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

are now on the route between Alexandria and the Sabine River. Much difficulty has been experienced in the transportation of these guns across the country-so much so, that the time of their reaching this point is very indefinite. I have dispatched an efficient person, with the necessary appliances, to assist the agent of the quartermaster's department of New Orleans in the transportation.

In view of the fact that, owing to the superior naval armaments of the enemy and his entire possession of the sea, it will be almost impossible to prevent a landing at some point upon this extensive and unprotected coast, I have settled upon it as a military necessity that he must be fought on shore or in the interior. To do this an army must be raised, organized, and armed with such weapons as can be procured. I have in consequence already authorized and called into service several volunteer regiments, for the war when practicable, and for twelve months when necessary. The State having already been pretty well exhausted of the young material willing to engage for the war, there is a necessity of resorting to twelve-months' enlistments.

After mature deliberation I consider that a volunteer force of about 15,000 men should without delay be called into service, and of this the Rio Grande frontier will need some 3,000 or 4,000. Time pressing, and the means of communication with the headquarters of the Government being slow and uncertain, I shall proceed, until further orders from the War Department, to raise and organize this force, if possible, from the State, arming and equipping it as efficiently as the means available will permit, trusting that the Government will appreciate the motives by which I am prompted and will sanction my acts.

I shall appoint provisionally such field and staff officers as may be necessary, subject to the approval of the President. I am encouraged to take this action, as the precedent established by my predecessor seems to have met with the sanction of the Government by the confirmation of the provisional appointments made by him.

Upon my arrival here I found the department without a single regiment full, armed and equipped. I have now, or will have in a few days, over 5,000 men in the field, stationed here and at other points-not well armed and equipped, it is true, but as efficiently as circumstances permit.

The department is woefully deficient in powder, lead, and ammunition of all kinds. I have directed the chief quartermaster to make arrangements with individuals to obtain, if possible, arms and ammunition from Mexico, giving cotton in exchange.

I have the honor to inclose copy of a proclamation issued on the 7th instant.*

Again expressing the hope that the Department will sanction my acts in the execution of the purpose of defending this State, if possible, against invasion, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P.O. HEBERT, Brigadier-General, Prov.Army, Commanding Dep't of Texas.

DONA ANA, October 24,1861.

To the COMMANDING OFFICER C.S.TROOPS, en route for Fort Bliss:

SIR: I am in receipt of reliable information that 2,500 of the enemy, with one battery of artillery, are now on the road for this place, and I

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*See p.115.

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