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

placed upon the exportation of provisions from a certain district immediately around me until I had made sure of what might be necessary for the necessities of my command. In that field my agents are now employed making contracts for wheat, corn, hay, and salt provisions, which contracts within a short time will be completed, after which the embargo I have imposed will be removed. The operation of this measure will be to make sure of army supplies, and, in the second place, produce a saving of $100,000 to the Government. My estimates are for an army of 50,000 men.

This measure, as might have been expected, has not met with special favor at the hands of speculators or public carriers by land or water, but it is not complained of by the producers.

To enable me to effect this object as soon as possible and with as little inconvenience as possible, it is necessary I should be placed in funds by the proper Department. The estimate for pork, beef, wheat, and corn I inclose on a separate slip of paper, and I shall be glad to be put in funds to make provision for them as early as practicable.

As this is a matter of the first necessary in our military operations, I have taken the liberty of addressing you directly on the subject, that no delays that may be obviated need occur. After these purchases are made the residue may be distributed to the country at large.

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

L. POLK, Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Bowling Green, Ky., November 3, 1861.

His Excellency ISHAM G. HARRIS, Governor of Tennessee, Nashville:

GOVERNOR: Since making my call upon you for troops of September 21st, I have ascertained that the ardor of our people in defense of their rights has brought so many to our colors for the war in the Confederate States, and is bringing so many in Kentucky, that it is neither necessary nor judicious to accept unarmed volunteers for a less period than for three yards of for the war.

Under this state of facts I beg your excellency to annul the call mae at my request for twelve-months' men, except such companies, battalions, and regiments as present themselves efficiently armed and equipped, and to disband all companies and regiments assembled without arms and not mustered into the service; and at the same time I trust you will be pleased to make know to the volunteers my appreciation of their patriotism in coming forward so promptly at your summons.

By my own orders I will disband all those unarmed troops raised under the call and who have been mustered into the Confederate service at the different rendezvous. Under the provisions of law the troops who have been mustered into the Confederate service will receive transportation in kind or by commutation to their homes, and I will direct my quartermaster to furnish transportation on the railways for all those who have joined the rendezvous, but who the public interest makes it no longer expedient to receive, to the point nearest their place of assembling.

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

A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army.