After October 31 , 1853 , the division echelon was eliminated .
The six western departments consolidated into four ( Departments of Texas , New Mexico , the West , and the Pacific ) , whose department commanders employed their troops as they saw fit .
After October 31 , 1853 , the division echelon was eliminated and the six western departments consolidated into four ( Departments of Texas , New Mexico , the West , and the Pacific ) , whose department commanders employed their troops as they saw fit .