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140 Series I Volume IV- Serial 4 - Operations in the South and West

Page 140(Official Records Volume 4)


OPERATIONS IN TEX., N.MEX.,AND ARIZ. [CHAP.XI.

Some time since, being without means whatever, there being none in the department, I was compelled to apply to the citizens for an advance of money to commence certain field works and for purposes of absolute and immediate necessity to the service. This sum [$5,000] I shall direct the chief quartermaster to refund, and charge to the fortifications of Galveston. The proper vouchers will be forwarded to General Headquarters.

As a matter of necessity connected with the defense and possession of the island, I have directed the planking of the railroad bridge connecting with the mainland, so as to admit of the passage of troops.

The heavy guns, so long on the way, have not yet reached this place. I have directed every exertion to be made to forward them to their destination. I respectfully submit to the consideration of the Department and of the President the expediency of giving me one or two general officers in this department. My presence at the headquarters of the department, where, owing to the numerous posts in the command, business accumulates very rapidly and continually, is a matter of necessity; yet my duties have been so pressing and important on the coast, that I have not yet been able to find the time or opportunity to repair to San Antonio. A general officer I would assign, and the command fully justifies it, to the command of the troops on or near the sea-coast and another on the Rio Grande frontier, so soon as forces can be organized and sent to that part of the State.

I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the Department, copies of communications addressed by Lieutenant-Colonel Baylor, in command in Arizona, to Colonel McCulloch, copies of which I have also transmitted to Brigadier-General Sibley, at San Antonio.*

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

P.O. HEBERT, Brigadier-General, Prov.Army, Commanding Dep't of Texas.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MILITARY DEP'T OF TEXAS, No.143. Galveston, Tex., November 15,1861.

Isaac N.Dennis, esq., volunteer aide to the commanding general of the department, will proceed without delay into the interior of this State, for the purpose of inducing the planters and citizens generally to assist in the erection of fortifications for the defense of the coast, in loaning their negroes for that purpose. He will inform them that the hands employed will have quarters and rations furnished, the hands to be sent under the charge of a competent overseer, with the spades, shovels, &c., and their necessary clothing and cooking utensils.

By command of Brigadier General P.O. Hebert:

SAML.BOYER DAVIS, Major, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Austin, Tex., November 15,1861.

Brigadier General P.O.HEBERT, Commanding Hdqrs. Dep't of Texas, Galveston, Tex.:

GENERAL: I am directed by the governor respectfully to express to you his lively apprehensions for the security of the country of the Lower

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*Not identified.

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