War of the Rebellion: Serial 105 Introduction

Intro
Pacific Intro

Vol. 50 Introduction - Serial 105

There was little action in the Far West during the war. The US quickly secured California and Oregon, although the Confederacy tried to raise sympathizers. New Mexico and Arizona were sparsely settled since mineral wealth was still largely undiscovered. The climate was too harsh, and resources too few, to support large forces, and initial Confederate successes couldn't be sustained. Once the Union had control of the area (all of it still New Mexico Territory) the CSA couldn't muster enough men or supplies to make a second effort.

This volume covers the Pacific coast, although as far inland as New Mexico, for the whole the war. There was little fighting after 1862, since the Confederacy could not spare supplies to make a second attempt for Arizona. Much of the Army's work after that point was as much exploration as anything, and the Indians periodically caused trouble.
The volume also has correspondence (both Union and Confederate) supporting the reports.

Intro
Pacific Intro