Today in History:

711 Series I Volume IX- Serial 9 - Roanoke

Page 711 Chapter XXI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

HOUSTON, TEX., May 17, 1862.

Colonel COOK, Galveston, Tex.:

Will send answer in the morning. In the mean time prepare quietly to evacuate in the event of an overwhelming force making its appearance to bombard as threatened. Send up Major Kellersberg by morning train.

P. O. HEBERT,

Brigadier-General.

HOUSTON, TEX., May 17, 1862-9 p. m.

Colonel COOK, Galveston, Tex.:

The company at Pelican Spit should be removed quietly. Spike the gun. Act so that the enemy's attention will not be called to your movements. Call upon the president of the railroad for rolling stock. Let there be no excitement. Let the flag stand a the Spit. Don't burn anything for the present to excite attention of the enemy.

P. O. HEBERT,

Brigadier-General.

GALVESTON, TEX., May 18, 1862.

Brigadier General P. O. HEBERT:

I desire to communicate to the commander of the frigate that whenever the naval and land forces of the United States shall make their appearance off Galveston I shall answer their demand.

JOS. J. COOK, Colonel.

GALVESTON, TEX., May 19, 1862.

Brigadier General P. O. HEBERT:

I communicated to the commander of the frigate yesterday that the proper time for an answer to his demand will be when the land and naval forces referred to shall have arrived, and such an answer will then be given. This morning she has up a white flag, and I have sent out. I am making the preparations advised as well as I can.

JOS. J. COOK, Colonel.

GALVESTON, TEX., May 19, 1862.

Brigadier General P. O. HEBERT:

Answered the flag of truce. Nothing for ourselves. The foreign consuls received the following:

U. S. FRIGATE SANTEE, May 19, 1862.

To the Foreign Consuls residents of the Town of Galveston, Tex.:

GENTLEMEN: To prevent the effusion of blood and destruction of property which will result from a bombardment of the town of Galveston, I have demanded of the military commandant the surrender of the place, with its fortifications, &c. This demand having been refused, I have the honor to inform you that four days will be allowed you from this date in which to remove your families and property. After that time the bombardment will commence at my earliest convenience.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

HENRY EAGLE,

Commanding U. S. Navy Forces off Galveston, Tex.

JOS. J. COOK, Colonel.


Page 711 Chapter XXI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.