My ancestor, George Givens Burnett entered the Confederate detached service as a purchasing agent of salt petre and sulpher for the manufacture of powder for the Trans-Mississippi Dept. Afterwards he manufactured salt in Sabine and Van Zandt counties on Sabine River, Texas. He had to turn over one-tenth to the Confederates for the privilege. Can you tell me something about the Trans-Mississippi Dept? & do you know anything about the Confederate detached service as a purchasing agent.

There are several general studies of the Civil War in the Trans-Miss: Alvin Josephy, Robert Kerby, and Jay Monaghan come to mind. Not sure how thoroughly the subject you are interested in would be covered.
Clark

Just wanted to know about the Trans-Mississippi Dept. What part they played in the war. I am trying to find out more about what part my ancestor played in the war. I wanted to write a short story about him & what he did in the war.

Like Clark mentioned above, I would recommend Robert Kerby's "Kirby Smith's Confederacy". It is still the most comprehensive single source book-length study of the Trans-Miss. Dept. (from 1863-65). Lots of discussions on economic factors and procurement so you may find stuff that interests you.

Thank you for the information, and for responding.