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

retake them. They discharged the duty with prudence and propriety. A copy of Captain Nolan's report is inclosed. I shall send the prisoners to San Antonio with the train, which will return within a few days.

I have strong hopes of being able to recapture Colonel Anderson. A Lieutenant Williams, Second U.S.Cavalry, is reported to have been in Matamoras two days ago. I have spies on his track.

The Mexicans of Zapata County, who refused allegiance to the Confederate Government, are likely to give trouble. They are backed by a strong party in Guerrero, who avow the intention to take service with the North, should Mr.Lincoln send an invading force to the Rio Grande. They are waiting an opportunity to make a descent upon the loyal citizens living on this bank of the river, and, should the mounted force be removed, they will do much mischief. The recent attempt is an evidence of their hostility. The prompt action of Captain Brewin checked them. For further particulars you are respectfully referred to his report. In regard to the property mentioned, I shall call the attention of the Confederate authorities to the fact, and let them take the proper steps in the matter.

I have endeavored to avoid all chances of collision with the Mexican authorities, to prevent giving them offense, and to preserve neutrality between the contending parties. To effect these objects I issued an order, and forwarded the portion concerning Mexican affairs to Colonel Capistrom. I forward a copy of the order, of the note, and of Colonel Capitstrom's answer; also a copy of the order placing Lieutenant Lively on duty as post adjutant.*

The companies of Captains Wilkie and Creuzbar will arrive to-morrow. The mounted companies are encamped at Rancho Viejo, 7 miles distant. They are in one camp, for the purpose of exercising them in the battalion drill.

The work is progressing on the fort. I understand Lieutenant-Colonel Buchel, Major Gray, and Captain Settle arrived this evening.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

JOHN S.FORD, Colonel, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

FORT BROWN, TEX., November 9,1861.

Colonel JOHN S. FORD, Commanding Rio Grande Military District, Fort Brown, Tex.:

SIR: I have the honor to report that in accordance with your instructions I left this post on the 6th inst., accompanied by Lieutenant Lively, of Captain Buquor's company, and twenty-three men of my command, and proceeded to the mouth of the Rio Grande. I arrested and brought to this post Charles Douglass and John Brown, escaped prisoners of we, who were trying to make their way to the United States, and also John Murphy, who was likewise trying to get a passage North. The man Murphy is supposed to be the person who some time since committed a murder at or near Austin; and, although I did not know Murphy, yet, as he appeared so anxious to leave the country, I thought it my duty to arrest him. I am much indebted to Lieutenant Lively for his valuable assistance; without it I should probably not have succeeded in making the rests. I turned the prisoners over to Lieutenant Williams, officer of the guard.

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

MAT. NOLAN, Captain, Commanding Co., Second Reg't Texas Mounted Rifles.

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*Not found.

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