Unknown to P. O. Hébert, October 22, 1861

General P. O. HÉBERT: ah Sm: Your communication of the 16th instant was duly received. I am gratified that you have ordered Colonel Parsons, with his regiment,

south. -He was anxious to obtain service in Texas.

One object of my writing at this time is to procure, if possible, the

acceptance of Colonel Locke’s regiment. From information just re- `

ceived I fear that he has taken up the line of march in the direction of the coast. If so, it has-been done without orders from me, and I

presume in consequence of advices given him by Colonel Parsons.

Though the duty of the soldier is to await and obey orders, I am dis- posed to excuse his non-observance of this obligation, for the reason

that they have promptly responded to my call for their services and are exceedingly anxious for service. This regiment would have gone to Missouri without hesitation, but are now of the opinion that Texas

may need them; and, if so, they prefer to stay at home. I am aware that you do not desire a very large cavalry force, not more perhaps than you now have. It may occur, however, that you may need additional cavalry troops; and, indeed, I see through the papers that you are in some instances authorizing the raising of cavalry companies. Would it not suit your views to receive this regiment now, in expectaney of future contingencies? Might it not be well employed at

Brownsville until the forces desired for that post be obtained? We

have an extended seaboard, and, if invaded in that quarter, I should think a considerable cavalry force would be needed. It is now very

E L late, too, to send men to Missouri; and, for this reason and the prob.

able necessity that comes upon us for our volunteers at home, I would –

be greatly gratified if you would accept this regiment, and request, if consistent with your opinions of duty and propriety, that you do. so. In addition to the impracticability of their now going to Missouri, 1 will state that they have been some time organized, and equipped themselves at considerable expense. Many of them have abandoned their employment to engage in their country’s service, and, if disappointed or disbanded, the consequences would be ruinous to them. Colonel Young’s regiment, as also that of Colonel Sims, I feel satisfied, from advices received, have been started to Missouri. While Ido not wish to embarrass you, and by no means to eontrol your operations, I sincerely desire and request that you have this regiment immediately put to service in Texas, if you can. The impression has obtained, I find, that you have authorized the enlistment of men for six months. Within the last few days I have “been repeatedly asked if such is the case. If you have done so, I suppose it results from your opinion of the necessities of our coast country. It is, however, having a bad effect upon my efforts to raise – the required forces for Fort Brown and other points. Our people, though willing to serve as long as needed, desire the shortest term that can be obtained ; and hence will not volunteer for the war while there is a chance to enlist for six or twelve months. You will not understand me as complaining of this course, for, if you have authorized it, I doubt not you have good reasons for it. X It is reported here that there is an intention of. withdrawing the regiment of Colonel McCulloch from its position upon the frontier.

While I attach very little consequence to this impression, I feel called —

upon, in justice to our frontier citizens, to request. that it may not be done. I feel apprehensive that we may in the future have more trouble from Indians than we have had for several months, and I

should therefore feel very unwilling to see this regiment taken away.

It has been upon that line of frontier for nearly one year, and is, or

should be, better suited for its protection than any new forces that

could be placed there. I trust that the opinion of your intention to

withdraw it is incorrect, and that that border may not be deprived of

its presence and protection.

I trust that you have by this time received the cannon expected from Richmond, and that they are, or will soon be, ready for service. Should you be attacked at Galveston, which I hope will not be the case, I greatly desire to have it in my power to be present.

very respectfully, your obedient servant, &oe., :