Later in that same letter, Hindman states:

"I have authorized Col Carroll to take command of the battalion of Cavalry, being raised by me, under authority from Department Head Quarters, for the purpose of operating in the mountainous Counties of the west against marauders &c. I have also authorized him to receive from my ordnance officer at Dardanelle two (2) Iron guns, now there, with the equipments, Ammunition &c, and to extemporize a Battery for the same by detailing capable officers, and men, for that purpose from his Command. Respectfully, T. [Thomas] C. Hindman Maj. Gen. Comdg. Col S. [Samuel] S. Anderson AAGeneral T-M Department .

I wonder if that authorization is what leads to the creation of Hughey's battery.