Greg Block,

Below is an excerpt from my book that may help you understand what Gen. P.O. Hebert was worrying about Oct 12, 1862. Hebert was demoted since he elected to send troops to Gainesville TX rather than to the Galveston coast at a critical time.

"1862 Travis Co TX, Austin, Sep 25.....GENERAL [P.O. Hebert, Commanding, District of Texas, San Antonio, Texas]:

"I had the honor a few days ago of calling your attention to the exposed condition of our northwestern frontier bordering on Red River, and the necessity of placing a force in the field to prevent an invasion from that quarter contemplated by jayhawkers, Indians, and others. Since that time I am in receipt of the most reliable information from Gen. Wm. Hudson, commanding the 21st Brigade, Texas State Troops, a letter from whom I have the honor now to lay before you, representing the danger of invasion so imminent (coupled with the fact that there were no Confederate troops within any reasonable distance) as to have induced him to call out a portion of his brigade, as will be seen by copy of his order herewith enclosed. Under this pressing emergency I beg leave to tender to you such number of State troops as you may deem necessary and for such time as you may require them. Should you accept their services, which I trust you will do, I shall at once instruct the brigadier-general to obey such orders as you may issue in the premises.

"I am, yours, most respectfully,

"F.R. Lubbock, Governor, Executive Dept, State of Texas. per ORIv8[S#111]p827.

"Editor’s note: Rip Ford forwarded Young’s and Bourland’s Sep. 3, 1862 letter to Lubbock (viz.), who asked Gen. P.O. Hebert to accept Hudson’s militia troops into Confederacy temporarily, implicitly endorsing their actions. With permission from Lubbock and Hebert in hand, the Gainesville vigilante committee acted quickly. But Union troubles were brewing in Galveston and Hebert sent the troops to Galveston rather than toward Gainesville. Hebert was demoted for not sending troops to Gainesville."

www.bourlandcivilwar.com describes my book.

Patti, prochette@Juno.com