Standard [Clarksville], Tx, July 20, 1861
Fort Washita, July 12th, ’61.
Dear Major: — The Bowie county company reached here on Tuesday morning, commanded by Capt. Morris. They are fine looking soldiers, and predicating my opinion, from their appearance, and the atmosphere they have been breathing for the last six months, I am satisfied, when our regiments meet our common enemy, that Northern Texas, will have cause to congratulate herself that she has such men in the field.
Gen. Young leaves Sherman to day for Austin, for the purpose of getting arms for this regiment; thence he will visit Richmond, Va., with the view of placing this regiment under the command of Gen. Ben McCulloch. Gen. McCulloch was authorized to receive only five regiments; he is desirous to have two more, and has sent Gen. Young to Richmond, Va., with dispatches, and requested the Secretary of War to place Young’s regiment under his command. Gen. McCulloch’s command, I think, is designed to operate on the frontier of Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri. But who knows our destination? The eyes of the Southern people are now turned to old Virginia; her statesmen, her warriors, and the many sacrifices she made in the struggle for independence, are incentives sufficient to create a patriotic thrill in the bosom of all Southern youths, to rush to the protection of the mother of States. Though a native of that State, I am glad that Lincoln’s stupid army thought proper to attack her, for she is better armed, drilled, and equipped, than any of the Confederate States. The Red River company leaves this place tomorrow for Fort Arbuckle, sixty five miles distant. I expect we will remain there until Gen. Young returns. The Titus, Grayson, and Bowie county companies, will remain at Fort Washita for the present. The Hopkins and Collin county companies are now stationed at Fort Arbuckle.
The boys in our company are well, with one or two exceptions. Wm. Mann of our company, shot two of his fingers off by an accidental discharge of a pistol which he held in his hand. Two of them had to be amputated, and the third was badly injured. I advised him to get his discharge, but he seems anxious to remain in the service. He is one of the “sizzing” sort. Tobe Stout, by accidental discharge of a Colt’s repeater, endangered his own life, and that of two other men. The commanding officer of this Fort has inhibited the packing of loaded arms.
I perceive that Wm. Hooks, Esq., has been called upon to be a candidate for the Senate. His reliability as a gentleman, his consistency as a voter, (for though posted in politics, he has never appeared as a politician,) and above all, his cool and discriminating mind, pre-eminently qualify him for that position. I wish I was there to vote for him.
When we reach Fort Arbuckle, I will write again, and give you such items, that may perhaps interest you and readers. I have written one or two letters to you, and as our mail facilities are uncertain, suppose you have not received them. We all feel very anxious to hear from the Congress of Lincoln. The next six months will tell the tale.