Unknown to George B. McClellan, August 30, 1861

Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: I have received the General-in-Chief’s dispatch, informing me that I am to command an expedition to Texas, While I feel flattered by this selection, and willing to undertake it, especially on account of the almost insuperable difficulties that will attend it, 1 feel

38 R R—VOL L, PT I it to be a duty to the general to let him know precisely the state of things on this coast. Up to the time of the reverse in Virginia everything was perfectly safe here. There has always been a strong secession party in this State, but it was overawed and kept quiet. Since that news was received these people have been getting much bolder, and I have found it necessary to take strong measures to repress any attempt on their part to thwart the Government. I think I can do it; -but if they should succeed in electing thejr candidate for Governor, of which they are very confident, I shall not be able to do it without the most stringent measures. The Union party here is divided, and neither portion of it will sacrifice their trifling local interests for the public good; and as the disunionists are very active and zealous I am by no means certain that they will not carry the election. Their numbers are variously estimated from 25,000 to 45,000 voters. I shall get the force authorized to be raised here into my hands as soon as possible; but it will take some time to do this. It is a very different thing to raise volunteers in a State where there is a strong party opposed to the Government from what it is where all are loyal. I shall lose no time in organizing this force and getting it ready for any emergency.

In marching to Texas I would respectfully represent that Guaymas will be a much better point of departure than Mazatlan. The roads and country from the former are much better than from the latter, and the distance is but little more. I suppose, however, that the route must depend upon the one taken by the secessionists, if they should move in this direction. If they should make no movement hitherward, and the object of my expedition should be to recover and hold Texas, I would respectfully suggest whether it would not be a more feasible plan to take my command by sea to some point in Texas, there to meet such an additional force from the North as the commanding general might think necessary. This plan would give me the necessary munitions, which it would be impossible for me to carry across the continent; besides this, a march at the usual rate across those deserts would unevitably unfit volunteers for some time for efficient service in the field.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,