R. K. Hudgins to Howell Cobb.
New Orleans, February 11th, 1861.
Sir: The revenue cutter Washington, authorised by you while Secretary of the Treasury to be repaired at this place under my superintendence, doubtless you are aware, has been taken possession of by the authorities of Louisiana with the view of ultimately constituting her a part of the Southern navy. Not being a citizen of Louisiana, of course I could not retain the command and the supervision of the repairs on that vessel any longer, which I exceedingly regret.
I yesterday received a dispatch from the Hon. J. A. Dix, Secretary of the Treasury, ordering me to report myself at the Department, which order I feel it incumbent to obey as I still hold a Federal Commission, which commission I purpose throwing up the moment my native state, Virginia, secedes from the Union, which I trust she will speedily do. In any event I am heart and soul with the South, as I ever have been and hereby declare my fixed purpose of sharing her fortunes, be they weal or woe, and will hold myself ready to obey her call, when and wherever the government of the Southern Confederacy may require my services.
You Sir know my reputation as an officer and a gentleman, and if consistent would be much obliged if you would endorse this paper and file it in the proper department of the government of the Southern Union.
From Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1911.