RICHMOND, October 11, 1861.

General B. McCULLOCH,
Fort Smith, Ark., via Memphis and Little Rock:

The quartermaster at Fort Smith telegraphs that he can haul on his return trains 200,000 pounds lead per month from the Granby mines. You are instructed to cooperate with him in this as far as consistent with your military operations.

J. P. BENJAMIN,
Acting Secretary of War

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 3, Page 717.

FORT SMITH, October 14, 1861 (via Little Rock, 19th).

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:

I have this day shipped to Memphis 32,000 pounds of lead sent from the Granby mines, in Missouri. Will continue to forward lead, and I believe can furnish all that is wanted for the Confederate Army.

G. W. CLARK.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 3, Page 718.

RICHMOND, December 31 1861.

Col. L. HEBERT, Third Regt. La. Vols., Comdg., &c., Fayetteville, Ark.:

SIR: A contract has been entered into with parties in Memphis to work the lead mines near Granby, in Missouri. It is understood that parties from Kansas frequently visit that portion of the country, and it is apprehended they may interfere with the work of these miners and carry off the lead. The Chief of Ordnance here has requested protection for the work, and it is estimated that a force of about one regiment of infantry and a few cavalry will be required. This is deemed an important work, and as Granby (in Newton County, Missouri) is only some 60 or 70 miles from Fayetteville, the Secretary of War desires that you will at once detail from your command a force sufficiently strong to afford protection to the miners and the parties engaged in working them for the Government.

These instructions are not intended as adverse to any movement that may be made by General Price for the protection of these mines, which, as already stated, are in the State of Missouri.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. CHILTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 8, Page 726-727.

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK., January 22, 1862.

Maj. Gen. STERLING PRICE, Commanding Mo. S. G.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to respectfully transmit a copy of a communication addressed to me from the Adjutant General's Office, C. S. The document explains itself as fully as I could explain it.

My object, general, is now to advise with you on the subject of the mines.

My troops are all in winter quarters, and the small amount of cavalry under my command is not very efficient at present on account of sickness.

If you will permit me, I would respectfully ask that some portion of your force be sent to Granby. It may, however, be that the forces now there are sufficient for the protection of the mines. You are certainly more able to judge of this than I am.

Should you think otherwise I will send some troops up, although I do not wish to do so. In this respect, general, I would respectfully ask your advice. . . .

I remain, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,

LOUIS HEBERT, Colonel Third Regt. La. Vols., Comdg. Second Brigade.

P. S.-A train of some 77 wagons from Fort Smith is arriving here destined to you. I am directed to furnish an escort to it. I would, however, request that you send an escort to meet the train as far down as possible, as I can spare but a very small body of mounted men. The train will be ordered to follow the telegraph road to Springfield. This train is intended to bring a return load of lead from Granby.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. H., Colonel.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 8, Page 738-739.

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