D. E. Twiggs, = to L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, July 24, 1861

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have been credibly informed by gentlemen just from Galves- “ton that the commander of the blockading ship before that place has demanded that he shall have free communication with the Union men ashore, and if denied he will shell the town. There are no heavy guns at Galveston; consequently it is at the merey of the enemy. My aidede-camp, Capt. E. Higgins, late of the U. S. Navy, a most energetic and accomplished officer, volunteers to take to Galveston, via Berwick Bay, one or more 9-inch guns. By placing them in battery on the island he is confident that he can drive the ship off or sink her in twenty-four 1 hours. i P

I have great confidence in Captain Higgins, and but for the exigency” ` of the case would not consent to his leaving the city. Indeed, I have . – so high an opinion of his experience and skill, that I would gladly see d him placed in charge of the naval defenses of this coast.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,