CHAP.XI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - CONFEDERATE.
[Inclosure.]
Brief of opinions as to tenableness of Fort Brown, near Brownsville, Tex.
Captain H. Wilke, Provisional Army, Confederate States, describes the fort as a field work of six bastion fronts, its line of defense 950 yards, requiring a garrison of 2,000 men. It is in a very dilapidated condition. Present armament is five iron siege 24-pounders; two iron ship 18-pounders; six brass 12-pounders; two iron 6-pounders (not mounted); four iron 8-inch siege howitzers; one 24-pounder brass howitzer; one 10-inch iron siege mortar and is not deemed sufficient for defense. Estimated work to be done,to put the place in a state of defense, 500 laborers for three months. Captain F.J. Parker, Third Infantry, C.S. Army, gives it as his opinion that the forts is untangle, on account of location. Colonel P.N. Luckett does not agree with Captain Wilke as to the amount of labor required, but does not consider its defense advisable. Captains Marmion, Kampmann, and Buquor do not consider the fort tenable. Captain Creuzbar considers the fort tenable for fifteen or twenty days against five times the garrison, provided 5 days' labor of said garrison is bestowed upon it.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NEW MEXICO, A.G.O., Fort Bliss, Tex., January 3, 1862
General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General C.S.A.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that in view of the importance of establishing satisfactory relations with the adjacent Mexican States of Chihuahua and Sonora, I have ordered Colonel James Reily, Fourth Regiment Texas Mounted Volunteers, to proceed to the capitals of those States, for the purpose of delivering to their respective governors the communications which I have addressed to them, and of conferring with those officials in person upon the subjects of these communications.
On the 21st day of December I forwarded to you copies of the principal communication above alluded to. I have now the honor of inclosing copies of my letters accrediting Colonel Reily to those functionaries, and also of my instructions to him in regard to the duties assigned him in this mission.
Colonel Reily left these headquarters for the city of Chihuahua on yesterday, the 2nd instant. The result of this mission, when known, will be promptly communicated to you.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully your obedient servant,
H.H. SIBLEY, Brigadier-General, P.A.C.S., Commanding.
[Inclosure Numbers 1.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NEW MEXICO, A.G.O., Fort Bliss, Tex., December 31, 1861
Colonel JAMES REILY, Fourth Regiment T.M.V.:
COLONEL: The general commanding directs me to communicate to you the objects he has in view and which he purposes to effect through the mission for which you have been selected.
You first duty will be to proceed to the city of Chihuahua and deliver
