SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS,

No. 27.
San Antonio, February 18, 1861.

I. The State troops having taken possession of the city of San Antonio and the property that belonged to the Federal Government, the officers of the general staff, viz, Bvt. Major W. A. Nichols, assistant adjutant-general; Major D. H. Vinton, quartermaster; Captain A. W. Reynolds, assistant quartermaster; Military Storekeeper R. M. Potter; Captain W. B. Blair, commissary of subsistence; Surg. E. H. Abadie, Medical Department; Major S. Maclin, paymaster; Major D. McClure, paymaster; Bvt. Second Lieuts. W. H. Echols and Nicholas Bowen, Topographical Engineers, and Captain R. H. K. Whiteley, Ordnance Department, will, as soon as their several functions shall cease, proceed to Washington City, D. C., and report to the chiefs of their respective bureaus. The chief quartermaster will advance to each officer named the mileage from this place to Washington City.

By order of Brevet Major-General Twiggs:

W. A. NICHOLS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS,

No. 6.
San Antonio, February 19, 1861.

Colonel C. A. Waite, U. S. Army, having arrived at these headquarters, the undersigned, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 22, of 1861, from the War Department, hereby relinquishes the command of the Department of Texas.

D. E. TWIGGS,

Brevet Major-General, U. S. Army.

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS,

No. 7.
San Antonio, February 19, 1861.

In compliance with Special Orders, No. 22, of 1861, from the War Department, the undersigned hereby assumes command of the Department of Texas.

C. A. WAITE,

Colonel, U. S. Army.

FORT BROWN,

Brownsville, Tex., February 19, 1861.

Colonel S. COOPER,

Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, D. C.:

DEAR COLONEL: There have been a good many rumors afloat in regard to the disposition General Twiggs intends making of the troops of this department, in the event of the secession of the State of Texas. It is possible this may have reached the War Department. These reports are to the effect that it is the intention of the commanding general of the department to turn over to the State authorities all the Federal property within the borders of the State, on the requisition of the governor, and it is stated on good authority, or what is here considered good authority, that the general has so written to the governor.