CHAP.XI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

war, such volunteer forces from the State of Texas as may be deemed necessary for its defense.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P.O. HEBERT, Brigadier-General, Commanding Department of Texas.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Austin, Tex., September 22,1861.

Colonel H.E. McCULLOCH, Prov.Army C.S., Commanding Dep't of Texas, San Antonio, Tex.:

COLONEL: In my communication to you of the 15th instant I stated that all the State arms at the disposal of the executive are tendered to you or to your successor, to be used in arming the forces designed for the protection of Texas. I referred specially to requisitions made for that purpose by the officer commanding this military department. Texas has been, to a great extent, drained of the private arms of citizens by the independent regiments which have been armed and equipped in the State. The executive therefore turns over the State arms to your department in the confidence that they will be used solely in arming the forces designed for the protection of Texas.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. BYRD, Ordnance Officer State of Texas.

FORT BLISS, TEX., September 24,1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report that Mr.Barness, the agent sent by me to transport the prisoners to New Mexico, has returned, and brings what I consider reliable information.

The order for moving the United States troops out of New Mexico has been countermanded, and the colonel commanding that department is raising two additional regiments of volunteers, two being already raised. Fort Union is abandoned, and the enemy have taken up a position 2 miles from the fort, which they are fortifying. They have there twenty-five pieces of artillery of various sizes. There are at this time at Union seven companies of regulars and three of volunteers; at Santa Fe, four companies; Albuquerque, four, and at Craig, five.

Barnes conversed freely with Judge Beard and many other prominent Americans, all of whom [Governor Connelly excepted] are for the South. There is some division among the natives, who are resisting the levy of their men as soldiers.

I shall watch closely their movements, and act as circumstances may direct. I would again urge the necessity of forwarding with haste re-enforcements. The Indians are exceedingly troublesome, and the Sonora Mexicans are threatening to rob Tueson, and have robbed Tubac. As I have before state, I cannot, with the limited force under my command, keep the enemy in check and afford any protection to the citizens. My opinion is that troops are on the way from California to this Territory; but I shall do all in my power to hold the country against all odds. I will make no move against the enemy until the arrival of General Sibley. New Mexico can now be easily taken.

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*Details omitted.

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