with reference to such signal communication as is deemed expedient to establish. On the completion of this duty he will report without delay to these headquarters. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.

* * * * * * *

By command of Major-General Sheridan:

E. B. PARSONS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE SOUTHWEST,
New Orleans, La., June 29, 1865.

Major General F. STEELE,

Commanding U. S. Forces on the Rio Grande:

GENERAL: Notify General Brown to hold no more intercourse with the French authorities at Matamoras. His intercourse heretofore is disapproved.

Very respectfully, Your obedient servant,

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE SOUTHWEST,
New Orleans, June 29, 1865.

Major General GORDON GRANGER,

Commanding U. S. Forces in Texas, Hdqrs. Galveston, Tex.:

GENERAL: Merritt's column of cavalry is said to be the finest which has marched during the war. He has started, I think, by this time, via Austin, to San Antonio. He is about 5,500 strong. Custer has not yet gotten off, but will very soon. His column is as good as Merritt's. I have directed Colonel Sawtelle to collect magazines of forage at Houston and San Antonio. The orders You have issued must be carried out in reference to arms. In regard to property, if list can be furnished, so that it will become subject to the authority of the Government, it may be loaned to parties for the purpose of securing their crops. The people of Texas must be satisfied with the conditions of other States in reference to the question of arms and surrendered property.

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

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS,
Galveston, Tex., June 29, 1865.

Honorable JOHN HANCOCK,

Austin, Tex.:

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to request that You will at the earliest possible moment take measures to secure all public property, archives, records, &c., within the county of Travis, pertaining to the State and General Government. Those of first importance are those of the land office, treasury archives of the State, and executive departments. All persons now having custody of the above-mentioned records and prop-