Today in History:

855 Series I Volume XV- Serial 21 - Baton Rouge-Natchez

Page 855 Chapter XXVII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

ble with the guns at our disposal, the object was with the tete-de-pont to hold the bridge and annoy the enemy on the island, and thus oblige him to keep a large force there. This plan was based upon a reserve of troops at Houston, on the railroad, and at other points commanding the streams leading into Galveston Bay. The troops that were raised for this purpose have been ordered to other fields of action. Under these circumstances Virginia Point and the tete-de-pont became as untenable as the island. The general commanding had hoped that he would have been able to send some troops from this district in the direction of Houston, but the recent demonstration and attacks on the coast have rendered it impossible.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAMUEL BOYER DAVIS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS FIRST DISTRICT OF TEXAS,
San Antonio, Tex., November 3, 1862.

Col. X. B. DEBRAY,

Commanding, &c., Houston, Tex.:

COLONEL; The general commanding directs that should you have cause to apprehend an attack upon your line of communication with Houston you will evacuate Virginia Point, bringing away all guns, ammunition, platforms, &c., and take position with your troops on the Houston side of Simmes' Bayou. All means in your power must be used to keep the enemy from penetrating into the interior.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAMUEL BOYER DAVIS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

JACKSON, November 6, 1862.

General J. C. PEMBERTON:

The following telegram has just been received from Major-General Taylor:

NEW IBERIA, November 4, 1862.

We have been driven out of the La Fourche country. The command of General Mounton is west of Berwick Bay. Can you send me one regiment of reliable infantry by way of mouth of Red River? The salt-works may be endangered.

J. H. MORRISON,

Aide-de-Camp.

JACKSON, November 6, 1862.

Major-General TAYLOR, Alexandria, La.:

General Pemberton absent. I telegraphed him.* This is his answer:

Under existing circumstances I cannot send a regiment unless of vital importance, in which event I will day my best.

J. H. MORRISON,

Aide-de-Camp.

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*See General Taylor's dispatch of November 4, telegraphed by Lieutenant Morrison to General Pemberton November 6.

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Page 855 Chapter XXVII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.