J. P. Benjamin to Sibley, November 19, 1861

Richmond, November 19, 1861.

Brig. Gen. P. O. HEBERT, Galveston, Tex. :

SIR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of October 31, marked private, in regard to the condition of affairs in Texas. . I thank you for this information, and assure you that the defense of the coast and frontiers of Texas, whenever they may be threatened, shall not be disregarded by the Government. You may confidently rely upon assistance and support whenever they may be needed. So much of your letter as referred to the deficiency of arms, ammunition, &c., I have submitted to the Chief of Ordnance for consultation, with directions that your wants should be as far as possible supplied. The want of arms

_is one which, unfortunately, we are not just now able to relieve, but I

hope that supplies may be on hand in time to meet all the exigencies of your department. In regard to ammunition, the Chief of Ordnance informs me that the supply at the arsenal at San Antonio ought to be ample to supply all your immediate wants (for at least 15,000 men). You are therefore instructed to direct your requisitions to the ordnance officer there in charge. In the mean time it is well to continue to encourage the people to collect and preserve all their arms and ammunition and to rely as far as possible upon their own means of defense in case of attack. You may assure them, however, that their confidence in the Confederate Government shall not be disappointed, and that if threatened or invaded they shall not be left without assistance.

I am, respectfully, yours,

Acting Secretary of War.
Fort DAVIS, TEX., November 21, 1861.
General SIBLEY,
Commanding Brigade of Troops in the State of Texas:
Str: I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter received by me
this morning from a gentleman in Chihuahua. The author of this letter
is in every respect reliable. He is known to most of the merchants in