Return of Militia Rolls Issue, In July, 1890 Adjutant General W. S. Fletcher attempted to replevin muster rolls, discharges and other official militia documents for the period 1847-1866 which were held by private parties. Since these records were not in official custody many pension claims for federal service could not be verified. Merchant Louis Felsenthal held a large number of these records and a District Court suit over their disposition resulted (Case #2786, Santa Fe District Court). In January, 1892 Governor L. Bradford Prince authorized payment of territorial funds for the purchase of the records in return for dismissal of the suit by Felsenthal and in 1893 the legislature appropriated funds for this purpose. The 1895 legislature made a similar appropriation for records held by Mrs. JosÃ© D. Sena. Records held by Fernando Nolan were also recovered between 1896-1898., 1890-1896.

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Scope and Contents

From the Series: The military forces of the Territory were known as the Territorial Militia until 1897, when the Legislative Assembly provided for the organization of The National Guard of New Mexico. Prior to 1897, the Militia was not a permanent organization, but was subject to call by the Governor in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief during periods of Indian uprisings, civil disturbances or depredations by outlaws. During the Civil War, the Territorial Militia acted in concert with the U.S. Army forces stationed in New Mexico. The Adjutant General, appointed by the Governor, administered the Territorial Militia and, after 1897, The National Guard.