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

WAR DEPARTMENT, C.S.A., Richmond, November 19,1861.

Brigadier General P.O. HEBERT, Galveston, Tex.:

SIR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of October 31. marked private, in regard to the condition of affairs in Texas. I thank you for this information, and assure you that the defense of the coast and frontiers of Texas, whenever they may be threatened, shall not be disregarded by the Government. You may confidently rely upon assistance and support whenever they may be needed. So much of your letter as referred to the deficiency of arms, ammunition,&c., I have submitted to the Chief of Ordnance for consultation, with directions that your wants should be as far as possible supplied. The want of arms is one which, unfortunately, we are not just now able to relieve, but I hope that supplies may be on hand in time to meet all the exigencies of your department. In regard to ammunition, the Chief of Ordnance informs me that the supply at the arsenal at San Antonio ought to be ample to supply all your immediate wants [for at least 15,000 men]. You are therefore instructed to direct your requisitions to the ordnance officer there in charge. In the mean time it is well to continue to encourage the people to collect and preserve all their arms and ammunition and to rely as far as possible upon their own means of defense in case of attack. You may assure them, however, that their confidence in the Confederate Government shall not be disappointed, and that if threatened or invaded they shall not be left without assistance.

I am, respectfully, yours,

J.P.BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

FORT DAVIS, TEX., November 21,1861.

General SIBLEY, Commanding Brigade of Troops in the State of Texas:

SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter received by me this morning from a gentleman in Chihuahua. The author of this letter is in every respect reliable. He is known to most of the merchants in Western Texas and many persons of Louisiana. I, however, send it to you just as he sent it to me, in order that you may act upon it as you see proper.

I am, your obedient servant,

W.C.ADAMS, Commanding Post.

[Inclosure.]

CHIHUAHUA, November 6,1861.

To the COMMANDER OF FORT DAVIS, Texas:

DEAR SIR: There is a rumor in town, said by persons that pretend to now to be official, that 7,000 Federal troops had landed at Guaymas from California, destined to operate against Texas. It is also said that the governor has received official orders from the city of Mexico not to obstruct in any way whatever the passage of Federal troops over the territory of this State. I inform you of these rumors, fearing lest you may not have any advice of it, and also that you may convey to General Sibley the intelligence, that he may act in the matter as his judgment may dictate.

I remain, yours, most respectfully,

GEO. L.MACMANUS.