Slough Epilogue - Donald W Healey Author

    Union Colonel John P. Slough's part in the Civil War did not end when he resigned his commission in Tijeras Canyon. After making his way back to Denver City, the lawyer turned warrior, was summoned to Washington. Colonel Slough's leadership at Glorieta found favor in the East, and President Lincoln soon appointed him the military governor of Alexandria, Virginia. Given the rank of Brigadier General, Slough was placed in command of the reserve forces, detailed for the protection of the national capital. When Lincoln was assassinated, five days after Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, General Slough was given the honor of serving as one of his military pall-bearers. Shortly thereafter, Slough was appointed chief justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court by President Johnson. At this post he served with distinction. In 1867 he authored one of three opinions in support of a decision that declared Pueblo Indians citizens of the United States. Later that same year, Chief Justice Slough became involved in a brawl with Captain W. L. Rynerson, a member of the territorial legislature from Doña Ana County. The two men were arguing in the office of the Old Exchange Hotel, on the corner of the Santa Fe plaza, when the dispute got out of hand. For one reason or another, Rynerson drew his pistol. Moments later, Chief Justice Slough lay dying. As commander of the 1st Regiment Colorado Volunteers, John P. Slough brought war to New Mexico and survived it. On December 15, 1867, the still wild territory claimed him for his temerity. (1)

     Footnote (See The Road To Glorieta for bibliography)
     1. Twitchell, The leading facts of New Mexico History, pp.382-383; Whitford, Battle of Glorieta Pass, p.127; Hall, Sibley's New Mexico Campaign, pp.177-178; Sanders, FAQ, p.12.