Colonel Canby moved his army up from Fort Craig to ascertain the strength of the Confederates in Albuquerque.

Canby's artillery opened fire at long range from the edge of town for two days.

The Union artillery ceased firing when a local citizen informed Canby the Confederates would not permit the civilians to seek shelter.

The Union demonstration also caused Colonel Tom Green to hastily pull out of Santa Fe and move to Sibley's aid, hoping to counterattack in the morning.

Sibley left behind the sick and wounded along with eight mountain howitzers, buried near the edge of town.