officer under his command which would wound a soldier's pride and honor. They should, however, be reminded that they have been stationed in Texas for the protection and not the subjugation of her people, and that patriotism is incompatible with warring against the liberties of their fellow-citizens. You are specially charged, in the performance of the service assigned you, that you will do nothing that will conflict with the powers herein conferred. You will, from time to time, make full and complete reports to this committee. J. C. ROBERTSON, Chairman Committee of Public Safety. J. C. ROBERTSON, Esq., SAN ANTONIO, February 8, 1861. Chairman Committee of Public Safety: The undersigned, in accordance with their instructions, called on General D. E. Twiggs, and by his request met him at 2 o'clock this afternoon, and in presence of Major Nichols we stated our mission and presented our credentials (which General Twiggs did not ask or evince the slightest desire to have read to him, or even to look at), and carried out our interview in accordance with the letter and spirit of our instructions as nearly as practicable. General Twiggs expressed himself strongly in favor of Southern rights, and caused copies of his letters to the War Department to be read to the committee, in which he asserts that he will not be instrumental in bringing on civil war, and a great deal more in that line, which may mean something or nothing, according to circumstances, and he very significantly asserted that we had not seceded. He expressed a willingness to keep everything under his command as it now is until the 2d of March next, and would give us information if he should be superseded; and in the event of the State being in favor of secession would, on demand made by the convention, deliver all up, but expressed a fixed determination to march the troops under his command out with all their arms, transportation facilities, and extra clothing to be delivered to them, &c. The undersigned, after considerable conversation on the subject of their mission, retired for consultation, and being desirous of avoiding, if possible, the necessity for collecting a force around the city for the purpose of compelling a delivery, Mr. Maverick was deputed to obtain from the general a statement in writing of what he was willing to do, in the hope that it would, under our instructions, be admissible. He refused to make any statement or give any pledge in writing. Upon ascertaining this fact we determined to send an express without delay to Col. Ben. McCulloch to bring as large a force as he may deem necessary, and as soon as possible, to San Antonio. The substance of General Twiggs' conversation or verbal offer was this: That he will hold things as they are, and will, if in command on the 2d of March next, deliver to the commissioners all the public property that is not desirable or convenient for him to carry away on or after that time. He professed great admiration for the manhood, soldiership, and patriotism of General Scott, and is evidently inclined to imitate him in the present crisis in many respects. He is, no doubt, a good Southern man as far as hatred to black Republicanism can make a man such. There is, however, a higher element than hatred. H We do not know to what extent that element prevails with General Twiggs, but we are of opinion that General Twiggs will not permit it to interfere with what he believes to be due to himself. He spoke, during the interview, of his feeble health; of his having received an offer from Georgia for a command in that State, and of his having refused it on the ground of ill health. He referred to the great expenditure of the army, exclusive of the pay of the troops; said it is more than a million and a half, and inquired where Texas could obtain means to meet that outlay, which she would lose by seceding. These and other remarks on the question by him forced a somewhat unwilling conviction on the minds of the undersigned that he was decidedly averse to the secession of Texas. He mentioned the omission of Captain Ross to do full justice to Sergeant Spangler, and the omission of Governor Houston to give credit to Major Van Dorn for his success in the Comanche fight, and remarked that these were indications of the temper of Texas toward the officers and men of the army. The conclusion we have arrived at is this: that we must obtain possession of that which now belongs to Texas of right, by force, or such a display of force as will compel a compliance with our demands, and that without an hour's unnecessary delay. In all these movements, celerity, secrecy, and strength should be our motto. If there are any men to spare on or near the Colorado we think it would be well for them, in as large numbers and as speedily as possible, to move toward the city to support, if necessary, Colonel McCulloch's movements. Whatever is to be done up North it is well should be done speedily. You had better inquire of Messrs. Hall and Hyde, of the Legislature, the condition of Forts Bliss and Quitman, as the men and munitions in those forts could be moved without delay to New Mexico, giving to the Federal Government at Washington a large body of troops to hold that country against the Southern movement, and thus build up a free State to injure and annoy us in the not very remote future. By referring to the inclosed order* you will perceive General Twiggs is preparing for a move. We are decidedly of the opinion, for the reasons set forth with reference to New Mexico, that it will be unwise to permit a single company of U. S. troops to march from any portion of Texas into New Mexico. If the officers are determined to carry them to aid Lincoln's government let them go by the way of the coast, or we can disband them, if we so decide. We repeat it, we must not let a single company from Fort Bliss to Fort Brown leave the State by the Kansas, New Mexico, or any other route save the coast. The captain commanding the ordnance department at this point is not friendly to our cause. He is said to be in possession of about $40,000 for the construction of the U.S. arsenal. What do you suggest respecting his being compelled to deliver it up, if in his possession, and what course do you suggest in the premises? We would like to have any suggestions or instructions you may consider necessary. We would adhere to them if circumstances demanded it—if in our power, if not, we will do what the emergencies of the hour demand, doing what we believe to be our duty and leaving the consequences to God. In haste, we remain yours, &c., THOMAS J. DEVINE. * See circular of February 4, Series I, Vol I, p. 587. SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR COUNTY, February 8, 1861. Col. BEN. MCCULLOCH. SIR: The undersigned, by virtue of the powers vested in them by the committee of public safety, do hereby authorize and direct you, in the name and by the authority of the State of Texas, to call out and select such numbers of the volunteer force or "minute men" as you may deem necessary for securing and protecting the public property of San Antonio. Upon the assembling of the force you will proceed without delay to San Antonio and report to the undersigned when you arrive in the vicinity of the city. THOS. J. DEVINE, Commissioners of Committee of Public Safety. Col. BEN. MCCULLOCH. FEBRUARY 9, 1861. SIR: Having received information that the commissioners, Samuel A. Maverick and others, sent to San Antonio to confer with General Twiggs, have under their instructions called you into the field, the committee have resolved to confer upon you the military commission of colonel of cavalry, to date as of the 3d instant, in the district embracing a point on the Rio Grande half-way between Forts Duncan and McIntosh, and with the frontier to Fort Chadbourne, including San Antonio and all intermediate posts. And in addition to the instructions given to the commissioners heretofore (with whom you are advised freely to confer on all subjects of interest as far as possible) you are instructed that should it be deemed advisable to retain any portion or all of the Federal troops in your district in the temporary service of the State, you can do so, and assure them that Texas will use her best endeavors with the Southern Confederacy to be formed to have them incorporated into the army of said Confederacy with the same rank now held by them. In case any or all of them should express a desire to depart from the country peaceably, you may permit them so to do upon such terms as will not dishonor them and as will insure the public safety, and in such manner as will insure safety to their persons and property. The committee also desire that the commissioners will, under the powers heretofore given them, furnish such aid and assistance as may be deemed necessary In all other matters not contained in these or the previous instructions, you will observe your best judgment and discretion in any emergency which may present itself. Any information that you may desire to give to the committee will be expressed to John C. Robertson, Galveston, Tex. Attest. JOHN C. ROBERTSON, R. T. BROWNRIGG, SAN ANTONIO, February 10, 1861. JOHN C. ROBERTSON, Chairman Committee of Public Safety. DEAR SIR: We have nothing to communicate since our letter of the 8th, unless it be the receipt of a communication from Colonel McCulloch S informing the undersigned of his having received our communication and that he expected to be at or near Seguin on the 13th or 14th with whatever force he could raise. After dispatching our communication to you we determined, if possible, to prevent the necessity of resorting to a display of force around this city, and with that object in view we again communicated with General Twiggs in writing, requesting from him a written statement of what he was willing to do. The answer to this was an order to Major Vinton, Major Maclin, and Captain Whiteley to confer with the undersigned to transact such business as relates to the disposition of public property. On the receipt of this communication, on the morning of the 9th, we replied that we would meet the military commission at 12 o'clock that day, at such place as they might designate, and, if that hour did not suit their convenience, then at such time and place as they might designate that afternoon. The answer expressed a desire to meet the committee at General Twiggs', at 10 a. m. on the 11th. We will to-morrow present our request in writing, and the answer will enable the committee to judge with a reasonable certainty whether the whole proceeding is not intended for delay, until General Twiggs can call in several companies from the outposts and the additional re-enforcements of several soldiers en route with a provision train from the coast for Arizona. Upon one point General Twiggs is fixed and apparently unalterable—that is, that the troops in Texas under his command shall retain all their arms, with the means to carry them out of the State. What do you think of that? Please give the views of the committee on this and every other subject connected with our mission as fully and speedily as possible. We again repeat that it is not desirable that a single company of U. S. troops shall move to New Mexico or Arizona. If the troops of the Northern Government concentrates in either of those Territories, we believe, from their peculiar position, that it will fix their status as "free soil" Territories, and leave us a nest of hornets to deal with in the future. We will require means for the subsistence of the troops that may be called out by General McCulloch or from this city and vicinity. We desire some information on this point, as your committee must be aware that the readiness with which the necessary expenses are met in the commencement may have a salutary influence in many respects upon our cause in the future. If there is any action had or information obtained respecting the Northern posts it might be desirable that we should be put in possession of such information, as it may influence our action materially. Very respectfully, THOS. J. DEVINE. AUSTIN, TEX., February 12, 1861. THOMAS J. DEVINE, S. A. MAVERICK, P. N. LUCKETT, Commissioners. GENTLEMEN: Your letter bearing date of the 10th instant to me has been received. In view of the committee's departure this afternoon for Galveston they cannot be got together, even if it were necessary. The result of the action of the committee on the subjects contained in this communication I think is full, and hope will meet your views. The committee do not desire to dishonor the Army by requiring any. thing of them which would seem to do so. If you have to resort to force (actual), and are successful, then we suppose of course they would be vanquished and submit to your terms; but if you treat with them as gentlemen, as equals, of course we would not desire anything dishonorable to be yielded by them. But this is mere speculation on my part. The instructions, we think, will meet with your views; if not, you have a large discretion. As to whether they should be permitted to go out into Arizona and New Mexico, the committee have very wisely left that matter discretionary with you. It is the opinion, however, of some of the committee that it can make but little difference in which direction they leave the country. It is suggested that they might land below the mouth of the Rio Grande and travel up into Arizona and New Mexico; beside, if it is the policy of the United States of the North to concentrate a force in those Territories, we could not prevent it by requiring these to go by way of the coast. It is a matter of some importance to know how they could subsist in those Territories at this time. The productions of those Territories could not subsist them a week without ruin to the few who are there. Many of the committee do not think General Twiggs would be so recklessly regardless of his native South as to inaugurate a guerrilla warfare upon her border. But, gentlemen, you are in the midst of the circumstances, and can best judge of what to do. Relying upon your wisdom and prudence, we leave it with you. We will start to-day for Galveston, where we hope to get some money, and if successful we will promptly express a part to you. In behalf of the committee I assure you of our sincere desire for your success in your patriotic enterprise, and of our personal regard for each of you. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, JOHN C. ROBERTSON, Chairman Committee of Public Safety. Hon. J. C. ROBERTSON, SAN ANTONIO, February 18, 1861. Chairman of Committee of Public Safety. SIR: We have at last completed the principal part of the business confided to our management. In our communication of the 8th instant we informed you that we had called in the aid of the volunteer force under Col. Ben. McCulloch. He arrived on the Salado, five miles from this city, on the evening or night of the 16th instant, with about 500 men, and marched into town about 4 a. m. with about one-half of his force, when he was joined by about 150 K. G. C.'s, and about the same number of citizens who were not members of the order, and about the same number from the Medina, Atascosa, and the country west of this city. At 5 o'clock the men were in positions around the arsenal, the ordnance, the Alamo, and the quarters in the commissary buildings occupied by one company of the Federal troops, and at the same time the tops of the buildings commanding the arsenal and ordnance ground were occupied. We, in accordance with our instructions, repeated the demand, and after considerable delay came to an arrangement with General Twiggs, the substance of which was that the U. S. troops in San Antonio, 160 in number, should surrender up the position held by them, and that all |