I have tried to piece together a time line drawing from the Official Records, The Alexander Papers and the CSRs from Footnote.
I don’t believe that General Hindman was in command of the entire Trans Mississippi Department but rather a [non Texas] District created for him. General Holmes was subsequently assigned command of the Department that included Hindman’s District.
You can see that the Governor of Texas is upset about men outside his authority who are raising regiments. He had a quota to fill, and quite naturally, wanted to be the sole authority for this process. Later, General McCulloch faces the same confusion as he attempts to organize Texas regiments to be sent to reinforce Hindman.
I mention these difficulties which possibly could have led to Gurley receiving his authority from General Hindman. And, as you know, Hindman was not bashful in his desperation to build an army from scratch. He assumed the responsibility for exceeding his orders. There is even an order from Hindman sending a quartermaster to Paris, Tex to supply regiments raised under Hindman’s authority.
In a letter from General Hebert of August 8, 1862, you will see a list of Texas units authorized to be raised under authority from General Hindman. Curiously, Gurley’s regiment is not on this list, but rather is mentioned by Hebert as one of the mounted units apparently raised by Texas authority. Which, of course, adds to the confusion.
3/7 Gov Lubbock to Sec of War-
…I had the honor of addressing you some time ago in relation to a call made upon me by Gen Van Dorn. I then informed you of the difficulties surrounding the Executive in keeping up anything like system in furnishing men for the Army so long as parties were permitted to come into the State with commissions to raise troops for the war, or for twelve or six months, as in some instances has been the case, without reporting to the State authorities as to where the men were raised to what point they were destined. From the fact that many gentlemen had commissions emanating directly from the authorities at Richmond to raise men for twelve months, and in most instances for cavalry, it has been wholly impossible to fill infantry or cavalry regiments for the war; hence Gen Hebert has been compelled, in order to get a force at all sufficient to protect his dept, to receive men for twelve months. Had he not pursued this course our coast would have been entirely unprotected.
Although opposed to the policy of receiving men for twelve months, to leave the State, I urged upon Gen Hebert the necessity of receiving them for that time for service within the State. I found the Government pursuing that policy not only in other States but in our own.
From the best data I can get Tex has Gregg’s, Maxey’s, Greer’s, Young’s, Sims’, Locke’s, Johnson’s, Darnell’s, McCulloch’s, Ford’s, Parsons’, and Bates’ regiments for twelve months, several companies of artillery also for twelve months, and about 1,250 men for six months. The most of these regiments were raised by virtue of commissions issued directly from Richmond, as I have been informed.
It is also understood that R. H. Taylor, T C. Hawpe, Coupland, Randal, Crawford, Battle, and others have authority to raise regiments some, if not all of them, for twelve months. I am to-day notified by the adjutant-general that recruiting officers have been sent in for the regiments from Tex now in Virginia, so as to fill those regiments, requiring of me to furnish some 1,500 men for that purpose.
In my interview with Gen Hebert today (for we were comparing notes and endeavoring to do everything we can to answer the demands of your Dept) he handed me a letter to read, a copy* of which I send you, by which it appears somebody has been authorized to raise five regiments of troops for the war. The letter does not disclose to whom that order was issued. It bears date the same as the requisition made directly on me for fifteen regiments (3d [2d] of Feb), and this party is ordered to report directly to the Adjutant and Inspector Generals’ Office at Richmond.
Now let us see how this places Texas. On the third [2d] of Feb you call on me for fifteen regiments, saying that is our quota for the war. On the same day somebody is authorized to come into Tex and take five regiments over and above her quota without even informing the State authorities of the facts. Again, on the 12th of Feb I am asked for about 1,500 men to fill those regiments on the Potomac, making 6,500 men more than by your own calculation we are due the service. Should these requisitions be all filled we would have some 47,000 men in the field, being over 12 instead of 6 per cent. of our white population.
I most respectfully demur amid protest against the Government taking the men out of the State except by call through the State authorities. I am ready and willing to fill any requisition made upon Tex to her utmost ability…
5/26 R E Lee to Hebert-A military department has been formed, comprising the States of Missouri, Ark, and that portion of La west of the Ms, and Tex. Major General J. B. Magruder will be assigned to the command as soon as relieved from his present position. [Subsequently recalled and delayed before then assuming command of the District of Texas] In the mean time, as senior officer of the dept, its command devolves upon you. You have already been instructed as to the disposition of the armed troops organized in Tex and not wanted in that State. I presume those ready for the field are en route for Ark.
5/27 Beauregard orders-
V. Gen Hindman's command will be designated as the TM District, and will comprise the following territory, to wit: The States of Mo and Ark, and that portion of the State of La north of Red River, and the Indian Territory.
5/31 Little Rock-G O #1-Pursuant to Gen Orders, Nos. 59 and 60, from HQs Western Dept of the States of Ark and Mo, the Indian Territory, and that part of La lying north of Red River, and of all the forces which now are or hereafter may be therein. --Hindman
Little Rock--Hindman’s report of operations-[Excerpted]
http://www.archive.org/details/reportofmajorgen00conf
…I had no army, and had not been authorized to raise one, the instructions of Gen Beauregard limiting me to the enforcement of the conscript act, prohibited new Regts. To wait until the necessary authority could be applied for and received from Richmond, even if the Government should not deem itself precluded by the conscript act from granting such authority, would be nothing else than the surrender to the enemy of the country from which the troops must be obtained. I therefore resolved to accept the responsibility, which the situation imposed, of raising and organizing a force without authority of law, and that I would do all acts necessary to make that determination effective. In coming to this conclusion I considered that the main object of all law is the public safety, and that the evident necessity of departing from the letter of the law in order to accomplish its object would more than justify me in the eyes of my superiors and of intelligent patriots everywhere.
…Being apprised that there were large bodies of troops in Texas unemployed, I applied to Gen Hebert and McCulloch to send, or, if practicable, bring them to me. The action of both these officers was prompt, liberal, and patriotic, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge my obligation to them. They sent me many fine Regts, some of which came armed and others were armed by me.
6/2 Head Quarters TM District-Little Rock, Special Orders No. 2
II. Col. E. J. Gurley has permission to raise, muster or appoint officers to muster a regiment or battalion of cavalry for the period of three years or during the war.
To be dismounted whenever the exigencies of the service requires it
6/17 Trans Miss District Hindman orders #17
Donovan Vol ADC to go at once to Tex and accept for service in this district such force of infantry cavalry and artillery as may be tendered not exceeding 4000 cavalry 10000 and–infantry and 5 companies arty all to be fully armed and equipped when accepted and to be mustered in C.S.A.
Each corps when accepted to move at once in this direction and couriers sent here as they cross red river with full information regarding the unit
Commanders of troops in North La whether raised there or not will move to a suitable point in Ark near Moro landing on Ouachita River and go into camps of instruction.
6/18 Hebert to Lee- I acknowledge at the hands of Major Bryan your dispatches bearing date May 28. [5/26]
Being informed that Major-Gen Hindman, who ranks me, was in command of the "Trans-Ms Dep’t north of Red River," I have assumed command until further orders of the Dist south of this river.
Such troops as can be equipped and armed I am and have been for some time forwarding toward Little Rock.
The great difficulty, almost impossible, is in getting arms; men we can command…
6/18 Hebert- In virtue of instructions from Gen Hqs at Richmond, bearing date 5/28, I assume command of the Dist comprising the State of Tex and all that portion of the State of La west of the Ms River and south of Red River, and of all the posts, camps, and troops within the limits of the Dist.
6/18-8/11-Gen Hebert commanding Trans Miss District south of Red River
6/21 Gurley to Gen Hebert advising him of Hindman’s authorization to raise a regiment or battalion of mounted Partisan Rangers
6/24 Hindman orders-
IV Capt. A. S. Cabell, A. Q. M., C. S. A. will act in capacity of A. Q. M., A. A. C. S. and acting Ordnance officer at Paris, Tex. To furnish with transportation and supplies, troops raised under orders from these Head Quarters, and armed infantry and artillery intended for service in this district and actually on the march whether raised under such orders or not.
7/23 HQs Tyler, Tex, Gen Order #164 issued by Gen McCulloch-
II. Having been directed to assemble and organize the Tex troops who are to serve in the District which Gen. Hindman commands, it is necessary that I adapt my course to his views, which is the more agreeable to me, as I fully endorse them.
III. There are many persons, I learn, engaged in raising mounted men in Tex. This is a great interference with the proper enforcement of the Conscript law; and, under the circumstances, detrimental to the interest of the service. Hence I shall not recognise or accept the service of any troops, unless, they have been raised by order of the Secretary of War, Gen. Van Dorn, Gen. Hindman, Gen Hebert, or myself; I respectfully advise Texians not to enlist under any one whose authority does not emanate [sic] as above indicated. I might add further, that property bought on credit by persons who do not hold authority as above, may not be paid for by the Confederate States.
IV. It is advisable to suspend the raising of mounted men in Tex for service in Ark. Hence no more mounted men will be accepted by me, no matter by what authority raised, after the first day of next month; and all who are now in service and who enter it by that time, may expect to be dismounted at Red River.
7/16 Richmond orders-
XII. Major-Gen Holmes is assigned to the command of the Trans-Ms Dept. He will repair without delay to Little Rock, Ark., and establish his headquarters at such place as in his judgment the interests of the service may demand.
7/30 Vicksburg, GO #1-Holmes assumes command per war dept orders of 7/16
8/1 Waco-Gurley to Hebert’s hqs-Says he is certain he will have more than 10 companies & asks authority to accept them. Says his regiment is already full. Hindman gave me verbal assurances that he would be glad to receive all the men I could bring from Texas. My regiment will be here in camp on 8/15 and will be organized a few days later. I will make it a camp of instruction for drill & discipline. I want to move by 9/1, but feel I should drill a week or two longer
8/8 Hebert to Sibley- acknowledge your favor of the 1st instant requesting information in regard to the troops, military resources, &c., of this Dept. Please find enclosed a statement of the number of organized Regts, the arm they belong to, stations, and destination. The Regts raised by my authority in the State are mostly armed. The Regts authorized directly from the War Dep’t by orders to individuals and not passing through the hqs of this Dept are, I fear, very deficient in arms…
[Enclosure]
Mounted troops-
Col Ford, Second Regt Tex Mounted Rifles, nine companies, furloughed Sept;
Col Parsons' regimen, Ark;
Col Debray's Regt, San Bernard River;
Col Woods' Regt, San Macros;
Cols Randal's, Carter's, Wilkes', Gillespie's, Burnett's, and Burford's Regts en route to Little Rock;
Col Gurley's Regt, Partisan, Waco.
Raised under authority of Gen Hindman-
Major Yager's Bn, Rio Grande;
Major Brown's Bn, near Houston;
Major Waller's Bn, New Iberia;
Major Taylor's Bn, Fort Mason;
Capt Bowles' company, unattached, Galveston;
Capts Andrews' and Durant's companies, unattached, Virginia Point;
Capt Daly's company, unattached, Galveston;
Capt Martin's company, Partisans, en route to New Iberia;
Capt Rountree's company, Partisans, San Antonio;
Capt Duff's company, Partisans, Fredericksburg;
Capts R. Benavides', S. Benavides', and Rhodes' companies, unattached, Rio Grande;
Capt Ware's company, unattached, Corpus Christi;
Capt Brackenridge's company, unattached, Indianola,
Capt Navarro's company, unattached, special service
…
8/18 The 30th Regiment Texas Cavalry (also known as the 1st Regiment Texas Partisan Rangers and as Gurley's Regiment Texas Partisan Rangers) was organized 8/18 with ten companies, A to K."
8/20 Holmes orders-The Trans-Ms Dept is divided into Districts, as follows:
1st. The Dist of Tex composed of the State of Tex and the Territory of Arizona, Gen P. O. Hebert commanding.
2nd. The Dist of La, composed of all the State of La west of Ms River, Major Gen Richard Taylor commanding.
3rd. The Dist of Ark, composed of the States of Ark and Mo and the Indian country west thereof, Major Gen T. C. Hindman commanding.
9/6 San Antonio-Gurley to Gen Cooper at Richmond, sending the muster rolls for the 1st Tex Partisan Ranger regiment. I am advised by Gen Hebert to report to Gen Holmes which I will do at once. Meanwhile, my regt will remain in a camp of instruction near Waco,