davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
CONGRESSIONAL.
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE SEC
RETARY OF WAR AND GEN. GAINES.

ORDERS on GEN GAINES AND THE ADJUTASr
Memorandum Of The miiits on vohnissr force recently
called, or auiAOriTsd 10 bs called, rio TIE serpscs q
the Uniisd States, BY Bresei BrxadiH Gsn~sl
Gainss. ... ...-..... ~ r.... rs
1. Nav 3, lsl6.---Gsnersl Games TO Major w.
n. Chase, corps of enginserss Authonsss him To
muster into the service Of the United States any vol
untesr troops for Texas that may offer, snddespaieh
them TO New Orleans. H l.r
a. May 8, lsa6.--C3en. Gaines 10 Colonel Crane,
first artillery: Authorizes him to accept the services
Of one % more volantser companies; has requested
governor Of Aabsma TO send two volunteer eompA-
MES To Pensacola harbor. He.F Y
O. Nag 3, ls46--Gsneral Gaines 70 Lafayette
Saunders, Esq.s Authorizes him 10 raiss argument
Of mounted gun men, from hye hundred 70 'hoa-
sand.
A. Nav IL, lsa6.--General Gaines to Secretary
of War; Has invited into the service several regi-
monts of mounted gun men, 70 rendezvous al Fort
Jesup, in the present month, (May0 and TO press
forward from thence to the Rio Grandc, through
Texas
S. May IL, 1886 General Gaines to Major A..
NJ. Dunn: Authorizes him TO raise company OF
one hundred men, TO garrison Baton Rouge bar
racks, and guard the public properly there.
g. May IL, l646--Genersl Gaines to Major
Albert Rust: Authorizes him To raise regiment
ora battalion OF mounted gun men, TO consist OF
un or not less than five companies TO number sixty
10 one hundred men each, TO serve six months, I'M
less sooner discharged
T. May 10, ls46.-General Games to Col. w.
B Lewis: Authorzes him to raise regiment or
battalion of mounted gun men, To consist OF not
less than Ave- to exceed ten companies, OF from
sixty to one hundred men each, 10 serve for six
months, unless sooner discharged.
g. May Is, 1916 General Gaines 10 Colonel
Bale Peyton: Authorizes him 10 raise regiment,
to consist of ten companies OF from sixty TO one
hundred men each--six Of infantry, aud four OF
rihemen-for a term of six months, unless sooner
discharged.
9 May IA, l6t6-Genersl Gaines to Major F.
BuiSson: Authorizes him to raise battalion, to
consist Of two companies from sixty 10 hundred
strong each tn serve as arihcers and infantry, for
six months unless sooner discharged.
10. May l6, l646.-General Gaines to Jno s.
Gilbert Authorizes him TO raise regiment or a
ballaion Of mounted gun men, to consist OF from
FIVE to ten companies Of from sixty to hundred
men each, to serve for six months, unless sooner
discharged.
III. May 20, l646--General Gaines to Z. Fea-
therston; w Nj. Fulton; VIM. S. Hays; J. r.
Creecy; and f. ID. Tracy: Authorizing them TO raise
one regiment each, to serve infantry or rdemen,
TO consist of ten companies, Of sixty to one hundred
men each, to serve for six months, unless sooner
discharged.
u. May %, 1886 General Gaines to P. b.
Stnrke: Authorizes him TO raise regiment OF dra-
goons to consist of ten companies Of sixty to one
hundred men each, TO serve for six months, unless
sooner discharged.
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09


in letter which Mr., Donelson stated TO you he bad
written 10 this department No such leter has been
reosissd man hjs aad Il is1hefofore impossible 10
determine how far such Information, other facts,
not known here, have Influenced you in making the
call for portion Of the Louisiana militia and send
ing them into Texas.
A state of things which mght render 1t prudent
and proper for Ge1efaf Taylor to draw an auxiliary
force from some Of the United States well as from
Texas, has been contemplated by lhe President as
possible contingency, and by his directions IN
srlelons upon that subject have been sent 10 Cen
eral Taylor, copy Of which was also forwarded to
you on the 18th instant II u not conceived that
there VIII hereafter be any occasion 10 send into
Texas State troops, unless il be on his notification
that such force Will be needed. ...
The two companies Of artillery from New Orleans
having, as II Is presumed, already gone to Texas,
Gen. Taylor will be directed to receive and retain
them in service as long as the public sxigenoy may
require. ... .....1r . ... ...-..
The President directs me 10 say, that, in making
the requistion on the governor OF Louisiana he does
not question the purity patriotism OF your mo-
lives, and he trusts that il will be made 10 appear
that the information which led you TO resolve upon
the measure was Of such a character aud so authen-
ticated as TO warrant him in ratifying your proce
dure. VIM l.. MARCY,
Secretary of War.
To Major General z. p. GAMES. =.
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
WAR DEPARTMENT,
ApJUrAsr GESERALs OrrIcE,
Washington Sept, 10. lS45,

washington SSPs- iot torc'
GENERAL: Your communication of the 3lst of Au-
gust has been duly received and submitted to the
general-in-chief and Secretary Of War, and to the
President
You state in your letter, that you do not intend
ito call into service any Of the Louisiana volunteers
which his excellency Governor Mouton has at my
[yourl request, ordered to be ready at short no.
ice; unless, indeed, [you add should have been
declared by Mexico and the reports Of large con-
centraon Of their forces upon the Rio Grande should
be confirmed" .
With regard to the contingent purpose expressed
in the above extract am directed by the Secretary
of War respectfully TO refer you for your guidance
to his letter Of Instructions OF the 18th utmo, which,
at the date Of our letter, could not have been re-
ceived and, also, to the Adjutant Generals commu-
nicaton to you, upon the same subject, Of the 9th
of August ...
l am, general, with great respect,
Your obedient servant,
r. JONES,
Adjutant General.
Brevet Major General E P. CANES,
Commanding Western division,
New Orleans, Louisiana.
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
ASSISTANT ADJUrAsr GESERAL's OFFIcE,
Nrw ORtKANs Nav Of IS46

ASSISTANT ADJUTAsT GEsERAL's OFFIcE,
New ORLEANS, May 26, 1886
Sin: The returns of the western division for June,
July, August, and September, 1874, required by
your letter of the 9Th inst, will be made out and
forwarded as soon as the necessary data be col
lected. Some time will necessarily elapse before
they can be completed, which, 1t 10 presumed, will
cause no Inconvenience to your Office.
would state that the returns for November and
December, lS45, were made out whilst was labor
ing under the effects of a severe indisposton, and
was not able to give them that close attention which
they require. This will account, in some degree,
for the errors existing in them.
have the honor respectfully to inform you that,
under the exgcncy of the case, have found it me-
cessary TO employ two clerks, it being utterly inn
possible for me- without this additional assistance,
to attend properly to the increased duties Of this
office. This has been authorized by Gen. Gaines,
and solicit your appreciation to the same. l cam
not find that any provision is made for clerk to
this oee one is at all times absolutely necessary,
and therefore request authority to continue Of
the persons who has been temporarily employed in
the position
With respect, am sir,
Your obedient servant, }.,
,.... .,, as.. p. CALHOUN,
.. Assistant Adjt General Western Division.
Brig. Gen. R. JONES,
Adjt. Gen. U. 8. Army,
Washington, d. c.
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
HKApoUAArERs WEsrERS DpnIoS,
New Orleans, August Is, le45.

SIa Having reason to spprehend that MEXICO
viii make more efficient opposition 10 the army re-
comfy ordered 10 occupy the western border OF Tex
a. than was anticipated by the War Department
vhen.the orders Tor thai movement we're issued, or
subseqssoty, deem Il nscossasy and proper 20 Jake
|hunsdA 10 measures augment this army Of oecupa
ies By such volunteer corps as may be inclined 70
en- er the service 10 20 thither forth with.
And believing the volunteer corps OF tins city and
State, and those OF the eishbonng States the best
troops in the world for tins service, aecnaisd and
disciplined as they are, and extensively acquainted
with the country likely TO become the theatre Of
ton, respectfully request Of your excellency one
regiment Of infantry, one regiment of rhemen, ar
two companies Of artillery To reinforce and co-ope-
rate with the army Of occupation in Texas, near the
Rio Grande.
| shall make immediate arrangements for assem-
bling these volunteers at New Orleans barracks,
Fort Jackson, and Fort ST. Philip, and furnishing
them with every requisite supply Of subsistence,
arms, and ammunition, with camp equipago, togeh-
with steamers and other vessels for their trans
portation Texas and also with wagons and horses
for the transportation Of their supplies after landing
IN Texas.
This will be handed to you by Major s. Cooper,
assistant dulant general Of my division, TO whom
refer you for such facts have this morning trans
pred in relation to the service above referred TO.
have the honor, &c.
EDMUND p. GAINES,
Major General United States army
Commanding the western division.
To his Excellency ALEXANDER MoUros,
Governor Of the State Of Louisiana.
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
RECAPITULATION.

l. Any volunteer force that may offer.
2. Three or more companies.
g. One regiment
4. Several regiments Of mounted gun-men.
5. One company.
8. One battalion, or regiment
One battalion, or regiment
8, One regiment.
8. One battalion Of two companies.
TO- One battalion, or regiment
IL. Five regiments.
H. One regiment.
TorAL: Besides calls for indefinite numbers Of vol
snteers from States and sundry civilians appointed
acting quartermasters, paymasters, commissarie1
inspecting and mastering officers, adjutants, chap
lains, clerks, DC,
NorE.-As far as can be ascertained the volun.
eer force called for by General Gaines may exceed
$4,000, besides a regiment of foot from Missouri
which has been accepted by the War Department
Wan DEPARTMENT, June 6, 1886
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
Maj. Gen. GAMES,
Wan DEPARTMENT,
Washington, August %, lS45.

WubniHSton, August 80, Iofo.
S,a: The information hitherto received as to the
intentions Of Mexico, and the, measures she may
adopt, does not enable the administration here to
give YOU more explicit instructions in regard to your
movements than those which have been already
forwarded to you. There is reason to believe that
Mexico is making efforts TO assemble large army
on the frontier Of Texas, for the purpose of enter
ing its territory and holding forcble possession of IT,
OF their movements you are doubtless advised, and
we trust have taken, or early will take, prompt and
efficient steps to meet and repe any such hostile in
cursion Should Mexico assemble a large body of
tIoops on the Rio Grande, and cross II with con-
siderable force, such moyenent must be regarded
as an invasion OF the United States and the COM
mencement of hostes You will, of course, use
you, to meet such state Of things. Texas must
Be protected from hostile invasion, and for that pur
pose you will Of course, employ to the utmost ex-
tent all the means you possess or can command.
An order has been this day issued for sending one
thousand more men into Texas to join those under
your command. When the existing orders are car
red into effect, you viii have with you force Of
four thousand men Of the regular army. We are
not enabled to Judge what auxiliary force can, upon
an emergency, be brought together from Texas, and
as a precautionary measure you are authorized TO
accept volunteers from the States Of Louisiana and
Alabama, and even from M'ssissippi Tennessee,
and Kentucky. Should Mexico declare war, or
commence hostilites by crossing the Rio Grande
with considerable force, you are instructed to lose
no time in giving information to the authorities
Of each or any Of the aforementioned States
as to the number of volunteers you may
want from them respectively. Should you
require troops from any Of these States,
il would be important 70 have them with the
east possible delay. Il is Dot doubted that at least
two regiments from New orlesns and one from Mo-
bile could pc obtained and ,srpeditiously brought
into ths Geld, !, You will cause il 70 De known at
these, places what puppber and description OF troops
e1nergency fhs auihoqties Of these States will be
apprized thai YOU are esth oFized % receive yopn-
teers from, them, and you may calculate that they
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
w AR DEPARTMENT,
Wa,hinytnn Anon.


SIR: The Adjutant General has just furnished me
with copy of your communication, dated the 18th
instant, addressed to his excelency A. Mouton,
governor Of Louisiana, by which it appears that
you have made requison on him for two COM
panies of artillery to be sent to the army OF occupa
ton in Texas, under the command OF General lay
lor. II cannot be necessary to apPuze you That the
authority to make a requsition upon the governors
Of the respective States fur the militia thereof to be
employed in the service of the United States, Is vest
ed only in the President, and limited IN it's exercise
to two or three specified cases. The emergency
which would tolerate or excuse the assumption OF
this authority by a military officer in command, al
distance from the seat Of government, in antcipa-
lion Of the Presidents action must be one indicating
great and imminent peril TO the counuy--a peril so
ereat and 80 imminent as to leave no reasonable
doubt that the President, with full knowledge Of all
the circumstances Of the case, would have felt i to
be his duty to resort to such aid. The assumption
of this authority by an officer situated, should be
under circumstances which would be sure to conf
nand his subsequent ratification Of it. The infor-
nation on which you acted in making the requisii
ton, may have been more minute and authentic, and
showing more danger to the troops under the COM
msnd OF General Taylor than has yet been made
known to the government here. You speak in your
letter Of the 7h instant to the adjutant general Of
information received from Mr.. Donelson, then re-
Gently from Geseral Taylors camp, which you pre-.
sumsd had been communicated to the government,
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
HI.paU.srrR, wE.rEss Division,

Nov Orleans, AugusI %, Io4)'
STA BY a letter frem Captain Crossmsn, assistant
quartermss,er, 70 Lieutenant Colonel Hunt deputy
quartermsster general, dated 81. Josephs Island,
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
WAR DEPARTMENT,

August 80, lsi5,
Sra | herewith transmit a copy Of a letter from
this department to Gen. Games Of the 2S,h inst
Should the two companies Of artillery referred To IN
that communication report to you in Texas, you will
receive and retain them in service so long he pub
lie exigeneies may, in your judgment, require.
Very respectfully, &c.
w. l.. MARCY,
Secretary Of War.
Breyet Brgadier Gen. Il. TAILoR, ~
Commanding United States army In Texas.
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
[ConfientiaL]
Wan DEPARTMENT,

Wan DEPARTMENT,
June Is, lS45.
SIN On the 4th day of July next or very soon there
after, the convention of the people Of Texas will
probably accept the proposition of annexation, un-
der the Joint resolutions of the late Congress OF the
United States. That acceptance will constitute
Texas an integral portion of our country.
In anticipation of that event, you will forthwith
make a forward movement with the troops under
your command, and advance to the mouth of the
Sabine or to such other point the gulf OF Mexi-
co, or its navgable waters, in your judgment
may be most convenient for embarkation at the
proper time for the western frontier Of Texas.
In leaving to your judgment to decide the route,
it is intended that you choose the most expeditions
having due regard to the health and efficiency of the
troops on reaching the point Of destination.
The force under your immediate command at and
near Forth Jesup to be put IN motion on the receipt
Of these instructions, will be the 81 and 4th regi
ments OF infantry, and seven companies of the 81
regiment of Dragons. The two absent companies
Of the 4th infantry have been ordered to join their
regiments. Arullety will be ordered from New Or
leans.
Il is understood hat suitable forage for cavalry
cannot be obtained in the region which the troops
to occupy; II this be so, the Dragons must leave
their horses and serve as rlhemen But IT 10 possl-
BILE that horses Of the country accustomed to sub
sis on meagre forage may be procured fit be found
necessary. You will therefore take the precau tion
to order portion Of the cavalry equipments to &C.
company the regiment, with a view to mounted
service.
The point OF your ultimate destination is the
western frontier OF Texas, where you will select
and occupy, on or near the Rio Grande del Norle,
such sue az will consist with the health of the
troops and will be best adapted to repel invasion,
and 10 protect what In the event Of annexation, will
be our western border. You will limit you sell
to the defence OF the territory Of Texas, uness
Mexico should declare war against the United
STATES.
Your movement to the gulf OF Mexico, and you
Preparations to embark for the western frontier o.
Texas, areto bs made wifhoat any delay; but you
Wilnot effect landing on that irontisf until you
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
HEAporARrERs, WESTERN DiyIsios,
NFw Oat EAnx Ssntanthsr 4 ia

NEw ORLEAss, September 3, is45
Sra. bavs the honor % aekno Wedge the receipt
OF your two ietisrs Of the 18th umo, enclosing
to copy OF your instruction OF the 23d 20 Gen.
Taylor, and the other acknowledging the receipt Of
my letter Of the ,l0li, which was written after the
mail Of that day was closed, IN the hope thai II
would reach you a day sooner Than # sent by The
mail Of the lth ultmo, as my Hmiable friend, Mrs
Mccormick, who took charge Of my letter, with her
travelling companions, Mr. and Mrs. Adams, all
very active and persevering, had determined TO
travel with the mail. ....
Considering your instructions TO Gen, Taylor of
the 23d nlt virtual approval OF my requisltlun Of
the lith ult. for Louisiana volunteers, and more
peoialy for the two hue companies Of New Orleans
volunteer artillery, with their superior train Of brass
pieces ready Jor action, under The experienced
Major Galy have deemed Il To BE- my duiy, un-
Ter the present aspect Of the policy and probable
movements of the Msxicans, 70 desire Gen. Taylor
to retain in service this very efficient hide corps du-
ring the term for which they were engaged, unless
sooner discharged by your orders, otherwise we
might incur the charge Of sporting with the feelings
Of these chiyale and patriotic volunteers, by accept
ing their services when manifestly needed, and dis.
charging them "a haste, even before we have une-
quivoca evidence Of the designs Of the enemy who,
though they may not declare ioar appear resolved to
inpads Tsra5, which would be clearly act oftrar.
am much gratiied to find my requsition thus
virtually approved by you; and | respectfully re-
quest that you also approve my INSTRUCTIONS to Zen
Taylor to retain Major Gally's command in service
until we have some conclusive assurance Of peace
on the part Of Mexico.
have the honor to be,
With perfect respect,
Your obedient servant,
EDMUND p. GAINES,
Major General U. S. Army,
Commanding Western Division
To the Hon. WV. l.. MARCY,
Secretary Of War,
Washington City.
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
Adjutant General
Brevet Major General z. P. GAINES,
Commanding western division, New Orleans.
HEIpoUARrERs WESTERN DIVISION,
Nem Orleane Auqnsf al lA45


New Orleans, August 81, lS45.
Sir: hear from General Taylor under date Of
Corpus Christi, August 81, l845, that the steam.
ship Alabama, with the FIVE companies of the 7th
infantry and Major Gally's two companies of New
Orleans volunteer artillery, had joined him in safe
ty, after very quick passage. The Alabama. re-
turned to this city yesterday morning.
The general is under the impression that there Is
no present prospect of a forward movement on the
part of Mexico, and that the troops to be un.
der his orders WILL he is confident, enable him TO
pei any attack.
Under these circumstances, shall not call into
service any of the Louisiana volunteers which his
excellcncy Governor Mouton has, at my request
ordered to be ready at short notice, unless, indeed
war should have been declared by Mexico, and the
reports of large concentration Of their forces upon
the Rio Grande should be confirmed
These reports are now supposed to have been ex-
aggerated Still, however, as We have not the mean
of accurate knowledge upon the subject, il 10 un
questionably our duty to maintain the attitude Of
defiance against equal numbers Of The best Of troops
they should prove to be wanting in prooess, tina
will be their own fault, their own misfortune
not, we shall be ready for action upon the true prn
ciple upon which every man of military mind will
always act .....l
Very respectfully,
Maj,r General U. s Army, Commanding.
To Brig. General r. JONES,
Adjutant General U. s. Army.
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09

have yourself ssoertsinsd the due acceptance Of
Texas Of the profered terms OF annexation, or un-
I'll you receive directions from Mr.. Donelson.
am, SIR very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
a GEORGE BANCROFT
To Brig. Gen. u. TAYLOR,
U. 8. Army, Coming LIST Dept, Fort JssuP, La
p. S.--The revenue cutters Spencer and Wood
bury have been placed by the Treasury Depart
msni al the disposition Of Mr. Donelson.
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
HEADauARrrRs WESTERN DIVISION,

New Orleans, (La.,) Aug. II, ls45.
Sra The untowsrd circumstances which attended
the landing and concentration of different corps Of
the army under General Taylor, as reported TO me
by our ex client dipoma'ist and military friend
Doneison, of which | learn from him that the De-
partment Of War was duly advised by him, added
to the reasons contained in my letter of the 18th
inst, suggested TO me the propriety Of requesting
OF the governor OF Louisiana regiment of infantry
a regiment of rihemcn, and two companies of arti-
lery, from the superior volunteers Of this city. The
governor having been at Pass Christian, did not
hear from him until yesterday, when had the sat
isfaction to learn from Maj. Gen. Lewis and Col
Preston, the Attorney General Of the State that the
governor had authorized them to assure that the
volunteers requested would be promptly furnished
and as many more ss might be desired inclose
herewith copy If my letter TO Gov Mouton.
had the qualification to learn, last night, that as
soon as my requisition was communicated to Gen.
Lewis's division, MAJOR Gally, the experienced
chief OF the artillery battalion, reported himself and
the two com panies or if desirable the whole of his
battalion would be ready to embark Immediately,
with the six companies ofthe 7h infantry, for which
steam transportation is engaged for Wednesday
next, the Goth inst The only difficulty that appears
likely to attend the call for the infantry and rifemen
is to determine among the several regiments Of the
division ready and willing to 60, which shall first
enjoy the privilege Of entering the SERVICE in which
all are anxious to participate.
These regiments will be held in readiness at the
barracks this city and at Forts Jackson and St.
Philip, to embark for Texas soon steam trans
poration can be obtained But il, in the mean
time, favorable reports are received from General
Taylor, these regiments will not be sent to Texas,
but dsbanded soon it can be done without risk
or injury to the service.
am very respectfully,
Your obedent servant,
E. P. GAINES,
Maj. Gen. United States army,
commanding the western division.
To Brig. Gen. ROGER JONES,
Adj. Gen. U. s. army, Washington.