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from Galveston, composed of six companies, 500 strong, they arrived off the bar of Brazos Santiago February 21st, 1861, and were boarded by a pilot, who informed them that Lieutenant Thompson, with twelve men, was prepared with loaded cannon to resist their entry upon Brazos island.
Thereupon Colonel Ford and Commissioner Nichols visited the island and had a conference with the lieutenant, who withdrew with his men. Colonel Ford with his force took possession of the island; the United States flag was lowered, and the ‘Lone Star’ flag of Texas was hoisted and saluted with fifteen guns.
In Colonel Ford's instructions the district over which he was to have command was defined to begin at a point on the Rio Grande halfway between Forts Duncan and McIntosh, and include all the forts below said points and the entire district of country between the Nueces and Rio Grande.
Within that district of the United States army there were three companies of cavalry, five of infantry and two of artillery, with means of transportation that could be concentrated promptly at or near Brownsville.
Fort Brown, the nearest post to the island which Colonel Ford's command had taken possession of, was under the command of Capt. B. H. Hill.
On the 22d of February, Colonel Ford, LieutenantCol-onel McLeod, Commissioner Nichols and his secretary, Mr. Waller, proceeded to Brownsville; Col. F. W. Latham of that place furnishing the transportation for them.
Commissioner Nichols addressed a communication to Captain Hill asking an interview, and sent it by Mr. Waller, who returned a verbal answer, stating that Captain Hill could be seen at his quarters.
Another letter from Commissioner Nichols procured an answer and an interview on the 23d of February, in which he was informed that Captain Hill could not recognize him as commissioner of Texas; that until Hill got orders from his government his responsibility as an officer could not be changed.
All of which was tantamount to
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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