[46] Kampmann, Navarro and Prescott, Maj. John Carolan, in all about 1,300 men. I have been actuated in this instance by the same motive which induced me to bring an overwhelming force against the United States troops at Indianola, viz., a desire to arrest and disarm them without bloodshed. All the arms and other public property are now being turned over to officers appointed to receive them, and the officers and men are in camp at the San Pedro springs, near this city. Having in consideration the proclamation of the President of the United States declaring certain persons ‘pirates’ under the laws of the United States, for seizures of vessels or goods by persons acting by authority of the Confederate States, I have determined to hold these prisoners of war until I receive further instructions from you. If the officers prefer it, I shall allow them to proceed to Montgomery on parole to report to you for your decision. I would not do justice to the troops under my command if I failed to report to you the admirable manner in which they conducted themselves throughout the expedition; the cheerful obedience to the orders of the officers elected over them; the discipline that was maintained in their camp, where judges, lawyers, mechanics, and laborers could be seen walking post as sentinels on the same rounds, all willing to do duty in a good cause; and at the close there was the delicacy of brave men, of soldiers, which checked everything like exultation over an unfortunate enemy whom a stern necessity had caused us to disarm. It was gratifying to me, as it is a pleasure to me to report to you, that the whole expedition passed off without one unpleasant incident. The gentlemen who were at headquarters with me to whom I am indebted for services cheerfully and promptly rendered, for which I owe them my thanks, were Col. P. N. Luckett, quartermaster-general of Texas; Maj. G. J. Howard, Mr. J. T. Ward, Gen. Jas. Willie, Dr. H. P. Howard, Mr. R. A. Howard, Mr. D. E. Tessier, Judges Fred Tate and T. J. Devine, Capts. D. D. Shea and W. T. Mechling, and J. F. Minter and Lieut. J. P. Major, C. S. army. Very respectfully, sir, I am your obedient servant,Earl Van Dorn, Colonel Commanding. Brig.-Gen. S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-General, Montgomery, Ala.
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