qualified to coinmand an Army, I have not found it out. l well know J am a better company officer than most men now in Texas, a11d might do with Regulars &c., for a l<egiment. But this does not constitute me a commander. I also conscientiously believe that we have none fit for il now in the country;-at least their talents have not been developed. With such as have been in the field since October, [ do not fear comparison. But this is not the thing. I think you can get several first-rate officers from the United Stales. Do not cherish the hope of getting an officer now in service there with suballem appointments. If you make offcrs of any such, give the field-offices al once, no matter who is left out. In organizing the army, do not say that the Major General shall be Commander-in-Chief. ll may be necessary lo appoint some such man as Carrol or Ripley, and no Major-General in Texas ought to complain of having such men raised over him. Leave room that it can be done, if an opporl1111ily offer, and necessity requires it. I would recommend a War Bureau, and an experienced, energetic man al the head of it. Guard well the Constitution, and avoid such parts of that of the Uniled States as have caused so much contention, and given rise to such various constructions. Secure all kinds of property, and invite the cotton and sugar-grower into your country. The right of suffrage and the ]1idiciary will have your especial care, and I hope will be strictly attended to. Will you allow me to call your attention to some young men, the best qualified men I have ever seen in Texas, Captains Wm. G. Cook, and N. R. Brister, both of the New Orleans Greys-John S. Brooks, and Joseph M. Chadwell, who have each served since the 24th of December, as Adjutant and Sergeanl-Major,-decidedly the best officers I know of, having received a Military education, and each of some experience; also, Joseph Cardle and Thomas Barton, the first a regular graduate at the Point, and nine years in U.S. Army; the latter, seven years in U.S. Marines, and wishes lo be in Artillery, if possible; also, Lieut. Hugh McLeod, U.S. Army, now waiting al Fort Jesup, and his horse ready and resignation written, and did once start. ... If my family gel in, I should like lo join them.... After near eighteen months' absence, nothing but dire necessity can keep me from my wife and children. Write me. and tell me how you gel 011. Whal from Archer, Austin and Co., &c.,& A <lay or two after this last letter, Colonl'I Fannin rccc>iVl'rl inlclligrcnce of the actual advance of the <·ncmy to the 1wi1rhLour- • r-
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