Many persons are disposed to doubt the correctness of the published statements of the condition of affairs at the
, the wholesale desertions from the rebel armies, the banding together of conscripts to resist any attempt to force them into the confederate ranks, etc., etc. We now have positive proof of the fact however, that as long ago as last
[
Colonel: In obedience to
Special Order No. 27, I proceeded to the Parish of
Washington, and immediately commenced notifying all men belonging to my command to come to camp, when they promised to do so, and I find nine of them here on my return.
Others I saw belonging to my command, and some of company C, who positively refused to do so, saying at the same time that they would prefer to die at home.
The absentees from this command, together with the conscripts, have formed themselves into a company for mutual protection and resistance of confederate authorities.
They number some seventy-five men, and meet in their camp once or twice a week, and the depredations carried on by them are fearful.
The citizens are intimidated, and dare not speak their mind in the neighborhood of these men.
I applied to
Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, the nearest confederate authority at Ponchitoula, for force sufficient to arrest these men. Answer is herewith inclosed.
I also beg leave to submit the following facts: That the entire lake coast of St. Tammany, over sixty miles in width, is left unguarded, and daily communication is kept up with the enemy in
New-Orleans; that cotton and other contrabands are shipped to the enemy to any extent the people may see proper.
I saw many loads of cotton being hauled for shipment to
New-Orleans.
There is a steamer by the name of the
Charles Rust,
Captain J. Johnson, plying between the lower landings of
Pearl River and some of the counties in the
State of Mississippi.
Upon the return trip she brings cotton to the lower landings, from thence it is shipped to
New-Orleans.
Negroes are constantly leaving
Washington and Fort Tammany Parishes,
Louisiana, and
Hancock and
Pike counties,
Mississippi, and the people think they will all leave if there is not sufficient force sent to protect the coast.
I find the people much exposed to the depredations of this band, and I ask in behalf of the citizens of the Parish of
Washington, in which companies.
A, C, and K of this battalion were raised, that some force be sent to protect the families of the men who are now in the service of their country.
With the above facts, I beg leave to submit myself your obedient servant,
.
