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

their signature promising to remain here, in order to keep up the place, deserted us cowardly by a train that left yesterday for Mesilla.

The undersigned having been elected captain of the Minute Company organized amongst our citizens to defend our diggings against the Indians [conjointly with the Arizona Guards, stationed here] yesterday held a meeting, and found that about 70 miners remained here, only half of which are armed. We are determined to defend this place to the last, and could easily do so if we could stay in one body; but the diggings are such that only a few men can work at one place, and as the miners now left occupy merely a narrow space of ground, but running about 1 mile up Bear Creek, the other gulches having been abandoned for the want of a sufficient number of miners, therefore the Indians, they may resume their attacks almost every day with impunity, and annoy our miners to such an extent that they will have to stop working, and consequently, not being able to earn our living, necessity would make us leave here, even against our will.

If it is in your power to send a sufficient number of mounted men here that would pursue the Indians to their hiding places and make our roads safe again, this place would soon have a large population again, and you would save a place from desertion which at no distant day will become the most important of Arizona, as soon as our rich diggings, gold and silver mines, can be worked with safety for capital. Should you not be able to send more troops at present, you would help us greatly by sending thirty or forty muskets to the commander of the Arizona Guards here, who would distribute them to our unarmed miners with good security for their return when recalled, and thereby we will defend ourselves until you can give us more protection and commence your operations against the savages. I am confident that you will do all in your power for our safety and protection in our dangerous position.

I remain, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. MARKT, Captain Minute Men.

RICHMOND, October 15, 1861.

Colonel H.E. McCULLOCH, Commanding , &c., San Antonio, Tex.:

SIR: In answer to the recommendations of Major Maclin, of the 17th ultimo, forwarded by you with indorsement, you are respectfully informed that the Quartermaster-General reports that orders were given a month ago to the officers of the department in Texas to procure the necessary clothing for the troops in that State.

Very respectfully,

R.H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.

MILITARY DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, Galveston, Tex., October 16, 1861.

His Excellency EDWARD CLARK, Governor of Texas:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your excellency's communications of the 10th* and 12th instant, both of which reached me yesterday.

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*Not found.

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