San Antonio (Tex.) Herald, CS
Hd. Qrs. 1st Brig. 1st Division,}
Army of the South West}
Camp Hope, Sept. 2nd, 1862}
. . . There are two brigades here, about 25 miles from Little Rock, on the Searcy road. The Arkansas brigade consists of six regiments, and is commanded by Col. D. McRea. The Texas brigade consists of five regiments as follows, Col. Nelson's, Col. Sweet's, Col. Fitzhugh's, Col. Darnell's, and Col. Taylor's. All of these last named have been dismounted, except Col. Nelson's, which was Infantry at the start. The well men are being drilled in Infantry, at the rate of six hours a day, and the convalescents as they can stand it. We have the promise of new arms in the place of our shot guns and old squirrel rifles--a change much to be desired in the Infantry service. I learn that a portion of these arms are now en route from Monroe, La. to Little Rock. Some are said to be Enfield rifles, the others Minnie and Belgian muskets.
Our friends at home must do all in their power to manufacture clothing; we shall be needy on that score when cold weather sets in, many of our men have not now the second shirt to their back, their pants are worn out, and they are barefooted. There is nothing in this State to supply their wants with, they are looking to their friends at home to meet the emergency, and unless prompt steps are taken by the citizens in each county from which the men have so promptly volunteered, there will be a great deal of suffering--let county depots be established and as soon as the clothing can be deposited, let wagons be started with it for the various regiments. The Government does not ask these efforts to be made gratuitously--it is able and willing to pay promptly for all the goods thus furnished, but the difficulty is to get them in time to save the army from suffering, unless many and willing hands contribute their industry. Let the ladies organize societies and attend to the task in person, then it is sure to be accomplished. . . .
Very Respectfully,
Henry C. Logan, Act. Adjt.
To Col. Geo. H. Sweet,
Commanding Brigade.