absolute necessity and will be made to fall equally upon the troops of the different States of the department. The proportion of cavalry is greatly in excess over the other arms of service. Their horses are consuming the breadstuffs of the country. Already have we been forced back in search of forage to the inland streams of Texas. If continued mounted they would soon be driven from the country without an effort on the part of the enemy. All good and true men must recognize the necessity for this reduction. The law authorizes it and every patriot will readily acquiesce. The regiments dismounted by you will be organized into a division of infantry and sent to the support of the garrison at Galveston. I could have ordered these regiments temporarily dismounted and have placed them on the Island of Galveston, but I preferred dealing with them as men, as soldiers, and as patriots, believing that a manly appeal would convince them of the justice of the measure forced upon me by necessity. I promise that the horses taken for the Government shall be paid for from the first funds received.

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

E. KIRBY SMITH.

General.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
Shreveport, February 22, 1865.

Major General J. B. MAGRUDER,

Commanding District of Arkansas:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that your order the brigade of Missouri infantry now at Washington, Ark., to Collinsburg, La. He also directs that you will forthwith relieve the Missouri brigade now at Camden by 1,000 of your cavalry command and order that brigade to Collinsburg, La. The cavalry ordered to Camden will be dismounted and their horses left in rear, where they can be foraged. General Dockery has been directed to send 600 of the Reserve Corps to Camden as a portion of the garrison. When this command shall have reported at Camden for duty you will relieve 600 of the 1,000 cavalry, which you are directed to send to relieve the Missouri brigade. A copy of the instructions to Genera Dockery is herewith inclosed. *

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

W. R. BOGGS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
Shreveport, February 22, 1865

Brigadier-General DOCKERY,

Commanding Reserve Corps, District of Arkansas:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that your order 600 of the Reserve Corps to report to Major-General Magruder at Camden, Ark., for garrison duty at that place. He desires that you select this garrison with a view not to interfere with the agricultural interests of the country. They should be as well armed and equipped as possible and will serve as infantry. They should not be permitted to keep horses at Camden.

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

W. R. BOGGS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

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*See next, post.

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