Unknown to Hébert, November 11, 1861

General HÉBERT, Commanding Department of Texas:

SIR: I have a commission to raise for the Confederate service an infantry company, to rendezvous at or near Victoria, and drill until spring, unless the coast is invaded, and wish to raise a company for the above-mentioned service, but find it hard to get Texans to go into – infantry companies. They say they will go mounted, but no other way; that is, a majority say so. I can get a good company among the Federal prisoners that are now at Camp Verde, provided they could get certificates from the mustering officer, or some other officer properly authorized, that the Confederate States would pay what is due them by the old Government. They would nearly all to a man join the Southern Army, and there are about 350 of them. If they can get certificates from the Southern Government for their back pay, you will oblige me much by letting me know, and to authorize the mustering officer, or some one, to give them their certificates after they shall have been mustered into the Confederate service.

Will Major Maclin please give the general commanding such information as he may possess in regard to the writer, and whether what he proposes is advisable ? ¥ Brigadier-General.