E. Kirby Smith to S. P. Bankhead, September 4, 1863

Brig. Gen. S. P. BANKHEAD, Commanding Forces of Northern Texas, &e.: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that his communication to Lieutenant-General Smith, commanding department, recommending your application as brigadier-general, has been returned to these headquarters with the following indorsement : The appointment of .Col. S. P. Bankhead is approved till the action of the War Department can be obtained. The Northern Sub-District is the most important, difficult, and one of the most important commands in your district. An officer of ability, a Texan, who understands the peculiarities of the people and possesses their confidence, should be assigned to that command. General McCuHloch is the most suitable person that I can suggest, and he was ordered to report to you for that purpose.

E. KIRBY SMITH,