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

of harmony between the State and Confederate service. These among other reasons, induce me to insist that, for the present, you receive the six-months' volunteers, and control them entirely independent of the State, as you do those now under your command.

I entertain the hope, sir, that when we succeed in organizing the State troops under the late enacted law, enlistments will go on with alacrity and rapidity for the terms the exigencies of the service may demand; for I do not believe that the Texan people will so far forget themselves as to wait to be drafted. But, sir, I am firmly convinced that, for the present you must rely on volunteers for the term of six months.

The great importance of this matter induces me to expect an early reply.

I have the honor, sir, to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, By order of the governor:

WM. M. WALTON, Private Sec'y.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Austin, Tex., December 27, 1861

HonorableJOHN H. REAGAN, Richmond, Va.:

DEAR SIR: Your position as one of the Cabinet induces me to request that you will (in addition to what you may be called upon to do under the letter inclosed, a copy of which has been sent to each of the delegation from Texas) hand one of the copies of the "frontier law" to the Secretary of War, and use your influence to have action on it at the earliest possible day.

This law has been framed in exact accordance with the wishes of the frontier people, as expressed through their representatives, and I feel well convinced that it will be beneficial in its workings, and will give full and ample protection to a much suffering portion of our country.

The force now on the frontier does not give protection nor is it believed that any other system than that of daily patrolling a line from Red River to the Rio Grande will accomplish the object. Experience has demonstrated that this will do so.

There will be no heavier charge on the Confederacy by placing this particular regiment in the field than by permitting the one there now to remain. The McCulloch regiment can be drawn away and placed on the coast or sent to do service anywhere necessity demands it.

It is particularly desired that action should be taken immediately, so that movements may be made here to correspond with the necessities of the frontier.

As fast as companies are organized under this law they should take their place on the "patrol line," and a corresponding number of the rangers now on the frontier drawn off into other service.

Your energetic action in this matter will be greatly advantageous to the frontier of Texas.

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

F.R. LUBBOCK,

[Inclosure Numbers 1.] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Austin, Tex., December 27, 1861

HonorableJOHN H. REAGAN, Richmond, Va.:

DEAR SIR: I take pleasure in inclosing to you "An act to provide for the protection of the frontier of the State of Texas," passed by the

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