: L. P. Walker to L. P. Walker: |, August 8, 1861
August 8, 1861.
a: Richmond, August 8, 1861… Maj. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK, Hdqrs. Dept No. 2, Memphis:
SIR: Your letter of July 28,* by the hands of Colonel Little, has been received.
This Department is not insensible to the necessity of increasing, so far as practicable, the force under your command, in order to enter upon vigorous operations with as little embarrassment as possible, and every encouragement consistent with the general interest of the service will be given for the enlistment of troops for that purpose. â
You are therefore authorized to accept for the war all infantry troops
âthat are armed or that can be armed by you, and as much cavalry as in your opinion the service may require, regarding of course the number of cavalry already at your disposal, and accepting such as can be enlisted with the least unnecessary expense to the Government. By engaging the services of proper men also in the collection of arms you would be rendering certainly good service to the cause.
âA Lieutenant Hodge and Lieutenant Williamson, of Dreux’s battalion,
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* Referring principally to operations in Missouri. See Series I, Vol. II, p. 617.
could not be detailed for the service you designate except under special necessity. The need of such services is admitted, and if you could indicate other selections not requiring such transfer the Department . would gladly confer the appointments. Dr. Newnan, having been already assigned to General Anderson’s command, could not be properly transferred without General Andersonâs consent. Could you not designate some other appointments which would meet your wishes? The Department is inclined to be guided by your recommendations in all cases, but it is requested that you will designate all the appointments, medical and other, which you desire in one letter, devoting that letter entirely to this one subject. Otherwise, in consequence of the constant pressure on this Department amid confusion of so many details, it is impossible that your recommendations can receive proper attention.
Very respectfully,
: L. P. WALKER,
Secretary of War.
MEMPHIS, August 10, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER:
It is absolutely necessary to the success of our operations in the
valley of the Mississippi that we have an ordnance corps organized.
immediately and in this department. I would respectfully ask for the
appointment in that corps of the following officers} late of the same