the whole brigade required, as the feelings of the people seem to be alive to their duty of entering the service of the United States, as required by this communication, which I have hastened to lay before you, as well as to inform you of the course I am pursuing, in order that it may be submitted to the President of the United Stales, and his views ascertained as speedily as may be convenient in relation thereto. Despatch seems lo be important, and the mode and means of transporting these volunteers to Natchitoches, the head quarters of General Gaines, is a matter, it seems to me, worthy of some consideration. By water, with the aid of steam-boats, to tow a certain number of flat-boats necessary to carry the horses, I have thought would be most expeditious. In the event the Cumberland should be too low, they should embark al Randolph or Memphis, and go as far up Red river as lo enable them to obtain a land passage to their destination. At this time the Mississippi is unusually high, so as to inundate a large portion of the country on the west side, which circumstance renders a passage by land very difficult. Hence at present I am inclined to the opinion that their transportation by water should be preferred. I have required the volunteers to engage in the service for the period of six months, unless sooner discharged. To furnish themselves with horses and clothing, each company to elect their own officers. Each regiment its colonels and majors, and the brigade, in the event a whole brigade should assemble, to elect their brigadier general. It is expected that these volunteers will offer themselves, and be received from every section of the State, from east to west. Hence some expenses must be incurred in embodying them before they leave the State, as well as transporting them lo the head-quarters of Gen. Gaines. In relation to which, as well as other matters touching the requisition made by the commanding general on me, and the course which I am now earnestly pursuing, for the purpose of promoting the service of our country, I shall feel much anxiety to learn, as fully as practicable, the views of your Department of the General Government; also the course required of me, in furnishing the transportation and subsistence to said volunteers that will be
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