Unknown to P. O. Hébert, October 3, 1861

General P. O. HÉBERT, Galveston, Tex. : SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge, through this morning’s mail,

a copy of your letter of the 30th ultimo,* handed my private secretary

_ I shall transmit immediately to Colonels Young and Parsons orders based upon your acceptance of their regiments. I would have been pleased to be able to state to them the service in which you will engage them, as I know it is a subject upon which they are much interested. . I presume, however, that you design employing them in the State. :

I regret exceedingly that you could not receive the other two regiments, now ready for service in Northeastern Texas. They are organized and anxiously desire service. They are mounted troops, and yet I think might be willing to take service as infantry in preference to being disbanded. Regretting to disappoint them, and fearing the result of a disappointment upon any future necessity that may come upon us for volunteers, I regret very much indeed to have to discharge them. If you think you will need more infantry, I believe these men would enter that arm of the service, and better soldiers, I know, cannot be obtained in the State.

I regret to hear that you have been so embarrassed by the condition in which you found this military department. I supposed the coast had been as well prepared for defense as the ability of the Confederate and State Governments would permit. Since the 1st of June last, or thereabouts, the coast defense, and especially that of Galveston, has been eonfided to the Confederate authorities. I sincerely trust that you may in season make preparation for the reception of our enemy, should he conclude to make us a visit upon our coast. With a view to this end I have authorized the making of cannon at Galveston, and have agreed to purchase some already made at Lavaca, if suitable and worthy. I have also recently tendered to Colonel McCulloch such State arms as we have, and have already sent him 170 Colts improved revolving

pistols, and have, subject to your order and acceptance, a few muskets ` and four 12-pounder howitzers, with carriages, but without caissons..

These might be made available perhaps upon the coast. In offering

these arms I impose the restriction of their being retained in the State — – for the defense of the State.

The regiments of Colonels Young and Parsons are clamorous for service, and fret under their confinement in camp; and I would therefore respectfully suggest that they be mustered into service and given active employment at the earliest possible moment.

Assuring you of my hearty co-operation in all things necessary for the speedy accomplishment of your wishes, I am,

very respectfully,