Political corruption, land frauds, range Wars, and high crime were frequently in the Eastern newspapers. It seemed that there were no laws in New Mexico and there were few who would obey them.
Lew Wallace was appointed Governor of New Mexico by President Hayes. Upon Wallace's arrival in his new post, he requested information from the United States marshal on the situation in Lincoln County, a place where lawlessness and violence is rampant. Two days after receiving the report, he telegraphed Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz, requesting that the President declare a state of insurrection in the county. The President granted his request.
