Henry E. McCulloch to P. O, Hébert, October 11, 1861

General P. O, HÉBERT:

SIR: lask you in advance to excuse me for seeming to interfere with.

youin your arrangements for the defense of the coast, whieh is under your immediate observation; but, hearing that you had not yet visited Pass Cavallo, and supposing that you have not been able to learn as much of the condition of things at that point as might be neeessary

to enable you to give such directions as would be advisable, hence I *

requested Lieutenant-Colonel Buchel, when here a few days since, to submit a written report concerning the defenses of that post, whieh I herewith inclose for your consideration, with the remark that it seems to me that it may be very necessary for you to send some competent officer to that point to examine the condition of the fortifications, arms, troops, &c., and put them in a proper condition for defense. I am not acquainted with Captain Shea (the officer in command there), and do not know whether he is sufficiently conversant with all the important duties of his position to enable him to do full justice to the service intrusted to him. The order to Captain Shea to desist from the further

prosecution of the work alluded to by Colonel Buchel must have been — given by General Van Dorn; but no record of it is on file in this office. –

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,