[3308] [CHAMBERS to CARSON j
Commanding-General Army of Reserve Sir
I have the honour to inform you that in compliance with a decree of our Government (a copy of which is herewith included) 1 have engaged a large number of volunteers for the service of our ·country in the army under my command, and that the full compliment of 1635 men, of which it is to be composed, will soon he ready to be put in motion. You will see by the decree that I am authorized by the Government to raise the means necessary to arm, equip, and transporlt them, by pledging the faith of the Republic. This however 1 have heretofore been unable to effect, notwithstanding aUI my exertions on account of the desperate situation of our colllntry. But the late brilliant achievement of our worthy commander in chief has established the credit of our Country, and funds can now be obtained. I have therefore dispatched my Paymaster Genl. Col. J. R. Lewis to New York and Philadelphia to neg;ociate a loan for the use of my division, and I have ordered him to put himself in communication with our commissioners and solicit their aid and cooperation, and in case of a failure in the negociation to caU upon them for a part of what has already been obtaiined. But dispatch is very important in this matter, and I am of opinion that loans to some extent might be negotiated in this state and Kentucky if l had the assurance of our Government, that lthey would be refunded out of the first monies obtained by the Co1mmissioners. I therefore request that you will authorise me to obtain loans upon such an assurance and that you will give me a letter of instructions directed to our Commissioners upon the same suhject and in accordance with my instructions to the Pay Master Genl. It is unnece15sary for me to urge upon you the importance of this matter for you fully comprehend it. But I will take the liberty lo express my hope that we shall guard against the fatal error into which we were led by our first victories of believing that the clanger is over. Our arch enemy has fallen by the consummate skill of our Commander and the invincible constaricy of our Gallant little army; hut this does nolt end the contest. Santa Anna was but the instrument and th1e sword of a party; he is fallen but the party
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