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

am directed to state that the general commanding is fully aware of the position of Pass Cavallo and other passes on the coast in a like defenseless situation. The guns and material do not exist in the department to put the whole coast in a state of defense against a formidable attack. Everything that can will be done with the means available.

There are no engineer officers in the department under the control of the general commanding. He appointed and sent Major Slum to Pass Cavallo especially to do the things the letter calls for-to do all that could be accomplished with the forces and guns at that point, and dispose of them to the best advantage. Major Slum has some experience as an engineer officer, and the general commanding had no idea that the appointment would be unacceptable. He has no competent officer to send there as engineer. Can the citizens signing that communication recommend a competent officer? Colonel Garland is instructed to visit Pass Cavallo, and report to headquarters if any favorable disposition of the forces under his command can be made in regard to its defenses. The general commanding would cheerfully visit Pass Cavallo in person, but it would only be to inform himself of matters which he already knows.

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

SAML.BOYER DAVIS, Major, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT, C.S.A., Richmond, November 16,1861.

Hon.J.P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:

DEAR SIR: I inclose herewith a communication from Colonel William C. Young, of Texas, to you, as requested by him; and, being advised of its contents, I respectfully request your attention to so much of it as refers to the unoccupied condition of Forts Washita, Arbuckle, and Cobb. A very small garrison at each would protect the public property, but a more imposing force will be necessary to keep the reserve and other neighboring Indians under wholesome restraint, and to keep the peace between the reserve Indians on the one side and the Comanche and Kiowa Indians on the other, which is important to the security of property and peace of the northern frontier of Texas.

With much respect, your obedient servant,

JOHN H. REAGAN.

[Inclosure.]

JEFFERSON, MARION COUNTY, TEX., November 3,1861.

Hon.J.P.BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, Confederate States, Richmond:

DEAR SIR: On the 29th of October ultimo I furnished the transportation and muster of Colonel William B.Sims' regiment of cavalry, who were mustered for a year from the 14th October ultimo. They [the regiment] commenced moving on the 28th, and on the 30th the entire regiment was en route for General McCulloch's command, my regiment having left for the same destination on the 16th October ultimo.

Immediately after furnishing the transportation of Colonel Sims' regiment I left for this place, at the urgent request of Major R.P. Crump, to muster his battalion of cavalry, raised by the order of Secretary Walker, for Missouri. By Wednesday next I shall be able to complete his muster, and they [the battalion] will march immediately to join General