Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 7.djvu/493

12 defenders and cheerfully bear any burden necessary to cherish and sustain them."

The money appropriated by the legislature for defense not being immediately available, patriotic citizens from all parts of the State came forward with tenders of money and services, regarding their offerings, says Governor Pettus, "as donations." "Col. Jeff Davis and Hon. Jacob Thompson have guaranteed the payment in May or June of $24,000 for a purchase of arms." The Mobile & Ohio railroad company "has tendered me the free use of the road for the transportation of troops and munitions of war whenever the State may require it; placing at the disposal of the governor of the State extra trains when required, free of all charge. The Mississippi Central railroad company, through the president, W. Goodman, has tendered the services of all men now employed."

On January 23, 1861, the convention provided for a military board, to consist of the governor, a major-general and four brigadier-generals, who should have charge of the organization and management of troops for the defense of the State. Under the ordinance adopted, they were to enlist, and muster into service as early as practicable, one division of volunteers "consisting of four brigades; each brigade to be composed of two regiments, and each regiment of ten companies of infantry or riflemen, and each company of not less than forty-eight nor more than 100 men; also not exceeding ten companies of cavalry of not less than 50 men each, and not exceeding ten companies of artillery of not less than 60 men each." One major-general and four brigadier-generals of volunteers were provided for, "to be elected each in succession" by the convention; "one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, and one major for each regiment, one captain and three lieutenants for each company, who shall be elected by a majority of the volunteers within their respective commands; and that the