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

weeks has been, no officer within my reach to whom I could apply for the issues of ordnance stores absolutely necessary for my command. In this situation I assumed the responsibility of ordering and requiring from the subordinates in charge of the ordnance stores as were indispensable to my command and as could be spared from the service of the department itself. On assuming this responsibility I immediately communicated the fact to General Hebert, at Galveston, with the reasons and motives for my actions, but have as yet received no reply from him. Not to have taken this responsibility would have been to incur another and an indefinite delay, which would have probably paralyzed my command for the winter, and would certainly have disabled me from arriving at El Paso, as I hope to do, in time to succor the small force there under Colonel Baylor, whose communication regarding an immediate attack by a greatly superior force I forwarded to you on the 8th instant*.

These facts will, I trust, vindicate me from any imputation of unwarrantable intrusion upon the powers of the department commander, which I have been scrupulous to avoid, The Fourth Regiment [Colonel Reily's], being the first of this brigade, took up the line of march on the 22nd of last month, and at last advices was making rapid progress. The Fifth Regiment [Colonel Green's], being my second, took up the march on the 2nd instant, and will make all possible dispatch. I hope to arrive at El Paso in time to overtake my advance corps. Colonel Steele's regiment is just now completely organized, and will probably be able to march by the 20th instant.

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

H.H. SIBLEY, Brigadier-General, P.A.C.S.

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIBLEY BRIGADE, A.G.O., No.9. San Antonio, Tex., November 16, 1861.

I. The headquarters of this brigade will take up the line of march for El Paso on Monday next, the 18th instant.

* * * * *

III. On the advance of headquarters, Colonel William Steele, commanding Third Regiment, will assume the command in chief of all troops belonging to this brigade, remaining in or about this place, until he shall rejoin headquarters.

IV. Colonel Steele will take up his line of march with his command to rejoin headquarters at the earliest day practicable.

By order of Brigadier General H.H. Sibley:

A.M. JACKSON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of New Mexico.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, Galveston, Tex., November 16,1861.

W.H. WOODWARD, Esq., and others, Indianola, Tex.:

SIR: Your letter dated November 13,1861, addressed to the commanding general of the department, has been received, and in answer I

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*See p.132.

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