before we could see down into the valley, we saw,
far to our right, and apparently flanking us, two men with rifles, whom
we supposed might be Indians.
The coach was halted, we four male passengers, with our arms, moved
toward the strangers and beckoned them to approach. They did so, and I
soon recognized the familiar uniform of United States soldiers! I asked,
“Where are you camped?” Reply: “Down yonder at the crossing.” “Who is in
command?” “Captain Mills.” “What Mills?” “_Captain Anson Mills._”
The ladies slept that night in the captain’s tent and we brothers, by
the camp fire, told each other our adventures since we had separated at
El Paso, five years before, each to take his chances in the desperate
game of war.
Captain Mills gave me his application for promotion to present at
Washington, and after the stage had started he called to me: “Get me a
leave of absence, and I will go to Washington and return your visit.”
Arrived in Washington, I presented the application for promotion to Gen.
John B. Steedman, who indorsed it thus: “Captain Mills served on my
staff for three years. He is the best officer of his rank I ever knew;
intelligent, efficient and fearless. I recommend him for promotion.”
A few days later I went with some New Mexican friends to call on General
Grant, who was then Secretary of war. I told the General about meeting
my brother, and asked a leave of absence for him. The General replied
that such applications must come through the regular channels. I showed
the Secretary the application for promotion, with Steedman’s
indorsement, and told him something of our troubles at El Paso at the
outbreak of the Rebellion. He read the papers and seemed pleased, but
continued talking with my friends and dispatching business. On rising to
take our leave, I told General Grant that I was sorry not to meet my
brother at Washington, but I could not complain, as I saw good reasons
for the refusal. To which he replied: “The telegram has gone, sir; your
brother will be here in a few days.”
He came, and got his promotion also.
Soon after this I was summoned to the State Department for an interview
with the Secretary, William H. Seward. He asked many questions about
President Juarez and his cause, and about the real sentiment of the
Mexican people, and about their probable ability to drive Maximilian and
the French out of Mexico “without assistance.”
Mr. Seward asked me about our consul at Juarez, Henry J. Cuniffe. I
replied that he was an able and patriotic gentleman.
The Secretary then said that in the absence of the United States
Minister, our consul ought to have an extra allowance of money for
expenses during the Mexican President’s stay at Juarez, and asked me
what amount I thought would be sufficient.
I replied $2,500 a quarter, and the Secretary said that would not be too
much, and if the consul would make requisitions they would be honored.