OPERATIONS IN TEX., N.MEX.,AND ARIZ. [CHAP.XI.

I regret to hear that you have been so embarrassed by the condition in which you found this military department. I supposed the coast had been as well prepared for defense as the ability of the Confederate and State Governments would permit. Since the 1st of June last, or thereabouts, the coast defense, and especially that of Galveston, has been confided to the Confederate authorities. I sincerely trust that you may in season make preparation for the reception of our enemy, should he conclude to make us a visit upon our coast. With a view to this end I have authorized the making of cannon at Galveston, and have agreed to purchase some already made at Lavaca, if suitable and worthy. I have also recently tendered to Colonel McCulloch such State arms as we have, and have already sent him 170 Colt's improved revolving pistols, and have, subject to your order and acceptance, a few muskets and four 12-pounder howitzers, with carriages, but without caissons. These might be made available perhaps upon the coast. In offering these arms I impose the restriction of their being retained in the State for the defense of the State.

The regiments of Colonels Young and Parsons are clamorous for service, and fret under their confinement in camp; and I would therefore respectfully suggest that they be mustered into service and given active employment at the earliest possible moment.

Assuring you of my hearty co-operation in all things necessary for the speedy accomplishment of your wishes, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD CLARK.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, San Antonio, Tex., October 4,1861.

Brigadier General P.O.HEBERT, Galveston, Tex.:

SIR: I have been very much disappointed that no mail brings me any direct tidings of you. I had supposed you would write to me if delayed long on the coast, and inform me what you desired me to do; but, bearing nothing from you, I must still be guided by my own judgment and do the best I can for the country.

I have ordered Lieutenant Sparks to Millican, to provide for and establish a camp of instruction there for ten companies of the reserve army and to muster them into the service, and I suppose he has gone to that point before this time. If he has not, the troops may suffer or disband for want of proper attention.

In my first letter to you I overlooked the fact that General Van Dorn had called for two companies of artillery for Corpus Christi, and had ordered two 24-pounder guns from Fort Brown to that point. I have received notice that two companies [infantry] are ready to be mustered into service at that point. I have ordered Captain Littleton, Second Regiment Texas Mounted Riflemen, to muster them in, and direct them to report to these headquarters, and remain at Corpus Christi until further orders. I rather incline to the opinion that these were intended for the artillery companies. If so, they can be put on that duty. Captain Parker, of Brownsville, reports a company of infantry ready for muster at that point, which I have ordered to be mustered in at once. Captain Brewin's company of cavalry has been mustered into service by Colonel Ford for the war, under no particular call, and ordered to Ringgold Barracks; and, as there seems to be great probability that the troops will be needed along the Rio Grande and about its mouth, I approved the muster and directed them to be supplied.