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

Cavallo, I have the honor to state that Captain Shea's battery of four 24-pounder guns is very much exposed, and is at present almost in a defenseless condition from any combined attack by land and sea or from any considerable force by land alone. The intention of Captain Shea was to erect a closed work [redoubt], but after commencing the work he was ordered from headquarters to desist from the further prosecution of the same until some officer detailed for the purpose should inspect the Pass and report upon the location and plan of the work. This officer has not yet arrived there. Captain Shea's battery is at present situated near the light-house on Matagorda Island, and can only defend the principal entrance or ship channel into Matagorda Bay. The nearest point from which re-enforcements could be expected in case of an attack would be Indianola, distant about 15 miles from the Pass, and between these two points two large bayous exist, over which no sufficient means for crossing are provided. The East Pass or channel has no defenses whatever. From these facts you can perceive, colonel, the urgent necessity that exists for the placing of these points in a proper state of defense, or that the troops and guns already there be withdrawn from so exposed a position.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A.BUCHEL, Lieutenant-Colonel Third Regiment Texas Infantry.

ORDERS, MILITARY DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, No.34. Galveston, Tex., October 11, 1861.

I. Batteries shall be established at Virginia Point and at the Galveston head of the Railroad Bridge. Captain J.Kellersberg is charged with the construction of the works, as directed by the general commanding, and Major Cook with the armaments.

II. All necessary preparatory measures shall be taken for the mounting of the large guns expected as soon after their arrival as practicable, and arrangements made for the transportation of guns, material, &c., to the batteries.

III. The number of heavy guns being limited in number, it will be necessary to distribute them to the best advantage. The first two heavy guns received will be placed at Pelican Spit, commanding the channel, with a battery of 32-pounders commanding the channel, Bolivar Point, and East Bay. When replaced by other guns, the 18-pounder at the Spit will be put in battery at the Galveston head of the bridge. Two of the heavy guns will be placed in battery at Fort Point, and two on the beach near the front of Fremont street.

By command of Brigadier General P.O. Hebert:

GEO. R. WILSON, Aide-de-Camp.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Austin, Tex., October 12,1861.

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

DEAR SIR: I did not hear from you to-day, as I hoped I should. You are doubtless too busily employed to write. I was anxious to hear at what time you would probably dispatch an officer to Northern Texas to muster the regiments of Colonels Parsons and Young.