his views. If the latter troops are left I may possibly be able to hold
this point, but it is exceedingly doubtful. As soon as this reduction is
known the country will be abandoned by the citizens. One other
point of view, which with the Confederacy in a different condition I
would not make, is this: That I believe fully one-fourth of the com-
mand ordered east will desert. Had we plenty of men I should say
let them go. These are the men, in a great measure, from whom we are to
expect depredations, and I would not even be surprised if they joined
the enemy.
The other day when some deserters were returned to me
by General Mejia, in accordance with an arrangement made with him,
300 deserters are said to have left Matamoras, 125 of whom are known
to have fled to the enemy at Brazos. In view of all I have said, I do
not believe you could increase the garrison at Galveston, even if you
should order my whole command in this district, more than 600 or 800.
Finally, I would suggest to the commanding general that I be per-
mitted to retain my present force in this district; that no more recruits
shall be received.. If the plans which I have already inaugurated suc-
ceed, the question of supplies can be set at rest. I shall hold the
remainder of the troops ready to move, awaiting the answer of the
general by next mail.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. E. SLAUGHTER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Abstract from field return of the Defenses of Galveston, Brig. Gen. James M. Hawes, C. S. Army, commanding, for January 30, 1865.

[JANUARY 31, 1865.-For Davis to Smith, assigning the latter to the charge of military operations on both banks of the Mississippi River, &c., see Vol. XLI, Part I, p. 124.]

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,

Brig. Gen. R. P. MACLAY:

Shreveport, La., January 31, 1865.

GENERAL: The question of the legality of your appointment has come up in such a form that I am satisfied it will have to be tested, if

Abstract from return of the Eastern Sub-District of Texas, Brig. Gen. Paul O. Hébert, C. S. Army, commanding, for the month of January, 1865.

Abstract from return of the Central Sub-District of Texas, Brig. Gen. Thomas F. Drayton, C. S. Army, commanding, for the month of January, 1865.

Organization of troops in the Central Sub-District of Texas, Brig. Gen. Thomas F. Drayton, C. S. Army, commanding, January 31, 1865.

Thirteenth Texas,

Dunn's cavalry company (unattached),

Goode's cavalry company (unattached), Col. Joseph Bates.

Smith's cavalry company,

Hughes' battery,

Frontier Cavalry Regiment, Col. James E. McCord.

Nichols' battery, Capt. William H. Nichols.

Welhausen's battery, Capt. Charles Welhausen.

Abstract from return of the Northern Sub-District of Texas, Brig. Gen. Henry E. McCulloch, C. S. Army, commanding, for the month of January, 1865.

Abstract from return of the Western Sub-District of Texas, Brig. Gen. James E. Slaughter, C. S. Army, comman ding, for the month of January, 1865.

SIR: Your request to cross the Rio Grande on private business in Mexico is most cheerfully granted. The proper officer has been directed to furnish you the necessary official evidence of this permission. I avail myself of so favorable an opportunity through you of expressing to the authorities of the Imperial Government the deep interest that I take in all that concerns the prosperity and welfare of their people, and at the same time I desire you to convey to them the sincere pleasure and gratification which I feel in the assurances received from so many sources of their generous sympathies and friendly dispositions toward the Government which I have the honor to represent as the military chief of this department; also to assure them of my ardent desire to cultivate and extend still further the amicable relations already existing, and which I trust will continue to exist between two coterminous nations having like aims and pursuits, and perhaps the same great and glorious destiny. Having entire confidence in your patriotism, intelligence, and knowledge of foreign intercourse (you having heretofore

been connected with the former Government of the United States in a diplomatic capacity), and wishing you complete success in the object of your present visit, I invoke for you there the consideration due your well-known character and high social position here.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Hon. ROBERT ROSE,

Shreveport, La. :

E. KIRBY SMITH,

General.

SHREVEPORT, February [1,] 1865.

SIR: Whilst in the city of Mexico I desire you, on some fitting occasion, to make known to His Majesty the Emperor, that in the case of unexampled catastrophe to our arms and the final overthrow of the government which I have the honor to represent as the military chief of the States west of the Mississippi River, an event I do not now apprehend, but which yet may possibly occur in the future, it is my fixed purpose to leave my native land and seek an asylum in Mexico. Bred to the profession of arms, having such education in my profes sion as the best military schools in the United States offer, with the benefit of foreign travel and some experience, such as is acquired by the command of armies actively engaged in the field for more than two years, it is my desire still to continue in the exercise of the profession of my choice. Having some knowledge of the French and Spanish languages, and having been on duty at one period on the Mexican frontier, my humble services and such influence as I could exert might be rendered available to His Majesty's Government. I therefore authorize you to tender them to him in the possibility of the contingency above alluded to. The national antipathy that would exist in the minds of many citizens of the Confederate States to those of the North, together with their intelligence, endurance, and daring as soldiers, might, in contemplation of possible collision between the Imperial Government and the United States of the North, render very desirable such a corps of Southern soldiers as might be induced by the offer of liberal terms to colonize the Empire, and thus greatly strengthen it. Should you find that this offer and the accompanying views are not wholly inappropriate to be alluded to, you will please tender my services to the Emperor, and at the same time assure him of my heartfelt wish for the eminent success of his reign, and the honor, welfare, and happiness of his people.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. KIRBY SMITH,

General.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,

Lieut. Gen. S. B. BUCKNER,

Shreveport, La., February 1, 1865.

Commanding District of West Louisiana, Natchitoches, La.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose copies of telegrams* received from Maj. Gen. M. M. Parsons, at Camden, since those transmitted to you on yesterday. The commanding general directs me to say to you that you must expect a movement up the Ouachita. The country the

*Not found.