Servant to S. CooPEn, January 3, 1862

General S. CooPEn, Adjutant and Inspector General C. S. A.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that in view of the importance of establishing satisfactory relations with the adjacent Mexican States of Chihuahua and Sonora, I have ordered Col. James Reily, Fourth Regiment Texas Mounted Volunteers, to proceed to the capitals of those States, for the purpose of delivering to their respective governors the communications which I have addressed to them, and of conferring with those officials in person upon the subjects of those communications.

On the 21st day of December I forwarded to you copies of the principal communication above alluded to. I have now the honor of inclosing copies of my letters accrediting Colonel Reily to those functionaries, and also of my instructions to him in regard to the duties assigned him in this mission.

Colonel Reily left these headquarters for the city of Chihuahua on yesterday, the 2d instant. The result of this mission, when known, will be promptly communicated to you., f

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient