TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 26 (Part II) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1889 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page 1 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, BY The late Lient. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PURSUANT TO ACTS OF CONGRESS. SERIES IVOLUME. XXVIIN TWO PARTS. PART II. CORRESPONDENCE CONFEDERATE. WASllIN~TON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 188g Page 2 ~u3/~72 Page 3 PAIRT 11.VOL. XXVI. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RE. TURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN WEST FLORIDA, SOUTHERN ALABAMA, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISI- ANA, TEXAS, AND NEW MEXICO, FROM MAY 14 TO DECEMBER 31, 1863. HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., May 14, 1863. Col. A. R. WITT, Commanding Outpost: COLONEL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to s~y that you will move at once to this point with the whole of your infantry and artillery, excepting Colonel Logans regiment, which will remain at Olive Branch. Instruct Colonel Logan to resume the command of the outposts and put out his pickets and scouts, especially on the cross-roads from the Plank road to the Plains Store and Baton Rouge road, and also on the latter road. If he is satisfied that the enemy are advancing with large force against this place, he will move rapidly with his regiment so as to come to this place by the Jackson road, and leave th~ cavalry for the defense of ClInton. The cavalry scouts will keep the enemy all the time in view, keeping between the enemy and Clinton, and skirmish all the time with his advance, as favor able opportunity occurs, making am- bushes when possible, or attacking vigorously his advance when we are in numbers strong enough to do so. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [T. FRIEND WILLSON,] Assistant Adjutant-General~ HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., May 14, 1863. Brigadier-General BEALL, Commanding Brigade: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send a regiment and two field pieces without caissons to feel the enemy, who are reported a little this side of the store. You will direct the officer to place a picket on the road a little beyond the fortifications. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. DUPRfl, Aide-dc- Camp. (3 Page 4 4 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, May 14, 1863. Brigadier-General MOUTON, Commanding Cavalry Force, Nibletts Bluff: GENERAL: Information having reached these headquarters that your command has been increased by two regiments of cavalry and a battery of light artillery, you are directed to attack the enemys flank and rear in the direction of Opelousas, and to harass him continually. By command of Lieutenant-General Smith: W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXIcO, AND ARIZONA, Las Animas, May 14, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding at Brownsville: SIR: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct you to send with Capt. Durant Da Ponte to Havana a reliable and thoroughly business man, for the purpose of purchasing arms, ammuni- tion, & c., in accordance with instructions. Captain Da Ponte is per. fectly familiar with the Spanish langnage, but has little experience in business, and the general thinks it will be necessary to send some one capable, in your judgment, to assist him. These arms will be paid for with Government cotton, if there be any in Brownsville at the time of their arrival at that place, and if there is none, you are directed to seize any cotton in the place for the purpose of paying for them. As soon as these arms arrive, you will cause them to be sent without delay to Houston, and for this purpose you will seize such a number of teams, no matter to whom they may belong, as may be necessary, if there is not sufficient Government transportation. These arrangements are not intended to affect in any manner your own movements in pushing forward without delay to the eastern part of the State, which you will do in accordance with previous instructions. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-GeneraL P. 5.In making these impressments, you will be guided bylaw, and wifl Instruct the officer you have in Brownsville to make the best pos- sible arrangement for returning to private individuals the cotton you may be compelled to impress. HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., May 15, 1863. Brigadier-GeneraL BEALL: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the regiment and section of artillery at Walkers Station be withdrawn, as the force at Plains Store is at present sufficient. I am, general, very respectfully, & c, JOHN S. LANIER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 5 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, .CONFEDERATE. 5 HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., May 15, 1863. Col. JOHN L. LOGAN, Commanding Outpost, Olive Branch: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that npon the receipt hereof you forward to him the report of the strength of your cavalry force on and in the direction of the Bayou Sara road. He also directs that you keep him regularly advised as to the movements of the enemy in front. Send in all your morning reports immediately. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [JOHN S. LANIER,] Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, SPECIAL ORDERS, Port Hudson, May 15, 1863. No. 133. I. Col. A. R. Witt, with his regiment (the Tenth Arkansas), is as- signed to duty with Beaus brigade, and will report to Brig. Gen. W. N. R. Beall with as little delay as practicable. II. Roberts battery and the Ninth Louisiana Battalion Partisan Rangers are temporarily assigned to Colonel Miles lines, on the breast- works, and will report to Col. W. R. Miles for duty with as little delay as practicable. III. Col. W. R. Miles lines on the breastworks will commence on the right at the river and extend to the left. He will scatter his troops as far to the left as practicable. IV. The Watson Battery is hereby assigned to duty with Bealls bri- gade, and will report to Brig. Gen. W. N. R. Beall with as little delay as possible. * * * * * * * VII. Col. Frank P. Powers, Fourteenth Arkansas Volunteers, will proceed to Olive Branch and report to Col. John L. Logan, who will assign him to duty as commander of the cavalry at that place, nuder his own command, as commanding the outpost. By command of Maj. Gen. Frank. Gardner: [T. FRIEND WILLSON,] Assistant Adjut~nt- qeneral. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, shreveport,. La., May 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding: GENERAL: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to inform you that on the return of Captain [J. G.] Meem, jr., to this place, General Walker, who remained at-Monroe, was ordered by Miuden to Shreveport. This evening information has been received that the en- emy have fallen back to Alexandria. Should you think that the Juric- tion can be made at Grand Ecore, your courier can intercept Walker at or near Miuden, and., turn him toward Campti. He must be governed by the place where the courier meets him as to the road he will take. If not too near Minden, probably the Red Wine road would be the best. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. P. PRATT, Assistant Adjutai~t- Gener~tl Page 6 6 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (Ci~. XXXVIII. IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Las Animas, May 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District: SIR: The major-general commanding deeming it of great importance, on account of the concentration of a large proportion of the forces of the Eastern Sub-District of Texas at Nibletts Bluff, under the orders of Lieutenant-General Smith, and the consequent exposure of a part of this district, that your troops, which are destined for the eastern front- ier, should reach their destination as soon as possible, accordingly directs that you set in motion these forces at once, and proceed as rap- idly as possible. You are requested to keep the major-general advised of your progress from time to time. Under orders already given, you are free to select whatever regiment you may deem proper to remain on the Rio Grande frontier. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant EDMUND P. TURNER, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA Las Animas, May 15, 1863. Brigadier-General SCURRY: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that, in anticipation of the movements ordered by you, he had directed these regiments, which are now en route, for Nibletts Bluff under your orders, where they were to await further orders. In view of the fact that, in his opinion, at this season few troops are needed on the Rio Grande, and few will be needed fQr the next six months, he has ordered all the troops from the Rio Grande frontier, with the exception of one regiment ~and a small quantity of artillery. The number of troops ordered to your district for this quarter will be about 2,000. They are ordered to march without the slightest delay, inasmuch as Galveston may be ex- posed by the concentration of such numbers of your troops at Nibletts Bluff. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, - EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTHRS TRANSMISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Col. J. W. SPEIGHT, Shreveport, May 16, 1863. Commanding Brigade: COLONEL: You are hereby directed to move with two regiments and the battery of your brigade to Grand Ecore, La. Upon your arrival at Grand Ecore, you will report to Major-General Taylor for instructions. You1~ transportation will be limited to one wagon for every 50 men, which will carry cooking utensils and ammunition only; the remainder of your wagons will be turned over to the quartermaster of this place. You will carry only two tents to each regiment, which tents will be exclusively for the use of the sick. The men will be allowed only such baggage as they can carry upon their persons. All other baggage will be stored at this place, and yo Page 7 C~r. XXXVIIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .CONPEDERATE. 7 will detail 1 officer from each regiment,, and 1 man from each company, to remain here in charge of the surplus baggage. By command of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreve~port, May 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding: GENERAL Lieutenant-General Smith directs me to inform you that General Holmes was ordered by telegraph several days ago to send a brigade to Camden, and that he has been written to to have transporta- tion ready to transport the brigade to Monroe, if General H6bert re- quires it. I am, general, very respectfQlly, & c., W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSI5SIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, May 16, 1883. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding, & o.: GENERAL: Your dispatchEs of the 14th and 15th were received this morning. Two regiments of Speights brigade will be shipped imme- diately for Grand Ecore; they contain all that is efficient in his com- mand. The two battalions left here are an undisciplined mob, worthless and disaffected; they would only be an incumbrance instead of an assist- ance to you. I shall disband and conscript the officers, and order the men to be distributed through the regiments of Walkers division on its arrival. I inclose you a copy of my letter to Genoral Scurry, written wheu the evacuation by you of Natchitoches seemed inevitable. The infantry at Kibletts Bluff were ordered by me to concentrate there from Galveston and Houston, when t~he news first arrived of your bat- tle on the Teche. A good road, both to Opelousas and Natchitoches, with a railroad to the Sabine, made it a desirable point, from which a concentration could be made at Natehitoches or the enemys communi- cations could be threatened, should he advance so rapidly as to defeat the concentration. The cavalry from Texas was all ordered by me, via Nibletts Bluff, to reportto General Moutou for operations on the enemys communications. Finding, after the evacuation of Alexandria, that General Scurry had ordered two of the cavalry regiments to San Augus- tine, I ordered them to report to you at Natchitoches, where, if not needed in your rear, they could have been ordered to join General Mouton. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant-General, Commanding Page 8 8 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CIL& r. XXXVIII. (Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS.MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Brig. Gen. ~. R. SCURRY, i~hreveport, La., May 14, 1863. Commanding Eastern Sub-Di8triet of Texas, Hou8ton: GENERAL: At the last information received from General Taylor, he was prepared to evacuate Natchitoches. General Banks, with a column estimated at 28,000, was pressing up the valley of the Red River. Gen. eral Taylor has but a handful of men nuder his command. The re-en- forcements expected from Arkansas cannot arrive in time to effect a junction with General Taylor at Shreveport, and, in all probability, the valley of the Red River up to Jefferson will fall into the hands of the ~nemy. The enemy are acting in a most ruthless manner~ their avowed die- termination is to prevent the raising of crops in the valley of the Red River. They do not expect to retain possession of the country, and should be made to suffer for their temerity in venturing so far from their base. Should they reach this section, Western Texas will be en- dangered. All the infantry force ordered to Nibletts Bluff, with all the disposable force throughout the district of Texas, should be concen- trated at Nacogdoches, or at some point in that vicinity, where sup- plies can be collected for their subsistence and where they threaten Banks communication. The people of Western Texas should be or- ganized into minute companies; the danger is great and near at hand, and no effort should be spared in your district to meet the emergency. If Major-General Magruder has returned, it will be well for him to use his influence and popularity in stirring up the people throughout the State, and he had better take command of the force, if he can organize one, which concentrates at Nacogdoches. By command of Lieutenant-General Smith: W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Brig. Gen. ~. R. SCURRY, Shreveport, La., May 18, 1863. Commanding Easterm Sub-District of Texas, Houston: GENERAL: Your letter of the 11th instant has been received. Lieu. tenant-General Smith directs that you make such disposition of [N. 04 Goulds regiment as you think best. It is very important that you should organize a force near the Upper Red River, to resist any raid the enemy may undertake through the Jndian Territory. The Indian Territory is at present entirely destitute of troops. So soon as a regi- ment of cavalry can be spared from General Taylors command, it will be sent there. The people should be called upon to organize themselves into companies of minute-men, arm, and hold themselves in readiness to be called into service for a limited period. Lieutenant [Arthur D.] Wharton, of the C. S. Navy, was sent to take charge of the guns of the Harriet Lane, and transport them to the Red River. Your plan of sending them by railroad and water to Logansport meets the approval of the lieutenant-general commanding. Some one should be sent ahead to make the necessary arrangements for the trans. portation from Logansport Page 9 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 9 Lieutenant-General Smith desires me to return you his thanks for your promptness in anticipating the wants of the department here, as well as for the efficient manner with which yoi~ have executed your plans and instructions. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of f3taff. HEADQUARTERS EASTERN SUE-DISTRICT OF TEX4S, Houston, May 18, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: Inclosed please fi;d a copy of letter from Lieutenant-Gen- eral Smith, commanding, received one hour ago.# [E. J.] Gurley~s reg- iment was here, en route for Nibletts Bluff. This regiment being dis- mounted, I immediately issued orders for it to proceed instantly to the vicinity of Nacogdoches, Tex. 1 also requested Brigadier-General Mou- ton to order Colonel Pyrons regiment (being dismounted) to same point without delay. [Joseph] Bates regiment is en route for INibletts Bluff; the necessary change will be made there also. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. SCURRY, Brigadier-General, Commanding, & c. CAMP NEAR VERNON, Miss., May 19, 1863. Major-General GARDNER, Commanding Port Hudson: GENERAL: Lieutenant-General Pemberton has been compelled to fall back to Vicksbnrg and abandon Haynes Bluff, so that your position is no longer valuable. It is important, also, that all the~ troops in the de- partment should be concentrated ~s soon as possible. Evacuate Port Hudson forthwith, and move with your troops toward Jackson, to join other troops which I am uniting.t Bring all the field pieces that you have, with their ammunition and the means of transportation; heavy guns and their ammunition had better be destroyed, as well as the other property you may be unable to remove. In approaching Jackson, endeavor to get information of the enemy. Should he prevent your approach to Jackson, cross Pearl River and go to the railroad. Lieutenant.General Pemberton suffered very severely in an action near Edwards Depot on the 16th; on the following day was compelled to fall back to Vicksburg and abandon Haynes Bluff. He is now in- vested. His loss in field artillery was very great; hence the necessity of bringing all you have. Your obedient servant, ~ E. JOHNSTON, General. *See of May 14, p.S. t See Logans report of May 29, Part I, p. 180 Page 10 10 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. Abstract from incomplete returns of troops in the Third District, Department of Misais- 8ipjpi and Ea8t Louisiana, Maj. Gen. Franklin Gardner, C. S. Army, commanding, for May 19, 1863. Present for ~ a duty. ~ ~. ~ -a e Command. , Remarks. a a,a a an a ~ a ~ ____________ ~ ]leaWs brigade At Port Hudson. Staff 8 8 8 9 Infantry 318 2, 753 3, 808 5, 787 5, 633 Artillery 19 415 478 573 428 Total 345 3, 168 4, 294 6, 368 6, 070 Heavy Batteries, left wing ....... . - At Port Hudson. Louisiana Battalion 16 156 204 222 222 Tennessee Battalion 9 110 184 188 187 Total 25 266 388 410 409 Miles command 49 799 1,013 1,525 1,528 Near Port Hudson. Grand total 419 4,213 5,715 8,303 8,007 Troops accounted for in Maj. Gen. Franklin Gardners command, on re turns for May 19, 1863. Beall8 Brigade. Brig. Gen. W. N. R. BEALL. 49th Alabama. Logans (Arkansas) regiment (consoli- let Arkansas Battalion, dated). 10th Arkansas. Lyles(Arkansas) regiment (consolidated). 12th Arkansas. Watson (Louisiana) Battery. 15th Arkansas. 1st Mississippi. 16th Arkansas. 1st Mississippi Light Artillery (bat- talion). 39th Mississippi. Left Wing Heavy Batteries. Lient. Col. P. F. DE GOURNAY. Twelfth Louisiana Battalion. Tennessee Battalion. I Miles command. Col. W. R. MILES. 9th Louisiana Battalion Partisan Rangers. Miles Legion (infantry). Boones battery. Roberts battery. HEADQUARTERS TRANS.MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Shreveport, May 19, 1863. Gommanding, ccc., Natchitoches, La: GENERAL: I inelose herewith an order for Col. J. P. Major to report to you for duty4 Lieutenant-General Smith directs that you assign him * Companies A, B, D, and B. I The Maury, Nelson, and Rock City Artillery. ~ Not found Page 11 Cuip. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 11 to the command of a cavalry brigade. He may be at the present time with Brigadier-General Mouton, as he was ordered to Nibletts Bluff to collect stragglers, and General Mouton has request4~d that he may retain him. The order to him is sent through you, that he may receive your instructions with the order. He is the only cavalry officer that can be sent to you at this time, and will make a most efficient commander of a cavalry brigade. So soon as you can spare two regiments of cavalry, you will send them to Northeastern Texas, with instructions to report en route by letter to Brigadier-General Scurry, commanding Eastern Sub-District of Texas, Houston. By command of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: W. B. BOGGS, Brigadier-~General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSIsSIPPI DEPARTMENT, - Shreveport, La., May 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding, & c: GENERAL: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to inform you that all the transports at this point have been ordered to meet General Walkers division at Campti on the 22d, to convey them to Alexandria. Should there be any danger from gunboats, the general desires that you will keep General Walker advised, so that he may land his troops at the proper point. 1 am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. P. PRATT, A8sistant Adjutant- General. H~ADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, May 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding, ctx., Jlou8ton, Tex.: GENERAL: By courier from General Taylor, I learn that General Banks is evacuating Alexandria. He will fall back toward Berwick Bay, or, what I most fear, will shift his command to Simsport on the Atchafalaya, and will embark to the assistance of Grant for an attack on Port Hud- son. In either case he will anticipate the arrival of our re-enforcements, and will retire without onr being able to seriously impede him. This change in General Banks operations renders the concentration of a force near Nacogdoches in Eastern Texas unnecessary. The infantry command should not be moved from Nibletts Bluff, but should rather be strengthened by any troops of that arm that may be disposable. If the enemy fall back in the direction of Berwick Bay, holding the Opelousas country, the force at Nibletts Bluff is in position to co-operate with Gen- ei:~l Taylors command in offensive operations. I feel some concern for the safety of that portion of Eastern Texas on the Upper Red River. I do not know what your resources may be, or what precautions you may have taken, but we may anticipate a raid this summer in that section from the Kansas frobtier. You should give this matter a careful and prompt consideration, and take such steps as may be in your power to meet this danger. I will send to that sec Page 12 12 W. FLA., S. ALA., s; MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL lion one or two of the cavalry regiments ordered to Louisiana as soon as they can be spared from General Taylors command. I would suggest for your consideration the propriety of dividing the Sub-District of Eastern Texas, and of sending an efficient officer to the command of the Northern Sub-District. I am, general, respectfully, yours, B. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., May 20, 1863. Capt. T. M. COCHRAN, Commanding Forces, Tangipahoa: CAPTAIN: The major-general commanding directs me to say that you will assume command of the troops at Tangipahoa until an officer, your senior, shall arrive, and proceed to organize your command as rapidly as possible. He would send you re-enforcements, but, in consequence of the enemys advance in force in his front, it is not possible for him to do so. You will find inclosed an order for the. impressment of horses.* I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [JOHN S. LANIER,] Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gene,-al. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Shreveport, La., May 20, 1863. Commanding, & c: GENERAL: I have ordered all the boats at this place to Grand Ecore, prepared to transport Walkers division from that point on the 22d. You can give such orders as you deem best. I would suggest that the infantry and artillery, if possible, with the baggage, be transported to Cotile; the wagons can cross at Grand Ecore, and, being light, will travel rapidly by the road to the same point. Major [Thomas P.] Ochiltree, of your staff, goes with the first boat. Instructions can be sent to him regarding the movement. Very respectfully, B. KIRBY SMITH, Itientenant-General, Commwnd~ng. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La, May 20, 1863. Maj. Gen, RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: I have done all in my power to expedite the movement of Walkers division. He will, however, arrive too late to materially impede the enemy in their retreat. Should General Banks have secured his movement beyond the power of interruption by you, I would suggest the expediency of operating with your force on the Mississippion General Grants line of commu,iii- cation. Should General Banks have crossed the Mississippi with the * Not found Page 13 18 Ca~r. XXXVIU.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONPEDERATE. intention of re-enforcing Grant, especially does the importance of this movement force itself upon me. The country east of the Mississippi is stripped of supplies. The enemy croseed below Grand Gulf. They must draw everything from the west side of the river. Their line of communication extends from Millikens Bend to Grand Gulf. Coold you transport your force up the Tensas and operate on Grants line of communications, his campaign on the west bank may be checked, if not frustrated. I know not what the physical obstacles may be to this movement. I know your desire is naturally great to recover what you have lost in Lower Louisiana, and to push on toward ~Iew Orleans, but the stake contended for near Vicksburg is the Valley of the Mississippi and the Trans-Mississippi Department; the defeat of General Grant is the terminus ad quem of all operations in the west this summer; to its attainment all minor advantages should be sacrificed. General Grants army is now supplied from Millikens Bend by Rich- mond, down the Roundaway and Bayou Vidal to New Carthage; his army is dependent on the supplies brought, almost unprotected, by this route, and their interruption will reduce him to starvation or a change of base. Very respectfully, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, San Antonio, flex,, May 20, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inform you that, in obedience to your instructions, and after consultation with Judge Buckner, I sent two companies of cavalry (5tucken~s and Weymans) into Medina County, with instructions to arrest such conscripts as were not necessary for defense against Indians. They succeeded in arresting 25 conscripts, and, but for information communicated by a disaffected German, named Gertes, some 20 more would have been arrested. I have Gertes in confinement, and ask for instructions as to the dis- position to be made of him. He has violated civil and military law in communicating intelligence to a people in rebellion against our authori- ties, and I recommend that he be tried by a military commission. I herewith inclose a copy of a communication from citizens of Medma County, and ask for instructions. If martial law was proclaimed in Medina and other counties adjoin- ing, I think the disaffected could be brought to punishment. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SMITH P. BANKilEAD, Colonel of Artillery, Commanding Post. [Inclosuro.] Colonel BANKHEAD, Commanding at San Antonio: COLONEL: You are doubtless aware of the fact that a majority of the citizens of Medina County are disaffected toward the Government of the Confederate States. It is a well-known fact that most, if not all, the county officers elected at the last August election were. of con- script age, known to be disloyal, and in no way qualified to the office Page 14 14 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., ~LA., TEX., N. MEX. LCHAP. XXXITflL for which they were elected, while their opponents were men of tried loyalty, above the conscript age, and known to be well qualified for the respective offices for which they ran. The result of said election was that every Secession candidate was defeated by a majority of 5 to 1, while men just released from prison, where they had been incarceratod on a charge of disloyalty, were triumphantly elected. A law passed at the last Legislature of our State makes an appro- priation for the families and relatives dependent on soldiers in the army; it intrusts the county courts of the several counties with the dis- tribution of the money for said families. At the last session of the county court of Medina County, some $1,300 were distributed, but while families really dependent on their relatives in the army of the Confederate States, and of know~n loyalty (as Mrs. Tomerlin, a widow, who has three sons in the army; Mr. Oltman, who has four sons; Mr. Kayelin, who has three sons in the service; and the families of Paul Haller and Frank Soudre, entirely dependent on them for their snp. port, all of them loyal citizens and Secessionists from the beginnii~ig of the war), were overlooked, and did not receive any share of said money, the families of deserters and traitors (for instance, that of Joseph Meyer, Joseph Mann, Lar Ahr, Kreinsinger, and others), and other families in no way dependent for their support on relatives in the army (like that ~of Mr. Brictea, one of the county commissioners, of Heickman, and Joseph Finger), received a share of said money. It is true the law provides a remedy against the injustice done by tilie county court by appealing to the district court of the county, but in the county of Medina the law can give no relief in this matter, since t~ie district judge, even supposing he had the will, has not the power to do justice to the parties and to punish the county court, since no jury could be found to give a verdict against them. We wish also to st& te here that three members of the county court, to wit, B. Keiffer, H. Richay, and J. Wipf, were arrested and tried as traitors; that Keiffer has been in Mexico in order to evade the conscript law, and been active in inducing other conscripts to escape to Mexico, and that the other commissioners are men of very doubtful loyalty; that the proceedings of the county court were carried on clandestinely; no notices given to the parties interested, nor was any record kept; that V. Volmer, the assessor and collector of Medina County, paid said $1,300 entirely in paper currency, although he had collected a large portion of the taxes in specie; that said Volmer was also a conscript at the time of his election, and is in no way qualified for the office. We therefore apply to the military authorities, since the civil authorities cannot nor will not protect us, to see justice done in the premises, and to prevent the county officers of Medina County from any further injuring loyal citi- zens and their families and rewarding treason and disloyalty. FRANK RIECHEIRGER. CHAS. DE MONTEL. THOS. P. WYCALE. G. S. HAAS. - HEADQUARTERS TRANS.MISSIS5IppI DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Shreveport, La., May 21, 1863. Uomdg. District of Western Louisiana, Nateltitoelies, La.; GENERAL: LieutenantGeneral Smith directs that so soon as General Banks develops his line of retreat, information should be sent by trust Page 15 Ca~r. XXXVIILJ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 15 hands to General Pemberton. Whether Banks movements are against Port Hudson or he crosses to the assistance of General Grant, the in- formation would be of great importance to General Pemberton. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of & aff HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, 8hreveport, La., May 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: Since my letter to you yesterday, I have seen a gentleman, Dr. Taylor, from within the enerny~s lines near New Carthage. I have di- rected him to leave on the boat for your headquarters with his informa- tion. I am convinced an opportunity offers for striking a blow which may affect the whole result of the campaign in the west. The Tensas is, I believe, navigable to the Mill road, between Richmond and Mon- roe; the waters have fallen so that a march across to the Mississippi is now practicable. ~I2he passage of Bayou Vidal is the only obstacle; it can be bridged or rafted, should the bridge at Richmond be not secured to us. If the move can be made promptly, you will, I feel assured, meet with no opposition. Dr. Taylor informs me the line was guarded by convalescents and some negro troops; no danger was anticipated. If the enemys gunboats hold the mouth of Black River, the shipment of troops from Alexandria by water will be impracticable; in any event it will be attended with some hazard. By courier to Monroe, the boats in the Washita can be brought to Harrisonburg or Le Croix Ferry in suf- ficient number to transport Walkers whole division. You must weigh the matter well in all its bearings; if at all practi- cable, undertake the expedition. Should General Banks have fallen back toward New Orleans, or, what is more probable, be endeavoring to cross the Mississippi, it is the proper disposition of your command. The amount of stores, munitions, and provisions exposed to capture is great. The holding of Bayou Vidal for ten days endangers Grants whole army. Should he in the meantime have been defeated, i13 insures his destruc- tion. I inclose you a memorandum of distances; also a sketch from the map of Madison Parish ;* they may be of use till better can be obtained. There are still five boats here which can be sent below, if you desire it. I think you have transportation sufficient for Walkers division. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KiRBY SMITH, Lientenant-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., May 21, 1863. Lient. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding District of Mississippi, Jackson, Miss.; GENERAL: I ~m directed by Lieutenant-General Smith to inform you that, after advancing as far as Cotile, on the Red River, General Banks has retreated rapidly toward Opelousas; also to send you the following * Not found Page 16 16 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXXVIIL extract from a dispatch to General Taylor, from his aide-de-camp, P. E. Bumford: General Weitzel mentioned to Judge Boyce that Hunter with his corps and the monitors were expected at New Orleans, to co-operate in the attack on Port Hudson. Dr. Taylor told me he heard a Federal officer read from a late city paper the an- nouncement of Hunters arrival. I remain, general, very res~ectful1y, your obedient servant, W. B. BOGGS Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. PROCLAMATION. Whereas, owing to the presence of the enemy, military regulations have become necessary to the preservation of individual as well as Gov- ernment property, and the protection of the same, the major-general commanding hereby declares martial law in the counties of Calhoun, Refugio, San Patricio, and I{ueces. This proclamation is not intended to interfere with the conits of law in the discharge of their ordinary duties. Col. A. M. Hobby is charged with the execution of this order, and will appoint provost-marshals in the several counties. By command of Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. The above was written at Corpuis Christi, May 21, to be issued, if necessary, in the future. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, No. 13. Shreveport, La., May 23, 1863. The following officers are announced upon the stalf of the lieutenant- general commanding: Col. Will. H. Trader, volunteer aide-de-camp. Maj. G. M. Bryan, assistant adjutant-general. By command of Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: H. P. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 140. 4? Steamer Lucy Gwin, May 23, 1863. I. So much of Special Orders, No. 139, Paragraph III, as directs Col. A. M. Hobby to place a gun and gun detachment sufficient to Protect her, is hereby rescinded. Maj. ID. ID. ~Shea, commanding Lavaca, is charged with the duty of placing a gun and gun detachment for this purpose from his command on board the steamer Lucy Gwin. She will be used, if occasion requires, in conjunction with the steamer Cora, in making an attack on the enemy when Colonel Hobby may deem it necessary. II. Colonel [W. R.] Bradfute is hereby placed in commandof the troops embraced in the command of Col. A. M. Hobby at Corpus Christi, and JAeut. Col. D. ID. Shea at Lavaca. The command of ~Q1onel Bradfut Page 17 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC CONFEDERATE. 17 will embrace the geographical limits of both these commands. Colonel Hobbys command will extend from Cedar Bayou down the coast to the extreme southern point of the coast now in his command. The com- mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Shea will embrace Cedar Bayou and extend north as far as it at present extends. All reports and returns will be made to regimental headquarters and thence transmitted through the proper channel to the intermediate commanding officer to Brig. Gen. H. P. Bee, commanding Western Sub-District. For the present simply a field return will be forwarded by both these commands to Brig. Gen. William H. Scurry, commanding Eastern Sub-District, at Houston, Tex. Colonel Hobby and Lieutenant-Colonel Shea will report to Colonel Brad- fate on his arrival. III. Lieutenant Bailey, of the Third Regiment Texas Infantry, is hereby authorized to call upon the commanding officer of the nearest cavalry force for a detail of dragoons to assist him in enforcing the im- pressment law in procuring the quantity of corn absolutely necessary for the troops at Corpus Christi and Lavaca. Such detail will be accord- ingly furnished. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUILRTERS, Port Hudson, La., ]JIay 25, 1863. Brigadier-General I~EALL: GENERAL: The major-general desires to know what information you have from the front. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. FRIEND WJLLSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. MAY 25, 1863. [Capt. T. F. WILLSoN:] CAPTAIN: There is nothing of importance from the front. One hour since some cavalry and infantry, small body, made a move in front of the advanced work. A few shells drove them back. There is slight skirmishing near Slaughters house. Respectfully, ~. N. R. BEALL, Br*igadier.General. HEADQUARTERS BEALLS BRIGADE, Near Breastworks on Jackson Road, May 25, 1863. Capt. T. F. WILLSON, Assistant Adjutant- General: Since daybreak there have been a great many shots fired in the woods on the left of the breastworks and in rear of the mill. I am convinced that the men are firing at long range and hastily, and are wasting much valuable ammunition. I make this report for the information of the major-general commanding. Respectfully, & c., ~. N. R. BEALIIJ, Brigadier-General. 2 u R-.--YOL XXVI~ PT Page 18 18 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. [Inclosure.] MA~ 25, 1863. Colonel [I. G. W.] STI~EDMAN: COLONEL: The principal firing this morning is from Captain [C. C.I Knowles company, covering the road leading to Mr. Aburgers place. So far our casualties have been none. The enemy are known to have lost 1 killed, 2 wounded, and 1 prisoner; the wounded have also been captured and sent in. Captain [J. TJ Stnbbs and Lieutenant-Colonel [P. L.] Lee are endeav- oring to drive the enemy from the woods in front of Colonel [B. W.] Johnsons camp. My instrnctions have been not to fire at the enemy until he comes in easy range, which I will endeavor to have complied with strictly. Very respectfully, & c., M. B. LOCKE, Lieutenant.Colonet, Commanding. QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE Maj. Gen. ~. B. MAGRER, & n Antonio, Tex., May 27, 1863. Comdg. Department of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona: GENERAL: I have the honorherewith to inclose, and to commend to your immediate atte Capt. B. King, ntion, a copy of a letter to me of this date from as it relates to reporting a wholesale defiance of your Order 65, 50 far conscript teamsters. From this report you will perceive that no action of an efficient character has been taken by the head of this sub-district to enforce your orders on the chief thoroughfare to the Rio Grande. There is no force at Kings ranch, nor any other eligible point, so far as I can ascertain, nor any military authority of any kind, to put your orders in force. I am further informed, by most reliable author. ity, that these conscript teamsters are even permitted to leave Browns- ville, on their return to the interior, without being required to comply with the law or department orders. By saying permitted I do not mean that they have positive permission to disregard them, but simply that no means are taken, even at Brownsville, to enforce them. About the 10th of this mouth, while on my return from Brownsville, I met Lieutenant [Walter L.] Mann, of Captain [James A.] Wares com- pany, who informed me that he was charged by General Bee with the enforcement of your Order 65 at Kings ranch, and who consulted me in regard to the disposition to be made of such conscript teamsters as he should stop. I referred him to my agent, Captain King, who had been fully advised of my wishes on the subject, which were, that such team- sters (being conscripts, and willing to haul for the Government) should be turned back, and made to report to my agent, Mr. Lubbock, at Al- leyton. lip to to-day I had rested in the belief that your orders were being properly enforced on that thoroughfare, as they have been by Colonel Bankhead here, and by General Scurry in his district, judging by his published orders. I cannot, general, too urgently ask the immediate exertion of your utmost authority 011 this matter. It is easy to perceive what the effect will be if your orders are permitted to be persistently disregarded ~with ~mpunity Page 19 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 19 In the matters confided to me by the Government, I have so great an official interest in the enforcement of so much of them as touches my duties, that I trust you will hold me excused for the importunacy with which I write. I beg that I may be advised of any action you may see fit to adopt, relative to these matters. I have the honor, general, to be, your obedient servant, S. HART, Major, and Quartermaster. [Inclo8ure.] SAN ANTONIO, TEX., May 27, 1863. Maj. SIMEON HART, Quartermaster, San Antonio, Tex.: SIR: It is my duty to report to you that a very large number of wagons, loaded with cotton for Brownsville, belonging to private per- sons, and driven by conscript teamsters, have passed my ranch since the date of General Magruders Orders, No. 65, on the subject of such trans. portation. Daily and hourly such wagons and teams, which, by the department orders, properly pertain to the Government service, are passing my place without regard to the commanding generals order on the subject. There is no force at my ranch, nor elsewhere on the route, so far as I know, by which the regulations on this matter can be enforced. Of course, it is out of my power to stop them and turn them over for the service of the Government, but it does seem essential that some prompt and efficient action should be taken by the proper military authorities to carry out General Magruders orders. -Very respectfully, & c., B. KING, Quartermasters Agent. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport La Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, , ., May 29, 1863. Gommanding, & c.: GENERAL: Colonel [S. S.] Anderson brings iuformation that a bri- gade is on its march to Camden, and that transportation to Monroe from Camden had been telegraphed for. General Holmes was ordered to communicate with General H6bert, and to order this brigade to Mon- roe, if needed there. It is possible that the transportation of your forces may require all the steamboats on the Washita. You can then send the boats, as soon as you can spare them, for this brigade. On its arrival at Monroe, it will be subject to your orders, in your operations toward Bayou Vidal. After the completion of your operations, this brigade will remain in Northeru Louisiana, in the vicinity of Monroe. If the enemy undertake the siege of Vicksburg, the garrison at Yicksburg will need supplies. General Smith suggests that you should spare no effort to throw any supplies captured into Yicksburg. By command of Licut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: W. B. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff Page 20 20 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIU. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MIssIsswrI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., May 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: In reply to Major Harts letter, I am directed by Lieuten- ant-General Smith to say that it will be impossible to furnish Major Hart with the necessary funds for the purchase of cotton at the present time; that he does not feel justified in drawing on the depositories until he can hear from Richmond. He suggests that you have the power to control the cotton, now being so rapidly carried out of the State, by im- pressing the transportation; and that you can also control your own supply of cotton by impressing so much as you need, giving purchase vouchers for it. Lieutenant-General Smith desires to confer with Major Hart, and, if his duties will permit it, will you direct him to report in person at these headquarters ~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. BOGGS, Brigadier- General, and Chief of Staff. IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZYNA, Houston, May 29, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. B. I3OGGS, Chief of Lieutenant- General Smiths Staff, Shreveport, La.: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit, for the approval and consider. ation of the lieutenant-general commanding, the following plan which I propose executing, in establishing a new district in the north and northeastern part of this State, the boundaries to be as follows, viz: Commencing at Hattons Ferry, on the Sabine River, and running along the southern boundary of the counties of Sabine, San Augustine, An- gelina, Houston, Leon, Limestone, and the eastern part of Falls County to Marlin on the Brazos; thence up the Brazos River to Fort Belkuap; thence due north to the Red River, inclusive, with headquarters at Bouham, in Fannin County. The principal quartermaster and commissary depots I propose locating at Paris, Lamar County, for supplying Brigadier-General [William] Steeles army and the army in Arkansas; one at Marshall, Harrison County, for supplying the army of Louisiana, and one at Dallas, Dallas County, for supplying the army in Texas; the officers in charge to have the exclusive right to purchase supplies, otherwise it will be impossible for me to correct the injurious effects resulting from officers in these de- partments and Government agents bidding against each other, which may, in a great measure, account for the high prices now ruling. I propose that Government agents coming into the district for the pur- pose of obtaining supplies be required to call on and make their requi- sitions on the depot quartermasters and commissaries established at the above places named; that they be required to turn over the funds brought to purchase those supplies, which will thus enable these officers to replenish and keep up their stock of provision and other stores, and that none be permitted to contract or make outside purchases. If this plan is adopted, I am satisfied from the information I have that the wheat crops can be secured to the Government at greatly reduced prices. Unless this plan or a similar one is adopted, you will, I think, perceive that it will be impossible for me to devise any system by which comp Page 21 CHAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCI~, 1~TC.CON1?EDERATE. 21 tition and extortion can be prevented. A commnnieation from Maj. W. II. Thomas, commissary of subsistence, to Capt. J. Q. St. Clair, acting commissary of subsistence at Tyler, has beenreferred to me, in which~he notifies Capt. J. Q. St. Clair that he has taken entire control of a large portion of the wheat-growing region in Northern and Northeastern Texas, to secure breadstnffs and other supplies for that portion of the Trans-Mississippi Department not under the command of Major-General Magruder, and will furnish him with funds to make purchases, & c.; also requiring officers of the commissary department in that district to report to him. I do not think you have authorized or would sanction this proceeding on the part of Major Thomas. As you will readily perceive, it will be impossible for me to regulate the district, or institute any degree of system therein, if officers of other districts are permitted to enter this, and endeavor to control the actions of the officers nuder my command, without reference to me or any ex- isting orders. I am satisfied that the best interests of the Government will be subserved provided some such plan as the one proposed by me be put into operation, and the number of purchasing agents reduced to the smallest possible number, and that that duty be confined to officers who are permanently stationed at depots in this district, whose ac- quaintance with the resources of the country and the market value of the products will give them peculiar advantages over all new-corners. Lieutenant-General Holmes adopted a plan similar to that proposed by Major Thomas, and the necessities of the troops under my command forcing me to buy in the same region, competition naturally ensued, and hence the fabulous prices. As I command this district, I would will- ingly assume the responsibility of furnishing these supplies, provided I could have control of the purchasing officers and agents. I propose to send to the Red River, beyond Bonham, three regiments and a battalion at present, and to strengthen this force hereafter if necessary. I have ordered ammunition for small-arms, lead, and caps, to be sent to Brigadier-General Steele, and one 12-pounder howitzer, brass, and one 18-pounder gun. I hope also to be able to send a light battery with these regiments, and shall place Colonel Bankhead, an officer of experience and talent, in command, assigning him to duty with the rank of brigadier-general, subject to the approval of the Presi- dent. I have no other officer whom I consider capable. All of which I respectfully submit to the lieutenant-general com- manding. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT, & C., Houston, May 29, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. BoGcfs, - Chief of Staff for Lieutenant-General Smith: GENERAL: I desire to invite the attention of the lieutenant-general commanding to General Orders, No. 82, series of 1862, Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, Richmond, which directs commanders of conscripts west of the Mississippi to report and receive instructions from the commanding general of the Trans-Mississippi Department, and to report that on my arrival here I found many men subject to conscri Page 22 22 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. CHAP. XXXVIII. tion who had not been enrolled, and many who Threatened rebellion against the law, which has since been openly resisted. Instances of the bribeiy of enrolling officers have also been re- ported to me and substantiated by indisputable evidences. Major [J. P.] Flewellyn, the late commandant of conscripts, finding it impossible to enforce the law properly without a more immediate co-operation of the line of the army than is directed by the order above cited, recommended to Brigadier-General [G. J.] Rains, chief of bureau, that he be allowed to report to and receive instructions from the general commanding the district. I joined in this recommendation, and offered to assume the responsi- bility of executing the will of Congress here, if authority was granted me, because it was manifest that the officers who were acting were too remote from the general to whom they reported. It will probably be months before this application will be heard from again, and I would state to the lieutenant-general commanding that I am willing to take charge of the bureau of conscription in my own district, and be answerable for its administration, if so ordered by him. Major Flewellyn has since tetidered his resignation, and requested me to re- lieve him from duty. While it was being considered, 1 took the liberty of granting his request, and assigning Col. John S. Ford (an officer of great merit) to that important conimand. Colonel Fords rank in the army was at the time the subject of discussion, which had been referred to the honorable the Secretary of War, buu Colonel [J. C.] Ives, aide-dc- camp to His Excellency the President, has since, by order, confirmed him in the position to which h~ had been assigned. In consideration of the circumstances, I would respectfully suggest that if Colonel Ford be directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to report to and receive instructions from these headquarters, the act of conscription would be better enforced, especially in the disaffected portion of the State, where he must invoke the aid of my troops. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BATKIIEAD MAGRUDER. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Alexandria La ]1 Lient. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITh, , ., lay 30, 1863. Commanding Department i~f the Trans-Mississippi: GENERAL: General Taylor, who left at early dawn yesterday morn- ing for the Washita River, informed me that you desired me to address you an occasional unofficial communication, detailing such news as might reach this post. In compliance, I have the honor to forward the accompanying extras, the last received. Since the beginning of the Yankee raid in Missis- sippi and the interruption of communication, I have had a secret agent at Brookhaven, on the Jackson and New Orleans Railroad. He writes under date of the 25th, confirming the reported rupture between the United States and England. France has joined with England, and the combined fleets have been ordered to rendezvous at Halifax. It is true that all French and English subjects have been ordered to leave New Orleans. He further states that on the 23d, Grant was repulsed in front of Vicksburg seven times, with great slaughter to the enemy. General Johnston was at Jack son, being heavily re-enforced. General Lee was reported to be in possession of Arlington Heights, and about to advanc Page 23 CHAP. xX~ViIt] CORI3~SPONt~ENCI~, ETO.~-CONVEDtRAW. 23 on Washington. A gentleman who has recently run the blockade into Mobile is reported to have ~said that he saw at Martinique fourteen Confederate vessels of war receiving their crew and armaments. I know this gentleman well, and if he really said so, the information can be relied upon, and will probably account for the presence of the monitor fleet off the Balize. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. SUTtGET, Assistant Adjutant- General. SHREVEPORT, LA., May 30, 1863. LienL Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Department of the Trans-Mississippi: SIR: I beg leave to inclose herewith, for your information, a copy of the report of a survey ordered by inc upon the condition of the gun- boats Webb and Grand Duke, recently turned over from the army. I concur in that report, and ani of opinion that the Grand Duke cannot in any way be made an efficient gunboat. A proposition having been made to me to take tiuie machinery, & c., out of the Grand Duke, for use in the construction here of another iron- clad gunboat, for which the Navy Department has partially contracted, I am disposed to accede to the arrangement, if the contractors will take them at a proper valuation. I propose also to make sucli disposition of the cotton taken from the vessel as may be deemed most advantageous to the public interests. With respect to the Webb she might be made useful as a ram or tender, but she requires repairs and alterations, to effect which, as well as in regard to armament, & c., I should have to look to you for assist- ance, as I have not the funds necessary for the purpose, and have been informed by the Navy Department that they would be provided by the Department of War. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS W. BRENT, fJommander, C. S. Navy, in Charge Navy Department, W. La. [Inciosure.] SHREVEPORT, LA., May 27, 1863. Commander THOMAS W. BRENT, In Charge iNavy Department, Western Louisiana: SIR: In obedience to your order of the 21st May, annexed,* we have made a strict and careful survey of the gunboats Webb and Grand Duke, recently turned over from the War to the Navy Department, and respectfully report as follows: The hull of the Webb in tolerable condition, needing calking above the water-line, and some repairs inside and out in her upper works. Engine very good, but requires overhauling and slight repairs. Arma- ment, none; has one Roy gun-carriage on her forecastle. Equipments, & c., she has nothing worthy of the name. The accompanying list of articles,* certified to by Captain Pierce, is correct, excepting as to the number of boats; one has been received. * Not found Page 24 24 W. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., W. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL The gunboat Grand Duke: Hull very much out of repair, much strained, and leaking badly; requires const~ut pumping. Engine good, but out of line, and requires a thorough overhauling and some repairs. No armament and no equipment. The accompanying list of articles,* certified by Captain Britton (former commander), comprises all that was received when turned over. Very respectfully, & c., CR5. M. FAUNTLEROY, Lieutenant- Commander. W. B. HALL, Lieutenant, C. S. Navy. WJLLJAM PRICK, JR., First Assistant Engineer. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT. IN o. 14. Shreveport, La., ]Jfay 30, 1863. Col. S. S. Anderson, assistant adjutant-general, having reported for duty, is announced as assistant adjutant-general, Department Trans. Mississippi. By command of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: H. P. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Col. J. GORGAS, Houston, May 30, 1863. Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, Va.: COLONEL: I have understood that Major [Caleb] Ruse, the purchas- ing agent at London of our Government, is under the impression that we do not require a farther supply of small-arms on this side of the Mississippi, and, consequently, has not and is not forwarding any in this direction. He is probably not aware of the fact that 8,000 stand of arms, in- tended for this department, have either been captured by the enemy or lost at sea, as the vessel which was to have brought them from Havana has not been heard from, and she is long overdue. It is my conviction that we require at least 40,000 stand of arms to supply the deficiencies now existing and to arm the troops now in the field. Only one-third of the force now under my command is well armed, and a large number without any arms at all. In case of an invasion, I would be compelled to call out a much larger force, and for them there would be no arms whatever. I propose to send Mr. Mohl (the bearer of this communication), a gentleman of marked financial ability, as agent for the purchase of these arms, and also for the purchase of two light-draught steamers, drawing not more than 8.feet of water, to be bought for the purpose of bringing the arms in; one to come in at the Brazos, which now has on its bar from 10 to 12 feet of water, and the other at the Rio Grande; these arms and vessels to be paid for on their delivery here, in cotton. I have reason to believe that Mr. De Leon, in Paris, can make such ar- rangements as to satisfy the French Government that the arms are for the Confederacy, and not for the Mexican Government, and can obtain * Not found Page 25 CHAP. XXXVIIIl CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 25 an order for the commanding officer of the French blockading squad- ron off~ the Rio Grande to let the arms be landed on our own shores, otherwise the French men-of war at the mouth of the Rio Grande might prevent the passage of the vessels. It is of the greatest importance that these arms should be secured as speedily as possible. I have been compelled by recent changes caused by Banks success in Louisiana to place on the coast troops that are only partly armeda number of the men having no arms whatever, and therefore being useless in case of an engagement, and an expense to the Government at all times. I trust that these facts will have full weight with you, and that Mr. Mohl will be at once sent abroad, with such instructions from Ordnance Department as will authorize Major fuse to make the purchases without delay. The steamer or steamers before arriving on our coast should be armed with one or two long-range guns, and, if possible, from 50 to 100 men, armed with long-range rifles, should be shippe~l either in England or at some intermediate port. They should also be under the command of a naval officer, or some trustworthy man devoted to o~r cause. The order from the Secretary of War to impress cotton here for the payment of the owners of the steamers, and their cargoes, and a copy of the impressment bill, showing that we have the legal authority to do so, together with the statement, officially made, that there is no blockade whatever on the coast west of Galveston, would, I think, induce merchants abroad to furnish the steamers and arms. Should you desire to carry into operation these suggestions, please inform me by direct route across the Mississippi, and also via Havana and Brownsville, and I will send coast pilots to ~ assan or to Liverpool, if desired, to bring in these vessels. If I can in any way get small- arms in sufficient numbers, there need be no apprehension about the Trans-Mississippi Department, especially about Texas, but the supply now is extremely inadequate, and causes me well-founded uneasiness. J am putting into execution, and have done so since my arrival in the country, every possible plan to accomplish this purpose, but so far with- out success. General Bee has failed to procure the arms he expected from the United States through Mexican hands. I think the plan here proposed the most feasible. These steamers should also bring our long- range rijiled cannon and artillerists to serve some of them on board, should it become necessary on the passage. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ llDQi~s. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND Ainz., No. 76. Houston, Tex., May 30, 1863. I. Col. X. B. Debray is assigned to the command of the troops on Galveston Island, with the rank of brigadier-general, subject to the approval of the President. 11. Col. S. P. Bankhead is assigned to the command of the Third Military Sub-District of Texas, with the rank of brigadier-general, sub- ject to the approval of the President. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: W. A. ALSTON,. Captain, and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 26 W. PLA., S. ALA, S. MISS, LA., tEX. ~4. MEX. [CHAP. ~XX~IIt SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT, & C., No. 145. f Houston, May 30, 1863. * * * * * * * III. The following-named troops will proceed without delay to Bon- ham, Tex., and their commanding officers will report either in person or by letter to Acting Brig. Gen. S. P. Bankhead, viz: Captain Krumbhaars battery of mountain howitzers. Colonel Gurley~s regiment Texas Volunteers. Colonel Hardemans regiment, Arizona Brigade. Colonel Terrells regiment Texas Volunteers. Six companies of the Texas State Line. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CANTON, MISS., Lient. Gen. B. KIRBY SMITH, May 31, 1863. Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: Port Hudson is invested by Major-General Banks; Vicksburg by Major-General Grant. I am preparing to aid Vicksburg, but cannot march to Port Hudson without exposing my little army to destruction. if you can do anything to succor Port Hudson, I beg you to do it. J. B. JOHNSTON, General. Report of operations for the defense of Mobile, Ala., for the month of May, 1863. MAY 31, 1863. FORT MORGAN. This work is in good condition. Nothing has been done on it during the month. FORT GAINES. Laborers and carts have been engaged in embanking glacis eoilp~e on the north and west fronts and sodding the same. This has now been completed, and the fort is wholly defensible, excepting that its armament is not complete. The tower bastions remain without the gun intended for each, and seventeen flank casemate howitzers are yet lacking. OBSTRUCTIONS BETWEEN FORTS MORGAN AND GAINES. Four rows of heavy piles extending from the west bank, nearly 2 miles toward Fort Gaines~ have been planted. Nothing more is pro- posed here. BATTERY AT GRANTS PASS. A wharf has been completed at this place in the last month. The battery is in good condition Page 27 CHAP. XXXVIII.l OORRI~SPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 27 OBSTRUCTIONS INSIDE OF DOG RIVER BAR. These are completed, excepting the rafts for closing channel openings left in the lines of obstruction. The two rafts are now being built. BATTERIES AT CHOCTAW POINT, PINTOS ISLAND SPIT, AND SPANISH RIVER. These batteries are complete. APPALACHEE BATTERY, AND BATTERY AT HEAD OF BLAKELY ISLAND. The first named has been finished for some months, and the guns of both are mounted. It is hoped that the last-named work will be wholly completed in the current month. OBSTRUCTIONS AT APPALACHEE AND BLAKELY ISLANDS. Operations on these were resumed about the middle of the month, and will be prosecuted through the month of June. BATTERY AT CHOCTAW SPIT. Being deficient in transportation for carrying on this and the Blakely Island Battery at the same time, operations on that at Choctaw Spit were suspended. It is proposed to resume the work as soon as practi- cable. TORPEDOES. By order of the commanding general, 150 torpedoes have been pro- cured. A few have been placed at Grants Pass and in the narrow channel east of Spanish River Battery. The remainder will be held in readiness to be placed when necessary. CITY INTRENCHMENTS. Fourteen redoubts have been built around the city, a few of them not yet wholly finished, but defensible. Two more remain to be built, and also two or three small intermediate flanking works. The Governor of the State having declined to furnish any more laborers, in consequence of the want of labor for agricultural purposes, the force employed here during the month has been very small; sometimes it has been reduced to 150 hands at the city intreuchments, and at other points in proportion. The total number procurable, and now employed in this department, does not exceed 700, of which 450 are engaged on the city intrenchments. Guns have been mounted on nearly all the re- doubts around the city. BATTERY AT OVEN BLUFF, TOMBIGBEE RIVER. This battery is in good condition, with the exception of some repairs required for magazines. A small force of carpenters has been engaged in framing the river ob- structions at this place. Half of the stones required for anchors have been quarried, and the work will be prosecuted during the current month Page 28 28 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXX~IIL CHOCTAW BLUFF. The guns at this point have been excellently well placed in battery, under charge of Maj. Victor Von Sheliha, now relieved. Colonel [J. W.] Robertson who succeeds him, is engaged with a very small force in sodding parapets. OBSTRUCTIONS AT CHOCTAW BLUFF. Owing to the peculiar difficulties of the place, it is my opinion that it would not be judicious to attempt to obstruct the river at this point. At iDennards Bluff, 16 miles above, is a point which is unobjec- tionable, easily occupied by a work of moderate extent, and where the chatinel can be obstructed by means of sawyers. The proposition to occupy it and obstruct the channel there is approved by General Maury. SELMA, ALA. The commanding officer at Sehna having asked for an engineer to superintend the construction of defenses at that place, to guard against surprise by the enemys cavalry, I was directed by the commanding general to send an officer, as desired. Captain [Charles T.] Liernur, who was on furlough at the time, vol- unteered for this service, hoping that, if he should desire it, an exten- sion of his leave might be obtained equal to the time thus occupied. He has been but a few days at Selma, and the ext~iit and character of the works proposed are not yet known. [iD. LEADBETTER, Brigadier- General, and Engineer.] CANTON, Miss., June 1, 1863. CoL JOHN L. LOGAN, Near Clinton, via Summit: Your dispatch of yesterday# received. Do not move toward Jackson. while you can do anything to help General Gardner. Tell Captain [T. M.] Cochran the same, if his command is separate from yours. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, June 1, 1863. Brig. Gen. P. 0. H~BERT, Monroe, La.: Inform General Taylor of the movements of [J. C.] Tappan~s brigade. On its arrival at Monroe, it will be subject to his orders. W. II. BOGGS, Brigadier-Generat and Chief of Staff. * Not found; but see Logans report of May 29, Part I, p. 180 Page 29 CHAP. XXXVHL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 29 Ab8tract of tn-monthly report of troop8 in Department of the Unif, Maj. Gen. Dabney H. Maury, C. S. Army, commanding, for June 1, 1863. Present. a a a Command. 0 -.~ -~ a o a a be HO a an - -a 3 ~ be be ~ o be be ~ H -~ -~ Department staff* 13 15 Eastern Division: ~ 9 Infantry 790 836 874 956 Artillery 129 137 142 149 Cavalry ~ 333 372 387 464 Western Division: Staff. - 10 10 Infantry Artillery 2, 448 2, 693 2, 841 3, 343 Cavalry 356 378 390 469 Total infantry 790 836 874 956 Total artillery 2, 577 2, 810 2, 983 3,492 Total cavalry 689 750 777 933 Totalt 4, 056 4,416 4, 661 5,415 * Two companies of artillery transferred to Geperal Loring, May 26, 1863. tlncluding department and division staff. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, June 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICEARD TAYLOR (through General H6bert): Lieutenant-General Smith directs me to say if the reports of our suc- cesses at Vicksburg prove to be correct, our communication with the east side of the Mississippi must be at that point for forwarding and receiving supplies. Under the supposition the enemy have been driven from Yicksburg, he wishes you to have the railroad from Monroe put in running order as far as practicable; he also wishes you to send an agent across the river to gather and forward as rapidly as possible supplies of any kind that may be~there for this department. - S. S. ANDERSOIN, Assistant Adjutant- General- HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, June 3, 1863. Maj. E. SURGET, Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Western Louisiana, Alexandria: MAJOR: Let me thank you for your letter with the Natchez extras. I have no fears for the result of either Port Hudson or Yicksbnrg, and believe General Taylor will arrive opposite the latter place in time to complete Grants destruction. Our couriers from Katchitoches are only nine hours en route to this point. Dispatches take from two to three days from Alexandria. Sta- tions should be established every 10 or 12 miles between Alexandria and Katchitoches, which will bring your headquarters within twenty or thirty hours of Shreveport. Many rumors and reports are said to be in circulation in Alexandria Page 30 30 W. FLA., S. 4LA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXYIil. misrepresenting my relations with General Taylor, and otherwise cal- culated to injure me. These reports are said to come from your head- quarters. I am sure they do not originate there, and you, who know the relations existing between General Taylor and myself, will, I trust, counteract any misstatement in circulation. I have General Taylors interests at heart, and, knowing injustice has beeu done him by the peo- pie of Louisiana, determined to give him the means and opportunity for proving how greatly he has been misappreciated. I told General Tay- lor I would leave him in command unless it became necessary to send an officer senior to him with the re-enforcements ordered to Louisiana, in which event I would myself take the field in person. The interests of the Government, moreover, require me to remain at headquarters, if possible, till the bureaus and departments have been organized and some general system has been introduced throughout the Trans-Missis. sippi Department. I directed General Boggs to instruct you to have a courier leave Alex- andria daily, and to give me any information received either from below or from General Taylor. What reports have you from Mouton ~ I have the telegraph now in operation to Monroe, and expect soon to open communication through Richmond with General Taylor. Give my regards to Mrs. Taylor. I have attended to her requests in regard to her little boys graves. I remain, sincerely, yours, E. KIRBY SMITH. HEADQUARTERS TRAN~.MISSISSIppI DEPARTMENT, Brig. Gen. P. 0. H~EERT, Shreveport, June 3, 1803. Gommanding, cue., Monroe, La.: I am informed the railroad bridges over the Bayous Macon and Ten. sas can be repaired in twenty-four hours. Major-General Taylor should now be opposite Yicksburg with his forces, and if the reports of General Grants discomfiture at Vicksburg are true, the Yicksburg Railroad should be repaired to Richmond as speedily as practicable, or, if it cannot be repaired as far as Richmond, - it should be put in running order as far east as possible. You will inform Major-General Taylor what you determine to do. E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Ko. 15. Shreveport, La., June 3, 1863. I. All soldiers escaped from Arkansas Post who have not reported for duty, will do so at once, at the following points, viz: Troops from Arkansas, at Little Rock, and from Texas, at Shreveport. Those who do not comply with this order immediately, and whom it may become necessary to arrest for failure to do so, will be treated as deserters. II. Brig. Gen. E. Greer, Provisional Army Confederate States, is assigned to duty as commandant of conscripts for the Department of Trans-Mississippi, and will establish his headquarters at Shreveport, La. Commandants of conscripts for the several districts within the Page 31 ChAP. XXXVIH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 31 department will make their reports and returns to General Greer, and be under aiid subject to his orders. By command of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HD QRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX, AND ARIz., No. 149 f Houston, June 3, 1803. * * * * * * * XVIII. Major-General Magruder, commanding this district, hereby assumes command of the post of iNibletts Bluff. The commanding olli- cer of the troops stationed at that p6st will at once report in writing to the major-general commanding at Houston, TeL, furnishing a field return of the troops under his command. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CANTON, Miss., June 4, 1863. Lient. Col. J L. LOGAN, Clinton, via Osyka: X our dispatch of the 2d received. Keep me advised of events near Port Hudson, and move no farther than you may be compelled until further orders. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, - June 4, 1863. Major [T. F.] WILLSON, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: I have the honor to report that the following is a correct list of the commands and their respective numbers, commencing on the ex- treme right, to wit: Maj. James T. Coleman (five companies), 254 men; Maj. E H. Messick (a part of Lyles regiment), 150 men; Lieut. Col. E. C. Jordan (Twelfth Arkansas), 210 men; Captain [0. P.] Amacker (a part of Wingfields battalion), 175 men; Captain [J. H.] Cofer (two companies Thirty-ninth Mississippi, near Lieutenant Ilarmans gun), 8L~ men; Lieutenant [W. W.] Wilkins (Captain [R. T.] Englishs company, slaughter-pen, on the left), 4(~ men; Major [B. J.] Durr (six companies Thirty-ninth Mississippi), 285 men; Captain [William] Weathersby (two companies Thirty-ninth Mississippi, on ridge in front of my left), 100 men; Lieutenant [E. A.] Toledano (at 12-pounder howitzer near Major Bennetts stable), 7 men. Total number along the line left wing, 1,301 men. Respectfully submitted. - J. S. MELVIN, Adjutant Thirty-ninth Mississippi. P. S~There is at the slaughter-house one piece of light artillery under Lieutenant [J. A.] Purvis; one on extreme left, Lient T. L. Sor- rells; one at corn house, Lieutenant [J. E. D.] Rowe; one on river bank near post qi~arte~aster, Lieutenant Brown Page 32 32 w. FLA., s. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. HEADQUARTERS TRANS.MISSISSIPPJ DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 4, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward Brigadier-General Montons report of his operations in Lower Louisiana.* General Mouton was pushed beyond the Calcasien by the enemys advance. At Nibletts Bluff I re-enforced him with three regiments of Texas cavalry and a battery of field artillery, ordering him to operate by the Opelousas prairies on General Banks flank and rear. When the enemy fell back toward Berwick Bay and Bayou Sara, for their attack on Port Hud- son, General Mouton was ordered into the La Fourche country, and was instructed to seize Donaldsonville and threaten their communication with New Orleans. The result of his operations has not yet been heard from. I am, general, very resp~ctfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH Lieutenant- Ge~ eral, Commanding. HDQRS. IMST OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, June 4, 1863. Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-Distri~~t: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to direct that you cause Colonel [A.] Buchels regiment and Colonel [~. C.] Woods regi- ment to be ha te and placed in camp near Kings ranch. Colonel Buchel will be placed in charge of this camp, aud will be directed to so conduct it that these regiments will be well disciplined and in good order for field service. This camp will obtain supplies of beef from the adjacent country. The general desires you to make arrangements at once for flour and other necessary articles to be supplied to those troops through Messrs. Stillman, Kennedy & King, at Brownsville, if this has not already been done by them, with a view of supplying the troops on the march. This is an eligible position for these two regiments, for the reason that they can be returned to Brownsville, or any point on the Rio Grande at which they may be needed, on short notice. The general instructs me to say that should these regiments be needed in the Eastern Sub-District, they can be transported by the inland navigation to Mat- agorda from Corpus Christi, nnless the enemy cut our communication on the bay between these two places. The fact that the enemy has crossed the Mississippi. precludes the probability of these regiments being needed in this sub-district, to be thrown across to Louisiana, for some time. The general directs that you order Col. P. IL Luckett, commanding. Third Texas Infantry, to proceed with his regiment to Kavasota, Tex., and report to Acting Brig. Gen. S. P. Bankhead, at Bonham, for the purpose of assisting in repelling an invasion of the enemy, now antici- pated, into the wheat-growing country in north and northeastern part of the State. In regard to yourself, the general desires you to remain on the Rio See Series I, Vol. XV, pp. 396400 Page 33 CHAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ET4IXCONFEDERATE. 33 Grande, and attend to the matters suggested in your communication of the 22d ultimo. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, June 4, 1863. Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE, Commanding, & e., Western AS~ub-District: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22d nitimo, in regard to the ar- rival of a lot of arms per the consort of the Peterhoff. The general directs me to say that you will at once take the necessary steps to se- cure these arms, and as mnch of the cargo as may be needed in your judgment. The general also desires you to secure such supplies as Mr. Clements may be able to procure, and that you procure the amount of cotton necessary to cover this cargo, by borrowing it, if possible; if not, by impressing it in the hands of the speculators. You are requested to discriminate in favor of those who have contracts with the chiefs of the disbursing department. You will in no case interfere with the cottou belonging to the supply associations or sent forward by the different counties for the relief of the families of [absent] soldiers, in pursuance of the appropriations made by the State. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. UDQUS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., June 4, 1863. His Excellency F. R. LUBBOCK, Governor of Texas: GOVERNOR: When I arrived in Texas, about the last of November, 1862, I found her islands and portions of her coast in the possession of the enemy, and her territory threatened on all sides. The Diviue Ruler has vouchsafed success to our efforts to drive the foe from our soil,, and at this moment every island and all the passes on the coast are in our possession. Texas, throughout the broad extent of her vast territory, is still free from the presence of a foreign enemy. It is my most earnest desire to meet our foes beyond the confines of this State, even at sea, if it were possible, in order to preserve her from the devastating effects of war. It must be obvious, however, even to those who reflect least, that this can be effected only by great and timely prepatations, involving a vast expense both of money aud labor. Since these tiivorable results, which were the immediate consequences of the battles of Galveston and Sabine Pass, and other smaller but brilliant affairs on the coast, the people seem to have lost all apprehension ~or the future, and to have been living in a fancied state of security, eutirely inconsistent with the magnitude of the preparations of the enemy for renewed attacks ; - and it becomes my duty to point out plainly to Your Excellency; and through you to them, the imminence of the danger which threatens them, and to urge all to unite with me generously and cordially in the prompt execution of the plans devised for their protection and security. 3 R RVOL XXVI, PT I Page 34 34 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CLIAP. XXXVIII. La1~e events in a neighboring sister State demonstrate plainly the objects of the enemy, which are to open the navigation of the Missis- sippi, and to push their light-draught gunboats into every navigable bay and bayou of Louisiana and Texas, to liberate the negroes, to lay waste the country, destroying not only crops, but farming implements, to slay or imprison the men, and to subject our women to every species of insult and brutality. If there~be any so timid or ignoble as to hope to escape by submit- ting to the disgrace of taking the oath of allegiance to the Govern- ment of our deadly oppressors, the examples in Louisiana prove that their property cannot be saved, even by the loss of their honor. There the cravens who took the oath of allegiance to the Abolitionists were rewarded by the assurance that they would not be believed unless they proved their sincerity by going into the Federal ranks and serving against us, whilst the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced against them as against all others, and both their negroes and their honor were forfeited forever. I do not know and can scarcely believe that there are such base men in Texas, but I proclaim to all that we can hope to preserve our liberties and save our property only by fair stand-up fighting, and that, if our enemies are brave enough to overcome us, which my coolest judgment tells me can never be the case, they will visit with contempt and despoil without mercy the cowards who shrank from the conflict, while they will respect, as alone worthy of their confidence, the brave men who courted every danger and were proud of every sacrifice in defense of rights that the same Northern men would have defended to the last on their own soil, were such a crusade made against them as they, under the dictation of a despotic and fanatic Administration, are making against us. But, to fight suc- cessfully, troops must be provided and organized in time important passes and positions must be fortified with skill, and the soldiers must be well drilled. I found, on assuming command here, that 5,000 of the State militia had been called out by Your Excellency, in accordance with a requisi- tion for that number from my predecessor, Brigadier-General llibert. In co-operation with Your Excellency, these troops were organized and made ready for service, when the favorable results of my operations on the coast afforded me the gratification of dispensing with their services, and sending them to their homes to plant the crops, which have proved so unusually productive, and which may now be considered as made. In the meantime the enemy has made some progress in his vast de- signs, and I consider the State of Texas more critically situated, and, indeed, far more exposed to danger, than she has been at any time since the commencement of the war. Should the Missis~4ppi be opened, as already stated, the State will be attacked by water as well as by land, and, in the latter case, from more than one direction. Should he fail in his designs on the river, still, his attention will be turned to Texas as affording the only employ- ment for his large armies and the ocean fleet that will then be at his disposal for operations in the Gulf. With the blessing of God, we have ample means, and, I think, ample time, to defeat him, if we make use of them with energy and without delay. To this end, I h.ave the honor to request that Your Excellency will call out the State militia to the number of 10,000 men, to be organized as infantry into companies and regiments, in accordance with the laws of the Confederate Congress, excepting such as will present themselves as cavalry, well mounted and well armed; horses and arms to ~e subject to inspection b~ Confe Page 35 CHAI. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 35 erate officers, and, when passed upon favorably, to be received as cavalry, and organized separately; these troops to be assembled at convenient depots, the cavalry depots being separate and distinct from those of the infantry, and die cavalry regiments to be drilled both as infantry and cavalry; the forces thus raised to be kept in the service six months, unless sooner discharged. It is not the intention to keep these troops from their homes, unless absolutely necessary, which at present is not anticipated, but to organize and prepare them for service, so that they may be ready whenever the emergency shall arise. I take the occasion also to inform Your Excellency that Congress has passed a law authorizing military commanders to impress property, in- cluding slave labor, for the public service. Impressment, when neces- sary, is, therefore, the law of the land. I am fully aware that citizens who have been the most patriotic have heretofore borne a greater portion of the burden of furnishing labor than properly belonged to them. There are many reasons for this. The most selfish keep their slaves at home, and, of those who furnish them, the most importunate for their return will sometimes succeed in recov- ering their slaves, in consequence of the change of officers and agents necessarily incident to military life. At least 1,500 slaves are necessary at this moment to work on the fortifications on the coast. I earnestly desire to be snared the painful necessity of using the power which the law of impressment gives me, and am confident that I will not have to apply it in the majority of cases; nevertheless, I will execute it with firmness when necessary, and will give credit to the patriotic for the sacrifices they have made, whilst the public interest will be protected by calling more largely upon those who have been dilatory or who have omitted entirely to contribute their quota to the public defense. A mere inspection of the map should satisfy any holder of slave property that these defenses are absolutely necessary to its security. Your Excel- lency, in company with myself, has recently visited and inspected the fortifications and the inland fleet, and could not but have felt a greater sense of security after witnessing the effect of the fire of our guns upon the channels of approach, and after an examination of the strongest and most skillfully constructed earthworks that are to be found in any country. Much has been done, but more remains to be done. I have made Your Excellency the above plain and flank statement of facts, that they may be communicated to the people of Texas through the high- est official authority in the State. I have devoted myself solely and exclusively to their interests since my arrival here, and shall follow the path of duty to the end, wherever it may lead; combating with the dif- ficulties of my position with energy and fidelity, alleviating, as far as in my power, the sufferings of all, and injuring none. In conclusion, I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I have made arrangements to furnish the facilities of the Government in con- scripts and conscript teams to all those good men and patriotic associ- ations who have undertaken the disbursement of the money so liberally appropriated by the last Legislature for the benefit of the suffering fain- ilies of our absent soldiers, and to assure Your Excellency that the patriotism, zeal, and intelligence which have marked your co-operation with the Confederate commanders in this district are fully appreciated by them and the Government, and have contributed greatly to the suc- cess of their efforts to rescue the District of Texas from the presence of the enemy, and to maintain it to this moment free and defiant. For these great services rendered by yourself and the patriotic aiid abl Page 36 36 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [ChAr. XXXVIII. men who control the military resources of the State of Texas, I beg leave to tender my cordial thanks and public acknowledgments. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER Major. General, Cornmanding. STATE OF TEXAS, ADJT. AND JNSP. GEN.S OFFICE Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Houston, June 4, 1863. Comdg. Dist. of fLex., N. Mex., and Ariz., fldqrs. Houston, fLex.: GENERAL: I am instructed by His Excellency the Governor to ac- knowledge the receipt of your communication of this date, ma king a requisition upon the Governor of Texas for 10,000 troops to defend the State. Recognizing, as he does in their full force, the reasons adduced by you for this necessity, 1 am dicected to state that the Governor promptly ~and cordially responds affirmatively to it. While the military law of the State presents to the Governor no alter. native, but requires that, upon a call upon the Governor by the general commanding .this department, the Governor shall, by proclamation, order into camp for any one or more brigades a sufficient number of troops to fill such requisition, yet his sense of the imminence of the danger and his approval of the call will be manifested by his energetic action and the alacrity with which the troops will rendezvous at the various camps in the several brigades. As the Legislature of the State omitted to make provision for the regulation of slave labor for military and other purposes by impressment, the Governor is gratified to learn that the Congress of the Confederate States has attempted to remedy the evil, and, in common with every other slaveholder of this State, he looks with confidence to you, that you will exercise a rigid surveillance over the bureau to which you intrust this duty of the impressment of slave labor, causing regular and ~ro rata details to be made, that the injustice heretofore operating upon a patriotic few will be speedily re- moved, and the burden extended, by an equitable apportionment, over the entire body of slaveholders. Should the Governors co-operation in the furtherance or accomplish. illent of this most desirable object be deemed necessary or expedient, it will be cheerfully rendered. For your generous offer to furnish facilities in conscripts and con. script teams, to enable the patriotic associations throughout the State properly and efficiently to discharge the great and responsible duty of procuring and distributing the needful articles to alleviate and remove the sufferings of the families of our absent soldiers, in their name and in that of every worthy Texan he begs to return you his sincere thanks. Fully appreciating your kindness, the Governor tenders, in behalf of the gentlemen controlling the military resources of the State, their acknowledgments- and I am further directed to assure the major.gen. cral commanding that, so long as he continues the Governor of Texas, tdl the resources of the State will be held sub,ject to the Confederate commander for its successful defense, and consequently to the benefit of the entire Confederacy. II have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. Y. DASHIELL, Adjutant an~Z Inspeet6r General Page 37 CuAm XXXVIII.] CORRESP0NDENC1~, ETC.CONFEDERAW. IIiDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MExIco, AND ARIZONA, Bioustor& , June 4,. 1803. Lient. Col. D. D. SHEA, Commanding at & duria: SIR: I ani instructed by the in~jor-general commanding to apprise you that the enemy has appeared off Galveston in large force, and that an attack is imminent, and, since a (lemonstration will probably be made along the coast, it is advisable to put everything in fighting order at Saluria Pass. If the large gun has not yet been removed from Lavaca, it is better that it should not be, until all necessary arrangements have been made for mounting and using it immediately. The general commanding desires that you keep no guns at the Pass except those fit for use, and that you defend the passes to the last. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. MERCER STANARD, Aide.de.Camp. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQnS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 150. Houston, June 4, 1863. * * * * * * XIV. Maj. Leon Smith, commander of the vessels on the coast, will at once cause all the gunboats now lying iu these water~ to be prepared for immediate action, and directed to proceed to Galveston Bay, for im- mediate use in defending Galveston. The blockading fleet off Galveston having been increased by the addition of two gunboats, the fleet now being six gunboats and two frigates, renders this step necessary. * * * * * * * By command of Major.General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant.General. IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Jfouston, June 5, 1863. Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE, Commanding~ & c.: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that he de- sires you to employ two agents4rustworthy and reliable menone to be stationed in New York City, and one to be employed to run between New York and Matamoras regularly, with the view of keeping him posted as far as possible in regard to the intentions of the Federal Gov- ernment in regard to Texas. These agents will reporP through you as a matter of course. The funds necessary to defray the salaries of these agents, which, it is presumed, will be covered by $3,000 in specie, will be forwarded to you by Major [Sackfieldj Maclin, chief of ordnance at San Antonio who has received the necessary orders. The g~neral directs me to say that the remainder of the funds at San Antonio, that collected by Colonel Bankhead, and also by Major Maclin, will be held subject to his order, and will be disposed. of only by orders from these headquarters. The general is very anxious that you should make some arrangement by which you may receive accurate informa- lion in regard to the enemys designs on Texas, in order that he may be apprised in due season Page 38 W. PtA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., ~EX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XkXflIt. I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your communication announcing the impossibility of obtaining arms and munitions of war from vessels now lying oft~ the mouth of the Rio Grande, for the reason that the French war vessels decline to permit their being landed on the Mexican side or on our shore, on the ground of such action being a violation of the nentrality laws, and to suggest in this connection the plan of causing these vessels to land their cargoes at Brazos Saiitiago, and, after taking on their cargoes of cotton, to clear for Matamoras, from which place they can obtain clearances for any foreign port. The above method is merely submitted for your consideration. In regard to the establishment of agents in New York, and for the route between New York and Mat amoras, the general wishes you to act promptly. He directs that you will not leave the neighborhood of the Rio Grande without further orders from these headquarters. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIz., No. 82. Houston, Tex., June 5, 1863. The Third Military Sub.District of Texas, to the command of which Acting Brig. Gen. S. P. Baukhead has been assigned, will be known as the Northern S~tb.District. Its geographical limits will be as follows: Commencing at Hattons Ferry on the Sabine River, and running ~dong the southern boundary of the counties of Sabine, San Augustine, Angelina, Houston, Limestone, and the eastern part of Falls County to Marlin on the Brazos River; thence up the Brazos River to Fort Belkuap; thence due north to the Red River, inclusive. The headquarters of this sub-district will, until further orders, be at Bonham, Fannin County. By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: STEPHEN I). YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., June 6, 1863. Brigadier-General tOGGS, Chief o/ Staff: SIR: I have the honor to state that I have assumed command of Nibletts Bluff inasmuch as my staff officers were ordered to that point, and supplies are furnished from this district. 1 have the honor to ask if this be the desire of the lieutenant-general commanding the department, and will continue to exercise command at that post until the wishes of Lieutenant-General Smith are made known to me. I have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding, & c. [JuNE 6, 1863.For letter from E. K. Smith to J. C. Pemberton, in relation to forwarding ordnance for Department of Trans-Mississippi, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 859. Page 39 39 CkIAI. XXXVtIL] dOR1d~SPONDEIW1~, l~L~& ~ON1~tDERATE. BENTON [CANTON 0?], Miss., June 8, 1863. Ijeut. Col. JOHN L. LOGAN, Clinton, via Osyka: Your dispatch of yesterday received. You must not come at once to Jackson. You are not wanted there. On the contrary, you ought not to be driven back by 4,000 Eastern troops. When you find the enemy too strong, fall back only so far as may be necessary, hindering and retarding his advance. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. Abstract from tabular statement of troop8 in the Department of the Gulf, Maj. Gen. Dab- ney If. Miaury, C. S. Army, commanding, June ~, k63. 4 .0 ~ -~ Q a a 0 a 5) ~4 U2 Command. Stations. o ~ a ~ a a~ o ~ a ~E ~C a~ [3. E.l Slaughters brigade 1, 900 2, 255 2,837 Bay Shore and Spanish River bat- teries, Camp Beulab, Choctaw and Oven Bluffs, Fort Appalachee, Mo- bile, and Pinto Battery. [W. L.] Powells brigade 1,229 1,321 1,512 Camps Powell and Withers, Forts Gaines and Morgan and Grants Pass. Eastern Division (James Cantey) ... 1, 175 1,313 1,460 Camp Lomax, Fla., and Pollard, Ala. Post of Pascagonla (3. H. Marshall). 189 211 245 EastPascagoula, and Jacksons Creek, West Pascagoula River. Total 4,493 5,100 6,154 RECAPITULATION. Infantry . 2, 908 3, 373 3, 929 Cavalry 720 789 925 Artillery 865 j 938 1, 200 Total 4,493 5,100 6, 054 Troops in the Department of the Gulf, June 8, 1803.~ Slaughters Brigade. Eastern Division. 17th Alabama. 29th Alabama. Florida Cavalry Battalion (three compa. 21st Alabama (First Battalion)~ nies). 54th [57th] Alabama. Amos Partisan Rangers. Gid. Nelson (Alabama) Artillery.t Englands section of artillery. Hnmes (Tennessee) battery.t Hutchissons (Alabama) battery. Powells Brigade. Wards (Alabama) battery. 1st Alabama Artillery Battalion. Post of Pascagoula. 21st Alabama (Second Battalion). 1st Confederate~ Baldwin Rangers. Dorrance Rangers. City Troop. Mobile Dragoons. Partisan Rangers (detachment). * Temporarily attached (a new regiment) from Clantons brigade. t One section at Pascagoula~ ~ One section in Powells brigade Page 40 40 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [OHM.. XXXVIII. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GEN.S OFFICE No. 136. Richmond, Va., June 8, 1863. * * * * * * * XXIJ.* Mobile and the country containing the approaches to it, as well as that immediately around it, is constituted a department within the geographical command of General J. E. Johnston. All returns and reports will be made as in other like cases. By command of the Secretary of War: JYG. WITHERS, A8sistant Adjutant-General. CANTON, MISS., June 9, 1863. Capt. THOS. M. COCHRAN, Osyka: Inform Colonel Logan that his cavalry and yours must continue to observe and annoy the enemy, keeping as neai him as possible. If compelled to fall back, do it no faster than may be necessary, and no farther. From what point is the railroad destroyed to within 5 miles of Camp Moore0 J. E. JOHNSTON, General. CANTON, MISS., June 9, 1863. Liout. Col. JOHN L. LOGAN, Osyka: You must not come to Jackson, but remain near the enemy to ob. serve and annoy him. You must not fall back only when compelled to do so, and no farther than may be necessary. The reported move to Liberty was much too Ion g. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. CANTON, MISS., Juno 9, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel LOGAN, Brookhaven: I have repeatedly ordered you not to move. Return immediately with your effective men, and endeavor to harass the enemy near Port Hudson. When you are compelled to fall back, do it no. faster than may be necessary. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. * This paragraph was revoked April 6, 1864, by the following: SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, No. 81. ( . Richmond, April 6, 1864. * * 4 * * XXIV. Paragraph XXII, Special Orders, No. 136, Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, June 8, 1863, is hereby revoked, to take effect August 12, 1863. Mobile and its defenses, under the command of Maj. Gen. D. H. Maury, is hereby designated as the District of the Gulf, in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and Eastern Louisiana. * * 4 * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, A88i8tant Adjutant- General Page 41 CHAr. XXX~IIT.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.CONFEDERATE. 41 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, shreveport La J General S. CoorER, , ., une 9, 1863. Adjutant and Inspector Generat, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the War De- partment, that the column of the enemy under General Banks, after pushing their advance to within 25 miles of Katchitoches, commenced a retrograde movement on the 17th ultimo. One division retreated by the Opelousas road to Berwick Bay; the main body, some 20,000 strong, turned off at the .lluffpower, and, taking the road to Simsport, crossed the Mississippi at Bayou Sara. General Taylors estimate of the force under Banks is 32,000 men and eighty-three pieces of artillery. They were reported strongly re-enforced after arriving at Opelousas. As soon as the movement on Berwick Bay developed itself, I ordered General Walkers division from Pine Bluff, Ark., and the concentration at Nibletts Bluff on the Sabine, of the disposable force in Texas. The latter force reached the Sabine in time to re-enforce General Mouton, and to operate on the rear and flank of the column which fell back toward l3erwick Bay. Owing to the distance and the difficulties en; countered, General Walkers column did not reach Red River until the 24th of May. Genera! Banks had then secured his retreat and was crossing the Mississippi. The practicability of operating against the enemy near Millikens Bend, and of co-operating with General Pemberton in the defense of Yicksburg, has long occupied my attention. The cutting of the levee above had flooded the country- from the Bayou Macon hills to the Mis- sissippi, and, until lately, rendered all operations from West Louisiana impossible. General Walker was ordered from Arkansas on the 14th of April. Finding he would not arrive before General Banks retrograde move- ment had been effected, arrangements were made in advance, and Gen- eral Taylor was ordered to move rapidly with General Walkers divis- ion on the enemys eommunications opposite Vicksburg. General Tay- lor with his command embarked the 29th of May on (i5atahoula Lake~ and, moving by Little River and the Tensas, disembarked opposite New ~Qarthage on the 31st ultimo. General Tappans brigade, from Prices division, had been previously ordered to Monroe, to act as a reserve and to co-operate with General Taylor. I have not yet received a re- port from General Taylor; he should have been opposite Vicksbnrg on the 2d instant, and, I believe, is in position to materially assist in the defense of that place. I await with great uneasiness the result of military operations on the Mississippi; especially in the vicinity of Vicksbnrg does the magnitude of the stake contended for increase my anxiety. Not only the Valley of the Mississippi, but the fate of the Trans-Mississippi Department, is involved in the result. I would throw every man to those points were they disposable. This immense empire is without an army. Were all the troops concentrated, they would scarcely be more than sufficient for operating at any one point threat- ened; distances are so great that it takes the time of a campaign to re- enforce from one district to another. No effectual concentration can be made at any one point without the abandonment of all others. Four brigades of infantry (7,000) were drawn from the district of Arkansas, and are now under Taylor opposite Vicksburg. General Holmes has four brigades of infantry (7,000), besides Marmadukes cavalry, remain- ing in his district; he is threatened from Missouri, and is in coiistant fear of a forward movement of the enemy Page 42 42 W.IFLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., WX., li.. MEX. rcftAP. XXXVIJL Steele is threatened by a column from Kansas, and has to meet it but a handful of cavalry and his Indians. General Magruder has a force of nearly 8,000, scattered through the vast extent of his district. By calling out the militia for the defense of the coast, and by concen- trating his command, General Magruder expects to bring together near Nibletts Bluff a force of about 8,000. General Taylor controls within his district an effective force of about 10,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry. Should the enemys operations on the Mississippi be successful, Gen- eral Banks will occupy West Louisiana and the Valley of Red River. I believe I shall be able to bring a force of 18,000 or 20,000 men to oppose him. No further re-enforcements can be drawn from Arkansas, unless the Valley of the Arkansas is abandoned. The movement into Mis- souri is the terminus ad quern of all my hopes; complete success on the Mississippi will, I trust, enable its realization. The Valley of the Arkansas is, then, all-important, and its abandonmeuC will be ordered only in extreme necessity. The troops in this department are in part unarmed. Orders should be given General Pemberton to further by all means at his disposal the transshipment of all stores, & c., intended for the Trans-Mississippi; the first temporary opening of communica- tions should be taken advantage of. The course pursued by the en- emys cruisers in the Gulf has cut off in a great measure the material which was expected by the Rio Grande, and we are now dependent upon Richmond for supplies, especially in the ordnance department. I believe that such steps have been taken as will make the department in time self sustaining. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, & c., Houston, Tex., June 9, 1863. Brigadier-General BEE, Commanding, d~c.: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to acknowledge your several letters, and in reply to address you as follows: First. Colonel [John S.] Ford has not been commissioned a brigadier: general, and will not relieve you. Second. Colonel [James] Duff will remain with his command on the Rio Grande. Third. Colonel Woods regiment and Colonel Buchels regiment will remain at or in the vicinty of Kings ranch. Fourth. Four of the companies of Woods regiment will be sent to Colonel [A. M.] Hobby, two for himself at Corpus Christi, and two for Colonel [D. D.j Shea at Lavaca. Fifth. You will remain on the Rio Grande, and will under no circum- stances leave that frontier until further orders. Sixth. Colonel [P. N.] Luckett will proceed without delay to Navasota. The general directs me to say that these orders are final, and will not be changed unless the circumstances require it. The general approves of your request in regard to the two additional siege pieces. You can retain these for Colonel Duff, to assist in the de- fense of Point Isabel and the mouth of the river. You are requested to make arrangements to arm Colonel Duffs command as well as -possible. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER,~ As4stant Adjutant- General Page 43 ~I1AP. XXX7VIII.] OOIPi1~PONPENCl~, C.CONPEtd~RAtfl. 43 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MlSSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, shreveport, La., June 10, 1863. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I have the honor to request that General Slaughter may be ordered to report for dnty in this department. General Slaughter has the confidence of the Mexican population on the Rio Grande, and, from his influence, is better suited for command in that section than any person that has been suggested to me. I am induced to make this request from the growing importance of the Rio Grande as a channel by which supplies are to be brought into this Confederacy, and from the necessity of having an officer in com- mand who, in addition to his military qualifications, possesses the faculty of controlling the Mexican population and accommodating the difft~rences which are continually arising on that frontier. General Slaughter can best counteract the influence of Colonel Davis, and prepare for the efforts which the Federal Government will make next winter to close that channel of supplies to the Confederacy. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 10, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON: GENERAL: Your letter of May 31 has just been received. All the disposable infantry of the department is now opposite Yicksburg, under General Taylors command; his force includes General Walkers division and Tappans brigade, just ordered from Arkansas. General Mouton, with his cavalry command and such infantry as could be col- lected within the district, has been ordered to operate opposite Port Hudson. General Taylor has instructions to spare no exertions in throwing supplies into Vicksburg; he was not to hesitate in crossing his force, if he could effect any good by so doing. I have but little hopes of affording any assistance to the garrison at Port Hudson; the enemy will draw their supplies by the Mississippi and from Baton Rouge by the opposite bank. The effective force at my disposal has been ordered to Yicksbnrg; that is the most important point; the stake there contended for is both the Valley of the Mississippi and the Trans-Mississippi Department. It was supposed Grant would be compelled in part to draw his supplies across the peninsula opposite Yicksbnrg, and, in the event of disaster, would withdraw at least a portion of his force by the same line. I shall spare no exertions in co-operating with you in the defense of those two important positions. I am, sir, respectfully, B. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 10, 1863. Maj. B. SURGET, Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Western Louisiana, Alexandria: MAJOR: I am instructed by the lieutenant-general commanding to direct you to order at once all the disposable troops in the District o Page 44 44 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAV. XXXVIIL Louisiana not with Major-General Taylor to operate opposite Port Hud- son. His wish is that the troops sent may be so dispersed and may so act as to create a diversion in favor of our besieged garrison at Port Hudson. Every effort should be made to cut off the enemys supplies, if he attempts to obtain any by the western bank of the river. It seems to the general perfectly practicable that such supplies should be cut oIL I inclose you a copy of a letter from General Johnston.* I have the honor to be, major, your obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIUTERSYILLE TEX., June 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Gomdg. District of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico: GENERAL: Some points I intended to touch in our interview of Sun. day were omitted ou account of your engagements. One should not be deferred long, especially as you are in the act of organizing a militia draft embracing a large portion of our exempts. In my return from Richmond I have been involved in the two Fed- era4l raidsthat of Grierson through Mississippi, and that vast one of General Banks into Western Louisiana. Both furnished me ample op. portuuity to learn what is needed among our people in case of any similar attempt through Texas. No opposition or obstacle was found at any place through the coun- try to the complete plunder of farms and houses by even the smallest parties. One, two, or three scouts would leave the main force, and travel for miles alone to farms, and demand of the owners to get and surrender the stock or valuables, and none of these suffered any violence or oppo- sition. This is a reproach to the people, showing, of course, great want of organization, and want of proper spirit. Should such a thing occur in Texas, and our Home Guard permit it with impunity, I should feel that we were craven. An invading army should feel that it is danger- ous to send small parties out from the main force. This would greatly lessen the area of devastation. The question as to the best mode of preparing for such result is worthy attention, and doubtless has been well weighed by you in view of future possibilities. I venture my own suggestions, prompted by this recent experience. Every person capable of bearing arms, from ten to seventy years, should, if possible, be armed and organized in view of such a raid; those outside the conscript and militia age should, in some form, be sworn into service, and protected by the Confederate authority from the charge of bushwhacking when taken prisoner, for all such are shot by the Federals. All should be in the condition of prisoners of war, and in- stant retaliation upon prisoners of whatever class should deter from any attempt to treat our Home Guard as bushwhackers. Every glen and bayou and cornfield should be an ambush for our small parties of Home Guards, and they should pick off every isolated marauder that ventures to stray from his main body. Such a preparation is rendered necessary by the form the enemy have given to this war. The assumption of the right to plunder private * See of May 31, p. 26 Page 45 45 CHAP. XXXVIJJ.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. property with impunity is but Federal impudence. All non-combatants become belligerents, according to the laws of war, whenever you in- vade their private property and their home. The principle is well known that hostility and amity are wholly reciprocal? and that the non-com- batant character or attitude ceases the moment the invader makes the hostile demonstration of plunder. Let an invading army know this, and inform our people of their rights, instruct them when to resist, and arm them for the occasion, and the result will be salutary. Texans, at least, will make it dangerous to push Federal assumption and impudence too far into their midst. Very respectfully, and in great haste for this mail, C. G. FOIISHEY Consulting Engineer, & c. SPECIAL ORDERS, HD QUS. DIsT. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 156. Houston, Tex., June 10, 1863. * * * * * * * II. Acting Brig. Gen. X. B. Debray is hereby placed in command of the Eastern Sub-District of Texas during the absence of Brig. Gen. W. R. Scurry.* By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. [JUNE II, 1863.For Johnston to H. B. Lyon, communicating in- structions, see Series I, Vol. XXIV, Part III, p. 961.] CAMP NEAR SIMsPORT, LA., June 11, 1863. Capt. B. P. TuRNER, Assistant Adjutant- General: IDEAR SIR: I send you inclosed a copy of report made to Major-Gen- eral Taylor in reference to some of my officers and men. I have no doubt it came to your ears greatly exaggerated. Thinking it would be gratifying to you and the balance of my friends, I have inclosed to you this copy.t Express to the major-general commanding my warmest thanks and gratitude for the kind manner in which he has spoken of me to Lieutenant-General Smith. His letter I have before me now, forwarded through Major-General Taylor. Say to him I shall try and merit the good opinion he has of me. Yours, with many thanks, JOSEPH PHILLIPS, Colonel, Commanding Third I?egiment Arizona Brigade. [Inclosure.] CA~~rr NEAR SINSPORT, LA.~ June 10, 1863. Maj. B. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant-General: DEAR SIR: I have just received communication of Major-General Magruder, dated May 27, 1863, addressed to Capt. J. F. Belton, assist- Colonel Debray assumed command same day. t See also Smith to Cooper, June 16, p. 55 Page 46 46 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. ant adjutant-general, and forwarded by you to me. In reply thereto, I have to state that on the morning of the 2d of May, 1863, near Ander- son, Grimes County, Texas, on our march to Louisiaua, I was informed by Lieutenant Walker, first lieutenant Company C, Third Regiment Arizona Brigade, that a meeting had been held in the regiment the night previous, and that some of the company officers had determined to have an election for field officers to command the regiment, and also that they were dissatisfied at the orders sending the regiment out of the State of Texas. At camp the following evening I pointed out to two of the aforesaid officers (whom I knew to be the instigators of the affair) the seventh and eighth Articles of War, and warned them that upon a similar occurrence I should have them arrested and charged with mutiny. This seemed to have quieted the whole disturbance until we neared the Sabine River, the line between Texas and Louisiana. At camp on the evening of the 9th of May, 1863, 1 was apprised by several of the company officers under my command that the aforesaid disaffected officers had notified them that there would be anothermeet- ing in the regiment that night, and invited them to attend and partici- pate therein, and asked me what course to pursue. I ordered them (the men giving me the information) to attend said meeting and report to me. They attended said meeting, and reported to me in substance, that they (the disaffected officers) still expressed dissatisfaction at being ordered out of Texas, and with the field officers commanding the regi- ment, not wishing to be commanded by any but Texans. In said meet- ing Lieut. A. W. Noble, commanding Company A in the regiment, went so far as to say his company should not cross the Sabine River until the thing was settled. Capt. George W. Durant, of Company B of the regi- ment (in my opinion the prime mover and originator of all the afore- said disaffection), waited upon me that night, and wished to go with me to see Lieutenant-General Smith, to whom 1 was going to report, represent- ing himself as being sent by a committee from the regiment; but, upon inquiry, I found the committee sending him consisted of himself and the aforesaid Lieut. A. W. Noble. I gave said Capt. George W. Durant per- mission to go, but, meeting with Lieutenant-General Smiths inspector- general (Colonel [Ben.] Allston), I submitted the matter to his consid- eration. Colonel Allston reproved Capt. George W. Durant for his conduct, and told him he was guilty of mutiny. I then had a private interview with Colonel Allston, and sought his advice in the premises. He advised not to arrest Captain Durant and Lieutenant Noble unless I found it impossible to avoid the arrest, butwhen I got to Natchitoches, where there were armed troops, I could then, if I chose, arrest them. On Captain Durants return to his compa.ny, he seemed to regret his course, acknowledged himself in the wrong, and promised it should never oc- cur again. I have had no conversation with Lieutenant Noble upon the subject, but have kept vigilant watch upon all his movements, and have no reason to find fault with his conduct since. Lu justice to other officers under my command, I will state that al- though to some extent participating in the first meeting mentioned, I think they had no evil intention, and, on being referred to the seventh and eighth Articles of War, disavowed any intent of violating the same, and subsequently kept me informed of what was going on. There was at one time considerable dissatisfaction among the privates, priucipally in Companies A and B, commanded by Lieutenant Noble and Captain Durant, but such dissatisfaction I deem the fault of their officers and not of themselves. The men (rank and file) have obeyed every order given them, and, in my opinion, are an orderly, quiet set of m~oldier~ Page 47 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 47 My reasons for not arresting these men were that I thought I should soon put my regiment in action and need the services of all the officers, and, moreover, I felt very much opposed to having a public exhibition of this mntinous conduct as long as the general good of the service would not suffi~r. You cail well appreciate the pride I would fain feel in my regiment and the mortification I must feel of the occurrence above. I am, sir9 your obedient servant, JOSEPH PHILLIPS, Colonel, Commanding Third Regiment. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MISsISsIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, Houston, Tex.: GENERAL: Your communication of the 29th ultimo, relating to the enforcement of the conscript law in Texas, has been received and laid before the lieutenant-general commanding the department, who in- structs me to say Brigadier-General Greer has been appointed com- mandant of conscripts for the whole department; that he approves of your appointment of Colonel Ford as commandant of conscripts for the District of Texas, and he desires you will give him such aid from the forces nnder your command as he may require and you may deem nec- essary for a rigid enforcement of the conscript law, and the orders of the War Department relating thereto; by this means the lieutenant- general thinks the views expressed by you can be fully carried out and at the same time not infringe on the regulations of the War Depart- Inent on this subject. The general directs me further to say it is his intention to establish camps of instruction in each of the military dis- tricts composing the department, for the collecting and thorough drill of the conscripts thereof, preparatory to assigning them to old regi- ments or forming them into new ones, as may hereafter be determined. It is not his intention to send any conscripts out of the department. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS.MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 11 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of the 7th of May* and 4th instant,t which arrived about the same time. By reference to my letters addressed to Brigadier-General Scurry, you will see how our views coincided in regard to the concentration of your disposable troops in Eastern Texas. These letters were written him during your absence at Brownsville. Your kind assurances of your hearty co-operation are most welcome, and the coincidence of our views fortunate. Whether the enemy is successful or unsuccessful in his present attempt to open the navigation of the Mississippi, his effort doubtless will be to engage his men in operations that will remove them * See Magruder to Beltori, Series I, Vol. XV, p. 1078. t Not found Page 48 48 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXYIIL. from the yellow fever region and the malaria of Lower Louisiana. In any event, therefore, short of an almost total demolition of Banks com- mand at Port Hudson, we may expect huh to attempt a campaign for the reduction of Red River Valley, with an ~ye to the establishment of bases of operations against Texas. Such a force as you can concen- trate at or within supporting distance of Nibletts Bluff would greatly embarrass him. If the enemy is defeated at Vicksburg and Port flud- son, I hope his troops in Missouri may be taken from there to supply the ranks of the Army of the Mississippi. Arkansas being thus relieved from danger, we may gather a force that will enable us to expel him from all Lower Louisiana west of the Mississippi, and thereby to seize and fortify the true strategic points for the protection of that rich and beautiful region. Nibletts Bluff presents to my mind many advantages for a place of rendezvous for your disposable forces. It is on the flank of the enemy if he undertakes a campaign up the Red River Valley; there are good roads leading from there to various parts of Louisiana, and troops can be speedily transported from that point to Galveston or other threatened points on the coast of Texas. Notwithstanding this opinion of its advantages, I leave the selection of a place of concentra- tion to your discretion. I have ordered a military road to be constructed from the Bluff to Vermillionville. A copy of your excellent letter to Governor Lubbock, of Texas, has been submitted to me, and 1 trust the people may turn out in such numbers as to give you an effective force for the defense of the coast and also the northeastern frontier. I be- lieve I have informed you that I have directed Major-General Taylor to send two mounted regiments to that frontier as soon as he can spare them. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, E. KiRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, C. S. A., Richmond June 11 1 Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, 863. Secretary of 1~Var: SIR: Ihave the honor to transmit herewith, for your information, copy of a dispatch of the 20th of April last, addressed to this Department by J. A. Quinterro, esq., confidential agent of the Confederate States to Northeastern Mexico. Copies in translation of the exhibits therein re- ferred to are also inclosed. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State. [Inclosures.l MONTEREY, April 20, 1863. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Richmond: SIR: I hasten to send you some important documents in relation to the arrest of Colonel Davis and other persons, which I regret not to have time to render into English, as an express for Texas is to leave here in a few moments, and I fear losing the opportunity of forwarding this dispatch. Exhibit A is a communication, dated on the 15th ultimo, from Gov- ernor Lopez, of Tamaulipas, to the minister of state and foreign rel Page 49 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.----CONFEDERATE. 49 tions, concerning the late occurrences at the mouth of the Rio Grande. He proposed to stop the frontier trade and arrest all Confederate offi- cers visiting Matamoras, until the persons captured were released. Exhibit B is a note addressed to General II. P. Bee, on the 15th ultimo, by said Governor Lopez, demanding the release of the parties captured on Mexican territory. Exhibit C is the reply of the minister of state and foreign relations, dated on the 1st instant, giving instructions to Governor Lopez, and disapproving the order to stop the frontier trade. Governor Lopez is notified to consult the General Government, and wait for a reply from the same before issuing such orders. Exhibit D is a dispatch addressed to Governor Lopez by said minis- ter of state on the 30th of January last, instructing him to issue a proclamation stating that the Government of Mexico disapproves of any expeditions fitted out in Tamaulipas against Texas, and that all persons joining the same will not be entitled to the protection of said Government. Governor Lopez has neglected to publish the aforesaid proclamation, but he is now ordered to do so upon the reception of said dispatch. Although the excitement at Matamoras has, since the release of Colonel Davis, completely subsided, I understand that the Federal Government of Mexico is to address a diplomatic note to that depart. ment in reference to the violation of the neutrality of Mexico by armed forces of the Confederate States. I learn from California that the Federal troops at Tucson, Ariz., were, on the 8th of February last, under marching orders for the Rio Grande. The object of this expedition is to cut off the supplies the Confederacy is receiving by the IRio Grande and through Mexico. The expedition numbers about 5,000, including U. S. Regulars and New Mexico and California Volunteers. It is believed that a force of 5,000 more men can be raised in Texas and on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. The expedition, no doubt, is to work its way toward the Gulf, with the aid of the Union men of Texas, until the boundary shall be entirely in Federal hands. They believe the enterprise to be easy of execution. The troops are to take possession of the chain of forts ex- tending toward San Antonio, and make each, in succession, the base of operations against the next, until the army is within easy communi- cation with a co-operative force upon the Gulf. I have sent the above information to the military authorities of Texas. I believe it to be reliable. Puebla has not yet been taken. The French continue fighting in the city. Several French families were murdered in Mexico on the 4th instant. I have, & c., J. A. QUINTERRO. EXHIBIT A. MILITARY DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF TA1VIAULIPAS, SECTION OF WAR, No. 21, Matamoras, March 15, 1863. CITIZEN MINISTER OF FOREIGN RELATIONS, Mexico: CITIZEN MINISTER: The communication which I addressed to you some days ago, informing you of the events which had occurred on this 4 R RYOL XXVI, PT I Page 50 50 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. -MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. ~CHAP. XXXVIII. frontier, and asking your instructions for my guidance in the event of the happening of the contingencies therein mentioned, will have ap- prised you of the apprehensions entertained by me that some complica- tions would arise with the Texans. Unfortunately, my fears were not unfounded. The forces called Confederates have committed three out- rages, which have come to my knowledge almost simultaneously. The copy of the communication addressed by this command to General Bee, which I have the honor to annex, will apprise you of the magni- tude of the grievances inflicted on this Republic. The most scandalous in its consequences is that which occurred to-day, at the month of the river. Several individuals belonging to the naval service of the United States, among them Colonel Davis and some other political refugees, were at the bar, awaiting a favorable opportunity for embarking on board of the war vessels anchored in the roadstead of the port, when, at 4 oclock this morning, a force of a little more than 100 men crossed and seized them, carrying them prisoners to the Texan territory. I have demanded their liberation, and, in the probable event of my note not being attended to, I shall order the suspension of all intercourse with Texas. Although this measure affects very valuable Mexican interests, in consequence of the commercial relations which unite the two frontiers, it is the only one at my disposal, as I shall thus prevent the introduc. tion of provisions, as Matamoras is the port whence they derive their whole supply. I also send an express to General Garza, that he may order the march to this frontier of the battalion of sharpshooters of the Bravo, with which, and with a further force to be organized, the line will be suffi- ciently garrisoned to resist, in case of necessity, any new attack. I do not yet know if the turn events may take will force me to use reprisals by ordering the apprehension of Confederate officers who may cross to this side, but I can assure you that my conduct shall be con- sistent with the dignity of the Republic. The people are indignant at such proceedings, and I am happy to say to you that as soon as the inhabitants at the mouth of the river heard the news of the outrage, they armed themselves in a small num- ber, and killed 2 of the Confederates, without our having to deplore any loss. I again urge that you give me instructions. It may well happen that the reprehensible act committed by our neighbors may precipitate events. As soon as the United States war vessel was informed of what had occurred, it departed for Corpus Christi, promising to return in three days with an armed force to attack the opposite bank. The indignation caused by the above-mentioned fact has already pro. duced great sympathy for the North and much hatred for the South- erners, so that many Mexicans will, perhaps, join the former, without my being able to prevent it. In three or four days I will inform you, by special express, of what has occurred, if worthy of being communicated to you, and, on my part, I charge you that you send me instructions, especially whether I may use reprisals to the extent of crossing to the Texan territory in pursuit of all who may invade ours. Until your answer is received, this office will. issue orders in this sense. I4berty and reform, ALI3INQ LOI~E~, Page 51 CUAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 51 EXHIBIT B. OFFICE MILITARY COMMAND, STATE OF TAMAULIPAS, SECTION OF WAR, Matamoras, March 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. Th P. BEE: GENERAL: Events of much importance for the safety and good har- mony of the two frontiers have recently occurred, and now compel me to address you. Day before yesterday a Mexican lighter was threatened by some per- sons belonging to your command. They threatened to fire on the master if he did not come ashore, and, when he did so, they seized upon an in- dividual name Macdoch, who still remains a prisoner at the month of the river. At the town of Laredo, a soldier belonging to the command of Don Santos Benavides having gone there and committed some offense, the Mexican authorities, as they had a perfect right to do, ordered his apprehension, and, as he made armed resistance to the ex- ecution of the order, he was killed, whereupon Don Santos Benavides crossed with a force of 60 men, defying the authorities and committing other outrages. Finally, at 4 oclock this morning, an armed force of men subject to your authority crossed over to this side, and at the mouth of the river apprehended Colonel Davis, of the United States, and some other persons. After the conferences held between the authorities on the two sides, I cannot doubt that the officers who committed such acts did so with- out your orders; that consequently the acts of which they have been guilty, and which constitute one of the gravest offenses against the law of nations, will meet your reprobation, and that, justly ludignant against such conduct, you will order the punishment of the offenders. Mexico is a neutral territory, in which strangers, to whatever party they may belong in their own country, enjoy equal security. As long as they do not violate the laws of the Republic, they will receive equal protection, whether they call themselves Confederates or Federals. I trust, therefore, that you will immediately give orders that Colonel Davis and the other individuals seized at the mouth of the river be liberated, and that the officers who have been guilty of the offense be punished. The nature of these occurrences obliges me to solicit as early an an- swer as possible. Accept for yourself the assurances of my consideration and esteem. Liberty and reform. ALBINO LOPEZ. EXHIBIT C. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN RELATIONS, Mexico, April 1, 1863. The GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TAMAULIPAS, Tampico: I have read to the President your dispatch, No 21, of 15th ultimo, and the documents annexed, in relation to attacks by the Anglo-Ameri- can forces of the South on the territory of Mexico. The Department has not received the other dispatch you refer to, but having addressed to you on the 30th of January last a snprefrie decision on the same sub- ject, without your having announced a compliance with it, I deem it necessary to repea~3 it, and you gill, therefore, find a duplicate inelQ8ed Page 52 ~i2 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [OHAP. XXXVIII. Reverting to your dispatch, I am to inform you, by direction of the President, that, besides executing what is ordered in the said decision, you are to take, as rules for your conduct, the following instructions: 1. If General Bee has not answered you, or if his answer has not been on all points in conformity with what you requested him to do, you will send him a manifesto, in which you will insert the note you addressed to him on the t5th of March last, and you will declare that by his failure to respond, or by his refusal to comply, as the case may be, it is clearly shown that if General Bee did not order the commission of the outrages which you mention, he fully approves and ratifies them by the irregular conduct he has pursued since your formal demaud, and that the Repub- lic, having been outraged by the invasion of its soil, and by the attacks made within its limits, will exercise its right of reprisal by seizing mili- tary officers of Texas who may come peacefully to the Mexican frontier, and will detain them as prisoners until the restoration of the individuals who have been forcibly carried away from Mexican territory. 2. With regard to expeditious which may invade our territory, you have already been instructed to treat as bandits all connected with them, without distinction of class. 3. You will authorize no invasion of the Anglo-American frontier. 4. You will arrest the execution of your orders for the interruption of commerce on the frontier, and will be good enough hereafter to consult the Government of the Federation, and await its assent before taking measures of this kind. The Chief Magistrate does not hesitate to confide to your well-known patriotism and zeal the execution of these instructions, with the under- standing that the Republic has an evident interest in their being carried out without falling short of or exaggerating their purport. The negotiation required by the case is thus placed for action on a diplomatic basis. You will receive from the War Department the orders which are appropriate from that branch of the service. I reiterate the assurances of my consideration. Liberty and reform. FUENTE. ExrnnIT D. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN RELATIONS, Mexico, January 30, 1863. The GOYER~NOR OF THE STATE OF TA1VIAULIPAS, Tampico: The Official Journal of Kuevo Leon and Cohahuila and other dailies have extracted from the American Banner some articles that the General Government cannot allow to pass unnoticed. They affirm that, under the protection or the Mexican authorities, expeditions of outlaws are organized and let loose on the other side of the Bravo, who assume the flag of the United States and commit the greatest crimes, both of rob- bery and barbarous cruelty. The President can only explain your silence as to such acts on the belief that none such have really occurred, and that the calumnious in- criminations and insolent threats based on them are but a flimsy veil for the purpose of cloaking the unbridled ambition of some wretched filibusters. However this may be, the Chief Magistrate is of opinion that the mere publication of these articles, Venomous and humiliating to Mexico as they are, should have excited your patriotic zeal to an ope Page 53 CHA1~. XXXVIII.] OORRflSPONDENt1~, ~ and energetic denial of their truth, and to giving notice of the fact to the General Government. I am sorry to say that he has seen with dis- pleasure your neglect of a duty so plain in itself and of such extreme importance. I have now, in pursuance of the express instructions of the President, to point out the line of conduct that you are to pursue in this disagree- able business.. If, as supposed, the American publication contains only falsehoods, you will repel them resolutely in a proclamation published in all the periodicals of Tamaulipas. Bnt, whether the above-mentioned statements of the American Banner be false or true, in whole or in part, it is important that you make a solemn manifest, declaring that the President reprobates these criminal expeditions; that he has given you express orders to prevent or disperse them if an attempt is made to or- ganize them in Tamaulipas, and that if, notwithstanding this prohibition and your vigilance, they succeed in organizing, as has happened in former times in the United $tates, Mexicans engaged in them will lose all right to the protection of their Government against any treatment they may receive in the country where they commit such grievous out- rages. You will conclude that if, notwithstanding these declarations, forces of the neighboring nation should come on our territory, such an aggres- sion will be repelled by all the means at our disposal, whatever pretext may be devised for it, and that those who commit hostilities against us, contrary to the laws of war, will be considered as bandits: I renew to you the assurances of my consideration. Liberty and reform. FUENTE. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Bayou Fordoche, June 15, 1863. Col. JOHN L. LOGAN, Commanding Cavalry Brigade: COLONEL: Your dispatches to Lieutenant-General Smith, Major-Gen- eral Gardner, and Brigadier-General Mouton, by Lieutenant Cooper, have just been received and opened by me. I have a brigade of cavalry and two brigades of infantry and four batteries of light artillery now en route to the Mississippi River, and shall attack the enemy opposite Port Hudson to-night, and will estab- lish communication with Major-General Gardner, and throw beef-cattle into the garrison. A large cavalry force of my command will cross the Atchafalaya, in the extreme southern portion of the State, and will pene- trate to the Lower Mississippi coast by the way of the La Fourche sec- tion. The command with which I shall operate against the enemy opposite Port Hudson will, after clearing out the se~tion between Baton Rouge and Morgauza, move down by Donaldsonville to the lower coast, and, with light batteries, I hope to be able to prevent the passage of sup- plies by the river on transports. If any means can be devised to cross the river, I would be glad to throw one or two cavalry brigades to operate on the east bank of the Mississippi. You can communicate with me or the officer who may be in command of the forces operating in this section by way of Morgauza. I will communicate with General Gardner, if practicable, to-night, and will forward your dispatch to him at the same time. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR,- Major-General, Commanding Page 54 54 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., l~?. MEX. (CHAP. XXXVIII. ALEXANDRIA, LA., Maj. E. SURGET, June 15, 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: Having learned that you have received both written and verbal reports in regard to the gunboat Cottons trip from Grand Ecore to Shreveport, permit me to render you this my report: An order was unexpectedly received by me from Capt. H. Kelso, commanding gunboat fleet, to take charge of the gunboat Cotton, and proceed with all dispatch to Shreveport, as soon as the ordnance stores should be placed on board. The third clause of the order reads thus: The Grand Duke will render assistance to the Cotton whenev& ~r the latter may rejoin it On the morning of the 14th having received all the ordnance stores on board, I left the landing atGrand Ecore for Shreveport, the Grand Dnke following me, and did render me assistance as far up Red River as Loggy Bayou, where the river becomes very narrow. At a point above this, the Grand Duke left the Cotton, and proceeded on, leaving the steamboat T. S. Conley-to assist me. With the assistance of the Conley, I reached the plantation of a Mr. Gatlin, some 83 miles from Shreveport. At this place I came very near sinking both boats, as the river was very narrow and the current very rapid. By great effort, with spring lines attached to the bank, the Conley would pull the Cotton away from the bank, and as soon as I could get steerage-way, the Conley could not get out of my way. After trying this repeatedly, at imminent risk, I shipped the ordnance stores by the Conley to Shreveport, to- gether with the steam-pipe, as I was fully convinced that the Cotton could mal~e no farther progress without having the use of her other wheel, or the assistance of a boat of sufficient power. Had the Grand Duke remained with the Cotton, I could have made the trip. On Monday, the 18th of May, Mr. Boutte, engineer, went up with the steam-pipe, with an order to the quartermaster at Shreveport to have it repaired immediately. A letter from Mr. Boutte informed me the work could not be done right off. The steamer Texas came along, bound up. I got on board of her and went up. Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith was on board, and I gave him the particulars. He issued an order to General Boggs to have the pipe repaired immediately. When I called on General Boggs, he referred me to the quartermaster, to whom I had sent the pipe at first. I informed him the steam-pipe had been in Shreve- port for eight days, and the coppersmiths were employed on the new ram Missouri. He then gave me an order on the naval officer, the naval officer on the contractors, and the contractors on some one else, until finally the work was commenced the tenth day after it had left the Cotton. During this time the river had fallen 3 feet, and, before I left Shreve- port, I called on General Boggs to know what I should do in case I could not reach Shreveport. He told me to report immediately. The steam-pipe being fitted, I left Gatlins plantation, and proceeded on the trip very well until I reached the cut-off, or, as some term it, the ditch. After a delay of thirty hours in endeavoring to get through, I repaired immediately in a skiff to Shreveport (31 miles), and reported to Brig. Gen. W. R. Boggs that I had removed all the loose bales of cotton to the bank, and I could not get the Cotton through the ~ without tearing both wheels out of her. He first advised me to commu- nicate the facts to you, mentioning that the courier would leave at 4 p. m. It was then 12 m. But after a conference with General Smith Page 55 55 CHAP. XXXVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.CONPEDERATE. he ordered me to return to the boat and remain in charge until I was relieved~ The third day aftetward he sent down Mr. Larmer, Mr. Alexander, and another party (whose name I aim unacquainted with), who im- pressed some negroes, and the cotton in the bulk-heads was removed, together with the heavy ordnance stores, & c., which lightened her up 12 inches forward and 13 inches aft. I then got up steam and started through. With the assistance of 16 negroes at the capstan, with a haw- ser to both banks, and 6 negroes at the fire-doors, I got through in four hours. The wheels of the boat walked over the bank nearly all the way through. Had I attempted this mode without lightening, I would have lifted both wheels, shafts and all, out of her. The persons sent down by General Boggs had nothing whatever to say or do further than re- move the cotton, ordnance stores, wood, & c. When steam was gotten up on the boat their orders terminated, and their reports to General Boggs have had a great tendency in inducing him to advise you, gen- eral, not to pay the crew of the gunboat Cotton their true, just, and equitable demands against the Government in full. It is a crew that has seen service, part of whom have been, in service since Captain [E. W.] Fuller first trod the roof of a gunboat. There is not a steamboatman on this river but what thinks I accomplished quite a feat in getting her through to Shreveport as well as I did. I will not go into minor details, but close this report, hoping you will throw the honor upon whom honor is due. All of which is very respectfully submitted. 0. S. BURDETT, Pilot, Gommanding Gunboat Cotton. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Alexandria, June 16, 1863. Respectfully forwarded for the consideration of department head- quarters. R. TAYLOR, Major- General, (ommanding. [JUNE 15, 1863.For Smith to Taylor, in reference to co-operation with Pemberton and Gardner, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II ,p. 868.] HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 16, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.; GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter to you from Major-General Magruder. The views he expresses meet my approval in the main, and I respectfully recommend them to the consideration of the War Department. In regard to the alleged mutinous conduct of Colonel Phillips regi- ment, I had no information until I read the remarks of Major-General Magluder. From the report of my inspector-general, which accompanies this, I hope Major-General Magruder may have been misinformed Page 56 56 W. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., T1~X., N. MEX. EOHAP.~XXXVIIL Since the regiment has been serving in Lower Louisiana, I have heard nothing prejudich~l to its discipline. The recommendation of Colonel Luckett for the command of the Arizona Brigade is a good one, and is approved. It is unnecessary for the War Department to be troubled with the di. vision of Major-General Magruders district into sub-districts, as he has the power to do so. His recommendation that brigadiers be appointed to command each of the proposed sub-districts is worthy the careful consideration of the Department. The commanders of those sub-dis. tricts would have large territories and many people to control, and it seems proper their rank should be commensurate with the responsibility. I do not see the necessity of appointing the two major-generals recom- mended, but if it is thought advisable to appoint them, I respectfully recommend that Brigadier-General Scurry be appointed to the command of the two eastern districts, and that Brigadier-General Slaughter, now at Mobile, be promoted and appointed to the command of the two western districts. I am very much afraid Major Hart has failed in his efforts to secure supplies through Mexico. Requisitions made on him by department officers remain unfilled. I declined ordering funds to be issued to him by the depositaries without a warrant from the Treasury Department. It would have been illegal for me to comply, and I did not think the cir- cumstances warranted my assuming such authority. I have recom- mended to the Secretar,y of the Treasury, in view of the possibility of communication with Richmond being permanently cut oft, that an officer of the Treasury, of tried experience and ability, be sent here, with full instructions and authority to act for the Treasury Department. Such an officer might issue warrants on the depositories, upon estimates made and approved at department headquarters. The medical board now in session here, has instructions, through the Surgeon-General, to examine all officers acting as surgeons and assistant surgeons of regiments, without reference to their appointments. I have asked that authority be given the department commander to give invi-- tations to come before a medical board. It occurs to me that, owing to the difficulties of communicating with the capital, it would promote the interests of the Medical Department, also, to authorize the department commander to order medical boards of examination whenever the necessi- ties of the department require. When I came here, I found the conscript bureau without a head, and, therefore, without organization and system. I have appointed Brigadier-General Greer commandant of conscripts for the entire Trans.Mississippi Department, and I hope very soon to have that important bureau working systematically and efficiently. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant. General, Uommanding. [Iiidorsements.] JULY 10, 1863. I respectfully refer the within to the President for his early consider- ation and his instructions on the recommendations made. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. JULY 18, 1863. The difficulty of communicating with General Smith renders it neces- sary to perfect the organization so as to require few references to o Page 57 CHAr. X~X~III.J CORR1~SPONT~ENCE, ETC.CONFEDERAT1~. 57 orders from this place. His views in reference to medical boards and Treasury officers seem to me just. Large powers are necessary in regard to courts-martial and boards of examination. The letter of General Magruder requires your careful attention. Let the records of the office be examined for the authority he claims to have been given to Mr. Baylor. Other points will strike you as worthy of notice. JEFFERSON DAVIS. [Inclosure No. 1.1 IIDQRS. DIsT. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, June 8, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, 0. S. Army, Richmond, Ya.: SIR: I avail myself of the return to Richmond of Colonel Ives, aide- dc-camp to His Excellency President Davis, to present for the informa- tion of the War Department a brief statement of military affairs and interests connected with them in the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, which I have the honor to command, and, for the sake of easy reference, 1 place them under the following heads: 1. Troops and their organization.On my arrival in Texas, I found the number of troops [exceptingj Sibleys brigade, and including Governor Baylors Arizona Brigade, 4o be 10,569 aggregate. The Arizona Brigade was authorized by General Randolph to be raised by Gov. J. It. Baylor, who about the same time was appointed Governor of Arizona. Governor Baylor was authorized, I think, to raise six battalions, and to nominate the officers, subject to the approval of the President; at least he so supposed and so acted. * Before the completion of the organization, but after the provisional nomination of the officers by Governor Baylor, he was removed from the command or control of the brigade by myself, in pursuance of orders to that effect from the Secretary of War, who also directed mc to pro- ceed with the preparations for the recovery of Arizona. There was but one course to pursue, which was to complete the organization already begun, to recognize Governor Baylors provis- ional appointments, and to fill vacancies, and then to send on the mus- ter-rolls for the adoption of the War Department. This I did, but consolidated the small and incomplete six battalions into three good regiments and a small surplus battalion. Subsequently, a favorable opportunity to invade Arizona having been presented to me, I authorized, at the written request of Governor Baylor, Col. S. M. Baird to raise a regiment, if he could, of New Mexicans, Arizonia~is, Californians, and others not subject to conscription, to proceed and make a lodgment in that country. Colonel Baird is an officer and gentleman of much merit, but as yet has not raised his regiment. All this was subject to the approval of the War Department, and, nnder the instructions, above alluded to, to go on with the preparations for the recovery of Arizona. At the head of one of these organized regiments, I placed a cavalry officer of great merit and the most heroic character, Capt. Joseph Phillips, of the Confederate Army, who had served with me on the Peninsula, and with General Rood, commanding Texas Brigade, through several battles in Virginia, and wa& spoken of in the dispatches in the highest terms by ns both. See Randolph to Baylor, May 29, 1862, Series IV Page 58 58 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MtSs~, LA., TEX., ~. MEX. [CHAP. ~X~IIt Captain Phillips is from Virginia. This appointment gave great sat- isfaction at first, but Captain Phillips being a disciplinarian, as soon as this regiment was marched toward Louisiana to meet the late invasion of Banks, and when it had got out of reach of these headquarters, it mutinied, and refused to serve under Captain Phillips, who is from another State, and he proceeded, with one company, to report to Lieu- tenant-General Smith, to whom I have written, asking that he will sup. l)Ort Captain Phillips for his merit and for the sake of discipline. * I have no doubt Lieutenant-General Smith will pursue that course, and that in a short time the regiment will be reduced to subordination. Another regiment of this brigade was ordered, and has gone to, Louisiana, and a third, with the small surplus battalion, is ordered and now ready to protect the wheat region of Texas against a contemplated invasion from Kansas and the Indian Territory. I recommended Gov. J. IR. Baylor to be the brigadier-general of this brigade, because he raised it, was popular with it, and I thought would be more likely to command it successfully than any one else. He had also conducted himself with great propriety when relieved from the control of it by the Secretary of War, and had behaved gallantly as a private at Galveston. I have not heard the result of my application, made over five months ago, and the brigade being without a general, and some of the regi- ments being conveniently posted to be moved into Louisiana, Cols. J. Phillips and George W. Baylors regiments were ordered to report to the commanding officer in Louisiana. Under present circumstances, I respectfully recommend Col. P. N. Luckett, now colonel of the Third Texas Infantry, to be appointed bri- gadier-general of the Arizona Brigade; this brigade to be assembled in Louisiana or Texas by Lieutenant-General Smith, as the state of affairs may require. Colonel Luckett is an officer of talent, for a long time a citizen of Texas, and was educated at West Point. He was there at least for several years, and will make a good general. This will complete the organization of that brigade. Soon after my arrival here, Sibleys brigade was ordered to Loui- siana. By completing the organization of regiments, battalions, and companies, and those in progress of organization, I raised my command to about 14,000 men. In order to meet Banks, 4,694 men were ordered to Louisiana to the assistance of Major-General Taylor, which leaves my command now about 9,500 strong, but scattered over an immense space. By reference to the map of the North American Continent, it will be seen that the sea-coast of Texas is equal in extent to that frort the Capes of Virginia to Massachusetts, and that the area of this State is equal to that contained in the States of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and Ohio. It must also be remembered that there are but few and short rail- roads in the State, and that she is threatened at all times with invasion from all her inland frontiers, as well as from her coast; that she pro- duces yearly almost enough breadstuffs and meat to supply the whole Confederacy, and that for her warlike, though somewhat unruly, pop- ulation, for her military resources, as yet undisturbed, and for her pres- tige in war, she may be almost looked upon now as the Trans-Mississippi Department, for all commanders on this side of the Mississippi send * See Philips to Turner, June 11, 1863, p. 45 Page 59 ChAP. X~VIIt] OORR1~SIONDI?~tCt, 1~C.OOt~1FEDERATE. here for men, money, munitions of war, arms, wagons, mules, harness, and, in short, everything necessary to carry on the war. From the very extent of the country, these immense resources are in danger, and unless energetic and judicious preparations are made in anticipation of attack by the enemy, many of them may be destroyed, when probably all might be saved by timely action. It is for this reason that I laid before the War Department, in January last, aplan for the defense of Texas, a duplicate of which I send with this.* This plan provides for four geographical sub-districts, with a bri- gadier-general to each and a major-general to each two, one of the latter to be stationed at San Antonio and the other at Houston, the headquarters of the major-general commanding to be wherever the exigencies of the service require. Since the arrival of Lieutenant-General Smith, he has ordered the es- tablishment of a third sub-district in the north, in order to protect the wheat crops, now threatened from Kansas and Arkansas. Three ad- ditional sub-districts should be established on the coast, viz, one from th~ Rio Grande to the Nueces, one from the Nueces to the Colorado, one fit in the Colorado to the Sabine, and one sub-district in Northern Texas. I recommend Brigadier-General Bee to command on the Rio Grande; Brig. Gen. Tom Green, if appointed and not ordered elsewhere, to com- mand between the Kueces and Colorado; Col. X. B. Debray to com- mand the Eastern Sub-District, from the Colorado to the Sabine, and to be made brigadier-general for that purpose; and Col. S. P. Bankhead to be made brigadier-general, and to command the Northern District of Texas, to which he is now assigned. This officer, I am officially in- formed, has been recommended to the War Department for the com- mission of brigadier-general by General Bragg and Lieut. Gen. L. Polk. He is well qualified. The promotion of Colonel Luckett to the Arizona Brigade would not interfere in the least with this arrangement. The number of troops under my command aggregate, including those some 4,600sent to Louisiana, is about 15,000 present and absent; that would require five brigadiers, at 3,000 men to each brigade; besides, it will be seen by the inclosed correspondence between the Governor of this State and myself that 10,000 State troops will -be organized for service in a short time, and they will be called out when necessary, but always without brigadiers, and they will be attached to the brigade already formed. I request particularly that Col. S P. Bankhead, chief of artillery in this district, be made brigadier-general of artillery, which can be done iE eccordance with law, as there are a sufficient number of guns here to ~uthorizc it; or that he may be made a brigadier-general in the line, and ordered to report to me, so that I may be able to maintain him in the command of the wheat region. One of the colonels under him ranks him as colonel, but is not competent tothe discharge of the difficult duties which will devolve upeti Colonel Bankhead; therefore, I have been compelled to place this oficer on other duty, so as to remove for the moment the obstacle to Colonel Bankheadscommand. This can- not last, and I beg that the honorable Secretary of War will act upon my recommendations without delay, otherwise it will be impossible to administer this district with success. The number of officers asked for by me may appear large, but when the circumstances above detailed are taken into consideration, it will be * See Series I, Vol. XV, p. 932 Page 60 00 W. PLA., S. ALA., S. I~f1SS., tA, TEX., N. MEX. ~CHAP. XXX~tlit seen that they are absolutely necessary to the preservation of the public interests in the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and if all for whom J have asked are appointed and ordered to report to me, they will not be sufficient to transact the public business of this district in the best manner. I therefore venture respectfully to express the hope that those whom I have recommended for assignment and promotion may receive from His I~xcellency the President and the honorable Sec- retary of War the favorable consideration which their own merits and the public interests alike justify. The list is herewith inclosed, with slight alterations from that furnished in January last. I will state that my aide-de-camp, First Lieut. George A. Magruder, jr., of the Provisional Artillery, is now acting chief of artillery for this whole district; that he has organized the artillery as assistant to Colonel Bankhead admirably; that his knowledge of his profession is conspicu- ous to all, and that he has been distinguished on four occasions under my command, and at Sharpsburg, under General Lee, who has written in high terms of him to the War Department. I ask that he be made major of artillery and ordered to report to me. He will either be as- signed to the command of a battalion of artillery or to duty as chief of artillery in case Colonel Bankhead is promoted. I had recommended Maj. E. F. Gray to be transferred also to the artillery, but since then he has been made lieutenant-colonel in his regiment, with the certainty of promotion if his colonel, Luckett, is promoted, and therefore I withdraw my recommendation, in justice to Lieutenant-Colonel Gray, who is an excellent officer in any position. There are ten light batteries belonging to this district and six armed gunboats requiring artillery officers, and a field officer of artillery to supervise all. There cannot be less if these battei;ies, detachments, and boats are kept in order and ready for service at all times. There are ten light batteries in this district besides those on board of gunboats; two more batteries are ordered and will soon be here; to each two bat- teries there ought to be a major; this is in accordance with the tactics; there should be 5 majors alone, then, for the ten batteries, and 1 major is absolutely essential to attend to the wants of the marine artillery, that is, the guns on board the boats; this would be 6 majors of artillery for artillery service. I have only recommended 4, viz: Major Magruder, Major Fontaine, Major Hill, for service with the light batteries, and Major Mason for service with the marine artillery. Major [T. T.] Teel, who was ordered here, belongs to Sibleys brigade, and has gone to Lou- isiana. The other officers recommended for the artillery are intended especially for the engineer service, viz: Col. V. Sulakowski, who is an officer of the highest grade of merit. He was colonel of a regiment; his services are indispensable to our in- terests. If Galveston is saved from the enemy, as I now think it will be, the credit will be due to the services of Colonel Sulakowski. I could not offer him less than the pay and emoluments of a colonel and the recommendation to the rank of colonel; and I proposed artillery because I believe the President had the power to appoint him colonel of artillery, Provisional Army, and could not appoint him colonel of engineers. a Major Kellersberg is also an engineer of great merit, who was ap- pointed major of artillery by Brigadier-General H6bert, and has ren- dered the greatest service. I recommend him to be lieutenant-colonel of artillery on engineer service. Captain Wilson is also an engineer of ability, and I recommend him to the grade of major. He organized a battery of light artillery, was cap- Page 61 Cu~r. xxxvfii.j, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 61 tam of it, but, being a good engineer, was detailed in the latter service. He deserves and ought to have the pay, rank, and emoluments of major. I have been thus particular in regard to the artillery because it has been stated to me that some surprise was manifested at the War De- partment that I recommended so many artillery offlcers~ and had so few guns. A mistake both ways. I have many guns, am making more, and have very few artillery officers. It is a great misfortune to ~ commander to have guns and not officers to take care of them. I cannot bat feel aggrieved that my recommenda- tions and suggestions have been so completely set aside at headquarters at Richmond, and cannot think that this is done with the knowledge of His Excellency the President, who, in the kindest manner, thanked me in a letter for my services in Texas, and voluntarily stated that my suggestions should be attended to, as they deserved to be. iNor can I attribute it to any personal motive on the part of the Secretary of War, but I am under the impression that few, if any, of my frequent and urgent representations reach either the President or the Secretary; perhaps from the pressure of business of more importance. Be that as it may, I respectfully ask that this communication be laid before the Secretary of War, and, if possible, the substance at least before the President, with the request that some action be taken as to the matters herein presented. I h~re repeat my recommendation that Brigadier-General Scurry be made one of the major~generals asked for by me. His name is at the head of the list herewith forwarded. I particularly ask the appoint- ment of Capt. Henry Pendleton, late assistant quartermaster, to be major in the quarterma5ter~5 department, and ordered to report to me, to fill the vacancy created by the promotion of Major [J. F.] Minter to the. staff of Lieutenant-General Smith. The case of Capt. Henry Pendle- ton is one of peculiar hardship. He was the only well-educated and well-qualified quartermaster I had in the Peninsula; he taught all the rest; he rendered distinguished services there, and when I was put off duty in Richmond in October last, Colonel Myers, Quartermaster-Gen- eral, dropped him from the rolls of the army without reason, and with- out informing me, though I was present in Richmond. I brought him to Texas with me, and he had commenced to put every- thing here in order when he received intelligence from Richmond that he had been dropped as a supernumerary. I sent him to Richmond for funds, and urged that justice should be done the best quartermaster in Texas, but, up to this period, without effect. A vacancy now having occurred by the promotion of Major Minter to another department, I beg that Capt. Henry Pendleton be appointed quartermaster, with the rank of major, and ordered to report to me, and I beg that this case be particularly laid before the President and the honorable Secretary of War. 2. Fortiftcations.The Sabine, Galveston, the Brazos River, Cavallo and Aransas Passes, must be defended by strong works and heavy guns. We have taken the latter from the enemy and are making the latter [sic], but it is not to be supposed that these works can be made withont competent engineers. Indeed, from the lowness of the land, it requires more genius to make good works, capable of successful re- sistance, than in locations more favorable. These works must be extensive to resist the formidable attacks that will be made upon them. They are of the last importance, as we- have an extensive inland navigation nearly to the Rio Grande, which make Page 62 62 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LK, TEX., N. MEX. [ChAP. XX~VIIL us independent of the blockade as long as we can hold these passes. I have not even now engineers enough, and I fear the enemy will at. tack and carry the passes and break up the trade in cotton, & c., before we can possibly get ready. I hope; therefore, that the Department will support me fully in my efforts to accomplish these important purposes, and give my engineers rank for the war, to gratify a just pride, rind salary enough to enable them to live. Their places cannot be supplied. 3. New Mexico and Arizona.J had the honor to forward to the War Department a proclamation some months since, made by the Federal commander in New Mexico, showing great fear of an invasion, and I learned throngh Captain Skillman, corn manding our spy company, sta- tioned on the confines of that country, that there were but 2,000 troops this side of California, and that these were ready to move off if threat. ened. I organized an expedition, to pass up the Canadian to New Fort Union, to cut off supplies from Kansas and Missouri, while a regiment of the same brigade would march on Fort Bliss. I kept these troops, however,in. hand ready for service anywhere, and determined not to move them until the fate of the Missssippi was decided. The operations of the enemy have for the present put a stop to any movements in that direction, but should there be a prospect for peace, and this part of the country should not be seriously threatened,,J pro. pose to take possession of New Mexico and Arizona, if possible, so that at the termination .of the war they may remain ours. The importance of this acquisition to us will be readily perceived. 4. Gotton and supplie~.Major Hart, quartermaster for the purchase of supplies with cotton, was progressing, I think, satisfactorily, when the order of the War Department, dated 26th January, 1863, if I re- member aright, arrived, and by it my orders were annulled, and cotton was allowed to go out of the country without any return in supplies being secured. All restrictions being removed, cotton rose from 25 cents to 50 and 60 cents per pound, and Major Hart now writes me for authority to impress cotton to enable him to fulfill his obligations, as the price is so high that he cannot purchase it, even if he had the money, which he has not. Lieutenant-General Smith having refused to order money to be turned over to him by the public receivers here, I referred him to the impressment law, which gives him the power without refer- ence to me, and stated that I would support him in any impressments he might make with whatever troops he might require. I have not yet heard the result, but consider it very unfortunate just at this time that my order on the subject, which gave general satisfaction, shduld have been revoked by the orders from Richmond, and that, in consequence, resort must be had to impressment of cotton. I om of opinion thatit - will create much dissatisfaction, if not serious trouble. The law o~ Con- gress authorizing the exportation of cotton by the Mexican frontier, evidently contemplated the introduction of goods for cotton sent out; hence the spirit of this law was not violated by my order, though thc letter was. At all events, under the laws and orders from the War Department, as they now stand, vast quantities of cotton are going out and very little is coming in. I had hoped another law would have been passed by Congress repealing the pre-existing law, and made in accord- ance with my orders, copies of which I sent to the War Department. This, as far as lam informed,has not been done,and I confess that-I am at a loss as to what steps I should now recommend to the Department to take. If Congress will pass ~uch a law promptly at its neXt $OSsiQn, a por Page 63 C Gnu. XXXVIII.] CORI~ESPONDENCE, ETC.C0NFEDERATE. 63 tion of the evil would be prevented. I was called to the Rio Graude frontier by the alarming state of our relations with the Mexicau author- ities and people after the seizure of Colonel [Edmund J.] Davis, of the Federal army, and [William W.] Montgomery, on the Mexican soil, and the hanging of the latter, and also to place our commercial affairs, if possible, on a surer footing. Major Hart proceeded to Brownsville at the same time. I found an unfortunate difficulty had arisen between an influential foreign house and Major Hart as to the proper construction of a contract between them, and the same being referred to me, I decided, though reluctantly, in favor of Major Hart. In the course of this transaction, I discovered that it would not be prudent to depend on any foreign house for our supplies, if we could pro- cure them with equal economy and certainty from a house having the same credit and means, whose property was in our country, and, there- fore, in our power, and King, Kennedy & Stillman, a house in Browns- ville, having agreed to furnish supplies at lower rates than any house in Matamoras, I advised Major Hart to enter into a contract with them, which was done through Major [Charles] Russell, quartermaster, 0. S. Army. These gentlemen have advanced very liberally, and if Major Hart can fulfill his obligations to deliver 500 bales a month, all will go well. For this purpose, I have placed steamboats at his disposal and service in Matagorda Bay, having run the blockade with them, and a large num- ber of conscripts and their teams were also placed at, his disposal, but he does not seem to have any cotton. These steamers have been ready for two months, and he has been notified long since of it. Believing that this work does not progress as rapidly as it ought, I have authorized the chief disbursing agents of this district to make contracts, in addi- tion to Major Harts, for army supplies, so as to embrace all the chances of getting them. I would respectfully suggest that these chief disburs- ing staff officers be also authorized to export cotton with which to pur- chase supplies, that power being confined at present to Major Hart. My orders were to afford Major Hart every facility to enable him to carry out the orders of the Government. He has stated that I have done so, and so states now. I have even lost some influence by the determined course I have pur- sued in his support, for he is extremely unpopular. I believe him, however, to be honest, and though too slow for transactions of this magnitude, I think he will be able to re-establish his credit after some months. At all events, he must have money in large quantities, or he can do nothing. I will in the meantime do all I can to support him, but again recommend that the staff officers be empowered also to buy with cotton, as one man cannot do so large a business, unless the Government bought all the cotton iu Texas on its own account, which was the course I recommended to the Department as I was about to leave Richmond. It might, perhaps, be done hereafter, if our currency should grow better. I am happy to say that I was enabled to place our relations with the Mexicans and their authorities on the best footing whilst on the Rio Grande, and have every reason to believe that they will remain so for some time to come. There being apprehensions of yellow fever at Brownsville, and Banks invasion of Louisiana taking place whilst I was at Brownsville, I or- dered; privately, all the troops excepting one regiment and a battery to march in this direction; since then, Banks has crossed the Mississippi, and a report has gained credence with Brigadier-General Bee that an expedition of 20,000 ixien is t1ttin~ oQt in New York for the 1~i~ Grande Page 64 34 W. FLA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXYIIL I have, therefore, ordered one of these regiments to take post at Nava- - sota, to support Acting Brigadier-General Bankhead in Northern Texas, or to re-enforce Galveston or Nibletts Bluff, and have stopped the rest at Kings ranch, a healthy position, convenient to the Rio Grande, to Corpus Christi, and by steamer to Matagorda, 40 miles from Columbia, from which there is a railroad to Houston. I directed Brigadier-General Bee to pay $1,500 per year to two trust- worthy and intelligent men, one of whom would live in New York and the other trade between New York and Matamoras, in order that posi- tive information of any contemplated expedition against us on -the Rio Grande may be made known with certainty and in due season; also t) obtain all other information which might be deemed of importance; their salary to be $1,500 in gold. I hope this step will meet the ap- proval of the War Department. If not, I should be glad to be informed as soon as possible, in order to stop the expense. 5. General Orders, No. 28, of 1863,from the Adjutant and Inspector Gen- erals Office at Jii~ichrnond.I beg leave to ask the attention of the Secre- tary of War to the evils which have been produced in the medical corps by the publication of this order, as officially presented in a letter from Surg. J. H. Berrien, medical director, herewith inclosed.* It has also affected discipline injuriously, for many men who have not com- missions from the President are ready to disobey orders and take the consequences, some of them preferring to be privates with pay-than offi- cers without pay. I directed, in the case of the medical officers, that the medical director should contract with the surgeons and assistant sur- geo~s at the same rates they Were receiving as officers, until the ques- tion of commission and rank could be settled, but many of these offi- cers refuse to enter into contract, and say they are out of service by virtue of this Order, No. 28, and their places cannot be supplied. The sickly season is also approaching. I beg that these officers, of whom Surgeon Berrien reports that he has furnished a list at Richmond for appointment or commissions, may be commissioned, and that a board may be ordered to examine all medical officers or persons holding such positions, to ascertain their fitness for entering the service or for re- maining in service or for promotion, whether they are invited or not, as the object here is paramount to have the services of medical men, and to ascertain if they are competent. I make these suggestions be- cause I do not desire to report evils without suggesting some remedy, though there may be good reasons, not seen by me, but known to the War J)epartment, for rejecting the course proposed by me. 6. The political state of the country is tranquil at present, though on my trip through Austin and San Antonio it was said by most persons that Chambers would be the next Governor, and that he and the Con- federate authorities would be in opposition within a few weeks after his election. I regret deeply that the present Governor, Lubbock, will not again be a candidate. He is a single-hearted, upright patriot, de- voted to the Administration as the embodiment of our cause and the - best interests of our country. It is needless to say that, with senti- ments so coincident with my own, our co-operation has been cordial in the extreme. I have the honor to send copies of a correspondence with him on the - subject of State militia.* I deem it essential that these troops should be organized and in some degree drilled now, in order that they may-meet the invasion which should beexpected in November next, if not before. * Not found Page 65 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 65 7. Gonscrijpts.I have done all in my power to send conscripts out of the State to their regiments in the field, but with little success. I found the system of detailing such conscripts as had teams to haul cotton for Government contractors in full operation, and I have not been able to get even an account of them. The conscript service here is under the orders of the lieutenant-gen- eral commanding the department. I think it ought to be nuder those of the commanding officer of this district. It was so thought by Major [J. P.] Flewellyn, late superintendent of conscripts, and recommended, but nothing has been heard Qf it since. Major Flewellyn resigned, and there being no one to take his place, I assigned Col. John S. Ford to the position, being under the impression that he was a colonel in the Provisional Army. I have learned since that the Secretary of War has decided adversely to Colonel Fords claims to rank, and therefore he is out of service. This is only a minor, however. In the meantime, I beg that Col. John S. Ford may be assigned to duty here as superintendent of conscripts, with such rank as the law allows the Executive to confer upon him. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDETh Major- General, Commanding District, & c. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS, Houston, fLex., June 8, 1863. List of recommendations by Major-General Magruder for promotions and appointments: Brig. Gen. W. R. Scurry, from Texas, to be major-general. Leon Smith, from Texas, to be commander in the navy. Col. X. B. Debray, from Texas, to be brigadier-general. Col. P. N. Luckett, from Texas, to be brigadier-general. Col. S. P. Bankhead, from Virginia, to be brigadier-general. Col. Thomas Green, from Texas, to be brigadier-general. Maj. A. G. Dickinson, assistant adjutant and inspector general, Vir- ginia, to be lieutenant-colonel in that department. V. Sulakowski, from Louisiana, to be colonel of artillery. C. G. Forshey, from Texas, to be lieutenant-colonel of artillery. J. Kellersberg, from Texas~ to be lieutenant-colonel of artillery. Maj. 0. M. Watkins, from Louisiana, to be lieutenant-colonel, Adju- tant and Inspector Generals Department. Capt. E. P. Turner, from Virginia, to be major and assistant adjutant- general. Private N. B. Sligh, from Louisiana, to be captain and assistant adju- tant-general. Henry Pendleton, from Virginia, to be major and quartermaster, vice Major Minter, promoted to the staff of Lieutenant-General Smith. First Lient. George A. Magruder, jr., from Virginia, to be major of artillery, to command a battalion of light artillery. First Lieut. H. M. Stanard, from Virginia, to be captain and assistant adjutant-general. J. Adair Murray, from Texas, to be first lieutenant and aide-de-camp. Capt. Charles M. Mason, from Texas, to be major of artillery, to com- mand marine artillery. First Lient. E. Burke, from Texas, to be captain and assistant quar- termaster. R RYOL XXYI7 PT U Page 66 66 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL First Lient. William E. Gibson, from Virginia, to be captain light artillery. First Lient. William iR. Jones, from Virginia, to be captain light artillery~ The two last-named officers are West Pointers. First Lient. H. lvi. Stringfellow, from Virginia, to be captain light artillery. Capt. S. T. Fontaine, from Texas, to be major of artillery, now acting assistant chief of artillery Eastern Sub-District. Lient. Col. H. C. MeNeill, Fifth Texas ~[ounted Rifles, to be trans. ferred to the Adjutant and Inspector Generals Department, with same rank. Capt. George B. Wilson, from Texas, to be major of artillery. First Lient. Charles Hill, from Virginia. to be major of artillery, act- ing assistant chief of artillery Western Sub-District. Capt. W. S. Good, from Texas, to be major of artillery, on ordnance duty at present at Houston, in charge of depot and constructing can- non, & c.; an excellent officer. J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Gommanding District. [Inclosure No. 2.] INSPECTOR-GENERALS OFFICE, TRANS-MISS DEPT Lient. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Shreveport, June 15,1863. - Gomdg. Trans-Mississippi Dopartment~ Shreveport, La.: GENERAL: In answer to your inquiry as to the particulars of the dis- satisfaction that existed in Colonel Phillips regiment, Texas Cavalry, at the time of my inspection, in reply, I have to state that I met Col- onel Phillips and Captain Durant in advance of their command; they had started to come to Shreveport, to lay their respective views before the commanding general. Upon consulting me upon the matter, I told Captain Durantwho said he represented a certain number of men and officersthat he was entirely in the wrong, the complaint being that Colonel Phillips had been appointed a colonel to command them, without any authority to do so, and the same regarding the other field officers, contending that they had a right to elect their officers. I examined the orders by Gen- eral Magruder forming the regiment, and told Captain Durant that if General Magruder had exceeded his powers he was responsible to the War Department, and that his business, as the law was clearly not with him, was to obey. The law referred to was that granting to all companies, battalions, and regiments the right to reorganize and elect, within a certain time, all of their officers (October 11, 1862, I think, is the time), and that his (Captain Dnrants) and the others having been at that time independ- ent companies, and being thrown subsequently into a regimental organ- ization, it was to be presumed that General Magruder had the author- ity to do so, and, if to do so, to appoint the field officers, for which exercise of authority he was responsible solely to his superiors, having infringed clearly upon no rights of theirs. The captain professed himself satisfied with my decision, and signified his intention to abide therein. The command crossed the Sabine, and were inspected by me in Loni- ~iana~ and I left them in, as I thought better condition? as to disci Page 67 CHAP. XXXVIJ1.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 67 line and satisfaction, than what they had been represented to me as having been. No outrage at all was committed upon the person or property of the colonel that I heard of. The colonel told me that the whole trouble, he thought, had arisen from a few ambitious and dissatisfied officers; that the men were easily enongh managed. When I left him, I apprehended no farther trouble to him from these causes. I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BEN. ALLSTON, Colonel, and Inspector- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. TRANS Mississi~~i DEPARTMENT, No. 20. Shrevejport, La., June 16, 1863. In obedience to instructions from the Secretary of War, it is hereby announced, that in future no substitute for a soldier in service will be received, unless the substitution first have the approval of the general commanding the army or the department to which the soldier belongs. By command of Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. [JuNE 16, 1863.For Smith to Davis, in relation to affairs in Trans- Mississippi Department, see Series 1, Vol XXII, Part II, p. 871.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, C. S. A., Richmond, June 17, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War : SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information an extract from a dispatch of the 21st March last, addressed to this depart- ment by J. A. Quinterro, esq., confidential agent of the Confederate States to Northeastern Mexico, relative to military affairs on that frontier. A copy of the papers which accompanied Mr. Qainterros dispatch is also inclosed. ~ I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient se~rvant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State. [Thclosure.] MONTEREY, March 21, 1863. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Richmo~nd: SIR: * * * I last evening received by express a communication from. General Bee, stating that on the night of the 14th instant the Rio Grande was crossed by parties unknown, and a number of persons taken prisoners, among whom, it is said, was Col. E. J. Davis. This happened at the mouth of said river, in Mexico. General Lopez, of Tamaulipas, nas made a demand for the release of Colonel Davis, but as the persons who have acted in this matter are unknown, the prisoners cannot be found, and General Bee had no knowledge or connivance in the affair, it is to be - presumed that the investigation ordered by him and the punishment of * Not found Page 68 68 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. the guilty parties (if discovered) will be satisfactory to the authorities of Mexico. I append General Bees communication to me, and his reply to Governor Lopezs demand, marked A and B. Immediately upon the reception of the above-mentioned dispatch, I called on General Vidaurri, and informed him of the occurrence at the month of the river. He told me he was not surprised to hear of it he expected it as a natural consequence of the favors shown by the Mexican authorities to the United States consul at Matamoras, and the vagabonds he has recruited, to join the United States Army. He believes this affair to be a good offi~et to the Zapata raid on Texas. He says that some of the authorities in Tamaulipas are, like those at the capital of Mexico, controlled by an unprovoked hostility to the Confed- eracy, thinking themselves capable not only to cope with France but with the Southern States. He laughs at their conceit and ignorance. I learn by private letters from Brownsville that the city of Matamoras was, on the night of the 15th instant, in a blaze, on account of the viola. tion of the neutrality of Mexico; that bands of music paraded the streets with vivas to Lincoln and death to the Confederates. Governor Lopez was hissed at the theater because he feared the Confederates. It was understood that the trade with Texas would be stopped. I, however, am inclin& d to believe that matters are greatly exaggerated. I have decided not to act upon them until I receive direct official information from the Mexican authorities. The news has caused no excitement here. I am to send a correct ver- sion of the affair to the City of Mexico, San Luis, and other places. Should it be necessary for me to visit Matamoras again in order to have a peaceful settlement of our difficulties, I will immediately do so. I have ere this informed the Department about Col. E. J. Davis. He was formerly judge of the district court on the Lower Rio Grande. Soon after the secession of Texas, he left the State, and, in company of John L. Haynes, endeavored to array the Mexicans on the frontier against us. He afterward repaired to New Orleans, where he organized one of the lltnion regiments, composed of Texas renegades, which, under GeneralsiBanks and Hamilton, were to invade Texas. The capture of Galveston by the Confederates disconcerted their plans. Colonel Davis at the time of his arrest was at the mouth of the Rio Grande, with his family, and several deserters from our army, whom he was to take on board of a Federal vessel to New Orleans to join his regiment. During his stay in Matamoras he was lionized. The neutrality of the city was violated, it becoming a recruiting office for our enemies, and the men were not only enlisted, but drilled in open day and marched to the coast as soldiers. Colonel Davis was a bitter enemy of our cause. Owing to his former position, and many acquaintances among the Mexicans on the fronfier, he was calculated to do great harm to Texas. One Mr. Montgomery, aide-de-camp to General Hamilton, was captured with him. I have reasons to believe that they will not commit treason again in this world. They are permanently located in the soil of the country. Deserving as their fate has been, the occurrence at the mouth of the river is deeply to be regretted, as it may lead to new complications. Many of the merchants here complain that their cotton has been de- tained at Eagle Pass by order of General Magruder, on the ground that the permits for their exportation are not based upon contracts. These merchants, however, have tak~en many supplies to the interior of Texas, and have permits from General Bee showing the quantity of cotton they are entitled to. I am at a loss to know how said permits are now disre- carded Page 69 CHAP. XXXVIII.1 COI~kE~PONDI~NOE, ~TC.OO~iPE1)ERATE. (39 Since I first came to Monterey, both Governor Vidaurri and myself have been untiring in our efforts to encourage commerce between Mexico and Texas. Many of the merchants, upon my own representations, have engaged in the business, and I think they ought to be allowed to export the cotton which legitimately belongs to them, otherwise the new restriction will be a death-blow to the commerce of the frontier. There is great excitement here about it, and it will be with some difficulty that confidence is restored. Ihave, & c.; J. A. QUINTERRO. EXHIBIT A. HEADQUARTERS WESTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, March 16, 1863. Hon. J. A. QUINTERRO, C. S. Commissioner, Monterey, Mexico: SIR: As various incorrect and exaggerated rumors of the recent occurrences on the line of the Rio Grande will doubtless reach you, circulated with unscrupulous zeal by our enemies, and calculated, if not refuted, to interfere with our earnest desire to produce and main- tain harmony and kindly feeling between the Mexican and Confederate authorities on this frontier, I hasten to send you a statement of the facts so far as they are known to me. You are well aware of the fact that the United States consul at Mata- moras has for months openly used his office and position to recruit troops for the United States Army from among the Mexican population and the renegades from this State; also, that no effort has been spared by him and his emissaries to demoralize the troops of the Confederate States, and to seduce them from their allegiance. Of late, so unblush- ingly, so unreservedly has this been done as to be the subject of general conversation. I took occasion, as you are aware, to warn Governor Lopez, of Tamaulipas, of what I feared would be the inevitable conse- quences should he permit the said consul to continue such unlawful prac- tices. His course was not checked, and those enlisted by him for the United States Army, emboldened by the impunity granted hitn, became so insulting and vaingloriously boastful as to render their taunts, both in words and action, wholly i:isupportable. Notwithstanding my most positive orders ,and strenuous efforts to induce my troops and fellow- citizens to bear with patience their manifold insults and threats, I am pained to say that my exertions have failed, and that on the night of the 14th instant the Rio Grande was crossed by parties unknown, and a number of persons taken prisoners; among them, it is said, was Judge or Col. E. J. Davis. Governor Lopez has demanded of me the release of Colonel Davisa demand which at present it is utterly impossible for to me to comply with, inasmuch as he is not and has not been in my custody or under my con- trol. Those who have acted in this matter having done so without authority, and contrary to my well-known instructions and wishes, from motives of personal safety keep their names and prisoners (if there are any such) most carefully concealed. I have ordered an investigation of the affair, in the hope of discovering the guilty parties, so as to bring them to punishment. Until I receive the report, it is impossible for me to do more than disavow in the most emphatic manner any knowledge of or connivance in the affair. Governor Lopez also makes a complaint that Capt. S. Benavides crossed the river and made an attack upon Nuevo Laredo. Of this I have no further knowledge than the statement made by the Governor Page 70 F10 W. tLA., S.. ALA., S MISS., LA., WX., N. MhX. [CHAP. ~J~X VIII. I shall demand a report of Captain Benavides of this affair, and you may depend npon my doing ample justice to all parties. I also inclose you a copy of my letter to Governor Lopez, in reply to his letter of complaint and demand. I desire that you will lay these facts before Governor Vidaurri, and assure him of my sincere regret at their occurrence and my most posi tive disavowal and disapproval of them. I am, most respectfully, & c., II. P. BEE, Brigadier-General, Provisionat Army. EXHIBIT B. HEADQUARTERS WESTERN Sun-DISTRICT OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, ]Iliarch 16, 1863. His Excellency ALBINO LOPEZ, Governor of fIamaulipas: SIR: I had the honor to receive at 7 oclock last evening your com- munication of that date, and hasten to assure you of my great regret that the events of which you inform me should have occurred. The arrest of the person you call Macdoch occurred when I was per- sonally present at the Boca del Rio, and under circumstances that I thought gave me the right to make the afrest. The boat was within a few feet of the left bank of the river, and within what I deemed to be the jnrisdiction of Texas. I will, with the permission of Your Excel- lency, take a little more time to examine the questions involved, and in- form Your Excellency of my determination. It is proper, however, to state that the person arrested claims to be a citizen of the Confed- erate States, and has a passport from those authorities, and I am at a loss P5 see in what way he claims any other protection. The conduct of Capt. Santos Benavides at Nuevo Laredo will be officially inquired into so soon as I receive his report. Your note conveyed to me the only information I have on that subject. As to the unfortunate occurrence at the Boca del Rio on yesterday, I have the honor to assure Your E~cel1ency that neither as commanding general nor as an individual did I know anything about the affair until after it occurred. I disavow the act as a military move~iient by the sol- diers of the Confederate States, and tender to you, as the representative of the authorities of Mexico, my regret at its occurrence and my disa- vowal of all intent on the part of the authority that I represent to offer any indignity to the Mexican Government; audi also assure Your Excel- lency that I will use every means in my power to punish the offenders. The occurrence may be considered the legitimate result of the scan- dalous conduct of the consul of the United States in openly enlisting soldiers for the military service of that Government in the streets of Matamoras, in defiance and contempt of the neutrality of Mexico. It was a collision that might have been expected to occur at any moment, when only a narrow river divided two bodies of men, both essentially military in their organization and embittered by the sanguinary nature of the struggle between their nationalities, as I had tbe honor to warn -Your Excellency in a personal interview as most likely to ensue. Yet, so determined was I that no conflict should arise, that upon the appear- ance of the Federal transport off the mouth of the river, and the conse- quent necessity on my part to strengthen the picket at that place, I went there in person, in hopes that the obnoxious party would embark for their destination, and that thus all danger ofa collision would be Page 71 OEtAr. ~k~VIIi. I eORRESt~OND1~NCt~, ETC.- CON1~ED$RA~E. 71 avoided. The weather, unforj~unately, prevented this consummation, and my public duties called me to Port Isabel, where I was at the time of this occurrence. It is due to myself to state that, although the conduct of the soldiers of the United States on the Mexican side of the river was calculated to incense and enrage my troops, all sorts of insulting messages and epithets being sent across the river, yet my orders were most positive to prevent all illegal crossing, and my troops were urged to bear with calmness, for the honor of their country, all these outrages. I have ordered a military commission to sit at once, to examine all the facts connected with this affair, and to endeavor to ascertain who were con- cerned in it, for up to this time I have failed to obtain any official knowledge on these points. The action being without orders, the par- ticipants, for their own safety, seek all possible concealment, and only by a military investigation can the truth be elicited. The prisoners spoken of by you are not in my possession, but are evidently concealed by those who captured them. Proper steps are being taken to ascertain where they are, and when that shall be ascertained, Your Excellency will be informed of my determination. I have deemed it proper to make this hurried statement without wait- ing for the official facts, in deference to Your Excellencys urgent request for a speedy answer, and that no time might be lost in tendering my official disavowal of the proceedings. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIssIsSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 17, 1863. General S. COOPER, Richmond: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward herewith Major-General Taylors report of the operations of his forces in Northern Louisiana, from the 3d to the 8th of June. I respectfully call the attention of the War Department to the ability and energy displayed by that gallant officer in the discharge of his duties as district commander. Major-General Walkers division, Tappans brigade, together with Colonel [Isaac F.] Harrisons and Colonel [Frank A.] Bartletts com- mands of cavalry, are still in the country opposite Yicksburg. Major- General Taylor, with his forces in Lower Louisiana, is personally super- intending the operations on this side ot~ the Mississippi for the relief of Port Hudson. He has been instructed to throw provisions into Port Hudson and Yicksburg whenever it is possible to do so. Under my instruction, he has placed himself in communication with General John- ston, and he will use every effort to co-operate with him in his opera- tions for the defense and relief of Yicksburg and Port Hudson. E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston,~ lex., June 17, 1863. Brigadier-General BEE, Gommanding Western Sub-District: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 12th of June, 1863, and ift repl Page 72 72 w. ThA., s. ALA:, S. IVtI~S., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (ChAr. XXXVIIL to state that you will come no farther east, but will remain at Kings ranch, unless you have advanced beyor~d that place. If ~o, and are near Goliad, you will remain at Goliad. The general has sent to you, by express (special messenger), orders on two occasions to remain on the Rio Grande, as he wished you to re- main at Fort Brown. He is astonished that neither of these orders has reached you, and regrets it much. I have the honor to inclose a copy of a letter of ~this date, addressed to Col. P. N. Luckett, supposed to be at or near Columbus, Tex. I also send a copy of an order given Major [John E.] Garey, quartermaster at Alleyton.* You will await further orders at Kings ranch,if you are not at Goliad. The general wishes you to send a courier, acknowledging re- ceipt of this order, directly through to him at Houston. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- (Jeneral. [P. S4.The general wishes you to state why the orders directing you to remain on the Rio Grande have not been complied with. [Inclosure.] HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex, June 17, 1863. Col. P. N. LUCKETT, Commanding Regiment: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 13th June, 1863, and in reply to state that the news of the enemy having crossed the Mississippi did away with the necessity of the troops from the Western Sub-District statiQn on the Rio Grande being removed to this sub-district; and that, in consequence of this, orders were sent for them to be halted and placed in camp at a point as near the Western frontier as possible (reported by Brigadier-General Bee to he threatened), as there was, and is now, a strong probability of their having to retrace their steps. The order having failed to reach you in time for these troops (except- ing your regiment) to be placed by you in camp near Kings ranch, the major-general commanding directs that you at once cause the two regi- ments of Woods and Buchel to be halted, and placed in camp at the first point on the route they reach at which they ~can subsist with cer- tainty, and that the ranking officer take command of this as a brigade, and Colonel Buchel be made executive officer, with directions that he put this camp in good order and condition, and establish such disci- pline as to secure their entire efficiency in-the shortest possible time. These troops will remain in camp under the command of these offi- cers until further orders from these headquarters, and always kept ready to take up the line of march at-very short notice. The commanding officer of these regiments will be directed by you to send out officers to concentrate the supplies, referred to by you, which were sent forward from the Rio Grande, and will collect them at his camp for the subsistence of his command. In the event of the commanding officer of these troops not being able to select a good place for encampment, they may proceed as far as Co- lumbus (which, by the way, is not desired, the major-general command- ing wishing them to halt as far west as possible), and, in this event, Major Garey, quartermaster and commissary of subsistence, has been Not fouud Page 73 ~IIAI~. X~kVIII.] CORI~ESPONDENCE, 1~CON1~ZD1~RATE. directed to lay in the necessary snpplies for these two regiments in ad- dition to your own. The general directs that yon remain with your regiment at Columbfls, in camp, until further orders from these headquarters. You will send back a courier to Brigadier-General Bee, informing him of your position, & c., and acknowledge the receipt and execution of this order to these headquarters by the courier who bears this letter. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Li8t of commanders of divisions, brigades, and regiments in the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Rank. Name. Station. Command. Remarks. Major-general Brigadier-general. - Do J. B. Magruder H. P. Bee W. R. Scnrry - Colonel 5. P. Bankliend. Headquarters, Houston. Headquarters, Brownsville. Headquarters, Houston. San Antonio.. Districtof Texas, New Mexico,and Arizona Western Sub-District of Texas. Eastern Sub-District of Texas. Post Do - -. X. B. Debray --- Galveston - . . - Post and regiment cavalry. Do P. N. Lnckett - - - Fort Brown. - - Post and Third Texas Infantry. Do W. R. Bradfnte - CorpnsChristi Do J.J.Cook Do Do Do Do- - - Do -. - Do Do Do Do Do - . - Do Do Do Do P. C. Woods C.L.Pyron Galveston - Brownsville - - Galveston - - - - J.Bates Velasco H. M. Elmore Galveston - - - - A. M. Hobby. - - CorpnsChristi E. J. Gnrley - -- Hempstead --- N. C. Gould Columbus- - - -. B. W. Stone Dallas - - - . . . -. G. W. Baylor. - - - Brenham P. Hardeman --- Victoria A. ~uchel Caricitas -. James Duff - . - Brownsville -. A. W. Terrell - - Navasota S. NI. Baird San An~onio~ - Do Joseph Phillips. Lieutenant-coloneL H. R. Brown - - -. Do A. W. Spaight - - Do A. H. Davidson. Columbus - Alleyton Sabine - . -. . - -. Colorado Co.. Post Regiment field artil- .lery. Regiment cavalry Regiment cavairySec- ond Mounted Rifles. Regiment cavalry, in- fantry, and artil- lery. Regiment infantry, Twentieth Texas. Regiment infantry, Eighth Texas. Regiment cavalry, Thirtieth Texas- Regiment cavalry, Twenty-third Texas. Regiment cavalry Regiment cavalry Regiment cavalry, First Regiment Ari- zona Brigade. Regiment cavalry, First Texas Rifles. Regiment cavalry Regiment cavalry - -- Regiment cavalry, Fourth Regiment, Arizona Brigade. Regiment cavalry, Third Regiment Arizona Brigade. Battalion cavalry - - -. Battalion mixed arms - Battalion cavalry - - - - Do. .. W. H. Griffin. - -, Galveston . - - - Battalion infantry. On sick leave. Under orders to estab- lish and command the Northern Sub- District, by direction of Lieutenant-Gen- eral Smith. Intemporarycommand of Eastern Sub-Dis- trict during absence of General Scurry. Under orders to march his command t6East- em Sub-District. In charge of coast de- fenses west. En route to Eastern Sub-District. En route for Louisiana. Do. E route to Northern Sub-District En route for Velasco. En route for Louisiana. Do. En route for Northern Sub-District. En route for Eastern Sub-District. Just organized. Organizing. En route for Louisiana. Ordered to Galveston. Do. First Battalion An- zonaBrigade ordered toNorthern Sub-Dis- trict. Ordered to Sabine. HaADQUAILTELtS, Iflouston, Tex.. June 17, 1$03 Page 74 74 W. PEA., S. ALA., ~. MISS., LA., mx., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII IIEA~DQUARTERS TRANS-MIS~IS~ippj DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 18, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas: GENERAL: Yours of the 6th, inclosing order* assuming command of the post at Nibletts Bluff, has been received, and I am directed by Lieu- tenant-General Smith to say your action is approved, and it being in the District of Texas, it will, of course, be under your command. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TILE GULF, Mobile, Ala., June 22, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp. Gen., Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: Since I have been in command here I there have been no occurrences of importance to report to the War Department. I cannot perceive in any direction hereabouts indications of an early attack upon Mobile. I learn to-day that re-enforcements have gone into the Missis- sippi. At Pensacola there are very few troops occupying the works, and they are organizing a battalion of negroes there. They have a few negro troops at Ship Island. There are very few troops in New Or. leans. No estimate places the force there above 2,000. The blockading squadron have been more active recently, and no steamer has come in during this dark moon, nor has the Alabama yet been able to venture out. The cotton for her cargo had been pur- chased in great part before I arrived here, and at prices above that fixed by the Government; the price of cotton continuing to rise, the balance of her cargo was made up at 27 or 28 cents. When the instruc. tions relative to limiting the price to 22 cents were received by me, the cargo had been bought by the Government agent (Mr. Scott), and the ship was ready to sail; to detain her would hav& involved very serious loss and consequences to the Government. I therefore agreed to let her go, the owners depositing $10,000 with the quartermaster, the dif- ference between the Government share at 22 cents and the price paid, which difference will be paid to Government, provided, after a full ex- planation of the facts, it is found proper to receive it. Were the two new irbu-clads, the Nashville and the Tennessee, now ready for service, we could not only break up the blockade, but we could probably cap- ture and hold New Orleans. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant DABNEY II. MAURY, llilajor- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, LA., June 22, 1863. Commanding District of Western Louisiana, Alexandria: GENERAL: I have just returned from my mission to General Johnston. I shall proceed to General Walkers headquarters to communicate to him the information received from General Johnston. * See Special Orders, No. 149, June 3, p. 31. t Maury assumed command of the Departmont of the Gulf on or about May 21. He was ordered from Knoxville, Term., to this command April 27 (see Series 1, Vol. XV, p. 1056), but on May 11 received leave of absence for ten days Page 75 ~I1AP. ~-x~YIII.) OOIUIESPONDENOE, ttO.~ONI~EDERATI~. 75 I regret to inform you that he considers the situation of Yicksbnrg eminently critical. Grant is being heavily re-enforced by Burnsides corps. This, added to his strength of position, renders the condition of Yicksburg, in General Johnstons opinion, almost hopeless. The greatest success he anticipates is the withdrawal of the garrison and its safety, but the difficulties in the way of his accomplishing even this are very great. General Johnston bias 25,000 men. Grant has certainly 80,000 and probably 100,000. General ~ troops are far from being the best, owing to causes which you may easily conjecture. Grant is intrenched in a naturally strong position, where he ought to whip an attacking force of double his numbers. To accomplish anything, it is extremely important that General John- ston should communicate with General Pemberton. He receives com- munications from him by men floating down the river at night, but can get none to him. He requests every effort to be made on this side to that end. He also desires that he may have ready means of communi- cation with you by way of Natchez, to which point the telegraph ex- tends. He suggests no other mode of your rendering him assistance than that already contemplated in your orders to General Walker and Colonel Harrison. General Johnston had news both from General Pem- berton and General Gardner up to Saturday, the 14th instant. The former reports some sickness in the garrison, twenty days provision and a want of percussion caps. The latter reports a scarcity of provis- ions and ammunition. General Johnston expressed himself highly gratified at your courtesy in sending to him your offer to co-operate with him in any manner he might desire, and requested me to assure you of his high personal - regard. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. LED. ELGEE. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Comdg. District of Texas, Houston: GENERAL: Please find inclosed copies of letters from the Secretary of War, Mr. Slidell, and the French minister of marine.* I am directed by Lieutenant-General Smith to call your attention to this correspond- ence, and that you will instruct Major Hart to ns~i every means in his power to have the cotton in the vicinity of Matamoras on the arrival of these vessels. The general is of the impression that these vessels are laden with arms, being those contracted for by Colonel Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, some time since, and hence the importance of every facility offered and means employed to have the cotton ready on their arrival. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., June 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of June 16, I am in-. structed by Major-General Magruder to inform you that he cordially * Not found Page 76 ~t6 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., T1~k., N. M~X. [CRAP. XXXVIIL indorses your views, and lias forwarded the letter to the lieutenant- general commanding Trans-Mississippi Department, with the request that he will give it his early and most favorable consideration. The major-general commanding directs also that in making impress- ments of cotton, if you should so act, you follow out the instructions of the impressment bill (a copy of which you will find inclosed) ~* The bill (section 1) provides that, Whenever the exigencies of an army in the field are such as to make irnpressments of * * * property absolutely necessary, such impressments may be made, & c. The arms are abso- lutely necessary, and cotton is absolutely necessary to procure them, and, until instructions of an explicit character are received from Lieu- tenant-General Smith, each officer must exercise his own judgment as to what is absolutely necessary for the army or for the procuring of ar- ticles necessary to an army. In making impressments of cotton, the general suggests that you impress the cotton of Government contractors in preference to that of other parties. He revokes all positive authority given by himself to impress cotton, but each officer must be guided by his own judgment in interpreting the impressment bill. The general also instructs me to say to you, general, that you can establish your headquarters at Corpus Christi, if you prefer it to Brownsville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. IIEADQUAgTERS WESTERN SUBDISTRICT OF TEXAS, Goliad, June 22, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P.. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, & c., Houston, Tex.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your c~mmuni- cation of June 17, 1863. The arrival of Colonel Gray, of my staff, at Houston, will, before this can reach you, have explained the position of matters with me; but I find a paragraph in your communication which calls for a response: The general wishes you to state why the orders directing you to remain on the Rio Grande have not been c~mplied with. As th~ inquiry conveys an intimation that I have disobeyed the or- ders of the general commanding, I hasten to place my answer on the record. I did not comply with these orders because I did not receive them until I had arrived at Kings ranch. I left Brownsville in compliance with orders to march my brigade to the eastern portion of the State, hav- ing delayed my departure in hopes of obtaining arms for the troops, of which delay I notified the general commanding, but before I could re- ceive any response, the necessity of my further delay was removed, and I hastened on to overtake my command. The positive order to remain on the Rio Grande reached me on the Medio Creek, 20 miles west from Goliad, but in view of the condition of my command, each regiment moving separately, and their supplies of ordnance, commissary, and quartermasters stores scattered from Fort Brown to Columbus, it Was necessary for me to remain at this place * Not found Page 77 LCHAP. xxxviii. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 77 until these difficulties could be obviated; my teams also required rest bafore returning across the plains. I trust that this explanation will be satisfactory to the general com- manding, and that he will, relieve me from the implied charge of dis- obedience of orders. I am ready to return to the Rio Grande and carry out the wishes of the genetal commanding. With great respect, I remain, your obedient servant II. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIsSIssIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport La., June 23, 1863. General COOPER, Adjutant and inspector General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose you a copy of a letter 1-eceived from Major-General Magruder, together with a copy of my reply. Major Hart has failed to have a sufficient amount of cotton at Browns- ville to secure the cargo of the vessel alluded to by Major-General Magruder. I am not acquainted with his operations, as he is not under my control, and I am afraid his failure so far has resulted in a great measure from his not co-operating with department officers. Your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] llnQRs. DIST. or TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, June 16, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. H. BOGGS, Chief .of Staff of Lieutenant.General Smith: SIR: I have the honor to inclose a letter from Mr. Bennett, a part owner of the steamer Sea Queen and cargo, in reference to this vessel and her cargo, now off the mouth of the Rio Grande. I am informed that this steamer is here in virtue of orders from her owners, or parties owning the cargo, who have entered into contract with the Secretary of War for army supplies, which contract contemplates that the payment for goods furnished under this contract shall be made in cotton. I have the honor to state that should the cotton not be ready to be de- livered in time, we shall lose, in my opinion, this and subsequent cargoes. I have decided not to impress cotton. The necessary quantity of cot. ton to pay for this cargo, in my judgment, can only be procured by im- pressment. Au order from the Department at Richmond, directing the necessary impressment, will, in all probability, arrive too late to secure this cargo, represented to be valuable, as the vessel will be anxious to leave at an early day. If, in view of these facts, the lieutenant-general command- ing determines to impress a sufficient quantity of cotton for the above purpose, and will send me the order, I will execute it with vigor and promptness. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Yfajor- General, Cornmandin Page 78 78 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. [Sub-Inclosure.] MATAMORAS, MEX., May 30, 1863. Major [SIMEON] HART, San Antonio: DEAR SIR: The Sea Queen arrived off the mouth of the Rio Grande, 20th instant, with a very important selection of goods, under Messrs. Bellot & Co.s contract. Arrangements have been made through Messrs. Melmo for the land- ing of the cargo, and I have every reason to believe the whole will be stored in Messrs. Melmos warehouse within the next fourteen days, and the vessel ready to receive cotton. The gentlemen in charge of the goods are anxious to hear from you as to the qnantity of cotton you will be able to send forward within the next six weeks, as the detention of the ship will involve serious ex- pense, she being a powerful steamer, having made the run out from England in twenty-six days. She will carry about 1,800 to 2,000 bales. I am, dear sir, yours, faithfully, JAMES J. BENNETT. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, & c., Houston, Tex.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let- ter of the 16th instant. It is very important to the interests of the Government, and especially to the interests of this department; that the cargo of the Sea Queen be secured, if it consists of munitions of war. You will, thereibre, im- press a sufficient quantity of cotton to secure her cargo, if you ascer- tain it consists of munitions of war, and have it transported to the Rio Grande as soon as practicable. In all cases where the exigencies of the service make it necessary in your district to resort to impressment, you will make impressments in accordance with the act, without first referring the matter to these headquarters. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS WESTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF TEXAS, Goliad, June 23, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, & c., Houston, fLex.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation dated Houston, June 15, 1863. I have forwarded a copy of said dispatch to Maj. Charles Russell, quar- termaster at Fort Brown, with instructions to make a special report upon the manner in which my command has been fitted out, which I will promptly transmit to the general commanding as soon as received. In advaatco of the receipt of that report, allow me to say that th Page 79 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 79 pressure of the contractors, King & Kennedy, on Major Hart is easily to be accounted for. Their contract did not go into effect until the 1st of June, yet as Major Hart had left the command on the Rio Grande without supplies, and with a credit perfectly prostrated in the market of Matamoras, it became necessary to call on these contractors for sup- plies for the month of May, and two months supplies for the troops ordered to Louisiana, thus calling at once for three months supplies, even before their contract commenced. I also ordered that a years supply of clothing should be purchased for the troops ordered into the field. I thought this a wise precaution, -as experience had taught the difficulty of getting clothing when troops are distant from the source of supply, and the sufferings of the Texas troops in Arkansas last winter for the want of clothing, the urgent ap- peals from these regiments to their friends to send wherewith to shelter them from the snow and ice, and the fa%I~t that carpets, curtains, & c., were freely sent, was so fresh in my mind that I sought to prepare against such contingencies. The clothing is no more than would have had to be furnished in the year, the difference being that it was done at once, for which I felt under obligations to the patriotic contractors, and did not suppose that I should incur the criticism of Major Hart. With great respect, I remain, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS WESTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF TEXAS, Goliad, June 23, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, & e., Houston, fLex.: SIR: I respectfully submit the following suggestions for the consid- eration of the general commanding: The regiments of Woods and Buchel are ordered to the vicinity of Kings ranch, to establish a camp, & c. There is no permanent water nearer than the Aqua Dulce, say 20 miles east of that point, whieh is the nearest convenient point. The supply of water there, although abun- dant is formed only in pools, as the stream does not run; consequently there is more danger of sickness than on a running stream. A camp established on one of the running streams of Bee County would embrace the following advantages: Pure running water, afford- ing facilities for bathing; good grass and shade; proximity to the corn- fields of the San Antonio River, where corn is abundant and cheap, thus enabling the cavalry and batt~ry horses to be put in condition to move to any point needed, with certainty of arriving, whereas if fed only on grass the battery horses at least will not be fit for service after a march, they being large American horses, which absolutely require corn to en- able them to do good service. The difference between feeding on corn and grass will more than compensate for the difference in distance. A camp of instruction to be formed, at which all troops adjacent migli be encamped, as well as the militia to be called ont from this section of country. I would further suggest that so soon as I may have accom- plished the wishes of the general commanding oti the Rio Grande, I be allowed to assume command of the camp, thus familiarizing the troops to their commander and the commander to his troops, a position I have never occupied since I have been in the army; that the companies now detached from Woods and Bi~chels regiments be ordered to return V Page 80 80 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL them for the object of acquiring the drill and duties of soldiers, thereby adding greatly to the efficiency of the regiments. I believe that if these suggestions shouldbe adopted, I can promise the general cornmanding a brigade as efficient and reliable as is to be found in the army. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H.P. BEE, Brigadier. General, Provisional Army. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND Auiz., No. 97. Houston, Te~r., June 23, 1863. The State of Texas having been divided into three military sub- districts, their geographical limits are defined to be as follows: I. The Eastern Sub-District, under the command of Brig. Gen. W. B. Scurry, comprises that portion of the State included between the Sabine River on the east and a line commencing at Watsons Ferry on the Sabine and running along the southern boundary of Panola, Rusk, Cherokee, Anderson, Freestone, and Limestone Counties, to Marlin, Falls County, on the Brazos; thence up the Brazos to McLennan, and thence along the western boundary of Falls, Bell, Williamson, Travis, Bastrop, Fayette, Colorado, Wharton, and Matagorda Couuties, to Pass Cavallo, on the Gulf of Mexico, but excluding Pass Cavallo. II. The Western Sub-District, under the command of Brig. Gen. H. P. Bee, comprises that portion of the State bounded on the east by the Eastern Sub-District, np to the southern boundary of McLennan County, on the Brazos; thence by the Brazos River to Fort Belknap, and thence by a line drawn due north to Red River, and thence to the extreme western limits of the State, inclusive. III. The Northern Sub-District, under the command of Acting Brig. Gen. S. P. Bankhead, comprises the remainder of the State, north of the Eastern and east of the Western Sub-Districts. By command of Maj. Gen. 3. Bankhead Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 24, 1863. Maj. SIMEON HART, Assistant Quartermaster, San Antonio, Tex.: MAJOR: I inclose you a list of articles ~ required for the service of the ordnance department. Major Minter will very soon send you a list of articles required for the service of the quartermasters department. He says he furnished you with a list iu February last for the quartermas- ters department of the District of Texas, and if you will so increase it as to supply Louisiana and Arkansas, it will be satisfactory. Mr. S. Simpson, who represents himself as the agent for several large commercial associations in Great Britain, has said to me he is willing to buy cotton in this or other localities with sterling exchange, so as to enable you to pay for foreign cargoes. This will relieve you from the difficulty of transportation to Matamoras. There are about 20,000 bales of cotton in this vicinity purchased by the sub-ag~nts of the. Treasury List oruitte~i Page 81 CHAP. XXXVHL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 81 Department. The sub-agent here seems to think you would have no control of this cotton. I am not fully advised as to your authority to dispose of this. As I am informed your chief difficulty in securing cargoes of foreign goods and in fulfilling your contracts is in getting cotton to Browns- ville, it seems to me it would be judicious to enter into some arrange- ment with Mr. Simpson or other I)arties to exchange cotton in the in- terior for sterling bills or for foreign goods. I presume the War Department has furnished you with lists of articles to be purchased. The list which I inclose, as well as that of Major Minter, referred to, has in view the supply of the preseiit wants of this department without reference to the lists that may have been sent you from Richmond. Your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MARINE DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, Houston, June 24, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston, Tex.: CAPTAIN: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 164 (Paragraph XII), Headquarters District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, Hous- ton, June 18, 1863, I have the honor to report the following as the pres- ent condition of the gunboat fleet: There are no gunboats on the station at Galveston; the Bayou City and Diana both at Harrisburg, awa;iting orders, and ready to steam up at a moments notice. The Bayou City has no armament. I trust or- ders may issue to provide her with guns at the earliest moment. The Diana has two brass 24-pounder howitzers, 50 rounds ammunition, in charge of Lieutenant [II.] Connor, and detachment of 20 men of Com- pany B, Cooks regiment artillery. The Uncle Ben is engaged in removing obstructions at the mouth of the Sabine River. She is armed with two 12-pounder iron guns, 70 rounds ammunition; one 12-pounder mountain howitzer, 43 rounds am- munition, in charge of ~I1aptain [K. IX] Keith, Company B, Spaights battalion. The J. H. Bell, at Sabine Pass, has one 24-pounder iron gun, 50 roulids ammunition; one 12-pounder mountain howitzer, under Cap- tain [F. H.] Odium, Company F, Cooks regiment artillery. These men are well drilled and disciplined. There is not sufficient space on the deck of the Uncle Ben to ma- neuver the two 12-pounder iron guns to advantage. I would respect- fully request that, if possible, another gun be substituted; also, if practicable, long-range guns may be ordered to the J II. Bell and Bayou City. The efficiency of all the boats would be greatly increased if it is possible to furnish them guns of heavier metal and longer range than those they now have in position. The steamboats John F. Carr and Mary Hill are being fitted up at Lynchburg for service in Matagorda Bay. They will be ready in a few days. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. M. MASON, - Major, and Chief of Marine Artillery. 6 B BVOL XXYI~ PT I Page 82 82 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXXVIII. [Indorsement.] Why are both the gunboats, Bayou City and Diana, at Harrisburg? What number of men, what ammunition, and what small-arms are on board, or attached to each of the gunboats? There are no long.range or heavier guns to be spared for these boats, except the Nicholl guns, which may be used for this purpose on the gunboats in Galveston Bay. Major Mason will cause this to be done without delay; suitable detach- ments detailed. I will see that they are well drilled at these Nicholl guns, and will report upon the same as soon as they are so drilled, reporting, in the meantime, his progress in carrying out this order. J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, ]Ift~jor. General, Commanding. Abstract from morning report of the cavalry and mounted infantry, Col. John L. Logan, C. S. Army, commanding, for June 25, 1863; headquarters, near Clinton, La. 0 Present fort ~ duty. ~ a a Command. ~ a0 ~ ~ be a ~ [5 a ~ S a ~ bt [C ~ [C [U 0 11th and 17th Arkansas Regiments (consolidated) 9th Tennessee Battalion of Cavalry Cochrans battalion of cavalry Garlands battalion of cavalry 116 1, 178 1, 296 1, 571 2, 470 hughes battalion of cavalry Stockdales battalion or cavalry Roberts section of artillery HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., June 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. 111. Boa~s, Chief of Stafi: GENERAL: I have the honor to request that the lieutenant-general commanding will order the guns of the Harriet Lane to be retutned to Galveston, in consideration of the following reasons: I am reliably informed that the Red River is now so low that it will be impossible for the iron-clad ram Missouri (now at Shreveport, and for which these guns are intended) to proceed be1~ow for some time, probably six months. Besides, there is a probability of Galveston being attacked, and these guns, which can be of no service on the iron-clad now, would materially assist in the defense of that city, where there is a great want of heavy guns. Lieutenant Wharton, C. S. Navy, is now en route for Shreveport with these guns, and I respectfully request that he be ordered to return them to Galveston. If I am given two months notice that the guns are wanted for the iron-clad, I can have them removed from Galveston and transported to Shreveport. Inclosed I send two communications on the subject,* which you will please lay before the lieutenant-general. From the letter of Mr. Henry ~ Not identified Page 83 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 83 to Maj. Leon Smith, I infer that the Missouri is already armed, and if such be the case, I respectfully request that these guns be ordered back, to remain in Galveston permanently. The importance of placing Gal- veston in a complete state of defense is so paramount that I suggest my suggestions and requests may meet with.the earliest and most favorable consideration. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. IIDQRs. DIST. OF TEXAS, INEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., June 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE, Commanding, & c.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of the 22d instant, and in reply would beg to state that you are under a misapprehension in regard to the inquiry made of you in re- gard to remaining on the Rio Grande. In this connection, permit me to say that no chalge of disobedience of orders or any reflection of any kind was intended. In the hurry of business, I omitted to state what would have been an explanation of the whole matter. The general forwarded by express from time to time as many as four or five communications, beginning with the 1st of June, or thereabouts, expressing a wish that you should remain on the Rio Grande, and was perfectly astounded when he received your communication of the 11th June, from Kings ranch, stating that you had not received a letter from him or order of any kind since his arrival in Houston. The ques. tion of express was fully discussed, with warmth, too, I assure you, and in this connection he bade me at the conclusion of his letter to you to ask you why you had not complied with the orders, & c., with the view of thus determining whether the contractors had performed their duty in carrying the public documents promptly. On fihding out from an- other source that matters were not properly conducted by the express line, he ordered me to cause the contract to be annulled and a new one advertised for. The major-general commanding, entertaining as he does for you the kindest feelings as well as the highest appreciation of your soldierly qualities, as also of your promptness and alacrity in the discharge of all your duties, would be the last one to intentionally say anything which would imply a disobedience of orders by you; far from it, I as- sure you, general. The information was desired as evidence against the express line, knowing that his communication should have reached you before ~Aie 11th of June. With good wishes, & c., I am, general, very respectfully, EDMUND P. TURNER. [P. 5.3No explanation was asked for or was necessary to be made by Colonel Gray in regard to the matter; it was Pllly understood by the general Page 84 84 w. FLA., s. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXYIIL GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIz.., No. 100. f Houston, Tex., June 25, 1863. I. The following will be the field organization of the troops of this district: FIR~T DIVISION. Brig. Gen. II. P. Bee commanding; headquarters, Brownsville, Tex. First Brigade. Woods regiment, Thirty.second Texas Cavalry. Buchels regiment, First Texas Mounted Rifles. Duffs regiment, Thirty-third Texas Cavalry. Hobbys regiment, Eighth Texas Infantry. Wilikes battalion light artillery (four companies). Second Brigade. Col. and Acting Brig. Gen. S. P. Bankhead; headquarters, Boit ham, Tex. Hardemans regiment, Texas cavalry. Gurley~s regiment, Texas cavalry. Terrells regiment, Texas cavalry. Krumbhaars battery mountain howitzers. Six companies Texas State troops (infantry). SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. W. H. Scurry, commanding; headquarters, Houston, Tex. First Brigade. (Jol. and Acting Brig. Gen. P. N. Luckett; headquarters, on the line of the railroads, or at the terminus of any of the same. Lucketts regiment, Third Texas Infantry. Goulds regiment, Twenty- third Texas cavalry. Browns battalion, Texas cavalry. ~ Texas infantry. Fontaines battalion light artillery. Second Brigade. Col. and Acting Brig. Gen. X. B. Debray; headquarters, Galves. ton, Tex. Debrays regi~nent, Texas cavalry. Cooks regiment, heavy artillery. Elmores regiment, Twentieth Texas Infantry. A bats battery, light artillery. Moseleys battery, light artillery. Howes company, heavy artillery (sappers and miners). II. The commanding officers of all corps now in this district not mentioned above will immediately report their stations, strength, & c., to these headquarters, for assignment to the proper brigade. - III.. The cavalry of this district will be thoroughly drilled as infantry. To secure efficiency, they will be required to drill twice as infantry for every time they drill as cavalry; and, to secure uniformity in drill, th Page 85 Cair. XXXYIII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 85 commanding officers are directed to use ilardees Infantry Tactics for infantry. The troops are required to drill at least twice a day. IV. Organization of trooPs will be made only by the major-general commanding the district. Brigadier-generals who have troops in their commands requiring organization, will submit the plans to these head- quarters for approval. By command of Maj. Gem J Bankhead Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MExIco, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., June 26, 1863. Lient. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 22d instant, by courier yesterday afternoon, and, in compliance with your instructions, I have directed Colonel [P.] Har- deman, commanding First Regiment, Arizona Brigade (now en route for Bonham, Tex.), and Lieutenant-Colonel [A. H.] Davidson, command- ing First Battalion, Arizona Brigade, to forward immediately to these headquarters muster-rolls of their respective commands, in order that I may transmit them at once to your headquarters. This is the only portiou of the Arizona Brigade now within the limits of my command, with the exception of two companies of the Fourth Regiment, Colonel [S. M.] Baird commanding, which regiment was to have been raised in New Mexico and Arizona, but is still incomplete. Your communications relative to the shipments of cotton to the Rio Grande to pay for supplies brought by the French vessels, and contain- ilig letters from Mr. Slidell and the Secretary of War on the subject, were also received and referred to Maj. S. Hart; but nothing can be done, general, unless you give orders for the impressment of cotton. I am, & c., J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 26, 1863. Maj - Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, Houston: GENERAL: I am instructed by Lieutenant-General Smith to say it is very important to increase the military strength of this department. There are many soldiers detailed as teamsters whose places couid be well supplied by negroes. It is known the delicate tenure by which the owner would hold this species of property on or near the Rio Grande; consequently, I would not propose to take them beyond the San An- tonio, or perhaps the Guadalupe, to such places suitable fof depots. lt is known, also, the character of property proposed to be hired is the last the owners are disposed to part with, and that slavery is a most delicate question to meddle with in a State where there are so many non-slaveholders, and where the production is so varied that freelabor is very profitable. It is, therefore, recommended that an appeal be made to the patriotism of the people to hire negro men for teamsters, and tha Page 86 86 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEl., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIfl. proper men, planters, be employed to visit the different slave counties with your appeal, and use every effort to induce the owner to hire as many as he can spare from his plantation; and, after every effort has been used, and then ecessary number not obtained, then, with great pru- dence, a pro rata assessment should be made upon the slaveholders, and the num oer required be impressed, in accordance with the law of im- pressment; but this should be done with great precaution, so as to wound the sensibilities of the people as little as possible, for it is of the first importance to obtain not only our full strength in the ranks, but keep those at home loyal and zealous in support of our cause and efforts. It is suggested, in view of the State election coming off on the first Monday in August, and as much importance may be attached to the results of that election, it is desirable that no additional exciting cause should be presented that may influence the minds of voters; conse- quently it would be advisable not to use the impressment law prior to the election. In General Smiths letter to you of the 23d instant,* authority was given you to impress cotton, to secure the munitions of war on the Sea Queen. General Smith suggests not to make the impressment east of the Kueces until after the said election, but confine it to and near the Rio Grande. In reference to the letter above referred to, I am directed by LieutenantGeneral Smith to say it was not as comprehensive as it should have been, as it was intended to embrace all supplies whatsoever comprising the cargo of the Sea Queen; you will, therefore, be governed accordingly. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant. General. [JUNE 26, 1863 For Johnston to Smith, in relation to affairs at Yicksburg, see Series I, Vol. XXIV, Part III, p. 979.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 27, 1863 Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, & c.: GENER4L: Inclosed you will find the copy of a report from C. LeD. Elgee, aide-de-camp to General Taylor, of his interview with General Johnston.t The information given in regard to the state of affairs on and east of the Mississippi renders it most important that vigorous efforts should be made to strengthen our forces in the field, and also to obtain as quickly as possible all the ordnance stores that can be had. The troops in the field are poorly armed, and s~rne of them not armed at all. Should Vicksburg fall, I regard an attempt to occupy Louisiana by the enemy as certain, and an invasion of Texas as probable. Your call upon the Governor of Texas for 10,000 State troops evidenced wise forecast, and you will spare no efforts to make them effective. I have the honor to be, respectfully, & c., E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. See Smith to Magruder, June 23, 1863, p. 78. t See of June 22, P. 74 Page 87 CHAP. XXXVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.COKPEDERATE. 87 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 27, 1863. Maj. 0-en. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May 29, 1863. The subdivision of a district is a matter within the control of a district commander. Your order placing Colonel Bankhead in command of the third sub-district, indicates a similar view takeu by yourself. I inclose you copies of letters which, with General Scurrys letter of the 10th of May, will explain the reasons for Maj. W. H. Thomas action. The proximity of the Northeri Sub-District to these headquarters, the absence of yourself on the iRio Grande and your chief commissary at San Antonio, the urgent appeals made to me to control the actions of agents and prevent competition before the wheat crop came into mar- ket, and the necessity for immediate action, caused nie to sustain Major Thomas. He was instructed to inform the chief commissary of your district of his action and the reasons and necessities therefor. Orders or a letter from this office should at the same time have been sent to you. On the receipt of your letter from Houston, Major Thomas immedi- ately annulled his action in the Northern Sub-District of Texas. It remains under your control. While it is not my desire or intention to interfere in the several dis-. trict commands, the chiefs of the several departments, acting under my instructions, have the general control of their departments in the sev- eral districts, and, after consulting with the chief officers of the districts, can establish a general system of action throughout the entire depart- ment; and, should the public interests require it, as was the case in the wheat-growing region of Northern Texas, they can control, as far as the operations of their departments are concerned, any section of country for a special purpose and for a linaited period of time. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 28, 1863. Capt. THOMAS W. BRENT, C. S. Navy: CAPTAIN: The arrival of a vessel of war off the Rio Grande, armed with Whitworth guns, and which I propose to purchase and turn over to the Confederate States Navy, renders it necessary that a naval officer should be at once sent to that point. As the gunboat Missouri cannot in all probability be put in active service until the rise of the Red River next winter, giving ample time to obtain another commander, I respectfully request that Captain Faun- tleroy may be relieved from his present command, that in the event df purchase lie may be assigned to the command of the vess& l above men- tioned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General Page 88 88 W.PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., IPX., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. xxxvm. COMMANDANTS OFFICE, Lieut. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Shreveport, La., June 28, 1863. Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of this date. Agreeably to your request, I will direct Lieutenant-Commander [C. M.] Fauntleroy to proceed to Houston, Tex., and confer with Ma~jor- General Magruder in relation to the vessel at the iRio Grande, which it is proposed to purchase and turn over to the Confederate States Navy Department. If the vessel be received, I will direct Lieutenant-Com- mander Fauntleroy to take command of the to his present command. vessel; otherwise, to return I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS W. BRENT, Comdg., C. S. Navy, in Charge Navy Dept. Western Louisiana. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, General S. COOPER, Shreveport, La., June 29, 1863. Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: I am fully informed that an English vessel, with stores, under con- tract from the War Department, has arrived at Matamoras. This vessel, carrying six Whitworth guns, can be purchased. Will authority be given Captaiu Brent, commanding officer of the navy here, to order the necessary detail of officers and men a as a cruiser , nd to commission the vessel E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-~VIISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., June 29, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a correspondence with Major-General Magruder upon the subject of the impressment of cotton, and also concerning the purchase of a vessel of war arrived in the Rio Grande.* I trust the course I have taken in these matters will meet with the approval of the War Departmeut. Captain Fauntleroy, C. S. Navy, has been directed to consult with General Magruder, and then to inspect the vessel thoroughly, with a view to her fitness for war purposes and preliminary to the purchase. Should he report favorably, and the purchase be consummated, she will sail from the Rio Grande under command of Captain Fauntleroy. It is desirable that the crew of the Missouri be transferred to her, and that she be commissioned as a cruiser before sailing, and I request that the necessary authority be given by the Navy Department. if this is acted on without delay, so as to enable her to sail at once as a cruiser, advan- tageous results may follow. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. ~ Such of the inclosures as were duplicates of those transmitted June 23 are here omitted Page 89 CRAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 89 [Inclosure No. 1.] HDQRS. DIsT. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND A1II~ONA, Houston, Tex., June 17, 1863. Col. S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: In reply to your comm~inication of the 13th instant, rela- tive to Maj. S. Harts letter requesting authority for the impressment of cotton, I have the honor to state that I have a great doubt as to the right of impressing cotton under the impressment bill, and conse- quently decline to give Major Hart, or any other officer, authority to impress cotton without further instructions from the lieutenant-general commanding the Trans-Mississippi Departitent. I therefore respect- fully request that Lieutenant-General Smith will issue either a general or special order authorizing the impressment of cotton, in order that my action may be in strict obedience and conformity with the com- mands of the general commanding the department, as, in my opinion, the order should emanate from the highest authority, and not myself, except in obedience to instructions. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKEIBAD MAGIIUDER, - Major- General, Commandiing District. [Inclosure No. 2.] HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Housto~i, Tex., June 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. ~BOGG5, - Chief of AS~taff, Department Trans-Mtss~sstpjn: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose a letter of Brigadier-General Bee, which is of the greatest importance, and which contains the fol- lowing propositions: 1. To place every conscript team and teamster at the disposal of Major Hart, without regard to any pledge that may have been given to contractors to permit them to use them. 2. That contractors who have been abroad, and have returned with their goods, or who are abroad, turn them over at once to Major Hart, and receive their pay at once in cotton. 3. Contractors who are en route for Brownsville with cotton turn over there their cotton to Major Hart, and receive its value in cotton in the interior; and such contractors who have taken no steps, or only initiatory steps, to carry out their contracts, shall be informed that they cannot use conscript teams. 4. That an order be issued to compel all conscript teamsters to work for Major Hart, or go iii the ranks of the army; this to apply to all contractors, whether of Lieutenant-General Holmes, Lieutenant-Gen- eral Smith, officers beyond the Mississippi, or of Major-General Ma- gruder. There are but four months left to take cotton to the Rio Grande, and the necessity for the contract system has passed away. The articles required by us have come and are coming. Mr. [George W.] Thatcher, for instance, to carry out his contract, would consume a large portion of the cotton transportation to get supplies now in Europe, when the same transportation is required to secure similar supplies now at Brownsville, or en route for Brownsville, and if the latter be not secured and paid for in cotton, discredit will be thrown, not only upon the transaction base Page 90 .90 W. FLA., S. ALA, S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL upon cotton of this department, but of the entire Confederacy. F~r this reason, I have always differed from Major Minter as to the propriety of disbursing officers making contracts based upon cotton, and for this reason I strongly recommend that the 2,000 bales of cotton ordered to be purchased to carry out the contract of Mr. Thatcher be turned over at once to Major Hart, and, if such cotton has not been purchased, that the order for its purchase be countermanded, and that Mr. Thatcher be authorized to proceed to Europe to execute his contract there for sup. plies, to be paid for in cotton on their delivery here, and such papers be given him by Lieutenant-General Smith as will afford him the neces- sary credit with which to buy these articles; in short, to use all the means and cotton of the Government to pay for articles here before they are used to pay for articles in Europe. If the latter be done, it will result in our not obtaining the supplies now here, and in an entire loss of national credit both here and abroad. I beg that Lieutenant-General Smith will give Brigadier.General Bee himself, or through me, written authority to take the cotton of Govern- ment contractors to pay for these supplies, particularly arms, in accord. atice with the suggestions of his letter. It will not do to impress the cotton of planters, and others who buy, and take it with their own means to the Rio Grande, if it can be avoided. The political state of the country will, in my own judgment, hardly justify it, but the Government cottonthat is, the cotton of Govern- ment contractors, carried by Government teams, and for Government purposesshould be taken in this emergency, and the cotton afterward. supplied them at other points for the fulfillment of their contracts thus postponed. Whether the contractor can be supplied at once with cot. ton or not, the cotton should be taken. There is doubt entertained by both General Bee and myself whether cotton is to be impressed by the act of impressment. This question clearly should be settled by the officer of the highest military rank in the departmentLieutenant-General Smith. I have, therefore, declined impressing cotton, or giving authority to impress cotton, and shall con- tinue to do so until I receive the orders of Lieutenant-General Smith to impress it. I will frankly state, however, that were I the commanding general of the Trans-Mississippi Department, I would, under the present circum- stances, impress the cotton of Government contractors in sufficient quantities to secure the supplies already here and those en route, giving theni cotton in the interior of the same quality, bale for bale, and here- after the means of transporting the same, and, if necessary, paying fair damages for loss of time and increased expenses, and at the same time releasing them from the penalties of their contracts. I beg that the lieutenant-general commanding will decide this ques- tion at the very earliest convenient moment, and send the result to me by swift express. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding District. P. S.I have been informed by intelligent and reliable officers that nothing but rope and baggiffg has been brought into this State in return for the immense quantity of cott9n that has crossed the Rio Grande frontier, and I am of the opinion that it is the intention of many of these contractors to obtain cotton merely to turn it into gold, and then leave the country Page 91 91 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. [Inolosare No. 3.] IIDQRs. DIsT. OF TEXAS, ~EW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, June 23, 1863. Brigadier-General BoGGs, Chief of Staff, Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: Since writing my letter of the 22d, I have been informed by Lieutenant-Colonel Gray, Third Texas Regiment, who has been acting as assistant adjutant~general to Brigadier-General Bee, on the Rio Grande, that a large steamer, sailing under English colors (name nn- known), has arrived at the mouth of the Rio Grande. She is English built, armed with six Whitworth guns, has a speed of 12 knots under steam, and is also fast under sails, and has a vah~able cargo on board. The parties who have brought her over are desirous of selling to the Government for cotton the vessel, guns, and cargo. She is represented as being suitable for war purposes, and, I think, could be provided with a captain and crew and sent to sea in a short space of time. Should the views expressed in my letter of the 22d instant meet with the approval of Lieutenant-General Smith, in regard to the seizure of cotton in the hands of Government contractors, to whom that cotton would be returned when the goods contracted for by them had arrived, I think I would be enabled to purchase this vessel with the cotton thus obtained. I trust that this information will prove acceptable, and that due power will be given me accordingly, or rather through me to General Bee, who commands the Western Sub-District. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. [P. S.]Since writing the above, Mr. P. T. Bisbee, a contractor and agent for a French house, has arrived in my office, to submit to me his contract with Mr. Randolph, former Secretary of War, which has been measurably fulfilled by the arrival of a steamship, the Sea Queen, loaded with goods, at the mouth of the Rio Grande. This steamer is not, however, the vessel reported by Lieutenant-Colonel Gray. Three other steamers from Mr. Bisbees contractors in Europe are on their way, one from Hamburg, one from llavre, and one from London. The Peterhoff also belonged to the same parties. Mr. Bisbee is satisfied there is enough cotton in Brownsville to load this vessel that has arrived; cotton sufficient to load her being only equal in value to about one-sixth of the cargo brought in. The other vessels, as they arrive, can be loaded with cotton from various points on the coast. Mr. Bisbee is willing to receive the cotton at different points in the interior convenient for transportation. The value of these car- goes will be $1,500,000, at their cost in Europe. With su~h accumulating evidence of the necessity of purchasing sup- )lies now here, I am sure that the commanding general must perceive 1 he necessity of abrogating all inchoate and incomplete contracts in f~Lvor of obtaining these valuable supplies now within our reach. I am authorized to state by General Bee that he has be.n informed by the French consul at Brownsville that the I3~rench blockading fleet will not interfere with any goods contraband of war intended for our Government. Letters have been shown me by Mr. Bisbee from influen- tial parties in Europe to the effect that unless the cotton is promptly forthcoming, the credit of our Government will be extremely injured. This will be undoubtedly the case Page 92 92 .W. FLA., S ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. Mr. Bisbee informs me that he deposited in August last, with Mr. Memminger, Secretary of Treasury~ *100,000 in Confederate money and *100,000 in other secnrities as a pledge for the fulfillment of the contract, and also states that the Government was to have desig- nated an agent in Europe to receive the goods, but failed to do so, and, in consequence, some delay occurred in the carrying out of the contract. The whole amount the parties engaged have contracted to deliver at different ports on the Confederate coast is $6,000,000, and they have proved their ability to carry out the contract by sending four steamers immediately after the Peterhoff was seized. [Inclosure No. 4.] IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, fLex., June 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. W R. BOGGS, Chief of Staff, Trans-Mississippi Dept., Shreveport, La.: SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the lieutenant-general commanding Trans-Mississippi Department, copies of two communications just received from Maj. Charles Russell, quar- termaster, Fort Brown, Tex., and will here reiterate what I have al- ready said, that I have furnished Major Hart every facility in my power to enable him to meet his engagements by the delivery of cotton on the Rio Grande. Steamboats have been placed at his disposal, con- scripts with their teams have been turned over to him, and yet com- paratively nothing has been accomplished. It does appear to me that he has shown a great want of energy, a great want of foresight, and a great want of ability in of his department. ~he management I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding District. [P. S.]I regret this the more, as I recommended Major Hart to the Government for this employment, and am, besides, on the best terms with him. I have overrated his abilities. I think he will do better, perhaps, for the future, but I fear we cannot remedy the past entirely. An order sent promptly by Lieutenant-Gen- eral Smith to impress cotton, as requested, may yet save our credit. - [Sub-Inclosure No. 1.] OFFICE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, Fort Brown, fLex., June 10, 1863. - Maj. E. B. PENDLETON, - Act ing Quartermaster, Houston: SIR: Your communication of the 30th ultimo reached me last even- ing at 8 oclock. I regret to inform you that the arms of which you spoke are not at the mouth of the river, but I learn that they are expected, and ,upon their arrival, I will make the purchase, iu accordance with instructions, if possible, and forward to Houston immediately. The Br~ooklyn has been crui~4ng around our coast for some time, and her presence may cause some delay in the delivery of the arms, but I will expedite the matter in every possible way. In regard to Government cotton, only 75 bales have yet arrived, and I fear we will all be much disappointed. If we fail to meet our engage Page 93 93 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~CONFEDERATE. ments within a reasonable time, our prospects of obtaining supplies will be gloomy. I therefore trust that officers and agents in the interior intrusted with the transportation and purchase of cotton will be in- structed to get it forward without delay. We have at present, at the mouth of the river, two English steamers loaded with army supplies, purchased upon the faith of the Government to deliver cotton at Matamoras to meet the purchase. Two others are daily expected, one with the arms of which you write, all expecting to receive return loads of cotton. It is hardly necessary for me to say that a failure injures our credit both at home and in Europe, and will ma- terially retard our operations, while a prompt compliance with these parties would establish for us a credit that would insure all we need. Two of the vessels before mentioned will go to Nassau in a short time if some arrangement is not made. I dislike to be forced to the neces- sity of impressment, but it does appear to me that we should resort to any means within our power to sustain at this critical period the credit of the Government. if necessary, I shall impress to purchase arms, and hope to be sustained. We have news of a brilliant victory at Port Hudson; also at Vicks- burg. Passengers from New Orleans report the arrival of wounded by thousands. I hope it may be true. In regard to theexpress,I have determined to discontinue the present arrangement on the 15th instant, and run a special express when nec- essary. I think it will be more expeditions and more economical. I will keep you fully advised of all matters of interest at this place. Respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES RUSSELL, Major and Quartermaster, C. S. Army. [Sub-Inciosure No. 2.] OFFICE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, Fort Brown, Tex., June 11, 1863. Maj. B. BLooMFIELD, Chief Quartermaster, & c., San Antonio: MAJOR: Yours, inclosing circular orders from Quartermaster-General for distribution, received~ General Bee and staff left on Sun& ay for Louisiana, and I am busily engaged in closing up my business preparatory to joining them. Be- fore leaving, however, I desire to arrange all business connected with the department, and to provide for the liquidation of outstanding debts contracted before my arrival, most of which were payable in specie. You are not aware, perhaps, of the fact that it has been customary here to purchase forage, wood, & c., for specie, payable from the fund realized from the specie tax on cotton crossing the Rio Grande. The order prohibiting the collection of this specie tax or exchange has left the department indebted to a great many different persons in small amounts, and it is not only a source of great annoyance, but materially interferes with the procurement of these supplies, parties being un- willing to continue to furnish until paid. As you are aware, I have no means of getting specie but through Major Hart, who, up to this time, has utterly failed to accomplish anything; only 75 bales of cot- ton on his account has reached this place up to this time, and his agent, as well as myself, know nothing of what efforts are being made in the interior. Under these circumstances, I have determined to make an effort to consolidate these small debts by negotiating a loan based upon cotton delivered to me in the interior, and enter into contracts b Page 94 94 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL which the department will be supplied without the necessity of con- tracting innumerable debts. I have to-day written t& General Magruder fully in regard to the condition of affairs on the Rio Grande, and earnestly requested him to adopt some plan by which the evil could be remedied. For the past six months the troops in this line have been supplied by merchants at Mat- am9ras and Brownsville upou the promise of Major Hart that cotton would commence arriving in April in quantities sufficient to reimburse them and enable us to procure our supplies on a different basis. They have waited patiently up to this time, and have not yet received one bale of cotton. As I before remarked, only 75 bales have reached here, while thousands of bales arrive daily belonging to Jews and speculators, and it is impossible for me to satisfactorily explain how this class of people succeed, and a Government officer, with all the privileges and powers that he desires, should fail. These creditors have waited patiently, and have evinced a degree of patriotism and confidence in the Government. truly commendable, but it cannot long continue, and unless something is done the result must be disastrous. I regard this as the most important point for the procurement of supplies in the Con- federacy, but to make it available the credit of the Government must be sustained. Two English ships, laden with army supplies, purchased under con- tract with English houses by some of the numerous Government agents, have been lying at the mouth of the river for three weeks. Their super- cargoes have been trying to find some one to receive the cargo and deliver the cotton. There is no officer here who knows anything of the transaction, and not one bale of cotton with which to make the payment. The result is, that they have concluded to sail for Nassau, and dispose of the cargo upon such terms as they can.~ I examined their invoices, and the articles are absolutely necessary. Four others are hourly expected, and unless something is done in the interior to require officers and agents charged with forwarding cotton to discharge this duty, they will also have to return, thus depriving us of absolute neces- sities purchased expressly for the Government, and, I am fearful, pre- venting our getting more. The result of this disappointmentI will say deceptionupon the part of the Government agents is too apparent to render an expression of opinion from me necessary. It is even more disastrous than to fail to meet our local indebtedness, because it im- pairs our credit in Europe. I sincerely hope, major, you will co-operate with me in my efforts to remedy the evil. Should be gratified to have your counsel and advice as to what had best be done. Respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES RUSSELL, Major, Quartermaster, dye. [Inclosure No. 5.3 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-Mis5js5jppj DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. ~ B. MAGRUDER, Shreveport, La., June 27, 1863. Commanding District of Texas, Houston: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge this day the receipt of your letter of the 23d instaut. The arrival of the Sea Queen and other vessels with army supplies, under the contract with the Secretary of War, the saving the Govern- ment credit by meeting these supplies with cotton, in which the pay- ment was to be made, the failure of Major Hart, the purchasing agent Page 95 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 95 to meet this necessity with an adequate supply of cotton, the absolute want of army supplies in the Trans-Mississippi Department, and the interruption of communication with the east, making the Rio Grande the only channel by which they are to be introduced, makes it a mili- tary necessity that cotton should be obtained by impressment in suffi- cient quantity to meet the wants of the department on the Rio Grande. You will, therefore, impress, or cause to be impressed, through Gen- eral Bee, commanding the Western Military Sub-District of Texas, the cotton and transportation necessary for meeting the immediate wants of the department, and for keeping up the credit of the Government. The impressment must be made under the provisions of the impress- ment act. Contractors who have entered into an agreement with the Govern- ment in good faith, whose contracts have been approved at Richmond, at department headquarters, or district headquarters, and who have goods on the Rio Grande frontier, awaiting the arrival of their cotton, will not be interfered with. Mr. L. S. Jones, general railroad agent, under authority from the Government, importing machinery, & c., necessary for keeping up the roads on the military lines of communication, will also be exempted from this impressment. He must show that the cotton purchiised by himself or his agents is for the above purpose, and not for private speculation. Good policy would dictate that the impressments, until after the election for Governor, should be made in the vicinity of the Rio Grande and i~ueces, and where the election will be least influ- enced. In making the impressment, it may be necessary to make distinctions. Persons importing machinery, or who are transporting cotton for the public~ good, should be exempted, if the cotton can be otherwise ob- tained. In every instance, no effort should be spared to obtain the cotton from parties in exchange for cotton in the interior or for cotton certificates. A just compensation can be agreed upon for the damage inflicted upon the parties, and the Government pledged to the repay- ment in cotton whenever the agreement is accepted. Impressment is always the last resort on the part of the authorities. In your letter of the 22d instant, whilst you urge the department commander to order the impressment, you decline yourself to take the responsibility, knowing the odium that must attach itself to such a measure. The fall of Yicksburg, now so imminent, with the necessity for tnese supplies to the very existence of the department, will give the measure the support of the thinking portion of the community. Lest it should be otherwise, feeling as I do, with the peculiar temperament of the Texas people, the importance of your maintaining your popularity, I am perfectly willing that the odium of the measure, if any, should fall upon myself, and that your usefulness in that district should remain unimpaired. You can, therefore, yourself, or through General Bee, make all the above impressments in my name and under my orders. As regards the ship of war whose arrival is reported off the Rio Grande by Coloner Gray, the credit of the Government should be main- tamed by the purchase, first, of the supplies which have been con- tracted for by the Government, and which have arrived, and, afterward, if the cotton can be obtained, the vessel can be purchased. This, how- ever, must be done by yourself, or General Bee, through you, as only thus the fitness of the vessel and the expediency of the purchase can be determined ou Page 96 96 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL S Captain Fauntleroy, of the C. S. Navy, an officer of merit and experi. ence, will go immediately to Houston to~ consult with you. Whatever you may do will meet with my approval, and I will take the responsi- bility of the act with the authorities at Richmond. I am, general, sincerely yours, & c., E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- (Jeneral, Commanding. [Inclosuro No. 6.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSJSSIppj DEPARTMENT, 1863. Maj. Gen. ~. B. MAGRUDER, Shreveport, La. June 28 Commanding, & c., Houston, Tex.: GENERAL: This letter will be handed to you by Captain Fauntleroy, of C. S. Navy, who goes to Houston to confer with you in regard to the English war vessel reported to you off the mouth of the Rio Grande by Lieutenant-Colonel Gray. The vessel should be examined, according to the usages of the navy, by a naval officer. I have directed Captain Fauntleroy to inspect her thoroughly. Should he report favorably, you will take the necessary steps for the purchase, with as little delay as possible, and Captain Fauntleroy will be placed~ in command. Should she prove unsuitable for a war vessel, it may be advisable to purchase her guns, and have them placed at some point where they could be made available for the vessels of war being constructed by our Government in Europe. Captain Fauntleroy will consult with you on the whole subject, and the result of your action, when reported to me, will be approved, and all the responsibility of the act assumed by me. Yet if I knew of any naval officer in this department who was authorized to act in this mat- ter, I would prefer his doing so. Respectfully, yours, & c., E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. UNOFFICIAL.] HEADQUARTERS, & C., Houston, Tex., June 29, 1.863. Lieut. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: In my letter of yesterday to Brigadier.General Boggs, your chief of staff, I stated that I desired to meet you at Rusk, Chero- kee County, on or about the 15th of July, but, on reflection, I think it would be better to fix our day of meeting on the 20th, if agreeable to yourself as the great amount of business requiring my immediate at- tention will detain me here until that time. 11 particularly desire this meeting, general, as there are many things I wish to consult with you upon besides the cotton question, which I could not do so fully on paper. I shall cheerfully and cordially second you in every respect, and I do not wish you to think that I fear any responsibility myself in writing to you and requesting you to give me authority to impress cot- ton, but rather regard it as an evidence of my desire to act in con- formity whith your views ~rst, and an assurance of my full and hearty 8upport. Please let me know at your earliest convenience if you ca Page 97 CHAP. XXXVIIl.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 97 meet me at Rusk on the 20th of July; and, if so, Ii will meet you promptly. Accept, my dear general, my kindest wishes for your health and suc- cess, and believe me, very faithfully, your friend and servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER. hEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, AS~hreveport, La., June 29, 1863. Brig. Gen. P. 0. H1~A3ERT, Gommanding, & c., Monroe, La.: GENERAL: I send to-day, by stage, in charge of an ordnance officer, 300,000 percussion caps consigned to you. The garrison at Yicksburg are in a critical condition, and need these caps. As soon as you receive this communication (should you not have received the telegram senI~ you on the same subject), you will inform General Walker immediately of the reception of the caps, and that they will be delivered at the point he may designate, to be sent by him by persons floating down the river, to land on the opposite side, or in any other way that he may select to accomplish the purpose of delivering the caps into Vicksburg. Respectfully, & c., E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, East of Minden, En route to Monroe, June 30, 1803. Brig. Gen. P. 0. IIBERT: GENERAL: I am directed by Lieut. Gen. E. K. Smith to say to you to countermand any orders for the removal of General Walkers division. Lieutenant-General Smith will be in Monroe on day after to-morrow. By order of bent. Gen. E. K. Smith: GUY M. BRYAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIJ~ADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shrerejport, La., June 30, 1863. Major-General MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th instant, with inclosures.* I am directed by Lieutenant-General Smith to say the statements of Mr. Fleury concerning the guns convey a false impression. The gun- boat Missouri has no guns whatever. At the present time there are but two heavy guns, those captnred on the Indianola, in the Disfrict of Louisiana and Arkansas. The guns of the Harriet Lane are not designed exclusively for the Missouri, nor will they be used on her until such time as it may appear advantageous. These guns are intended for land batteries for the de- fense of the Red River Valley, and can only be put in position during IQW water. They will be put in position as soon as they arrive. The supplies necessary for the armies east of the Mississippi River, as well as of the armies in Ark~rnsas and Louisiana, depend entirely on the control of the Red River. Under these circumstances, it is con- * The inclosures not found. 7 U UVOL XXYI, PT I Page 98 98 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVITh sidered essential that these guns be put in position at the earliest prac- ticable moment. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier. General, and Ohief of Staff. Ab8tract from returns of the troop8 at Port Hudson, La., Maj. Gen. Frank. Gardner, C. S. Army, commanding, for June 30, 1~63. Present for +~ n duty. n a Command. ,~ n.~ S 12 60 ~ Q 6060 0 ~ Beaus bri,.ade: Staff 8 8 8 Infantry . 243 2, 002 3, 342 5, 353 Artillery 16 335 436 546 Total - 267 2, 337 3, 786 5, 907 Heavy batteries, left wing: Louisiana battalion 15 98 167 202 Tennessee battalion 9 77 145 164 Total 24 175 312 366 Grand total 291 2,512 4,098 6,273 Abstract from returns of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder, C. S. Army, comtnanding, for the month of June, 1563; headquarters, Hoes- to,n, Tex. Present for ~ Pieces of duty. ~ ~ artillery. a ~ a . Command. a.~ a Remarks. -.5 +9 60 ~a ~ 120 a ~ o . ~u p.. ~ O to to 611 12 60 60 60 o ~ I .~ ..~ District staff - 48 48 48 Eastern Sub-District Headquarters, Staff ... 6 6 6 6 Houston. Galveston . 119 1,978 2,636 3,751 3,814 Hempstead 40 498 I 635 1, 002 953 Houston 2 29 37 82 83 Sabine Pass . 23 271 386 614 629 Velasco . 42 583 754 1, 265 1, 270 Total 232 3, 359 4, 454 6, 720 6,755 = == Western Sub-District Headquarters, Staff 8 8 9 9 Brownsville. Atascosa 3 19 22 65 66 Corpus Cbristi .... 22 315 409 020 627 4 Goliad 32 536 663 746 746 Guadalupe -. 26 461 537 683 691 Indianola ... 18 306 386 512 505 Line of tbe Rio Grande 31 466 ~04 774 702 . -. -. Near Corpus Cbristi . 2 66 72 105 108 4 San Antonio 3 96 115 153 146 Total ..... 145 2,265 2,816 3,667 3,600 4 13 Grand total ... 425 5,624, 7,318 10,435 10,355 4 1 Page 99 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 99 Troops in the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding, June 30, 1863. EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT. Brig. Gen. W. R. SCURRY. Galveston, Te.e. Col., X. B. DEBRAY. 3d Texas, Col. P. N. Lnckett. 20th Texas, Col. H. M. Elmore. Debrays cavalry, Lient. Col. J. J. Myers. 1st Texas Heavy Artillery, Col. Joseph J. Cook. Texas Light Artillery Battalion, Ma S. T. Fontaine. Abats Texas Battery. Howes Texas Battery. Moseleys Texas Battery. B[ernjpetead, Tex. Col. A. W. TERRELL. Texas Cavalry, Col. A. W. .Terrell. Texas Cavalry Battalion, Lient. Col. A. H. Davidson. Houston, Tex. Texas Cavalry Company, Capt. H. B. An drews. Sabine Pass, Tex. Lieut. Col. W. H. GRIFFIN. Texas Infantry Battalion, Lieut. Cot W. H. Griffin. Texas Cavalry Company, Capt. Andrew Daly. Velasco, Tex. Col. N. C. GOULD. 23d Texas Cavalry, Col. N. C. Gould. Texas Cavalry Battalion Lieut Col. H. R. Brown. WESTERN SUB-DISTRICT. Brig. Gen. HAMILTON P. BEE. Atascosa, Tex. Texas Cavalry Company, Capt. Angel Navarro. Corpu8 Christi, Tex. Texas troopst (eight companies), Col. A. M. Hobby. Goliad, Tex. 1st Texas Mounted Rifles, Col. A. Buchel. Guadalupe, Tex. 32d Texas Cavalry, Col. P. C. Woods. Indianola, Tex. Texas troops ~ (five companies), Lient. Col. D. D. Shea. Line of the Rio Grande. 33d Texas Cavalry, Lient. Col. James R. Sweet. Year Corpus Christi, Tex. Texas Battery, Capt. H. Wilike. San Antonio, Tex. Texas Cavalry (two companies). Maj. A. G. Dickinson. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, ~Shreveport, La., July 1, 1863. Maj. Geri. ~RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: Your letter of the 23d ultimo4 communicating the suc- cessful attack by you on the enemys works at Brashear City on the morning of that day, has been received. I am requested by the lieutenant-general commanding to I)resent his congratulations to you on the success of the enterprise, and to return to * Artillery and cavalry shown by return. t Artillery, cavalry, and infantry shown by return, ~ See Part I, p. 210 Page 100 100 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. ECw~. XXXVIII. you and the officers and men of your command his thanks for the skill, bravery, and energy displayed on the occasion. Lieutenant-General Smith left here yesterday morning for Monroe. Since his departure, your dispatch of the 24th of June, detailing further successes by the gallant troops of your command, has been received, a copy of which was immediately sent him. I regret the general is not here, thaL I might be the medium of communication for conveying to you what I am sure would be the renewed assurances of his high appreciation of your skill and energy, and that of Colonel Major, and the valor of the troops in your command. S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 177. flouston, Tex., July 1, 1863. * * * * * V. Acting Brig. Gen. X. B. Debray is hereby relieved from duty in command of the Eastern Sub-Distri6t, and will resume the command of Galveston Island. VI. Acting Brig. Gen. P. N. Luckett is hereby assigned to the com~ mand of the Eastern Sub-District during the absence of Brigadier.Gen. eral Scurry, whose officers will remain on duty with him. Upon being relieved by General Scurry, General Luckett will assume command of his brigade. By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assi8tant Adjutant-General. IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., July 2, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major.Generai Mag.ruder to direct that you use every possible exertion to procure small-arms and ammunition for our forces in this department. You will see from the inclosures, A and B,* from Lieutenant-General Smith, how important it is that these arms should be procured, and that no steps that can secure them should be neglected. If you can get them without resorting to impressment, so much the better, but, if not, you will get them regardless of the con- sequences, but strictly in accordance with the inclosed instructions from Lieutenant-General Smith* and the provisions of the impressment bill. The cotton to be impressed is that of speculators and Government con- tractors, but you will not, under any circumstances, impress the cotton of planters, the cotton belonging to the State of Texas, or the cotton belonging to the county associations for the benefit of the soldiers fami- lies. The general commanding directs that you establi~h your head- quarters at some point where you will be able to fully superintend this business, and that you communicate with him as frequentLy as possible on this subject. You will please, therefore, general, use your best ener- gies in procuring these arms and ammunition, and so importaift are they that their cost is a matter of secondary consideration. The inclosed confidential letter (No. 360)# to the general from Lieu- * Inelo8ures not idcntifled Page 101 CHAr. XXXVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 101 tenant-General Smith speaks for itself and behooves us to prepare for any and every emergency. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. P. 5.The communications that the general has received of official character leave little or no doubt of the speedy fall of Yicksburg, if it has not already fallen. IIEADQUARTERS TEXAS, & C., Houston, July 2, 1863. Lieut. Col. C. G. FORSHEY, Chsef Consulting Engineer: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 164, from these headquarters, dated June 18 ultimo, you will organize a party of one assistant engi- neer and such hands for labor as you may require, and proceed to the Sabine River, at the terminus of the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. You will make such reconnaissance of the approaches to the river op- posite and near to the terminus of that road, and especially at or near Nibletts Bluff, as will en able you to judge what works may be neces- sary for the protection of the road from the approaches and attacks of the enemy, should he be disposed to siege or break it, or to invade the State of Texas in that direction. You will locate and plan and lay out upon the ground such works as you would recommend, and report the same, with diagrams and full information, to these headquarters. You will then procee~I to examine the systems of roads and the ferries used in travel from Louisiana into Texas, as well as the bluffs and fords of the Sabine River at and near Burrs Ferry and Sabine Town, and in like manner make your reconnaissance of the kinds of fortifications and the extent of the same as may seem necessary to resist the approaches of the enemy designing an invasion of the State from Louisiana. You will lay out and locate such works, with such topographic details as may he embraced in a reconnaissance, keeping in view the necessity of protecting such forces as may be charged with the defense, and for a period against a siege; and works capable of containing and quarter- ing comfortably 5,000 men would not be too great. You will use your best judgment as to the mode of defending the im- portant passes, if any there be, t~tes-de-pont at the ferries, or advance works beyond the same. But it will probably be found expedient to locate the main works with bastions, & c., at a distance of several miles from the river, on the Texas side. You will call npon quartermasters for forage and the temporary use of such tools and implements as you may require for the prompt and - thorough execution of these iustructions. I am, & c., J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. [JULY 2, 1863.For Davis to Smith, in relation to co-operation of forces for relief of Yicksburg, see Series I, Vol. XXIV, Part III, p. 985. Page 102 102 W. 1~LA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. tOHAP. XXXVIII. IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, ANT) ARIZONA, Houston, Tex, July 3, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to state that in consideration of the great importance of meeting the demands made on us on the Rio Grande for cotton, especially by the ships now lying off our coast, and the still greater necessity and importance of procuring arms, he thinks, upon mature reflection, that your presence is absolutely necessary at or near Brownsville. He therefore suggests and requests that you establish your headquarters at or near Brownsville for the next few months, at least, so that you may superintend fully this busi- ness. The letters from Lieutenant-General Smith on this subject indi- cate that such are his views. Your knowledge of Mexican character and affairs renders your presence of the greatest advantage. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPIIE1~1 D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.Should sickness in Brownsville take the form of an epidemic, you can remove to some neighboring place, the preservation of your health being of greater importance than anything else. UDQUS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, fLex., July 3, 1863. Lient. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your sev- eral communications of the 27th nltimo, and to inform you that, in accordance with your instructions, I have directed General Bee to take the necessary steps for securing a sufficient quantity of cotton to meet our demands on the Rio Grande. I also furnished him with copies of your letters, and I beg leave to assure you, general, that neither Gen- eral Bee nor myself will neglect any means of securing the ends to be obtained. In reference to the impressment of slave labor and the hiring of ne- groes to take the places of soldiers detailed as teamsters, I have the honor to state that I had in a measure anticipated your views by send- ing agents through the country to hire them. I have also appointed Captain [II. B] Andrews, of an unattached cavalry company, chief of the bureau of labor, and he is now using every exertion to secure negroes both for work on the fortifications and as teamsters. I shall, however, in obedience to your instructions, not resort to impressment until after the gubernatorial election. I am, general, respectfully, & c., J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Monroe, La., July 4, 1863. General S. COOPER, Richmond: GENERAL: Major-General Magruder writes to me that the agent of the Treasury Department for the purchasing of cotton informs hi Page 103 CHAP. XXXVIfl.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONTEDERATE~ 103 that a large amount of Governm~nt cotton purchased at low prices, and in fine condition, is in the parishes of Rapides and Avoyciles, La. He says the agent informs him that the above cotton was purchased for the Treasury Department, but only requires an order on Major McKeQ to transfer it to a quartermasters agent. As a large amount of cotton is required ou the Rio Grande to carry out the contracts of the Govern- ment, and as the fall of Vicksbnrg is inevitable, and as said parishes will fall, in all probability, in the possession of the enemy, I have thought it proper to give the requisite order to said agent, Major McKee, to transfer the cotton to a quartermaster, and attend (if he would do so) to the transportation to Houston via Sabine River and railroad. I give this information for the benefit of Treasury Department. Respectfully, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., July 4, 1863. To the Planters of Texas: In view of the dangers which threaten our country, rendering it abso- lutely necessary that every able-bodied man should be in the ranks, the major-general commanding this district urgently requests the planters of the State to lend him their assistance in what is absolutely necessary to the strengthening of our forces in the field. The army is materially weakened by large details, necessary in the transportation department of the army proper, as teamsters, and their services are now required with their regiments, and in order that this may be effected their places must be supplied by negroes. The major-general commanding there- fore appeals to the patriotism of the people, and oegs that they will cheerfully some forward and hire their slaves to the Government fom. this purpose. Their slaves will be well cared for, the dnt.y is light, and their services will be liberally paid for, and the major-general command- ing earnestly hopes that the planters, whose iuterests he has ever care- fully guarded, will promptly meet this call, and save him from the neces- sity of resorting to impressment. These slaves will not be sent west of the San Antonio River, as the teamsters beyond that river will be either conscripts or detailed soldiers. Quartermasters who have detailed teamsters are authorized to send agents through the country in their immediate vicinity to call on the planters for negroes, and will immediately return to their regiments all detailed soldiers or conscripts whose places have been supplied. By order of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF TILE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI, No. 24. Shreveport, La., July 4, 1863. I. In obedience to General Orders, No. 70, Paragraph II, Section 1, Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, Richmond, Va. (current series), regimental commissaries within the Department of Trans-Mississippi will, without delay, transfer all money, effects, and property in their I)ossession, appertaining to the subsistence department, to the regi- mental qnartermaster of their respective regiments, who will hereafte Page 104 104 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (OnAr. xxxvm, discharge the duties of the former, in accordance with the provisions of the act of Congress entitled An act t~ abolish supernumerary officers in the Commissary and Quartermasters Departments, approved May 1, 1863. Until such transfer is perfected, regimental commissaries will continue in the performance of their usual duties. Commanders of regiments will be held responsible for th.e prompt execution of this order, and will report to department headquarters, through the proper channel, the date on which the commissary is re- lieved, his name, and the name of the quartermaster by whom he is relieved. By command of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. PORT HUDSON, LA., Major [T. F.] WILLSON, July 5, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: The following-named commands have applied to me for the respectively iiamed amounts of either mule or horse meat, to wit: Officers. Men. 1st Alabama 30 555 Wingfields battalion.: 18th Arkansas 50 12th Arkansas 100 16th Arkansas - - - ...~. . - 30 180 60 858 Total, 945 officers and men. They would like to have the ration for to-morrow this evening. Respectfully submitted. I am, major, yours, & c., J. P. JONES, Captain, and Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., July 5, 1863. General [1V[AGRUDER]: I have the honor to inclose copies of orders sent to Major McKee;. also copies of telegrams from Lieutenant-Generals Smith and Holmes. There are no koops here that can be sent to the relief of General Steele. Should the enemy get possession of the Indian Territory, the wheat region of Texas is in dangei1. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. BOGGS, Brigadier- General, and Chief of Staff. [Inclosnre No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MJSSIS~JPPJ DEPARTMENT, Major MCKEE, Shreveport, La., July 5, 1863. Assistant Quartermaster; Alexandria, La.: MAJOR: You will turn over to Major Bloomfield, quartermaster, Hous- ton, Tex., as much Gox-enimciit cotton us you are able to haul from th Page 105 CHAP. xxxviii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 1O4~S District of Louisiana to that place. I inclose herewith an order* for the exemption of teamsters who furnish their own teams which are to be employed in hauling the cotton. You will make such use of the inclosed order as you may think best to secure the purpose intended. By command of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 2.] MONROE, LA., July 4, 1863. Brigadier-General BoGGS, Chief of Staff: Your dispatch of to-day received; also General Magruders letter. General Smith says: Dispatch General Magruder that he is absent from headquarters, opposite Vicks burg, and does not know exactly how long he will be obliged to remain here. Possible he will not be able to meet him at Rusk exactly at the rime fixed. On his arrival at Alexandria, he will dispatch him by courier the exact time when he can be at the point designated. Give exemptions to such citizens of Calcasieu and other parishes as may have wagons, and be willing to haul with them for the indicated purpose, provided, of course, that the other arrangements are made. If Major McKee desires to tura over to Major Bloomfield the cotton of which Gen- eral Magrnder speaks, give him the order; and if Major McKee will take charge of the cotton to Houston, get him to do so. The quartermaster will give such aid as he can in ~he way of transportation. E. CUNNINGHAM, Lieutenant, and Aide-de-Camp. [Inclosure STo. 3.] LITTLE ROCK, ARK., July 3, 1863.. Brig. Gen. W. H. BoGGs: Brigadier-General Steele reports, July 1, that [James G.] Blunt is marching from Kansas with 2,000 men and four pieces of artillery, to re-enforce Fort Gibson. Cabel] is ordered back from Northwestern Arkansas, to unite with Stand Watie on the west side of Grand River. Steele apprehends he may not be able to withstand Blunt, and, if he has to fall back, expects to lose the Indian brigade by dispossession, arid he asks Lieutenant-General Smith to aid him with any unemployed troops he may have in Northern Texas. No news from Lieutenant- General Holmes. W. B. BLAIR, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. Mnx., AND ARIz., Houston, Tex., July 6, 1863. To all Quartermasters in the District: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to direct that you will send forthwith an agent or agents through the country in your im- mediate vicinity, for the purpose of hiring, of the planters, negroes, to be substituted for the detailed soldiers and conscripts now in your em- ploy as teamsters, and that you will return to their regiments all de- tailed soldiers whose places have been supplied. Conscripts will, in like manner, be returned to the nearest conscript camp. You will report to these headquarters the result of your efforts; also the names of all planters refusing to respond to the appeal of the Not found Page 106 106 W. PtA., S. AtA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. LCHAP. XXXVIII. major-general commanding, copies of which are h& ewith forwarded you,* to be furnished in all cases to the agent charged with the duty of hiring negroes, who will be instructed to exhibit the same to the planters. E. B. PENDLETOK, Major, Commissary of Subsistence, and Acting Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MiSSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, En route to Shreveport, La., July 7, 1863. Brig. Gen. P. 0. H~BERT: GENERAL: You will forward to Major-General Walker instructions from Lieutenant-General Smith that, though he regards the news of doubtftil accuracy, General Walker will suspend his movements until its truth or untruth is established. He must keep his cavalry well to the front, and watch every move- ment in that direction. You will l)nsh forward the establishment of your depots on the Natchitoches road. Should General Walker fall back before sul)erior forces, his line of retreat should be toward Natchi- toches; he thinks. By order of Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith GUY M. BRYAN, Major, and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DIsT. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 183. Houston, July 8, 1863. * * * * * * * VIII. 1. Brigadier-General Bankhead will proceed as rapidly as pos- sible, at the head of two regiments of his command, viz, Gurleys and - Hardemans, and the artillery company of mountain howitzers, all equipped, to support Brigadier-General Steele in the Indian Territory. To expedite his movements, Brigadier-General Bankhead will use the transportation sent to the Northern Sub-District by Captain Biwke. If this is not on hand, and does not arrive in time, and he has not suffi- cient transportation, Brigadier-General Bankhead will impress the nec- essary transportation to move these re-enforcements rapidly. 2. Col. A. W. Terrell, commanding regiment of cavalry, will at once proceed in person to Bonham, Tex., and take command of the Northern Sub-District, in the absence of Brigadier. General Bankbcad. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P~. TUIINER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., July 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: I have just returned from Monroe, and find your letters of the 27th ultimo. I congratulate you most cordially upon your brilliant successes at Berwick Bay, and trust that you will succeed in removing all the most valuable stores, and especially the ordnance, to some secure point, as Natchitoches or NilSletts Bluff. * See p. 103 Page 107 CHAP. XXXVIII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 107 The line you propose from Vermillionville to Nibletts Bluff is a good one for operations, but I hope, even in the event of disaster at Vicks- burg, that you have no intention of withdrawing your force into Texas. This would be to abandon at once the Red River bottom, which is too rich a source of supply to be thus yielded, and cut our line of retreat from Arkansas. I think Natchitoches or Shrevepoi~t should be our points of concentration, and I have ordered supplies placed in de- pots, that troops may be readily removed wheu necessary from Arkan- sas in that direction. I shall order Walkers division to you whenever operations about Yicksburg will permit. You had given me no notice of your intention of being at Alexandria, or I would have met you there. It is not mentioned in any of your let- ters. At the time of the receipt of General Elgees letter, referred to, the report of your operations in Berwick Bay arrived. You were. then moving to effect a junction with Colonel Major for further operations in the La Fourche country. I am, general,very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Corpus Christi, July 9, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Houston, fLex.: SIR: The corn munications of July up to the 4th, inclusive, from your headquarters are at hand. I will not lose a moment in proceeding to Brownswille, land have forwarded to Major Russell the necessary in- structions, that there may be no delay. I go forward to obey the orders of my g~zieral, but I must be permitted to place on record my regret that this disagreeable duty had not been assigned to an officer of less rank, who could have discharged it equally as well. I have been so nn- fortunate as to have been required to carry out all previous orders about cotton, and have not failed to receive my portion of slander and abuse, and I had hoped that I wa~ in future clear of it. I anticipate great difficulties in accomplishing the wishes of Lieutenant-General Smith, but will secure the arms, if they come, at all hazards, and will keep you advised regularly of what transpires. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier- General. Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT, Bonham, fLex., July 9, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston, fLex.: CArTAIN: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place on the 7th instant. Gurleys regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel [N. W.] Bat- tle, reached here yesterday. Because of the scarcity of water in this neighborhood, I have estab- lished the encampment at Warren, 15 miles from this place, where I have an abundance of water and grass. I observe that six companies of Texas State troops (infantry) are assigned to my brigade. Be good enough to inform me where they are, and nuder whose command, so tha Page 108 108 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. I may get them in hand. I learn that Davidsons battalion has also been assigned to my command, but I have received nO official information in regard to it. Colonel Hardeman arrived here yesterday. His regiment is moving by companies, and is to rendezvous here on the 15th instant. I understand from him that he has but seven companies, numbering about 350 effective total; that his other companies have been detached, and attached to other commands. If compatible with the interests of the service, 1 trust that these de- tached ~companies will be ordered back immediately, as the efficiency of the regiment will be enhanced by keeping it together, and every- thing should be done to improve the esprit de corps of this command. I have heard nothing from Colonel Terrell. So soon as my command is organized, I will furnish you full reports, and will also acknowledge re- ceipt of orders. At present I am awaiting the arrival of staff officers and commands, and have hot published a single order. Is Maj. Henry Pendleton to be considered my chief quartermaster? Has Captain [E. P.] Gaines been assigned to duty in this sub-district? I trust that the contract for an express line between this point and Houston may be approved by the major-general commanding. I also ask permission to establish an express between this point and Shreve. l)ort, La. This last express I regard as absolutely essential. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, SMITH P. BANKilEAD, Acting Brig. Gen., Gomdg. Northern sub-District of Texas. [JULY10, 1863.For Smith to Cooper, in reference to succor for Port Hudson, & c., see Series I, Vol. XXIV, Part III. p. 997.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MJ5~I~5jppj DEPARTMENT ~3hreveport, La., July 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. G. WALKER: GENERAL: I have received your communication from Delhi, ann.ounc- ing the reported fall of Vicksburg. ~hould this report be confirmed, Grants army will probably be directed eastward. Louisiana must ex- pect invasion by Banks force in the direction of Berwick Bay or Sims- port. Alexandria or Natchitoches are better positions for your division. Tappans brigade, Parsons cavalry, and the force originally operating in Northeastern Louisiana must suffice for the present defense of that region. As soon as the fall of Vicksburg is verified, you will move with your division without delay to Alexandria. Your best route from Delhi is to march direct to Harrisonburg, and if the river is not safe and trans- portation available, march from that point across to Alexandria. Should you, whilst en route, find that the enemy have moved up Red River and occupied Alexandria, you will change your course, and make Natchito- ches the objective point of your march. At Alexandria or Natchitoches you will await the orders of General Taylor. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. ~JULY 11, 1863.For Bankhead to Turner, in reference to Steeks movements in the Indian Territory, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 922. Page 109 CHAP. XXXYIII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 109 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, & ireveport, La., July 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your re- port of the 4th instant. Again I take pleasure in expressing my satis- faction at -your operations. The results are beyond my expectation. Should the siege of Port Hudson be raised, your campaign will be crowned with entire ~uccess. The fall of Vicksburg, which now seems to be a certaiuty, has im- portant bearings on your movements. Could we retain possession of the Mississippi, the occupation of New Orleans should be hazarded at all risks. The loss of Yicksburg entails the loss of Port Hudson and the Mississippi. Any occupation of New Orleans can iiow only be tempo- rary. You inflict a severe blow upon the enemy by destroying the stores collected there, but to throw yourself into the city in the hopes of holding it would be placing your command in a cul-de-sac, from which there could be no extrication. I yesterday inclosed you a copy of instructions to General Walker. I do not think any serious occupation of Louisiana will be attempted by the enemy this summer. Monroe and Alexandria may be the ob- jective points of their campaign. Still, you should endeavor to make such disposition of your command as will defend the upper valley of Red River. Its occupation in force by the enemy loses ns its supplies, and endangers the wheat-growing region of Texas; it cuts the depart- ment in two, and renders the concentration of the troops from Arkan- sas difficult, if not impracticable. In withdrawing the brigade organized at this place under General Polignac, the depot, shops, and machinery are exposed to capture by cavalry excursions from either the Indian country or the Mississippi. Should they be removed from Katchitoches, the battery at that place will be without support. Jf your dispositions are such that you can dispense with them, arms should be immediately sent them from your captured ordnance, and they should be ordered back to this vicinity. They marched with 1,200 enlisted men. Should this command be re- quired from below, you will make same disposition for the defense of this depot and battery. The extract from General Johnstons letter, quoted by you, was un- just both in fact and implication. Had I not known the nobleness and generosity of his disposition, I should have credited him with wrong motives. The letter was received by me at Monroe, where I had gone on the receipt of General Elgees communication. I answered General Johnstons letter, corrected the exaggerated estimate of our force, and explained, with the nature of the peninsula and the weakness of the force, the utter impracticability of relieving Yicksburg whilst the Mis- sissippi rolled between us. I referred him to his own letter, the only communication received from him, in which he announces his arrange- ments for the relief of Yicksburg, and calls upon this command to do something to succor Port Hudson. I shall communicate the facts to the War Department, inclosing a copy of the letter referred to, in the event of any attempt being made to throw the blame on the troops in this command. I am, respectfully, yours, & c., E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General Page 110 110 XV. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXYIIL HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT, & C., Galveston, Tex., July 12, 1863. Brigadier.General BEE, Commanding First Division: SIR: Your communications received. In reply, I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that your General Orders, No. 1, is ap. proved. Major Russell, your chief quartermaster, will not leave the Rio Grande, however, until further orders from these headquai~ters. Your command will be designated the First Division. You will instruct Brigadier-General Bankhead to report directly to these headquarters, on account of being removed at a distance from your headquarters, but will furnish youcopies of all returns and re ports. - He will remain, as heretofore, under your command, but will send his returns and reports direct to these headquarters for information, always furnishing you a copy of such papers, to be consolidated in your sub-district returns for the month. If they cannot be obtained by you in time, you will send your returns promptly to these headquarters, where the returns of Brigadier-General Bankhead will be incorporated. The general expects that you will spare no efforts to make your return8 in good time. The returns for June are now due. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant EDMUND P. TURNER; Assistant Adjutant- General. [P. S.]Your views in regard to Colonel Woods taking command of First Brigade are approved. Lieutenant-General Smith, by a subsequent communication, extended in unitions of war to all supplies for army purposes~~ on board Sea Queen. This information has been communicated to you by letter sev- eral days since. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, July 14, 1863 General E. KIRBY SMITH, Comi~ianding, & c.: GENERAL: The Secretary of the Navy has made application to this Department for the use of the two heavy guns captured on the Indianola, with a view at once to make efficient a gunboat constructed at Shreve. port. As several guns belonging to the navy have been turned over to us elsewhere, and it is, besides, most probable that they can be more advantageously used at this juncture by the navy, I desire, unless im- perative military considerations, of which you must be the judge, forbbj, that the guns referred to be turned over to such officer as the Secretary of the Navy shall indicate, for the use of that Department. With high esteem, most truly yours, J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Berwick, July 14, 1863. Maj. E. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: Your dispatches of the 10th and 11th came to hand. I had received from New Orleans news of the fall of Yieksburg. I trust the doubts you express may be well founded. Port Hudson surrendered ou the 9th {8thj instant literally from starvation. The plan I had arrange Page 111 CHAP. XXXVIJI.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 111 for an attack on New Orleans fell through as soon as I was advised that [J. G.J Walkers division would not join me. My active force, not in- cluding the garrison of this place, is less than 4,000. That the plan re- ferred to would have succeeded any time before the 9th instant, I do not entertain the slightest doubt. Whether the city could have been held is another question. The fall of Port Hudson and the almost certain fate of Yicksburg render my present position in the La Fourche ex- tremely hazardous, and not to be justified on any military grounds. The defenses of this bay are far from satisfactory, and the entrance of a hostile fleet would rummy little army. The enemy will doubtless throw troops across the Atchafalaya at Morgans Ferry, 28 miles from Wash- ington. He has already ft brigade in the Grosset~ite. I cannot hope to unite with the forces now in Northern Louisiana, and the whole country between this point and Monroe is open. Since the communications of General Johnston led me to look for- ward to the fall of Yicksburg, I have been forming depots on -the line from Lafayette to Nibletts Bluff. In case I abandon this cQuutry I expect to follow this line, and you will lay your plans regarding the limited amount of public property at Alexandria accordingly. I send to-day a staff officer to Morgans Ferry, to watch and report the enemys movements. The reports will be forwarded also to you. You will take steps to secure early and accurate information of the enemys move- ments on Lower Red River and at Simsport. Where is General ro. J.] Polignacs brigade? Is it armed and ready for service? At junction of the Huffpower and Bocuf, or on the latter near Washington, as the enemy may move, would be the place for it. Communicate the contents of this to department headquarters. I have no staff officer with me, and am fatigued and jaded beyond description. Respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major- General. P. S.Nothing of the boats which left Alexandria on the 7th ultimo. Afraid they have come to grief on the Atchafalaya. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Alexandria, July 17, 1863. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the lieutenant-general commanding, with the remark that the boats of which General Taylor speaks in the postscript met the enemys gunboats at the mouth of the Atchafalaya, and returned safely to this post. E. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant- General. [JULY 14, 1863.For Ewell to Logan, in reference to movements, & c., see Series I, Vol. XXIV, Part III, p. 1005.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Mobile, Ala., July 16, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and In~pector General, C. S. Army: GENERAL: After the fall of Port Hudson, the army of Banks may be available for an early attack on Mobile. I therefore desire t~ impress upon the War Department the condition of this place Page 112 112 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS, LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. The harbor seems to me very defensible, on account of the powerful and well-placed batteries, the artificial obstructions to navigation, and the shallowness of the channels approaching the city. On the land side, a very formidable line of square redoubts encircles the city. They will be connected by other works, so as to form a continuous and strong line, which can be manned by about 10,000 men. This line has been drawn in (from considerations, of economy of labor and of troops) to the very edge of the city proper, and, therefore, during an attack from the land side, as the ground is everywhere level, the whole city will be exposed to fire. The total absence of non-combatants, of helpless peo- ple, women and children, becomes on this account one of the most im- portant elements of a successful defense, as ft is one of the most difficult to deal with, for at this time Mobile has become a place of refuge to homeless people from other parts of the Confederacy, while the active trade which has been going on has attracted an unusually numerous population, so that there are more than 15,000 people in the city who should be removed before the attack is made on it. There are nineteen redoubts in the line of defense; seventeen are defensible now, and the other two can be made so in a few days. The stores of all kinds now here will not suffice to enable a proper garrison (20,000 men) to stand a siege. I have forwarded requisitions for ordnance, made out on a siege basis, and have made the best practicable preparation to secure or bring in supplies of subsistence with the same view. The garrison should be increased at the proper time to 20,000 men. Forts Morgan and Gaines are victualed for six months. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DABNEY H. MAURY, Major- General. flndorsements.1 ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. July 23, 1863. II. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 25, 1863. Respectfully submitted. for information, to the President. J. A. SEDDOY, & eretary of War. The removal of non-combatants may well be postponed until an at- tack is proximate. The preparation by completion of works and col- lection of supplies and munitions should be pressed vigorously. The increase of the garrison should be studied now; the movement may be made when the intent of the enemy is better developed.# JEFFERS~J{ DAVIS. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, General S. COOPER, Mobile, ~Ala., July 16, 1863. Adjt. and Insp. Gen., G AS~. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: Please ask the Secretary of War to take into considera- tion the propriety of running cotton out on Government account from * See Seddon to Maury, August 1, p. 129 Page 113 CHAP. XXXVJII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 113 this port to Havana, in order to secure return cargoes of meat and other necessary supplies for our army. The steamer Crescent, owned by the Government, is about to sail. for Havana, under a contract made by my predecessor, and modified by me. The whole of her return cargo will be for the use of the army, and will consist chiefly .of arms, ammunition, and meat. Should she make the run safely to and from Havana, I rec- ommend that authority be given me to send her out again, entirely on Government account. She has carried 200 bales of cotton, and will start to-night with 180 baJes, but 150 bales will be the maximum limit of any cargo I shall send by her. The great importance of accumulat- ing military stores here by~very means induces me to make this appli- cation. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, DABNEY H. MAURY, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIssISSiPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., July 16, 1863. Brig. Gen. C J. POLIOKNAC GENERAL: You are hereby directed to remain at Grand Ecore with your brigade until further orders from these headquarters. You will endeavor to put Grand Ecore iu a state of defense. By command, of Lieutenant-General Smith: W. R. BOGGS, - Brigaqier-General, and Chief of Staff. SHREVEPORT, LA., July 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. J G. WALKER, Monroe, La.: Move with your command in the direction of Grand Ecore. By command of Lieutenant-General Smith: W. It. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DivIsIoN, Fort Brown, Tex., July 16, 1863. Capt. E. P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Houston, Tex.: SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place on the 15th instant. I at ouce prohibited the further exportation of cotton, and called upon the owners, and agents of owners, of all cotton, to report to me the amount, & c., on hand, which, when received, will enable me to move advisedly. I need scarcely say to you that I am beset with perplexities and an- noyances, and that great excitement prevails in the community, and many difficulties and obstacles are arising, probably not contemplated by the major-general commanding. My greatest apprehension now is, that the parties interested will not receive the impressed cotton in pay- ment for their goods, as it is asserted that such as is owned in Mexico 8 i~ RVOL XXVI, PT I Page 114 114 w. EtA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. will, if impressed, be retaken by the owners as soon as crossed, and also that, it being universally known as Confederate cotton, it will be cap. tured on the high seas by the enemy. These considerations may pre. vent the parties from closing with me. I shall do my best to meet the views of Lieutenant-General Smith, and will communicate further with you on the subject. Major Hart has no cotton here, nor has he any coming that I am apprised of. He writes to Mr. Gallagher, his agent here, that he does not agree to your suggestions to turn, over his cotton for the present necessities of the Government and to replace it with cotton in the interior. However, I have made the proposition as directed by the major-general commanding, and if the parties, or any of them, accept the proposition, I will give them the proper papers, addressed to him. I have to-day forwarded dispatches for the French admiral and French minister at Mexico, requesting the return of the vessel loaded with arms, captured off the mouth of the river, together with all the necessary papers, to prove that the arms were intended for the Con. federacy; were forwarded. by Capt. Arthur Hood, Royal Navy, who, I am informed by Mr. Maloney, takes a warm interest in this affair, and will do all he can to place the matter right before the admiral. The arrival of the schooner unannounced and unexpected was the fault of Mr. Ruthven, the agent of Mr. Clements, who did not inform any one of the contents of his letter announcing her speedy arrival, and she was not expected for forty days. There is no doubt but that the Yankees would have captured her, as it is now said that for this reason the French took her. 1 believe she will be given up, but anticipate great difficulty in getting her cargo saf~, as a great, deal of notoriety has at. tached to the transaction, and the consul at Matamoras is wide awake: The general health of this place has improved. The news to the 3d from New Orleans is still favorable. With great respect, your obedient servant, H.P. BEE, Brigadier-General. PROCLAMATION. JuLY 16, 1863. To the People of Texas: FELLOW-CITIZENS: Vicksburg has fallen, but our insolent foes have but little cause to rejoice. More than 30,000 of them found bloody graves in the effort to reduce a city defended by less than 25,000 men, and, though the place was surrendered, the army was saved. Our victorious arms are now desolating Pennsylvania, and 40,000 prisoners attest the triumphant march of General Lee. The North will not long exult over the barren victory on theMississippi. It has cost the destruction of more than half of their largest and best army, and the (leluoralization of the remainder. The benefits they expect from the fall of Yicksburg will not be reaped by them. Sharpshooters will line the banks of the Mississippi River, and their deadly volleys will be the only salute to the adventurous foe who may come toforce trade over Southern waters. A temporary success, at immense sacrifice, will admonish our enemies how vain is the task of attempting to subjugate a free, determined, and united people. A spirit of unyielding resistance animates our people from the Atlantic to the Rio Grande, while the armies of the Northern despot, wasted by our valor and the diseases of an unfriendly climate Page 115 CHAP. XXXVJJI.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 115 will find nothing to stir their courage. Their unwilling soldiery, forced to conduct a brutal warfare against an unoffending people, who desire only the blessings of freedom and of peace, will never subjugate the peo- ple of Texas, who will strike oniy in the sacred cause of self-defense. But you must always be prepared for this purpose. I called upon the. Governor of your State for 10,000 State troops, who are now being or- ganized. I now call upon the citizens of the State to perfect their or- ganizations at once. I also call upon the slaveholders of the State everywhere to respond fully to the calt I have made for one-fourth of your working hands to work upon the fortifications, to drive wagons, and to do that labor which soldiers, who should be in the ranks, are now performing. There are two other classes of our fellow-citizens to whom I trust I shall not appeal in vain. I recommend all citizens over the age of fifty years, who are able to do service as cavalr.y, and all others whose civil offices or employments exempt them from service, to at once organize them- selves in the different counties in companies of minute-men, provide their own ammunition, arms, horse, saddle, and bridle, ~nd keep con- tinually on hand twenty days rations of dried beef, so as to move at a moments warning in any direction. As soon as you are organized in companies, send muster-rolls to These headquarters. These companies I will not call out except when an emergency arises, and they will return to their homes when they desire to do so. Let communications on this subject, after the organization of the companies, be addressed to Capt. Edmund P. Turner, assistant adjutant-general. Adopt this plan throughout Texas, so that an army of minute-men, who are exempt from forced service, bearing the rifles that once re- pelled the Mexican invader, may rush at a moments warning from your prairies, and, with their aid, the organized forces of Texas will sweep from your borders any army that may come to mui~der and plunder upon your soil. Our barbarous foe already gloats over the prospect of your desolated homes, and your helpless women sacrificed to his unbridled licentious- ness. He will yet learn that the spirit of the Alamo~is the quick spirit of the land, and that Texas will not suffer her sons to be subjected to territorial vassalage, nor her daughters degraded to be the associates of enfranchised slaves. Let him who has been shirking the contest arm in defense of home, report to those regiments in Texas not yet complete, and taste for once the proud joy of defending the soil that has fed him. Let all remember that the protection promised by degrading oaths of Federal allegiance is a delusion and a snare. If the army should be left at a disadvantage by the cowardice of those who should recruit and sustain it, they shall reap no benefit from their baseness. Such unpatriotic men shall not be left between my lines and the enemy, seeking to cover by perjury the wealth amassed by grinding extortion. J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Gomdg. Dist. of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND AR1z., No. 190. f Houston, Tex., July 16, 1863. * * * * * * * VIII. 1. The fortifications at Yicksburg having been carried by the enemy, the most energetic exertions are required of all to place Texas Page 116 116 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL and particularly the works around Galveston, in the best possible state of defense. No time caii be lost. The men of this command who are willing to work on the fortifications, & c., are informed that they will receive $30 per month in addition to their pay, and a half ration more than at present, and will be excused from all military duty as long as they are so engaged. Such mechanics as may volunteer and be ac- cepted, will receive $10 in addition to the above privileges, making in all $40 and the extra half ratipn. These men will be considered as on furlough whilst thus engaged. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LoUISIANA, Brashear City, July 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, New Mexico, & c.: GENERAL: I avail myself of the se~vices of Colonel Robertson, vol- unteer aide of Brigadier-General MeCulloch, to communicate with you relative to the operations within this district, the probable future move- ments of forces, and matters in which not only the public interests are deeply involved, but the future of our respective commands is inti- mately blended. On the 23d instant, by a coup de main, I succeeded in capturing this place with a small and picked command, taking a large quantity of ord- nance, ordnance stores, quartermasters and commissary supplies, and about I ,500 prisoners, recovering from the enemy upward of 2,000 ne- groes who had been abdncted by General Banks on his march and retreat to and from Alexandria. Colonel Major (whom I had placed in command of a brigade of cav- alry) had been selit down the Mississippi River from Fausse River to- ward this place, via Plaquemine, Donaldsonville, Thibodeaux, and Bayou Bceuf, successfully and brilliantly carried out his instructions, and, having swept the country on the route indicated, destroying at Plaquemine three sea-going transports, with valuable cargoes, both of Government snpplies and private ventures, effected a junction with General Greens cavalry brigade at Bayou Ba~nf, on the line of the rail- road, 7 miles from this place. I hnrried the two small infantry brigades of Colonel [Henry] Gray and Colonel [J. W.] Speight, the two number- ing about 1,800 effective men, and, leaving an adequate force to garri- son this place and the forts in its vicinity (which I hastened to put in a strong defensive attitude), I pushed the whole command forward toward the Mississippi Riverq making Donaldsonville and its neighborhood, which was strongly fortified by the enemy, the objective point in my movements. I posted above and below Donaldsonville batteries of light artillery, well supported,. and within safe and easy communication of the main body of my force, and had effectually blocked the passage of the Mis- sissippi River to any of the enemys transports, rendering it impossible for him to receive supplies at Port Hudson by way of the Lower Mis- sissippi- I was most sanguine that my operations would so seriously embarrass raise the s the operations of General Banks as to force him to iege o Page 117 117 CIiAI?. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCfl, ETC.CONFEDERATE. Port Hudson. The unfortunate fall of Yicksburg, followed by that of Port Hudson, releasing from the operations in which they had been engaged so large an army that my longer possession of this country depended npon the sufferance of the enemy rather than upon my abil- ity to prevent him from surrounding or cutting off my little army, I was obliged to commence the evacua4tion of this section of the country. Before doing so, however, I determined to fight the enemy.ou his first advance in force, and, on the 14th, General [Godfrey] Weitzels, on the west bank, and another brigade on the east baqk of the La Fourche, were met by General Greens and Colonel Majprs commands. The fight- ing was confined principally to the west bank, and the enemy was de- cisively routed, with a loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners of nearly 1,000, with a loss of 4 killed and 25 wounded, in all about 30, on our side. This having effectually checked his advance, I withdrew my forces from the Mississippi River and neighborhood, and have fallen back to Bayou Bornf and Chuckahoula, within convenient distance, per- fectly accessible to this place, and have crossed all my trains and stores excepting such as are needed from day to day. If the enemy means to overrun and occupy Louisiana, it is within his power to do so. The rise in the Mississippi and IRed and Atchafalaya Rivers will enable them to throW their gunboats and transports int& the very heart of Western Louisiana; and if they should throw a large force up Red River, or march a column from Simsport or Morgan~s Ferry to Washington or Opelonsas, the only course which will be left will be for me to proceed with the troops now in this section to Nibletts Bluff. 1 have made arrangements to have depots of supplies established on the eastern end of the route from Vermillionvifle to INibletts Bluff. Will you establish depots at that place, and at points, respectively, one, two, and three days march therefrom, on the Louisiana side, for, say, 7,500 troops ~ The condition of affairs resulting from the fall of Yicksburg and Port Hudson indicates most strongly that an army of the Trans-Mississippi Department must concentrate in Texas; and my conversations and in- - terchange of views with you, when you passed through Alexandria, not only assure me of your desire to co-operate in everything which will promote the good of our cause and the service in which we are engaged, but induce me without hesitation to call upon you to carry out such ar- rangements as 1 am satisfied you concur with me in believing are neces- sary and prudent. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LoUISIANA, Brashear City, July 118, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, Yew Mexico, & c.: GENERAL: If you have the means of doing so, I would be glad if you wonld picket the various frequented crossings of the Sabine River, giving instructions to your officers in charge to arrest all stragglers from this command who are making their way into Texas. Many of these men are bringing disgrace upon the service and their State, by taking off stolen horses and other property. I have given instructions to th Page 118 118 w. PLA., s. ALA., S. MISS., LA, TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXXVIII. commanding officer at Nibletts Bluifto arrest all officers and soldiers who may attempt to cross without permission from the proper author- ities. I understand that your foundry and arsenal at Houston are l)repared to make ammunition for rifled guns. I have sixteen 3-inch rifled guns in my command, and all the ammunitjon for them has already been. issued. If in your power, I would respectfully suggest and request that you will cause to be manufactured a supply of this kind of ammu- nition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. TAYLOR, Major- General. [P. S.]Our batteries are greatly in need of artillery harness, and, if practicable, I would be glad if you would have a supply manufactured. IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MExIc6, AND ARIZONA, Rush, Cherokee County, July 20, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western ASub-District, Brownsville: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 9th instant, and in reply I am instructed by the major-general commanding to state that from the fact of your being the commanding officer of the sub-district where the cotton trade is being principally carried on, is a paramount reason why you should super- intend that business. It is a matter of vital interest to the Government, requiring the attention of officers best acquainted with the subject, and, though the maj~r-general commanding would with pleasure relieve you from what he knows is an unpleasant duty, he cannot intrust it to any officer under your rank. Colonel Bradfute was placed in command of the coast and its defenses and ordered to report to you. He is in command of Colonel Hobbys regiment, and all the troops on the coast from Corpus Christi to Nata- gorda, including the four companies of Woods regiment, which are to be considered as detached from Colonel Woods regiment and not under his command. Colonel Bradfute is, therefore, only under your orders and not Colonel Woods, his command being separate and distinct. We are here to meet General E. Kirby Smith, and will return to Houston in a few days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S.. A., Ordnance Office, Richmond, Jul.y 22, 1863. Lieut. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: It has been concluded to send one of the vessels of the War Department direct from Bermuda to Texas, with arms for the Trans-Mississippi generally, and especially for the Department of Texas. Mr. Mohl, who brought to me General Magruders letter recommend Page 119 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.CONFEDERAW. 119 ing purcha~se of steamer and arms in Europe, with your indorsement approving the project, returns to the headquarters of General Magrn- der, with instructions in relation to the repletion pf the steamer and cargo on the coast of Texas. Unless some nnforeseen contingency intervenes, you may rely on the reception of from 8,000 to 1~,000 stand of arms on the coast of Texas during the next Three months, a portion of them, I trust, within six weeks. It may not be improper to add that steps had been taken pre- vions to the reception of the letter; iustructions had been sent to our agents in Europe to arrange for the shipment of a cargo of arms direct into Texas. These instructions remain in force. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. GORGAS, Colonel, Chief of Ordnance.. HEADQUARTERS CONSCRIPT SERVICE, Austin, July 22, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TuANER, Assistant Adjutant- Generat: SIR: Mention has been made in communications from the command- ant of conscripts to the commanding g& ieral of the necessity for armed men to assist in the enforcement of the conscript law. This necessity is becoming daily and hourly more apparent. In the counties north of this, bodies of men are assembling, armed and equipped, to resist the enrolling officers. These squads are increasing daily in strength by deserters, both from the army and from conscription, in the lower counties, and, if unnoticed, will eventnally become formidable. A small force of mounted mcii could soon scatter them or bring them to terms, if not permitted to re- cruit too long. In view of these facts, and the threatening aspect of affairs along the Mississippi, which precludes the idea of taking men from the fiehi for this service, it is respectfully suggested that the commandant of con- scripts be authorized to raiseincluding,.as well as persons subject to duty, minors, old men, and those exempted from various causesa suffi- cient number of men, not to exceed three companies, to insure the arrest and dispersion of th6 aforesaid renegades and the enforcement of the law, and to act as a police to preserve order and protect public prol)- erty in this city. If the above suggestion meets the approval of the commanding gen- eral, the details will be immediately submitted for his inspection. I respectfully refer you to the accompanying communication of His Excellency Governor Lubbock. I have the Jionor to be, sir, yours, respectfully. JOHN S. FORD, Colonel, and Commandant of Conscripts. [Inclosurel EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Austin, July 22, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General: Having heard that Col. John S. Ford, commanding conscripts, has made a request on the general commanding this district for authorit Page 120 120 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. to employ a certain force to aid him in enforcing the enrollment of con- scripts ~nd the securing of deserters, I feel it my duty to state that, from information daily received by me, some such step is absolutely necessary. Should this step be delayed much longer, I fear very serious conse- quences will grow out of it. There is also a very large amount of pub- lic property of a most valuable character needing pr6tection. I will most cheerfully render every assistance in my power to bring about a prompt execution of the law, both against deserters and shirk. ing conscripts. I am, yours, very respectfully, F. R. LUBBOCK MoBiLE, ALA., July 23, 1863. General S. COOPER: Large naval force now assembling at Pensacola. I expect this place will be soon attacked. PJease hurry forward my ordnance storesrequisitions fbrwarded. I will need some 12,000 to 15,000 re-enforcements. DABNEY H. MAURY, Major- General, Commanding. [Indorsenient.) JULY 24, 1863. Respectfully refers to Chief of Ordnance so much as refers to hurry. ingforward the ordnance stores. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. MOBILE, ALA., July 23, 1863. Col. B. S. EWELL.: Four companies of Seventeenth Alabama are guarding bridges near Quitman, Red Bluff Shubuta, and Bucatunna Statioi~s, Mobile and Ohio Railroad. I must withdraw them, as they are artillerists. Can you send troops to replace them ~ Large naval force assembling at Pensacola. Cant you stop sending prisoners throngh here l They interfere with transportation, consume supplies, & c. DAB~EY H. MAURY, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS, .Year Morton, July 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. DABNEY H. MAURY, Mobile, Ala.: Your communications to General.Cooper and General Johnston rela- tive to the condition of Mobile have been read by General Johnston. - He expects to visit Mobile in a few days, and will communicate with you fully upon the subject. By command of General Johnston: BENJ. S. EWELL, As8istant Adjutant- General Page 121 CHAr. XXXVIII.] VORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 121 WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, July 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. DAENEY H. MAURY, Commanding, & c., Mobile, Ala.: GENERAL: Yours of the 16th instant has been submitted to me. I entirely concur in the policy of exporting on Government account all the cotton we can manage to send abroad, and, in return, to import cargoes of provisions and other necessary supplies for the army. You are authorized to employ the. steamer Crescent, as proposed by you, and to make fair arrangements with any others for the purpose indi- cated. I would recommend that at this time your stores, whether of cotton or articles received, should not be allowed to accumulate and remain at Mobile, but be sent off to some more inland town convenient of access by railroad or river. Your letter requesting supplies of ord- nance stores and guns has been received and referred to the Chief of Ordnance, with direction to give all the aid his resources will allow. Very truly, yours, J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. SPt~CIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. TRANS.MISSISSLPPI DEPARTMENT, No. 95. Shreveport, La., July 25, 1863. * * * * * * * V. Brig. Gen. Henry E. MeCulloch is relieved from duty in the Dis- trict of Louisiana, and is assigned to duty in the District of Texas. He will report to Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder. By command of Licut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., No. 200. - Houston, July 26, 1863. * * * * * * * XIII. Brig. Gen. R. M. Gano is hereby assigned to the command of all the cavalry of the Texas State troops called out under the late proc- lamation of His Excellency Governor Lubbock. * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. [JULY 28, 1863.For Smith to Cooper, in reference to conscription in Trans-Mississippi Department, see Series 1, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 949.] HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND AR IZONA, Millican, Tex., July 29, 1863. Major-General TAYLOR, New Iberia, La.: GENERAL: I hear rumors of pour falling back on Nibletts Bluff. There are a few days~ supplies at that place which I have ordered for- ward two companies of Elmores regiment of Texas infantry to protect. Page 122 122 W. PLA., 8. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. CHAP. XXXVIII. I directed a large quantity of s~upplies to be placed at Orange, which is a defensible place, whilst Nibletts Bluff is not. It would be difficult to get a quantity of supplies or a large force from Nibletts Bluff to Orange in a short time with our means there. These means I have or- dered to be kept in, subjeet to the call of the officer at Nib. letts Bluff, whenever you advise him that you are retreating to that place; they are steamboats, in daily use, and cannot be spared except- ing about the time you absolutely require them. It would facilitate the crossing of the Sabine if a portion of your troops would go by Opelousas to Burrs Ferry. In that case, however, should the enemy occupy Alex- andria at the same moment, they might be cut off on the way to Burrs Ferry. Please communicate with me freely and frequently your expected movements,that I maybe enabled to render you any assistance in my power. It is embarrassing to act upon mere rumors. I am informed by Colonel Sulakowski that, in marching from your position to Nibletts Bluff, you cross the Mentan, which, with a small force, after having been crossed and the bridge destroyed, he is of the opinion can be defended with ease against a much larger number. I am calling out militia, but have no arms. If you saved any arms by the substitution of good ones which were captured from the enemy, please send them to me at Houston. In haste, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Go~nmanding, & c. P. 5.Should you find an intermediate point between New Iberia and Nibletts Bluff at which you can maintain yourself~ and not be able to draw supplies from Louisiana by sending wagons to Nibletts Bluff, I can always send you supplies of provisions and ammunition. It would be better to give a few days notice. EDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXIOp, AND ARIZONA, Near Millican, July 29, 1863. Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to acknowl- edge the receipt of your letter of the 19th of July, giving an account of your proceedings under the orders of Lieutenant-General Smith, and the instructions of Major-General Magruder in accordance therewith, for the impressment of cotton on the Rio Grande, to pay for the cargoes of the Sea Queen, the Gladiator, and Sir William Peel. It is obvious that the obstacles placed in your way result from a combination of merchants, mercantile and consular agents on both sides of the river, to render in- operative the impressment act passed by the Congress of the Confed- erate States, and in accordance with an express provision of the Con- stitution of these States authorizing such act. You say that you deduct 3,000 bales of cotton from the amount at the Rio Grande and arriving there, as the probable amount that will belong to the State, to associations for the benefit of soldiers families, to plant. ers expecting to buy supplies, & c., and that the whole amount is about 11,000 bales. This will leave about 8,000 bales at your disposal. These quantities are modified by the following considerations, viz, th~ tax law, ~which calls for 8 per cent. of all the cotton in the country at the time of its passage. This will give us 880 bales, for under this law there is n Page 123 CHAr. XXXVIIL) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 123 exemption either for State, foreign, or any other cotton. Of this, 240 is derived from the 3,000 bales belonging to the planters and State, and we have 7,380 at our service. Now, if one-half of this belongs to foreigners, the other half, 3,690, will be the available quantity on hand with which to send back the three vessels, each with a load of cotton. The major-general commanding- is not aware of the capacity of these vessels, but it is said that the Sea Queen will oniy carry a thousand bales. At all events, they ought to be on the order of their arrival dispatched with returned cargoes as soon as possible, but you say that cotton is only worth about 20 cents per pound in market at Brownsville, and that the teamsters were l)romised 16 cents per pound in gold by their employers, and that you offered them 8 cents per pound, but that they refused this, and have re- mained unpaid. The major-general commanding understands that cot- ton is now worth 25 cents per pound in Brownsville; the impressment act requires that the value of the article impressed, if the owners refnse to part with the article voluntarily assessed according to the mode prescribed in the act, shall be paid by the owner in Confederate money, if the officer impressing has it, and, if not, in acco~ants, accompanied by other papers therein described. The only difficulty of magnitude, in the opinion of Major-General Ma- gruder, under the above circumstances, is the refusal of the owners of the cargoes to be paid in impressed cotton, and he presumes that the true meaning of that is, that they refuse to receive cotton impressed from the hands of foreign owners, for he cannot suppose it l)Ossible that they refuse to receive the impressed cotton being the property of our own citizens, since the Constitution of the Confederate States authorizes Congress to pass an act of impressment,~~ and Congress has passed such an act. You state that many of these goods can be obtained at Matamoras at 25 instead of 100 per cent. on cost price, and that parties represent- ing a portion of~ the cargo of the Sea Qneen offer those goods brought over in that ship at 52 per cent., instead of 100 per cent. due under the contract with Bellot, IDe Mermes & Co., represented by Mr. Bisbee. fhe major-general commanding desires me to state that he cannot be tempted by the difference of prices to depart in the slightest degree from the fulfillment of a contract made with the highest officer of our Government, the Secretary of War, with house of Bellot, Dc Mermnes & Co., as, in his opinion, the preservation of the faith of the Govern- ment i~ its very highest interest. The major-general has inquired into the contracts between Major Hart and the merchants at Matatnoras and Brownsville, and has been informed that for supplies which Major Hart received in the early part of the year cotton Was to be delivered in J)ayment, but no time was specified as to its delivery. He is of the opinion, from the best information he can obtain, that the whole of the debt incurred by Major Hart will be paid in cotton this season. He is also informed verbally by Major Hart that the contract made with Kennedy & King allowed him (Major Hart) thle privilege of deliv- ering 500 bales per month on any plantation in any county in the State, and that he would be sure thus to deliver the 500 bales per month. The major-general commanding has received a letter from Maj. Charles Russell upon the subject of Major Harts failure to comply with this part of the contract, which has been referred to Major Hart with the remark thai, unless he apply for a court of inquiry, the mat- ter will be investigated by one of the inspectors-general. The major.general has also called through the J)ublic newspapers fo Page 124 124 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEN. [CHAP. XXXVIIL any substantial evidenc& of fraud on the part of the agents of Major Hart, or those of any other staff officer of the Government, with the determination to visit such conduct with the severest penalties of the law. Having no doubt, then, that the local debts will be paid through the instrumentality of Major hart this season, he is extremely anxious that there should be evidence promptly preserved abroad of a disposi- tion, as well as an ability, to pay the debts contracted for there. The first to provide ft~ is the Se~ Queen. The major-general saw the agents of the contractors, Messrs. Bellot & Co., Mr. Bisbee and Mr. iRedgate, the agents of the parties owning a part of the cargo, who voluntarily dissolved their connection with Messrs. Bellot & Co., and told theni that as inasmuch as Mr. Cherry, the agent of Messrs. Bellot & Co. at Brownsville, had refused to honor their drafts, on the ground that we had not cotton on the Rio Grande, as called for in the contract, he would take the whole cargo, paying what the contract called for, if they would reconcile their differences; which was agreed to by Mr. Bisbee, and also by Mr. IRedgate, provided in the latter case his con- stituents ageed to it; but as it appears from your statement that there is not cotton enough on the Rio Grande, even when impressed, to pay for these cargoes, so far from being tempted to take the goods at lower rates from those who have severed themselves from Messrs. Bellot & Co., and therefore have not by contract any claims on us, the major-general comn~anding is decidedly of the opinion that we should pay with such cotton as can be impressed for that portion of the cargo represented by Colonel Bisbee, for which we have contracted to pay, and send the vessel back with. a load as soon as possible, receiv- ing all the goods which Mr. Bisbee has, if he thinks proper to deliver them to us, or only such portion as can be paid for by the retur.n cargo of cotton, the rest to be delivered as we deliver cotton. Whether the transaction is a beneficial one to us or not is of little consequence so long as we preseAre our credit abroad. The major-general commanding hopes to be enabled, by the means of transportation l)laced at our disposal by the impressment act and by the Government cotton in Louisiana and Texas, to pay for all the goods which have arrived and which will arrive with what may be considered only reasonable commercial delay. The question of impressing foreign cotton has been referred to counsel, and will also be sent up for Lieu- tenant-General Smiths action, so that you will not probably receive a definite answer in regard to the impressment of that cotton fi~fr from twenty to thirty days. In the meantime cotton will-remain impressed and in your hands. Should the merchants agree to advance enough cotton of that which is now on the Rio Grande and coming to load the vessels under contract with us which have arrived with return cargoes, and to pay for the arms imported by Nelson Clements, all the rest will - be released ex- cepting the tax of 8 per cent., which will go toward these cargoes. What percentage this will be, you are a better judge, the mimjor-general thinks, than himself. The cargo of the vessel from Nelson Clements, it is presumed, will be paid for by Major Hart, but the arms which may be obtained from the vessel taken to Vera Cruz, or from any other vessel sent here by Nelson Clements, must be paid for immediately. Though this tax is collected in money, still it amounts to the same as if it were in cotton, for in assessing the value of the cotton the assessor would have to value it at its market price in Confederate money, and, if it were paid in money, the same money could buy it, and, upon th Page 125 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 125 owner refusing to sell it, the cotton could be impressed at the rates as- sessed. To sum ul), you will, therefore, first assess and hold subject to your order 8 per cent. of all the cotton now on the Rio 0-rande and arriving; secon(lly, you will inform the British consul and foreign holders that the right of impressment as to foreign cotton or cotton owned by for- eigners is under advisement, and as soon as th~ question is determined they will be informed. In the meantime you will hold their cotton under impressment until the question is settled. If you can get posses- sion of cotton enough which is the property o~ our own citizens to give cargoes to all of those vessels with whose owners we have contracts, you will difer them payment on such cotton thus impressed, in accord- ance with the Constitution and laws of our country. As the State of Texas is deeply interested in this transaction, if you cannot obtain cotton enough from our own citizens, exempting parties as designated in the instructions of Lieutenant-General Smith and in those of MajorGeneral Magruder, you will impress the State cotton, holding it until the major-general commanding can communicate with and hear from the Governor. This will be done unless all the mer- chants will agree to advance cotton sufficient to accomplish our pur- pose, as explained in the former part of this letter; otherwise the im- pressment policy will not be departed from, as it is now an inevitable necessity. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-Generat. IIDQRS DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, July 29, 1863 Brig. Gen. W R SCURRY, Commanding Eastern ASub-District: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that in choosing the companies of ~ regiment, whom you have been di- rected to order to Nibletts Bluff to protect the Government property at that place, you will select the companies with the view of getting the most capable and suitable officer in the regiment to take command of the companies, and make the necessary and proper arrangements to insure the protection of the property at Nibletts Bluff, and to carry out further instructions which he will receive Nibletts Bluff will be con- sidered as belonging to your sub-district. This officer will report directly to yon) sending his regimental reports, of course, to the commanding officer of his regiment. You will direct him to stop as many negroes as may be necessary, with their implements, passing through Nibletts Bluff, to work upon the fortifications which are or will be located there by Colonel Forshey; to set the saw-mills in that neighborhood or near Orange at work, without interfering with the engineers, for which purpose he must com- municate with the engineers at the mouth of the Sabine River. The saw-mills will get lumber for making five or six ferry flats, with their poles and oars, to assist, in an emergency, in taking the stores from Nib- lefts Bluff to Orange. He will impress all the empty buildings and rooms.in the place, impressing at once, in accordance with the impress- ment a~t, all gambling houses and liquor shops. He will establish the strictest military 4iscipline and military police, permitting no abuse to exist. He will establish a system of guard, ap- pointing a provost-marshal, who will cause all persons passing throug Page 126 126 W. FLA., s. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVHL the place to give a strict account of themselves, and will detaiu all sus. picious characters, so as to keep the place free from marauders and spies. If an opportunity offers, and his force be sufficient, he will pene- trate the dens of thieves, jayhawkers, and runaway negro harborers, said to be in that neighborhood, and shoot them down unless they sur- render at discretion. Upon being informed by Major-General Taylor of his intention to fall back on Nibletts Bluffan actual falling backhe will immediately communicate the same by special messenger to yourself at Houston, or your chief quartermastei, telegraphing from Beaumont, if the line is working. Upon receiving this intelligence, you will direct all the steamers (transports) on the waters of the Sabine to proceed forthwith to Nib- letts Bluff; to transPort to Orange Major-General Taylors command, and the supplies from that place, and in the meantime orders will be given them by Major Bloomfield to hold themselves in readiness to pro- ceed at a moments warning to Niblet4s Bluff, as soon as called upon by the commanding officer at the post. I am, genefal, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.The general directs that you order the commanding officer at Nibletts Bluff, besides sending the intelligence that the boats are needed by him to you and your chief quartermaster, to send it also to the agents of your chief quartermaster stationed at Orange and Beau- mont, and who, on receiving this information, will at once cause the boats to report to him. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near Millican, July 30, 1863. His Excellency F. B. LUBBOCK, Governor of Texas: SIR: Nothing but an earnest desire for the defense of the State would prompt me to make a suggestion to Your Excellency in reference to the call for 10,000 men; but regarding General Orders, No. 32, from adju- taut and inspector general of the State, as calculated to impair almost entirely the efficiency of the draft, I respectfully present to Your Ex- cellency the importance of a reconsideration of the same. From all the information I can gather, such has been the extent of exemptions on account of physical disability, that not one-half of the men called for will be drafted. I learn from the quartermaster at Chap- peP Hill, out of 70 persons enrolled, all obtained certificates of exemp- tion on this account but 20. I had hoped that the certain and pressing necessity for the defense of the State would have been met by a prompt compliance with your call. lf now there is to be added to this num- ber all those whose services may be deemed necessary at home by the county courts, but few outside of the large cities and towns will be held to service. The means brought to bear upon the county courts to induce their indorsing applications for furlough will be such that most of the cases will meet with approval. I cannot but express the opinion that the best mode of protecting the families of the absent soldiers is for the men able to perform service to rally to the call of danger, and aid in repelling th~ foe who would desolate his hearthstone and despoil him of his property. If men are to be detailed from the army to pro Page 127 CHAP. XXXVIIL] CORRESPQNDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 127 vive for their wants, it would be better that the gallant fellows who in Virginia and the west have toiled for long months amid privation and danger should be allowed to return to taste the endearments of hdine, and that these men should take their places. The necessity for troops is so pressing that the full extent of this call will be required, and in the future calls that will have to be made to meet the deficit arising from the large list of exempts and furloughed men, the burden will fall heavily upon that class who ai e willing to serve the country. Jt is but just to them that every citizen able to do duty should be subject to the draft, and, if drafted, placed in the field. The large number of them who will necessarily be exempt, as well as the number of discharged and disalAed soldiers, will surely supl)ly the, actual nieces- sities of the country; and I trust that no mistaken idea of humanity or regard for the feelings of those who have thus far known but little of troubles incident to war will dictate a policy which will allow so many to escape service. There are but few soldiers families but would prefer to provide for themselves, that those who have till now enjoyed the comforts of home may share the dangers of their brethren in the field; and when such l)atriotism is exhibited, the county courts should themselves see that their wants are supplied. I am instructed by Lieutenant-General Smith to make speedy ar- rangements for the concentration of the available forces of the State at Nacogdoches. The Skate troops will be ordered to repair to that place as soon as their organization is~ complete. A thorough cavalry officer, Brigadier-General Gaiio, from the army of General Morgan, has been assigned to the organization of that arm of service in the State troops, and I expect to place all the departments in as competent hands. Or- ders have been issued for time concentration of supplies there, and every means will be adopted to bring to bear all the resources at my command to make them efficient. No one can be more impressed with your gen- uine l)atriotism than myself, and I am convinced that your humanity is equal to your patriotism, I feeling it my duty to guard you against yielding to the dictates ot the latter when the result would be disastrous to the country defense of the country. it is my l)rolnise to know the danger [sic]. I rely much upon your efforts, knowing that the earnest desire is to further any measures intended to avert it. With an army in the field calculated by its numbers to make time enemy cau- tious how they invade us, we may escape invasion altoget her this year. Without such an army, our very weakness will invite attack. I have the honor to be, Your Excellencys obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding, & c. IIDQRS, DEPARTMENT OP TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, & C., Near ]tliillican, July 30, 1863. Major A. G. DICKINSON, A. A. G., and Comdr. of Post, San Antonio: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to revoke all orders given you in regard to the impressment of cotton. The general directs, however, that you take at once the necessary steps to take, strictly in accordance with the law, the assessment of 8 per cent. of cotton, and, when asses eminent. - sed, you will hold this for the.Go Page 128 128 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N~ MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL You will pursue this course in regard to all cotton in ami near San Aiitonio, and between that place and Eagle Pass. You will proceed to the execution of this matter at once, so as to secure the full benefit of this law. If the owner offers to give security for the payment of the law in. money, this, of course, will be refused, for we need the cotton. If he refuses to deliver up the cotton when assessed, the 8 per cent. will b e impressed, in accordance with the provisions of the impressment act, and held by you subject to the generaPs orders. You will systematize this matter as soon as possible, and report progress, & c., to these head- quarters from time to time. It is possible that cotton may be diverted aild taken out b~y Laredo and hence you will secure the interest of the Government in that quarter by means of these two acts, viz, the impressment bill and the law in regard to tax in kind. The general wishes you to send a messenger to Governor Vidaurri with a copy of the tax law, and state that Major-General Magruder has not allowed the impressment law to operate against his sub- jects, and does not desire to do anything which would interfere with the trade in that quarter, which should be preserved. State to him that the tax law is the law of the land, and that the general col- lects the 8 per cent. on cotton to secure this to the Government and prevent it from heing taken from the country. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. RICHMOND, VA., Maj. Gen. BARNEY II. MAURY, July 31, 1863. Mobile, Ala.: A telegram from General Johnston states that no present purpose of attack on Mobile seems contemplated; the exigencies of the service else- where do not allow a return of troops to you without imminent danger of attack. Report the number and kinds of troops nuder your com- mand: we wish to judge and provide for your needs. S. COOPER, Adjutant and inspector General. IIDQRS. D1STRICT OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, & C., Near Millican, July 31, 1863. Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to s~iy that the fall of Yicksburg necessitates some slight change in the disposition of troops near Corpus Christi. You will, therefore, cause the remaining companies of Woods regi- ment (six in all, two having been ordered to Corpus Christi and two to Lavaca) to be stationed at some eligible point on the Guadalupe River, say about 25 miles from Powder Horn, to support Colonel Bradfute and Colonel Buchels regiment, to be stationed at or near San Patricio, for the purpose of supporting Corpus Christi or any other point in that vicinity, should it be threatened. If it be needed farther up the coast Page 129 CHAP. XXXYIIT.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~CONFEDERATE. 129 this regiment can thus be easily marched to Corpus Christi, and trans- ported by the inland navigation. The general bids me say that he desires you to adhere rigidly to the orders in regard to stationing troops, and that whenever latitude or discretion is intended, it will always be given you in the order. In re- gard to matters touching the affairs on the iRio Grande, he wishes you to exercise your full discretion, always, however, acting in such man- ner as to secure the end proposed. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Abstract from returns of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding, for July 31, 1563. 4 4~ Present for ~ ~ Pieces of duty. ~ ~ artillery. 42 Command. -~ ~ ui be be~ ~ p4 22 . p4 0 be t,~C2 ~ Q be Q ~ 4 0 ~ -~ ~ Eastern Sub-District 251 3,473 5, 031 7, 095 21 8 Northern Sub-District .. 65 568 753 1, 257 4 Western Sub-District 99 1, 512 1, 891 2, 376 11 17 Total 415 5, 553 7, 675 10, 728 32 29 WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.. Richmond, Va., August 1, 1863. Miaj. Gen. DABNEY II. MAURY, Commanding, Mobile, Ala.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 16th ultimo, after being read with in- terest by myself, was submitted to the consideration of the President. Upon it he has made the following indorsement: The removal of non-combatants may well be postponed until an attack is proxi- mate. The preparation, by completion of works and collection of supplies and muni- tions, should be pressed vigorously. The increase of this garrison shotild be studied now; the moveuseut may be made when the intent of the enemy is better developed. I have received a telegram from General Johnston, informing me that, from the reports of scouts, he did not anticipate an early attack on Mobile. I hope the respite thus allowed will enable you to strengthen your d~fenses and prepare for an attack, which will almost assuredly be made at no distant day. You will observe particularly the direction of the President ~as to the collection of supplies and munitions. To judge both in relation to these and the forces which it may be incuin- bent in case of need, as far as practicable, to send you, 1 should be much pleased to receive full reports of the stock of provisions at your command, and of the troops of various arms which ~you either have or can speedily summoll for the defense of Mobile. With high esteem, J. A. SEDDON, & cr9tary of War. 9 U UVOL XXVI, PT I Page 130 130 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THU GULF, Mobile, Ala., August 1, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: In April last a brigade, composed of the Eighteenth, Thirty-sixth, and Thirty-eighth Alabama Regiments, Nineteenth Lou- isiana, Ninth Alabama Battalion, and First Confederate Battalion, was detached from the garrison of this place and sent to General Bragg. Desiring to increase my command to ipeet any emergency, I have the honor most respectfully to request, should the condition of General Braggs army admit of it, the return of these troops, or that General Bragg be instructed to send them to me npon my requisition. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I)ABNEY H. MAUIRY, Major- General, Commanding. [Indorsement.J Colonel [II. L.] CLAY: Inform General Maury that no troops can be spared from General Braggs army at this time, and it is not foreseen when any can be spared. S. C. [CQOPER.] Abstract from returns of the Department of the Gu(,f, lIfaj. Gen. Dabney H. Afaury, C. S. Army, commanding, for August 1, 1863. Present. ii ci. ci ci Command. ~ ci ~ Remarks -~ -c-~ii ci ci it -~ . ci cm o ~c ~5 ci -~ it it o it it H ~ Department staff 10 12 Brig. Gen. James B. Slaugh- ter and staff ordered to re- port to Lent. Gen. B. K Smith. Eastern Division: Infantry -- - ... 511 615 646 820 Artillery 43 45 46 47 Fifth Alabama Cavalry sent Cavalry 330 372 389 485 $ to General Johnston. Western Division: First Brigade: Infantry 804 844 887 958 Artillery . 987 1, 301 1, 365 2, 007 Third Brigade: Artillery 987 1, 048 1, 107 1, 253 Cavalry 201 208 215 249 Montgomery, Ala.: Infantry 210 254 266 385 Cavalry 42 47 48 98 Artillery 315 332 365 654 Selma, Ala 88 94 103 132 Morphys Independent Cavalry Bat- 207 223 230 430 talion Page 131 CHAP. XXXVIIJ.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 131 Organization of the troops in the Department of the Gulf, Maj. Gen. Dabney if. ]ifaury, C. S. Army, commanding, August 1, 1863. EASTERN DIVISION. Col. J. P. W. AMERINE. 54th [57th] Alabama, Col. J. P. W. Amerine. 3d Florida Cavalry Battalion, Maj. T. J. Myers. Gid. Nelson (Alabama) Artillery (one section), Licut. J. G. Cowan. J. C. Keysers cavalry company. Alexander C. Monroes cavalry company. WESTERN DIVISION. Fir8t Brigade. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JAMES CANTEY. Col. WILLIAM L. POWELL. 24 Alabama Artillery Battalion. 1st Alabama Artillery Battalion. 17th Alabama, Col. V. S. Murphey. 21st Alabama (Second Battalion). 21st Alabama (First Battalion), Col. C. D. 1st Confederate (Georgia) Regiment. Anderson. Baldwin Rangers, Capt. T. C. Barlow. 29th Alabama, Col. J. F. Conoley. City Troop, Capt. E. T, Arrington. Alabama Battery, Capt. John J. Ward. Gid. Nelson Artillery (section), Lient. W. M. Seld~a. Rumes (Tennessee) battery. J. H. Clanton~ Brigade. 6th Alabama Cavalry. Swanson Guards. N. H. Clantons battery. Miscellaneous. S. J. Murphys battalion of Alabama and Florida Cavalry. Post at Selma, one company, Col. W. II. Jenifer. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 1, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: I inclose you a copy of a telegram received this morning from Brig. Gen. P. 0. ll6bert.t You Will observe a movement against Red River is reported to be in contemplation by the enemy. You Will make such disposition of your troops as to be ready to meet such a movement if it should be made. I have the honor to be, general, yonr most obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. [AUGUST 1, 1863.For orders directing Brigadier-General Tappan to proceed With his brigade from Monroe, La., to Pine Bluff, Ark., see Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 951.1 ______________________________________ *At Montgomery, Ala. I Not found Page 132 132 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 1, 1863 Major.General MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, & c., Houston, Tex.: GENERAL: Lieutenant-General Smith has received information of the capture of 12,000 stand of arms belonging to the Confederate States by the French blockading squadron at the month of the Rio Grande; also that the commanding officer of the squadron has -expressed a willing. ness to return these arms. - He desires to know what steps have been taken in the matter, and also to have from you a summary of all arms, ordnance, and ordnance stores, & c., that have been received in Texas through Brownsville. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, Galveston, August 1, 1863. Capt. A. N. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: The continued drafts upon this garrison for individual detaiJs and detachments of troops have weakened it so much that~the works of defense, which have become very extensive, and are increasing from day to day, are now unprotected, and exposed to a disgraceful capture by a coup de main whenever the enemy chooses to risk it. He has not lees than 1,200 men ~n his vessels, and can send a landing force which would without difficulty overwhelm the guard of the forts, composed of heavy artillery, the small-arms of which have been taken to arm other troops now out of the island. Elmores and Lucketts regiments report together 400 men for duty, from which I have to supply daily a detail of 81 privates for interior guard and 36 men to do duty on board the gunboat Diana. The heavy artillery report 250 men present for duty, to man 25 pieces, which does not supply a relief for each piece, and would prevent answering the enemys guns in a protracted bombardment. The front of the works of defense from Fort Point to South Battery extends over 2 miles. To send small supports to each fort at night would compel me to be weak whenever the enemy attacks. I am, there. fore, compelled to keep the troops in town, which is the most central position between the two extremities of the line of defense, and in case of a surprise endeavor to arrive in time to save the work attacked. Should the enemy be successful at Fort Magruder or South Battery, he can turn the gnus against the town or the other forts. The cavalry, armed with inusketoons and carbines of very short range, and no bayonets, would be of little service. One of the batteries of light artillery has no harness, and could do no service. The health of the troops is becoming worse every day, over 15 per cent. of the men being sick, owing, as I am told by medical officers, to sour corn-meal and the want of vegetable food. It was expected -that the militia, when mustered, would assist in the protection of the works of defense, but it has no guns. All I can spare to man and defend the battery at Pelican Spit is a company of artillery, composed of about 40 men, who have to be taken from the other works. This force is altogether too small to resist a Page 133 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .CONFEDERATE. 133 attack supported by gunboats, and could not be re-enforced during the action, owing to want of transportation and the distance from the town. Colonel Sulakowski estimates the force necessary to defend the place at 2,500 effective men. The brigadier-general commanding will perceive by the above statement that the garrison does not reach one-third of that figure. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, X. B. DEBRAY, Colonel, and Acting Brigadier-General, Commanding. ENGINEERS OFFICE, Galveston, August 2, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN ~J have the honor to r~port that, impressed with the neces- sity of speedy action in intrenching Nibletts Bluff, in order to protect the retreat of any force falling back from Louisiana, and not knowing where Colonel Forshey was or what he was doing, I have instructed Major Kellersberg, before receiving the reports of Colonel Forshey, to proceed to Sabine and start the necessary works. I respectfully in- close a copy of instructions given to Major Kellersberg.* At Orange I do not deem any works necessary, for the reason that both banks of the river, with the exception of the spot where the towii and railroad depot are situated, are impassable marsh; at the same time it is inaccessible to gunboats, in the first place, on account of a strong work with six guns at Sabine City; then obstructions of the river at the same point, under the guns, by piles; then the bar of the Sabine River where it en~ ters the lake (4 feet water). The only access to Orange is from the interior, by the Jasper and Beaumont road. I deem it, therefore, unnecessary to fortify Orange against an enemy coming from Beaumont or on the Jasper road, as in such event Orange ought previously to be evacuated. I respectfully suggest that ten days rations be kept at Nibletts Bluff; twenty days ~ Orange, and the main depot at Beaumont, as the major-general com- inanding proposes. These suggestions are based on the conviction that the railroad to Orange will not be completed before the rainy season sets in, and 1 consider it impracticable to complete the railroad after that; and as for removing the stores from Oranges I believe there would be sufficient time before the enemy could cross the river above Xibletts Bluff, march across the country, strike the Jasper road, and come down to Orange. Should, however, the major-general commanding conclude to fortify Orange, I would respectfully suggest one redoubt to be built on the line II M of Colonel Forsheys map. Iu obedience to orders, I will prcceed to Beaumont and make the re. quired examination. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, V. SULAKOWSKI, Chief Engineer. [Jinclosurel Report upon works proposed at Orange, Tex. ORANGE, TEx., July 18, 1863. Orange is situated on the right bank of the Sabine River, 20 miles above Lake Sabine and 12 miles above the fort at Shell Bank. It is a Not found Page 134 134 w. FLA~, s. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. town of some importance, having two ship-yards, three saw-mills, and several establishments for the manufacture of shingles, pickets, and staves. The depot of the Texas and New Orleans Railroad is at the lower end of the scattered line of houses, a mile in length. The river hence to the mouth and for 25 miles above is always navi- gable, the water being deep, and marked by an ebb and flow of tide of more than half the Gulf range of height. The bar of the river at its debouch~ into Sabine Lake has about 4 feet of water, varying, of course, with tide and winds. The waters, at present fresh, are brackish, and unfit for use in dry seasons. Independent of the railroad, the town of Orange has fair prospects of becoming a respectable sea-coast and ship-building town. On all sides but one it is flanked ~nd bounded by marsh and channel, and uecessarfly defensible only on ~he north side. The lands in town have about 7 to 10 feet height above mean tide. The accompanying field map, A, * made from a rapid snrvey, will illustrate these re- marks. Adams Bayou, a deep and boggy stream, keeps at half a mile from and parallel to the river in passing Orange. It is skirted by marshy grounds,~chiefiy impassable. These marshes have two projections toward the river, one at G and the other at II, the former 300 and the latter 400 yards distant. At these two points I propose to construct defensive works against a land approach toward the depot and railroad. From G to L, I suggest an advance work of two redans and a curtain, leaving a passage for the public road, and cove~ng it with a small redan traverse. Truncating the salients of the redans, I would place a platform for a field gun on each salient, as also one on each of the sides facing the approach. If necessary, additional platforms may be ma(le along the curtain. As this is but an advance work, I propose to construct it at a mii~- mum cost of labor by taking the earth from inside, as shown in tl~ diagram B S. For the main defense, I propose to use a bastion line, with double flanks; the one resting on the marsh at II, and the other on the river at M. Leaving two passages with heavy traverses, I would make a strong intrenchinent, with front ditches cut down to the water, and well revetted slopes of 8 feet height. Placing barbettes for heavy guns in the proper bastion angles, I pro- pose in addition as many places for field guns as may be needed, and to run a convenient banquette round inside the whole work. In the right bastion I would make a return, as shown in the diagram (T U), giving the heavy gun in this angle a reverse fire for defense against an approach up the river, after the reduction or escape past the fort at Shell Bank. This return or traverse would protect the gun from enfilade, which gun would be in the best position to command the river. In addition to these lines of defense, I propose a battery at P, with a parapet of 200 or 300 yards, extending along the marsh front, to protect the forces, guns, and property from enfilade in case of an approach by the river; for all of these would be removed from the bastion line and take shelter and make defense from this position. *Not found Page 135 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 135 For additional security to the village, I would make a line of rifle-pits around the northwestern side of the village, covering the roads that enter from that direction. In case of the approach of a strong force, the bridge across Adams Bayon, ou the Beaumont road, should be destroyed to prevent a flank movement in that quarter. (See note.) In view of the possibility of a river approach, and to delay the en- emy till our property and troops could be removed from Orange or till any small fleet could be sunk by the fire from our guns, I suggest a raft, to be moored at Y, ready to be thrown across the river. The tidal cur- rents have no great force, and hence a raft might be readily secured at this point. In view of the great importance of this point in all our military rela- tions to Louisiana, I would suggest the construction at once of a large hospital building at some point, say upon the railroad. I have to suggest that the great depot of quartermasters, ordnance, and commissary stores for the use of the army in transitu or defending from inyasion, should be at Orange and not at Nibletts Bluff. The natural defenses of the one are great, while those of the other are few. In case of retreat, the want of transportation for both troops and sup- plies from the Bluff would endanger the latter; whereas we might have triple means of safety from Orange, viz, by water, by rail, and by land. There are many good reasons for this conclusion, which, upon reflec- tion, will suggest themselves to the general commanding, and I confine myself to mere primary suggestions. It follows, therefore, if these views be adopted, that immediate steps should be taken First. To construct ample commissary and quartermasters buildings (which do not exist here) near to or beside the railroad, and supply them with ample material. Second. That hospital accommodations (for sick soldiers as well as laborers) be provided, while a suitable building, properly located, i~ being coQstructed. Third. That for the works to be constructed here, 200 negroes from this State and Louisiana be at once conscripted and put to work. NOTE.ShOuld it be objected to the sufficiency of these defenses that Adams Bayou might be bridged or headed by the enemy and the rail- road approached west of the crossing, and our forces thus be cut off, it maybe replied: First. The defenses here cannot protect the country from invasion, nor the road from approach iu rear, however strong. On the discovery of an enemy attempting a raid to destroy the road, we must pursue and meet him with cavalry. Should he attempt invasion with a large force, and take the direction of Houston, he would not jilnd it worth his time and effort to flank and carry this place, as the country is traversed by several impassable streams and swamps between the Sabine and Neches which even in any weather must be headed or bridged, at cost of much labor and delay. These are the chief reasons for constructing open at Orange, the topography giving them the protecting character of closed Very respectfully submitted. C. G. FOI~SIIEY, Licittenant Colonel, and Chi~f Consulting Engineer, Major-Ceneral Magruders Staff Page 136 136 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL MORTON, Miss., August 2, 1863. His Excellency J. G. SHORTER, Montgomery: I respectfully ask what force, if any, you can furnish for the defense of Mobile ~ The garrison needs re-enforcements greatly. I telegraphed you on the subject on the 24th, but suppose that my dispatch was not received. In consequence of your message by Governor 1X!Iioore, I de- sired Major-General Maury to apply to you for negroes to labor on iritrcnchments, as well as commanding officer at iDemopolis. J. E. JOHNSTON. HEADQUARTERS, Morton, Miss., August 2, 1863; His Excellency J. G. SHORTER, Governor of Alabama: SIR: I have just had the honor to receive your letter of the 28th ultimo. I telegraphed to you on the 24th July, and again this morn- ing, in relation to the troops you have raised for local defense. I can imagine no more appropriate service for them than repelling such a rai4 as you apprehend, and, therefore, promise that they shall be so em- ployed, if service offers, as soon as they come nnder my control. Such other aid as may be necessary and practicable shall be given by the troops now in this department. But it would probably be advanta- geous to me in this connection to have any information in your posses- sion of the probable force to be employed in this raid, and the point from which it is to move. I should also be glad to know what force you have raised under the Presidents recent call an ganization and location. d its state of or- Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS, No. 145. f Morton, Miss., August 3, 1863. * * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. G. J. Rains will repair to Mobile without delay, with such officers of his staff and men of his party as may be necessary in the especial duties assigned him. He will confer with the commanding officer for this purpose. * * *. * * * * By command of General Johnston: BENJ. S. EWELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, No. 35. Shreveport, La., August 3, 1863. Licut. Col. W. A. Broadwell is announced as chief of the cotton bureau for the Department of Trans-Mississippi. All Government agents for the purchase, collection, or other disposition of Government cotton are directed to report to and receive their instructions from Lieutenant Colonel Broadwell. By command of Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 137 0 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 137 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Piedmont, August 4,1863. Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE, Commanding Division, dec., BrownsvIlle: GENERAL: I have your letter of the 31st July before me. You state that you have conceded to certain persons at Brownsville the right to export their cotton, in consideration of the large indebtedness of ihe Government to them. This is not in accordance with General Smiths orders, nor, I think, wit-h my own. The object of the impressment at this time is to fulfill our part of con tracts entered into by the Secretary of War, in pursifance of which cargoes are now at the month of the iRio Grande or landed at Matamoras. The debts due by the Government, or by Major Hart, or its agents, are not to be provided for by this im- pressment. It is presumed that Major Hart will pay his debts during this season. I am informed by him that no precise date for such pay- montz, c~cept in the case of King & Kennedy, of 500 bales a month, is fiKed i ~ his contract. At all events, the cotton ordered to be im- prcsscd van directed to be applied to the fulfillment of our contracts with parties named and to secure cargoes named. I cannot, therefore, approvo of your exempting cotton from impressment because of the in- dobtednoss of the Government to the owners thereof Undoubtedly it is a hard case, but in case of the Government it is a necessity of the highest kind, and it is so judged both by Lieutenant-General Smith and myself, and hence the~ cotton of the class of persons above alluded to was not exempted from impressment. You state that the remainder belongs to the State, to contractors, and planters, who have also the privilege of exporting. It is true that State cotton is exempt by our orders, but I have written the Governor requesting that it be made sub- ject to impressment in the present emergency. As to the contractors and planters, the cotton of the former is subject to the impressment nuder our orders unless they have the supplies ready on the Rio Grande for delivery, and I presume this is noj3 the case with niany, if ally; amid as to the latter, planters cotton is exempt only so far as may be neces- sary to purchase a reasonable amount of supplies; all over that small amount brings the planter in the category of speculators, and should be impressed; this is clear. As to the freights, we have nothing to do with them; we impress the cotton, and pay in notes or certified accounts for the full value, includ- ing everything on the Rio Grande. If the consigimees refuse to pay the expenses necessary to enable us to move the cotton across the river (and in no case, I believe, except the one of Nelson Clements, reported by you, is that necessary), so much of the impressed cottou as may be necessary can be sold for coin to pay necessary expenses. Teamsters amid all must wait in order that we may fulfill our contracts and send return cargoes by each ship. Without a law of Congress we would have the right of ueces5ity;~~ with a law of Congress, passed especially with this view, we should be derelict in the last degree if we suffered our credit to be blasted abroad when the remedy is in our own hands. You appear to be influenced by the debts due at Brownsville and Matamoras, but we have decided that the cargoes from abroad in ships named in the orders shall be taken care of by impressment, and that is final, however hard it may operate upon individuals. As to your suggestion of the remedy to buy or impress cotton in the interior, it is too late in the season; and the impressment of cotton in the interior would not obviate the difficulty as to foreigners, as they own as much cotton here as there Page 138 138 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL The law of nations is clear as to our right to imp1~ess the property of foreigners. See Yattel, Bnok II, Chapter IX, page 241, section 121, and is as follows: In the same manner, if a nation has a pressing want of the vessels, wagons, horses, or even the labor of strangers, it makes use of them either by free consent or by force, provided that the proprietors are not under the same necessity, but as it has no more right to these things than necessity gives it, it ought to pay for the use it makes of them if it be able to do it. The practice of Eni ope is agreeable to this maxim; nations retain by force foreign vessels fonnd in a port, b ut they pay for the advantage they re~p from them. Besides, it is obvious, if we allowed this monstrous !loctrine of the British consular agent at Matamoras,that all the cotton of the country might pass, and a great deal of it would pass, at once into the hands of foreigners, and we should cease to have any control of it. It is eVi- dently a mercantile combination to nullify our impressment act, and must be firmly resisted, Throw aside Bowden & Meek; they have no longer any claim upon ns. Hold on to all the cottoa impressed, except such as is exempt by the orders of Lieutenant-General Smith and myself, and offer payment to Colonel Bisbee, or the supercargoes of the remainder of the cargo of the Sea Queen, deducting Bowden & Meeks portion, in cottou im- pressed from our citizens, preferably, if sufficient; if not, then take such quantity impressed from foreigners as may be necessary to load the ~hip, and, if it be declined, then we shall have fulfilled our obligations, and they cannot justly charge us with bad faith. If refused, have all the papers made out strongly and clearly, and copies forwarded tp Major iluse, our purchasing agent in London, and Mr. De Leon or Mr. Slidell in Paris, with a full statement of the case in explanation, and let the parties do what they please with the cargoes. In my opinion, they will be compelled to come to terms, as the position assumed by the owners of the cargoes is undoubtedly wrong, and I do not believe they can find any other market for their goods; this last consideration, however, has Little weight with me in comparison with our obligation to fulfill our part of our contract. The French Government has cognizances of this contract of Bellot, IDe Mermes & Co., represented by Colonel Bisbee, and it becomes the more necessary that we should at all hazards fulfill our obligations. We only require time. Individuals can wait for their money or their cotton; (lelay, though it may result in loss to them is not deaththe death of credit abroadas it is to us. These contracts are made with the highest authority of our Government, viz, the Secretary of War, representing the President; to permit them to be broken, and our faith thus pledged to be dishonored, is disgrace and ruin. No time is fixed for Major Hart to pay his indebtedness ou the Rio Grande. I think he will pay this season, buthere, on these contracts, a time is fixed and has arrived. How can you fail to see and appreciate the difference l You are positively ordered, therefore, to impress, if you have not al. ready done so, all the cotton on the Rio Grande or to arrive, and to re- lease from impressment only such as has been made exempt by previous instructions. You will offer the cottou thus impressed in payment, first to the proper representatives of the contract under which the Sea Queen came, leaving out Bowden & Meek, who have voluntarily separated themselves from that contract. If such offer of cotton is refused, get it in writing, and then offer the cotton to the next ship arriving nuder the contract, and then the next, and so on, not permitting a bale of cotton thus impressed to go out of your hands, with the above exceptions Page 139 CHAP. XXXVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 139 I ordered some coin to be sent to Major Russell, thinking that there was a considerable sum. I will be able, I think , inafew days, to send him some *10,000 in coin to assist in his operations. Do not yield an inch to anybody, but do all you can to secure these cargoes and to fulfill ~~ur obligations under the contracts made with the Secretary of War, with Major Washington, and other disbursing officers of the Government, in pursuance of which three vessels and cargoes are now in our waters. The specified time for the payment under these contracts has arrived; in the other cases no time is specified, and, at all events, these are the orilers, and you will be guided by them unttl Lieutenant-General Smith is heard from. II was surprised to learn that Major Russell had been ordered to San Antonio when these immense ijiterests were left unattended to on the Rio Grande. I am happy to learn he is now at his post, where he will remain until further orders, as his services are more important there than they can be elsewhere. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, Ala., August 4, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, - Gomdg. Department of the West, Bid qrs. Morton, iJilliss.: SIR: I telegraphed you yesterday, and now write to advise you that we have as yet no companies of volunteers organized, or drafted militia. As previously informed, the militia of Alabama embraces only those between twenty-eight and forty-five years of age, and these are all ap- propriated under the conscript act of Congress and the late call of the President, excepting that class who have been discharged by putting in substitutes. Some of these, with a few exceptions, are volunteering, but none of these companies have as yet tendered their muster-rolls. I ordered a draft on the 25th ultimo, which only embraced those who had substitutes, and the most of them are seeking pretexts in every manner to avoid duty, even to a resort to a habeas corpus before ignorant jus- tices of the peace, who have no jurisdiction of their cases. The 8th instant was appointed the day for their rendezvous at convenient points, to be organized into companies, and I have ordered that they might have until that day to volunteer, if they wish to do so. The militia regiments, however, are so depleted that there are only squads of a few men to be found in a number of them subject to the draft. The aggregate of these in the entire State would make but a few regiments, if it were possible to collect them in any reasonable time, or collect them at all. The Legislature of Alabama, at its last session, surrendered the militia officers of the State who were within the conscript age, and the whole system is now so completely disorganized that it is almost impossible, in most localities, to enforce an order by military power. In view of these facts, I await with anxiety the assemblage of the State Legislature. called for the 17th instant, for upon its prompt and patriotic action wilt depend all further efficiency of the State militia. What sort of a body we may have assembled, and whether it will be equal to the crisis, I am not prepared to say. I recommended at the last session a reorganization, and that all able Page 140 140 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL bodied men from twenty-four to forty should be embraced a repeat this recommendati9n. ud shall Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. GILL SHORTER Governor of Alabama. P. S.I have issued orders for the impressment of the slaves called for at Mobile and Demopolis. [AUGUST 6, 1863.For Boggs to Magruder, directing brigade at Bon- ham to join Steele at Fort Smith and to Taylor, directing all spare arms to be sent to same point, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, pp. 954, 955.1 HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Port Brown, Tex., August 6, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, houston, Tex.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit the inclosed report of Mr. A. Supervi~le, special agent dispatched by me, after consultation with the major-general commanding, in the month of December last, to corn- mu nicate with the naval officers of France. his appears that, after reaching Vera Cruz, although at the time of appointment the French were supposed to be at Tarn pico, he ascer- tained that it was necessary to proceed to Puebla and communicate with General Forey. The result of his mission is embodied in the report. The mission ap- pears to me to have been of great service, as ascertaining the senti- ments of the French minister at Mexico and of the officers generally of the army, and also the distinct and clear expression of sympathy of Almonte, Woll, and other leaders of the Franco-Mexican party now in power in Mexico. The sentiments of these leaders correspond with the personal as- surances received by me from General Miramou (when in Brownsville), who is destined to play an important part in the future of Mexico. I have thought this report of the good feeling of the French and Mexi- cans toward us as particularly useful at this moment, as future events may render it necessary to use our powerful friends to save us from a worse fate. The National Guard of Matamoras left for the Boca del Rio yesterday to meet the anticipated arrival of the French, as rumors are current that they may be expected at any time. I am very respectfully, your obedient, servant, - H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General. Provisional Army. [Inclosure.] BROWNSVILLE, TEX., July 31, 1863. Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE: GENERAL: In conformity with the orders and instructions Which you handed me at San Antonio, and dated January 1, 1863, 1 reported i Page 141 CHAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 141 mediately to Colonel Luckett, then in that city, and on the 4th of the same mouth we left together that place for Brownsville, when, on the way, we learned that the renegades, who had gathered on the Mexican side of the iRio Grande, had crossed the river, destroyed a Government train, and killed some of the wagoners. We reached Brownsville on the 19th of the same month, and on the same day, in execution of the verbal order of Colonel Luckett, I crossed the river and paid a visit to Governor Albino Lopez, who, a few days before, had pledged his word to me to destroy all gatherings of run- aways on the Mexican side. Governor Lopez, who could not deny the violation of our territory, protested his good faith and positive will to stop its continuance, and in order to prove the same to me, and what he had done to stop the repetition of such violence, he conducted me to the prefectura, and showed me all the different original orders issued by him to that effect. He added that he had already gathered a certain number of soldiers, and that on the same evening his gefe military would leave the city at the head of a force, to seize upon all men who could not give sufficient proof of an honorable living, and send them out of the country. There was not at that time in the port of Matamoras any ship con- signed for Tampico, and the news had arrived that the French had evac- uated that place. I was then compelled to look for some way of trans- portation to Havana, and found that the French ship Malabar was the first ready to leave for that port. On the 23d of the same month, I went down to the Boca del Rio, re- mained there two days, and had the satisfaction to see about 160 of the renegades, sent by the Mexican authorities, on board of an armed Yankee transport. On the evening of the 24th, I crossed the bar on board of the boat of the Malabar, and on board of that vessel I met with Colonel Lamar, commissioner to Russia, and who had left San Antonio the day before I did. After a stormy passage, we reached Havana on the evening of the 3d of February, and my first care on arriving was to seek for a vessel bound for Vera Cruz. But communication between both those sea-ports was at that time almost stopped. I found but one single schooner advertised for Vera Crnz, and when I left Havana, on board of the English steamer on the 22d of the same month, she was lying in the port. In spite of all prudence and secrecy, it was known before I left that there was in the city some agent of ~he Confederate Government. The consul-general of France being without knowledge of my mission, and whom I had the pleasure to meet several times in Havana, sent Hon. Pierre Soul6 to express his wish to have a conference with me. I wait accordingly to see him, and, after introducing myself, I gave him to understand that our sympathy toward the French Government was the cause of my mission, explaining to him in a general way that I had it in view to facilitate the means of procuring mules for transportation and furnishing provisions much needed by them in the Mexican expedition, and also the means of keeping alive their cotton manufactories, suffer- ing greatly for the want of raw material. The consul answered that he would soon communicate to his Govern- ment all these propositions, which, in his opinion, were of great im- portance, and would be thankfully received. I learned from him that Mr. De Saligny, who, according to newspaper reports, had been called back to France, was in Mexico, near General Forey, as adviser for all operations not in contact with military matters Page 142 142 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAI?. XXXVIIL that he had just been raised to the post of Great Officer in the Legion of Honor; that he w as coming back to favor, and that at the arrival of the first steamer he would probably receive the diplomatic powers of which he had been momentarily deprived. He added that it was more advantageous to the good result of my mission to treat directly with Mr. Dc Saliguy, as General Forey occupied himself with nothing out of military affairs. It would not be amiss here for me to mention that in Havana the sympathizers with the Confederacy are many, in spite of the number of the Yankees, and the public opinion in our favor is overwhelming. It was to it that I was thankful for the discovery of a Yankee spy, in whose good company I rejoiced until my departure from Vera Cruz, but who certainly did not pay the cost of the trip at my own expense. On the 28th of February, at 8 a. in., I arrived at Vera Cruz. My first care was to inform myself of the whereabouts of the admiral. The answers to my questions were very contradictory. I therefore went to the commander-in-chief of the city, who apprised me that the admiral was at Bahia de Sacrificios; and he, being the brother of one of my intimate friends, procured for me the means to reach the admiral. The same day I went on board the Dryad, which carried the admirals flag. Having introduced myself to him, I was well received, and after a conference, which lasted two hours, and in which I developed the object of my mission, I found iu him a great sympathizer in our cause, and a man well convinced of the importance of the proposals which I carried. In order to give you a better view of the friendly terms of our meet. ing, I lay his answer before you in as short a way as possible, viz: If I was invested with the necessary power and men, I would not hesitate a moment to carry out immediately an expedition against Matamoras, and take possession of it. It is clear, after all the proofs, that it is the most advantageous offer for commerce, the cotton trade of France, and its maritime trade, and also to contribute to the success of our expedition in Mexico. Bnt I must confess that the best intelligence does not exist between the chief of the expedition and myself. General Forey would like much for the French naval force to take possession of the Mexican ports. But he requires also that, after taking these ports, I must hold pos- session of them, tQ which proposition I cannot accede, as my duty is only, to take the ports. I see every day the number of my fleet diminishing, little by little, on this coast, which offers no safe anchorage. The yellow fever has reduced the numbers of my men in a deplorable way. There are some of the men-of-war that have lost two-thirds of their crews, so as almost to stop the maneuvers, and I cannot follow np, under these circumstances, this much-desired undertaking, when the land forces are on the pla- teau of the interior, in a healthy region, and only exposed to the harmless balls of the Mexican soldiery. I have demanded to be recalled. I am waiting daily for my successor, and, in reality, outside of my marines, I have not 25 soldiers under my command. I am sorry to tell you that I doubt much that General Forey will understand you; a gallant chieftain, his views do not extend ~ny farther than the immediate circle of his military operations. I fear that your mis- sion will prove a failure if you have to deal with him. However, if, as it is generally believed, one of the first mails from France re-estab- lishes Mr. De Saligny in his diplomatic powers, you will be quickly understood. In any case, your duty compels you to carry out your instructions, notwithstanding the difficulties in view, and I advise you to do it. As for the protection that I may give you, if you travel by yourself, it cannot consist of more than an escort of 20 or 25 men, and I cannot hide from you that you mn the risk of being attacked by bodies of several hundreds, and that it would be highly imprndent for you to undertake the trip. As for the means of transportation that I can fnrnish you. they are absolutely nih. I have not a carriage of any kind to offer you, and, having myself to go to Orizaba, I had to do so on horseback, and God knows that I am a very poor horse- man. At this moment the courier must have arrived at Vera Crnz from the interior. He starts back to-morrow. See if in that short time it is possible for you to procure some means of transport, and, if you cannot do so, I advise you to wait for the firs Page 143 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 143 - convoy, which will at least afford you some personal security. In any case, see the commander-in-chief of Vera Cruz, to whom I will write, so as to facilitate you the means of conveyance, and he will do for you anything in his power. I will also communjeate to the French Government the object of your mission, and call atten- tion to its great importance. The English packet, which will be back in the morn- ing, will carry the communication from me. After the conference I went immediately to the commander-in-chief of Vera (Jruz. He announced to me the arrival of the courier, and also that he could not procure me any means of conveyance. He ad- vised me to wait for the first convoy. In the meantime I wrote to you, general, df the actual state of my mission, and also todk the liberty to send to Mr. Slidell, in Paris (whom I knew had received a copy of my instructions from Colonel Lamar), a statement of my conversation with the admiral and what I intended to do, asking him to join in my efforts near the Emperor to carry oat the objects of our Government. I was compelled to stay in Vera Cruz until the departure of the first convoy, which left only on the 8th of March. I will not enter, general, into the details of that voyage, where we were exposed to all the perils and hardships of a soldiers campaign. I will merely state that to travel 28 leagues, with an escort of over 500 men, we took until the 23d of March to reach Orizaba. Arrived there, I found that two mails had been detained there by superior orders, with prohibition not to let, pass any one or any dis- patch, even those of the Emperor. Two days after, the general of division, A. Woll, arrived direct from Paris, and was compelled, like myself, to submit to the order; he could not proceed any farther. As I knew that that general had for many years the command of the northern frontier of Mexico, and that he knew well Matamoras and the importance that port could acquire, ii thought it good policy during my forced residence in Orizaba to get acquainted with the general; and, in fact, in the fifteen days of my stay there, I succeeded in establishing with him not only ordinary relations, but intimate friendship. I was acting as much for the future as the present, knowing he had the mission from the Emperor to organize the regular army of Mexico, add that he was appointed the first minister of war. I thought it good policy to propose that way the friendly relations of both Governments, which are called, by their geographical positions, to be in daily contact with each other. On the 10th of April, a convoy, of powder was expedited to Puebla, and, in spite of the rigid orders to the contrary, I obtained the favor, through some particular friends I met in the French army, to go with the convoy, which favor even General Woll could not obtain. We arrived before Puebla on the 15th of April, traveling with the French consul on his return to that city. Our party reached a mill, which we found to be the residence of Mr. IDe Saligny, to whom we all immediately paid a visit. I took the first opportunity of introducing myself, asking of him the privilege to visit him privately, which re- quest he granted. Two days after, I paid him a visit, and asked him if he had been reinstated in his diplomatic powers, to which he answered that he had not, but that he thought that General Woll, whose delay he could not understand, was the bearer of dispatches from the Em- peror which would change his position near General Forey. I thought it my duty to explain to him the object of my mission, more so after he declared to me that all his sympathies were with our Confederacy, that he himself was a Secessionist, and that his best friends were all en- gaged in the Southern cause. I asked him to advise me upon my best eQutee, as seeing his good disposition I was more desirous to treat wit Page 144 144 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. him than any one else. He answered me that his best advice was for me to keep still for some few days until General Woll arrived with the dispatches. I took the opportunity to remit to him dispatches that had been in- trusted to me by the vice-consul of France at Matamoras, and to make the acquaintance of the various members of the French legation, and more particularly of the chancellor of the legation, to whom I carried a letter of introduction. General Woll arrived nine or ten days after me, and, in the interval, I paid several visits to Mr. Dc Saligny, and I stood on a friendly footing at his residence. After General Woll arrived, I went to Mr. De Saligny to inquire if he had received the expected dispatches. He answered that he had not, and I then resolved to write to General Forey to announce to him my arrival and ask of him an audience. Inclosed you will find a copy of said letter to the general, marked A.~ You will notice in it, general, that I had signed it as agent for the Confederate States of North America. I received no answer from General Forey, and not willing to play a ridiculous part and see the continuation of such humiliating proceedings toward an accredited agent of our Government, I was get. .ting ready for my departure with the courier on the 3d of May, when, on the 2d of the same month, I received the visit of General Woll, who told me not to be in so great a hurry; that my letter had given great trouble to General Forey, who had spoken to him about me, stating there was in camp a very dangerous man, who had written to him, and who was certainly a spy of the United States, sent there to watch his movements, under pretext of common interest to both countries, and that he did not know what to do to get rid of him; that he, Wol l,sus- pected that I was the man in question, and that he had undeceived General Forey in his opinion, stating that he was personally acquainted with me, and that, far from being the man he suspected me to be, I was agent of the Confederate States, and not of the United States, who took the name of Federals. General Woll finally told me that I would soon hear from General Forey, and not to leave, as I intended to do: In fact, on the following day, 3d of May, the same day of the departure of the mail, I received the visit of the chancellor of the French legation, Mr. De Morincan, who was sent to me by Mr. De Saligny, saying that he would be glad to see me on important matters. I went in the afternoon, and found Mr. IDe Saligny, who showed me the letter I had written to General Forey with your own, and who told me that he had been delegated by the general to listen to what I had to say. I exposed to him for the first time, in detail, the importance acquired by the port of Matamoras since the blockade, and the resources accruing from it to the Government of Juarez; that the conduct of the Emperor from the beginning of our struggle had gained all the sympathies of our Government and people; that we looked upon France as our natural ally; that we would dispose of 300,000 bales of cotton; that all venders having choice in their pur- chasers, our Government and people would give the preference to the French for the acquisition of our cotton; that, by proper management, the cotton would find its, way into French ships to the manufactories of France, as we were completely unfettered by commercial restridtions. which trade would go a great way toward allaying the miseries in the manufacturing districts of France, and that we knew that they had *Not found Page 145 CHAP. XXXVIII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 145 found great difficulties in procuring mules at very high prices in New York and the island of Cuba, and that by taking possession of Mata- moras they could avoid great expense by sending agents into the states of Coahuila and INuevo Leon to purchase at low prices any quantity of mules they wanted, and, by crossing them on the left bank of the river, they could be driven in safety down to the mouth with the protection of our authorities, which plan would create great economy and com- plete safety in securing those animals; and, also, that for the supply of beeves they could have the same advantages, when I knew they had to pay 6 francs per pound for beef delivered in Havana; that as for the difficulties presented at the mouth of the river for the crossing of the bar, we could manage things in such a way that, without compromising either France or the Confederacy officially, we could officiously and in secrecy furnish them with three lighters flying Mexican colors, but, in fact, belonging to us. Those lighters being taken prisoners pro forma, would afford all facili- ties for landing the troops, and even we could friendly furnish artillery and ammunition by crossing over in the night the amount necessary, which could be returned after the taking of Matamoras. Mr. De Saligny answered me that I was talking to a man already con- vinced of the importance of that undertaking, but that probably we wanted something in return, and he understood the basis of my pro- posal to be the acknowledgment of our independence by France, which was not in his power to grant. I answered him that I refused to place the question on that ground; that I wa~ not empowered to treat one of such importance; that I was offering to France a golden bridge without expecting any compensation, excepting the non-interference of the river trade as far as we were concerned; that my mission had for its princi- pal object to show their Government onr good feeling and sympathy, and to deserve their own; that I for one did attach for the moment very little importance to that recognition; that I did not dissemble to myself that it would be a good example to other nations and of a good moral effect, but that our independence had to be gained at the point of the bayonet; th~it if we did lose our battles and were subjugated, our previous recognition would not change our position, and France herself would have to withdraw it, and that we would reap what the fate of war had provided for us; that if we were offered recognition today, we would have probably to buy it at the price of sacrifices and privileges all to our prejudice that we would be, perhaps, weak enough to grant; that I was personally of the small number of those who thought as Napoleon did at the treaty of Campo Formio; that for three years our Confed- eracy shone like the sun, and none but the blind could not see it; that, if victorious, the recognition of France and other powers would follow, and we could then discuss our interests on an equal footing; that, I repeated, this was nothing but personal opinion, which did not engage either authority or the Government. We entered into details too tedious to enumerate, and, our conference closed in the best harmony. Mr. Dc Saligny announced that he would communicate the whole to General Forey. In fact, I ascertained that he had done so on the following day, and, after inquiry of him if there was anything new, he answered that nothing had been decided; that the question had been referred to some persons, to be thoroughly examined and reported upon. I have forgotten to state that during all my stay there, and since the arrival of General Woll, he had introduced me to General Almonte, who received me in a very flattering manner, mentioning that I was 10 R RYOL XXVJ7 PT I Page 146 146 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. not unknown to him by reputation, and that he was very glad to make my acquaintance. I learned from them that it was to them that the question had been referred, and that they were busy with its exami- nation. I took the opportunity to have several conferences with them, and when the report was terminated, they allowed me the perusal of it, and it was so favorable that 1 could not suggest one single change. It was framed in such a way (although not expressed positively, it was implied in it) that General Woll himself would like to take command of the expedition, so much, in their opinion, did they find it easy and advan- tageous; and, in fact, it was so, since he had expressed personally his wishes to me. After a reasonable delay, I called on Mr. De Saligny to inquire about the resolution taken. He answered me that there could be nothing done with that man (alluding to General Forey); that for nothing in the world would he take from his army even a corporals guard for any other expedition; that, having no good reason to oppose to the conclu- sions of the report, General Forey had entered into a great passion, pretending that they meant to laugh at him by asking him to send a naval expedition, and landing troops at Matamoras, when, a few days before, he had detached 2,000 men who had been within 2 leagues of Matamoras, which was situated 150 leagues in the interior, he mistaking a small place called Matamoras, about 14 leagues of Puebla, for the sea-port of Matamoras on the Rio Graude; that he (Saligny) had been obliged to explain to him his mistake, but for all that he had not been able to change the mind of General Forey. He authorized me to repeat the above fact, without citing him as authority, in reason of the mag- nitude of the blunder. He added that as long as the siege of Puebla lasted there was no hope of changing the mind of General Forey; that, well aware himself of the importance of taking Matamoras, he would not lose any oppor- tunity of urging the matter with General Forey. I saw that nothing else remained for me to do, and answered to Mr. iDe Saligny that I would leave by the courier of the 18th, in order to reach the English steamer at Vera Cruz. Mr. Be Saligny at that time had been compelled to abandon the neighborhood of Puebla, where we were deprived of all the necessaries of life, and go to Cholula, about 2 leagues distant. Nothing then de- noted that Puebla was about surrendering, as the progress of the siege was very slow, and, on the contrary, public opinion was that the place could stand a long time, and certainly until the coming of heavy artil- lery, of which the French were deprived, and for which General Forey had sent to Vera Cruz. I thought it my duty before leaving to pay my last visit to Mr. Be Saligny and urge him not to forget my mission, and was about riding out to (Jholula early in the morning of the 17th, when, to my great surprise, it was announced that the city of Puebla had ceased all resistance, as, in fact, the city had not been taken or sur- rendered, but fell by her own weight and the refusal of the troops to fight any more. I reflected at this news, and as Mr. De Saligny had told me that General Foreys opposition at my proposals would last as long as the siege of Puebla, I thought that new prospects opened to me, and that it would be wrong for me not to try them. Two days after, Mr~ Be Saligny was in Puebla, and als6 Generals Aimonte and Woll. They all approved of my new resolution to wait, and commenced agaiu~to renew~tbAr.z~fforts- near GeneraL Eorey, who Page 147 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.wCONFEDERATE. 147 expec~ng a strong resistance in the City of Mexico, continued his op- position, under pretense that he had not force enough to detach a body of troops. But commissioners having arrived from the City of Mexico to announce that the Government of Juarez had abandoned the capital, and the city was ready to receive the French without resistance, General Forey had no more pretext to oppose to my proposals, and Mr. De Sa- ligny told me that he had obtained from him that the expedition would take place. He thought, nevertheless, that there would be some diffi- culty to send across the Tierras Calientas, at a season of the year when the yellow fever would decimate them, a body of troops already in a healthy country. But that that difficulty could be obviated, since they were waiting for new re-enforcements from France, and a part of them could be employed in the expedition against Matamoras. Mr De Saligny pledged himself anew to urge the expedition. From that time I considered the object of my mission accomplished as far as possible, and I prepared to leave by the first courier, which was to start on the 3d of June. Meanwhile I had continued my daily and friendly intercourse with Generals Almonte and Woll, who continued to show toward me the same consideration and friendship. I went to communicate to them my in- tention to leave, and I took that opportunity to insinuate to them that I had before me at that season of the year a long and tedious trip before I could get back home; that I had to go through Vera Cruz, where the yellow fever was raging, and wait for the English packet, the only one then touching at Havana, and once arrived there, I would yet run the risk of the fever in waiting for a schooner to take me to Matamoras. I gave them to understand that it was very hard for me to make a voyage of circumnavigation, when, by forced delays, I had been compelled to wait until the time of the sickly season; that the French Government had many vessels lying idle on the Bahia of Sacrificios, and that it would cost him but little to send me direct from Vera Cruz to Matamoras. I hinted, also, that I expected better from Mr. De Saligny, after I an- nounced to him my departure.. These gentlemen agreed to my sugges- tions, and told me that in fact, and in their opinion, I had the right to be sent home on board of a French man of war, and they immediately paid a visit to Mr. De Saligny to try to have that favor granted. My object, - general, in making these suggestions was less to come direct to Mata- moras than to gain the personal consideration I thought due to a rep- resentative of our Govern ment, thus involving actively, to a certain extent, the responsibilities of the French authorities toward our Con- federacy. On the same day I received the visit of General Woll, who told me that they had succeeded in their object, and that I would receive an order from Mr. De Saligny to the French consul in Vera Cruz to call on the admiral, in order to dispatch me direct by a man of war to Mata- moras. I forgot to mention that in my various conversations with Mr. De Saligny and General Almonte about public affairs, each of them sep- arately asked from me as a favor to write my views on the subject, to which request I offered no objection, thinking that it was not inimical to my mission. On the 2d of June the mail from France arrived, and on account of the late events of the surrendering of the City of Mexico it was detained until the 4th. On the 3d, I paid a visit to Mr. Dc Saligny, to receive the letter to the French consul in regard to my sailing for Matamoras, and I learned from him that the last mail had brought an autograph lette Page 148 148 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL from the Emperor, asking for the taking of the ports, and especially that of Matamoras. He added: The Emperor knows, as well as we do, the importance of that port, and of the great trade carried on through it. He refers to it in his letter. Now, there cannot exist any more doubt that General Forey will be compelled to yield to the plan, willingly or not. I will nrge the matter. Leave it la my hands, and Matamoras will be taken pos- session of as soon as possible. I started from Puebla on the 4th of June, and reached Vera (Jruz on the 15th. The return was made quicker and with less danger than the first trip. On our arrival, I handed to the consul of France the letter of Mr. De Saligny, and on the 20th he paid me a visit, and told me to be ready on the following day to go oii board the steam frigate Panama, which had been ordered by the admiral to carry me to Matamoras, and which expected to leave on the 22d, early in the morning. He advised me also to pay a visit to the admiral at Bahia of ~3acrificios, which I did. The admiral received me with marked politeness, expressing his good wishes for the Confederacy. He nevertheless explained to me that the order which he had re- ceived was framed in such a way that he did not think he could land me in his own boat on our shores; that he did not dare to do it, as he wished to avoid complications that might arise by his doing so; that he thought it more prudent for me to take a neutral boat than to land directly from the frigate. I was compelled, of course, to acce(le to his proposition, and, general, I observed that all the sympathies of those high functionaries were mixed with a certain feai of compromising their responsibility by the least act that was not expressly inserted in the instructions coming from above. I was well received on board the frigate, and, on the night of the 24th, we threw anchor opposite the mouth of the Rio Grande. Not knowing who commanded at Brownsville, I sent several letters by the English captain of the Hawkins, announcing my arrival, and re- questing the authorities to send for me. I waited until the 2(1 of July without receiving any answer. Meanwhile my position on board was a pleasant one, surrounded with all kind of a~ttentions and request to stay as long as possible, urging for reason that my health was not good, being deprived of the us~ of my right arm by a very severe whitlow on the right thumb, which I carried from Puebla. But I was very restless, and anxious to land, because on the 26th, in the morning, the steam frigate Eure arrived from Sacrificios and anchored by us. Our cap. tam communicated with -her, and, on his return, told me that his trip to Matamoras would produce some unexpected fruits; that the Eure had brought him an order to seize a ship coming from England and loaded with arms for the Mexican Government; that he had received a copy of the invoice and of the bill of lading, and that he had orders to wait until the arrival of said ship. I suspected, these arms might be for our Confederacy, and I inquired from him, that if it should prove so, whether he would interfere. He answered me that his orders were positive, but he had no doubt that if the arms were not for the Mexicans his Government would not interfere. I thought it better for us, if my suspicions should prove cor- rect, to lodge a claim for those arms before the seizure of the vessel, so as to establish hilly the good faith of our claim. Not receiving any answer to my letters, and seeing no one coming for me, I requested, at all risks, from the captain to have me carried on the following day on board of one of the lighters under the Mexican flag, which crosses th Page 149 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONEEDERATE 149 bar to bring cotton on board the vessels at anchor outside. I expected to be able to land direct on the Texas coast. He granted my request. It seems that the same mail with which I arrived at Vera Cruz had brought some instructions to the admiral in relation to the expedition against the port of Matamoras, and that it was known on the fleet that it would soon take place, as one of the lieutenants on board came to speak to me about the projected expedition, and to tell me that the frigate would probably be engaged in it; that his duty called him to the command of the party of marines, who always make a part of the lauding troops; that he was desirous of getting acquainted with the bar and the directions of the road to. Matamoras, with a sight of the I)lace itself~ in order to be able to act with knowledge of the localities at the proper time. I understood readily that by acceding to his de. mand, if I could not land on the Texas side, his company might involve inc in some difficulties with the Mexican authorities. Nevertheless, I made up my mind to take him along with me and run all risks. I was moved chiefly by the consideration that if the vessel that the frigate had orders to seize was really the bearer of arms for us,it would be easy for you, general, to give good proofs that they belonged to the Confederacy; and, in my opinion, it was important to justify the good faith of the claim before the seizure of the vessel, which would give strength to our demand and that bringing with me the lieu- great tenant, you could immediately hand over to him the proper proofs, if necessary, and secure thus, as far as possible, the future recovery of the arms. I left the frigate on the 3d, at 11 a. in., and all the officers, excepting the captain, did me the honor to accompany me to the Mexi- can lighter. We got on board of her without any distrust, and, after the examina- tion of the river b6at by the officers, they left me ou board with the lieutenant, who passed himself off as my secretary, he being in citizens garb.. I took the captain aside, and told him that I was the friend of the Texan, owner of the boat; I knew that, although she was under the Mexican flag, it belonged, in fact, to us; that I was a Texas citizen, and wished to land on the Texas side, & c. He answered me that he could not do it, as he had on board an offi- cer of the Mexican custom-house, and that it was forbidden to him to land anybody on the left bank of the river ; but that as soon as he would touch landing, there would be no difficulty in finding a small boat to cross the river. I saw at once that we had some risk to run, and we must take our chances. As sqon as we landed on the Mexican side, I got ready to cross over in a skiff, when the same Mexican officer who was on board told me that, in virtue of a convention existing between both countries, I could not cross the river without a permit, and that I must go before the port- warden to obtain it. I went there directly, and, once in his preseuce, the officer made an affidavit that I and my companion were persons of suspicious character; that we had arrived direct from a French frigate, on a boat with 12 seamen and officers in full dress. It being very evident, in his sight, that we were French spies, the port-warden considered it necessary to secure our persons. He told me that, according to his in- structions, he was not free to grant me a permit to cross the river, and that he was bound to send us under guard to the authorities at Mata- moras. Arrived at that city, we were brought before the ge/c politico, who, on account of our late arrival, refused my demand to send for the Governor Page 150 150 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CIIA~. XXXYIIL He treated us a little roughly, but I stood to him high, and, instead of being sent to the common jail, I obtained from him permission to pass the nigli~t in a private room adjoining the jail, and he pledged himself to communicate with the Governor that same night; in fact, he called on me about 10 oclock, and brought me word from the Governor how sorry he was about what had taken place, and that he was too much en- gaged that night to call on me, but that he would do so on the follow- ing morning, and at the same time the Governor sent me from~ his private house all the necessary bedding for the night. The next morn- ing he sent an officer to my order, to put at my disposal everything necessaty, and at 8.30 oclock in the morning he sent for me by a clerk at the jefatura. He received me there, surrounded by the authorities of the place, and. expressed his great surpise that I should come direct from a French frigate on to Mexican soil. My answer was that I was a Texan, and a neutral, & c. He was very anxious to know who was the gentleman with me. I told him that he was a secretary I had engaged at Vera Cruz, because I could not use my right arm. His conduct altogether was very amicable and polite toward me, and, after giving him all the explanations he wanted, he required me to go back to the room which had been assigned me, and that he would settle the matter as soon as possible, and, if he could, during that day. To this proposition I gave an unconditional denial, telling him that as long as I had been before a port-warden, who did not know me, and to whom I could misrepresent any fact; as long as I had been before a gefe politico (then present), to whom I could do the same, and who had treated me~ roughly enough; as long as I had not received any per- sonal violence, I would not think of complaining of what had passed; but that when I found myself in the presence of the Governor of the State, who knew me personally, and also knew by experience inwhat quality I was traveling, one minute more of detention would be con- sidered an injury to the Confederacy and its flag; that I required from him to be set free immediately or be sent back to prison, he running the risks resulting from such proceeding; that certainly I would not go back to the place they brought me from, except by force and under pro- test against such violence. My strong language produced an imine- diate effect on the Governor and the authorities around him, and I was directly restored to liberty. I hurried to cross the river with my companion, and called immedi- ately on the commanding officer. I learned then, because of the sickly season, this place had been nearly evacuated by the troops; that.he had himself just received the command, and, that, in fact, he knew but little about the previous transactions here. I introduced my companion, ex- plaining to him who he was, the object of his coming, and asked him if he knew anything about the arrival of arms from England, giving him my reasons for making such inquiry. His answer was that he knew as little about that as the rest; that we were expecting for a long time arms from various parts, but that none had arrived; that nevertheless there was a ship advertised in the London Shipping Gazette which was loaded with arms for us, and he referred to the copy of it in his possession. As the name of the ship to be seized had not been given to me by the captain, I made a note of the matter, and, handing the Gazette to the lieutenant, I asked from him as a favor to hand it over to the cap- tain of the frigate, which he promised to do. In the absence of othe Page 151 151 tilXF. ~X~VtJI.1 COERESPONDENCfl, ETC.~4IONPEDERATE. documents, it was all I could do on the subject in order to justify a claim which we might make one day if it was necessary. After two days~ stay among us, the lieutenant started back on our side of the river, and I learned afterward by my agents that he had reached the frigate in safety, and that during his stay among us the frigate had seized upon the Goodyear, with 10,000 stand of armsthe same vessel that I had pointed out to the lieutenant. I have forgotten to mention, in my last communication with Mr. De Saligny, I remarked to him that the many delays I had suffered in my trip, together with those of the expedition, ought necessarily to have changed the num- ber of bales of cotton I had mentioned as disposable of in Texas; that probably the quantity would be more or less reduced, and that consequently I could not guarantee to him, as at first, the number of 300,000. Such ,geueral are the various circumstances of my mission, with the best results that my efforts have been able to obtain. I regret much not to have been able to do any better, but I can assure you that I have never lost either time or care to reach the aim proposed. I must excuse my- self that this written report reaches you so late; but the condition in which I have been personally since leaving Puebla prevented my doing any writing, together with a serious attack of bilious fever, which kept me here confined in bed for several days, and have been the cause of my not coming forward sooner with it. Receive, general, with the expression of my highest consideration, the assurance of my respects. A. SUPERVI~LE. P. S.It appears to me of the greatest importance to add to the foregoing report what I have overlooked, viz, that when I bid my last farewell to General Almonte, who so far had shown so much friendship for me and good-will for the Confederacy, he told me to communicate to the authorities at the head of the Confederacy that if he, Almonte, had anything to do with the new Government thaI~ was about to be created in Mexico, he expected to prove himself the true friend of the Confederacy, and that he would be ready at all times to do for her any thing in his power which was compatible with the dignity and welfare of Mexico. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near Millican, August 7, 1863. Col. W. R. BRADFUTE, Indianota: SIR: I am directed by Major-General Magruder to say that you will concentrate Woods regimentthat is, the six companies now with Colonel Woodsat a suitable point on the Guadalupe River, say 25 miles from Indianola, in supporting distance of your coast line, near Lavaca. The general directs that should the enemy attack you in force, and you be unable to hold your position, in your judgm*~nt, you will with- draw all the guns on wheels, for they are needed for the defense of the interior. If all the guns cannot be removed, you will spike the siege guns and leave them; also spike any other guns which you may be compelled to leave through necessity. With the ordinary force of the enemy in your front, you will be able to hold the positions on the coast with a few cannon in position Page 152 152 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. mounted either en barbette or casemate, and whatever guns are sub- stituted in the place of those removed. These should be ready, so that the withdrawal of the guns may not be observed. We can ill afford to lose men with arms or cannon ou wheels. You will, therefore, make arrangements to withdraw safely the guns from Saluria, should it be. come necessary. Lieutenant-Colonel Shea was of opinion that it can, be easily done. The two guns at Aransas Pass will be allowed to remain, inasmuch as they are necessary for the defense of that place, and there are no guns there which are not on wheels. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C No. 211. Piedmont, August 7, 1863 * * * * * * * IV. Acting Brig. Gen. P. N. Lnckett will at once proceed to the mouth of the Brazos, and assume command of the coast from that point to Saluria. He will promptly report his arrival to these head- quarters. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. MOBILE, ALA., August 8, 1863. General S. COOPER: No indications of early attack here; therefore do nbt send me troops yet. Have sent Major [E. H.] Cummins to inform you fully about my resources and requirements. DABNEY II. MAURY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF General ~. COOPER, iifobile, Ala., August 8, 1863. Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: Since I last wrote, no development of the enemys plans against this place has been made. Returned prisoners from Vicks- burg, Fort Pickens, and other points occupied by the enemy report that the operations of the armies of Grant and Banks will not be ex- tended in this direction before the fall. Meantime I am pushing rapidly the defensive preparations here. The necessary labor, which has beeii withheld until recently, is coming in freely. It is hoped that the sup- ply of ammunition which I shall be able to provide will suffice for a siege, if necessary. Subsistence stores are coming in plentifully. It is my intention to hold here six mouths supply for 10,000 men. The naval force here is very important, and, as a successful defense of this place will depend in great measure upon it, I think it appropriate for me to urge upon the Department the necessity of aiding the admiral of thi Page 153 CRAP: XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 15a station in procuring men for his ships; and I hope that the applications for transfer from the army to the navy, which Admiral Buchanan has from time to time forwarded to the War Department, wil] receive early and favorable consideration. I shall be able to make a great deal of my own ammunition, if I can get coal and iron~ The foundry here turns out one banded 32-pounder or 42-pounder per week, and I expect to be able to have as many Cohorn mortars cast as I shall need. 1 have recommended the reopening of another foundry here which has been closed for some time. I beg that you will feel sure I do not desire troops to be prematurely withdrawn from any other portion of the Confederacy to defend this place. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DABNEY H. MAURY, Major. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & (L, Near Millican, August 9, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. BoGGS Chief of Staff, Shreveport: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant, in regard to the seizure of arms by the French, which were taken to Vera Cruz In reply, I beg to state that Brigadier-Gen- eral Bee informed me by letter of July 9 that statements of all the facts would be made by Mr. Gallagher, agent of Major Hart, at Browns- ville, Major Russell, quartermaster, Colonel Latham, collector of cus- toms for the port of Brownsville, and also by himself and letters on this subject written to the French consul at Vera Cruz; a nd that these documents would be sent forward on the 12th of July by an agent, per an English man of war. Brigadier-General Bee expresses a conviction that these arms will eventually be returned to our Government. In reply to your inquiry in regard to the quantity of ordnance and ordnance stores, I have the honor to state that very few arms have been introduced by way of Brownsville into the country; only about 400 stand of small-arms since my arrival here. To obtain the information in regard to ordnance and ordnance stores desired by Lieutenant-General Smith, imported before my arrival in this district, some time will be required. Ten thousand pounds of rifle powder was brought by my direction, when I heard of Banks invasion of Louisiana, and is now stored at Houston. The necessary steps have been taken to obtain the information. I beg, however, to state that nothing has been or will be left undone by me to secure all the arms, & c., which can possibly be obtained. I am sending out parties with authority to contract for small-arms and their appropriate ammunition with foreign mercantile houses, to be paid for in cotton on delivery. Mr. Nelson Clements has contracted to import 20,000 stand of small-arms. The arms referred to above, some 12,000 in number, which were seized by the French Government and sent to Vera Cruz, were sent in by him. Other cargoes may meet the same fate. The contingencies which necessarily attend the importation of such arti- cles being very great, it is feared that though. every effort is now being made and will be made to import them, they may prove fruitless. Some six contracts have been made to bring arms across the Rio Grande, and smuggle them in on the coast, since I have been here. On Page 154 154 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. ICHAP. xxxviii, cargo, consisting of about 700 stand of small.arms, was captured by the enemy at sea; another cargo of 12,000 stand was seized by the French, as alluded to above, and the remainder of the contracts have not been yet fulfilled for want of time. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant. Ucueral. LABOR BUREAU, Houston, August 9, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: Inclosed you will find a letter from Mr. F. W. Rhine, with the indorsement of Maj. S. Hart, which is hereby respectfully submitted to the major-general commanding for his consideration and action thereon. If the major-general should determine upon complying with the request of Major Hart, I will at once issue the necessary orders and instructions for the impressment of the number of negroes in the counties of Bowie, Red River, Cass, Upshur, Wood, and Titus. I would require an order upon General Bankhead for a detail of men from his command to carry out my orders. Mr. Rhine, I understand. is awaiting a reply to this application in San Antonio. Very respectfully, H. B. ANDREWS, Captain, and Chief of Labor Bureau. [Inclo8ure.l CLARKSVILLE, July 20, 1863. Maj. SIMEON HART: DEAR SIR: I am very sorry to have to inform you again of my failure in getting conscripts for teamsters, to move the cotton wagons now ready, and have been for some time, to move to the Rio Grande. As I have stated to you before, General E. K. Smith gave me an order in person to get 50 teamsters. I immediately applied to Tyler and to other enrolling officers in our district, but could not procure ~rny, and am still trying, as I am very anxious to get a large lot of cotton to the Rio Grande for the Government. I have not less than one hundred and twenty-five wagons and cotton for your department ready to move for- ward, and if there is any way at all by which you can assist me in pro- curing conscripts, I hope you will do something immediately. I had several applications from parties Pit Red River and Bowie Counties, who are planters and liable to militia duty, that they would furnish me a negro driver, providing they could be exempt as long as the negro remains in such employ, to drive a team for the Government, and I will here add, for the interest of the Government, it would be the best thing that com~ld be done to move these wagons forward; besides, I would rather have 1 negro driver than 2 conscripts to drive a team. If you have any possible chance, procure an order from General J. B. Magruder, as the militia will be turned over to him, to give me such authority to take negro drivers from such men as may be able to fur- nish them, as I am extremelyanxious to have these trains moved. Your earliest attention to this is particularly requested. I remain, yours, very respectfully, F. W. RHINE, Quartermasters Agent Page 155 UHAP. XXXflII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 155 [Indorsement.] QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE,. San Antonio, fLex., August 4, 1863. Respectfully referred, through Captain Andrews, in charge of the Labor~Bureau, to General J. B. Magruder, commanding, with the request, under the circumstances, that negroes may be impressed for the purpose of driving the teams mentioned within to this place or Kings ranch. Mr. Rhine, my agent, being at this place at present, has made the state- ment that the owners of negroes in the district to which he is assigned, viz, the counties of Bowie, Davis, Red River, Marion, and Lamar, have positively refused to hire the negroes required. Since the date of the within letter, Agent Rhine has got ready one hundred more wagons and teams, and consequently that number of negroes will be required in addi- tion to the number (125) asked for within by Mr. Rhine. Of course the proposition made to Mr. Rhine by planters, & c., subject to militia duty cannot be entertained for a moment. In view of the fact that the wagons and teamsthey having been purchased for the Governmentand the cotton to load them, are ready to take the road but for want of drivers, I have to ask, as a matter of great interest to the service, that the ne- groes to drive them may be at once impressed. Respectfully submitted. S. HART, Major, and Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS MARINE DEPARTMENT, Velasco, fLex., August 9, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR.: Believing you are anxious to learn what progress has been made in my attempt to place the steamer John F. Carr upon her station in Matagorda Bay, I hereby do myself the honor to report the condition of affairs in the Marine Department in this quarter, and also acknowledge the receipt of a note by courier from Major-General Magruder, dated 3d instant, indicating the wishes of the major-general commanding respect- ing my movements. I arrived here with the John F. Carr, Mary Hill, and Alamo, at 7 oclock, Thursday night, 6th instant. Since that period, I have been weather-bound by a strong and unfavorable wind, which has raised so high a sea as tsz prevent my going out with such frail boats. How- ever much I regret this delay, still, I have reason to congratulate myself that such is the case, as it has enabled me to complete the arrange- ments I deem necessary to run the gauntlet of an enterprising and vigilant enemy. I have established a line of signal scouts along the coast from this point to our place of destination, and expect to hear from the west end to.day, and as soon as the wind lulls, and a favorable report is made of the attitude~ of the enemy, I shall attempt to get the fleet into Mata- gorda Bay. It may be that I shall avoid a sight of the enemy entirely, but, after getting under way, and having accomplished part of my voyage, they may heave in sight. Should such be the case, I deem it prudent to have a sufficient force to defend myself if they attempt to attack or interfere with me, andL therefore shall take the steamer Mary Hill along Page 156 156 W. ]?LA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CIIAI. XXXVIIL In trying the guns upon my boats, I found the Nichols gun totally unfit for service, and turned it over to the ordnance officer at this post. The cartridges of the Parrott gun from the Harriet Lane were also unserviceable, as they would not chamber by 3 inches, being altogether too large, which I was compelled to remedy by reducing the dimensions of the cartridges to fit the bore. I am confident this same difficulty oc- curred with the gun on board the Bayou City, January 1, which caused its bursting, and I would most respectfully recommend that the ord- nance officers having charge of this work be notified of the error and severely reprimanded for neglecting so important a branch of their duty. The trail of the 18-pounder El Dragon brass gun broke off close to the cheeks at the first fire; it was apparently perfectly sound, but on ex- amination of the pieces after the casualty, I found it was totally unfit for service by dry rot. Because of this accident, I would most respectfully suggest that an exauvination be made by boring into the old carriages of all the guns in this district, as they may all be affected in like manner. I have ordered a new trail to be made for that gun, which will be completed to-day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant LEON SMiTH, Commanding Marine Department. Abstract from tabular state ent of all regiments, batteries, and detached companies in the Department of the Gulf, commanded by Maj. Gen. Dabney H. Maury, C. S. Army, August 10, 1863. a a a ~J2 Station. Troops. a a ,n Cs be I be Mobile, Ala Infantry 866 947 1, 009 Mobile, Ala Artillery 189 206 291 Point Clear, Ala. (Mobile Bay) Infantry i09 202 384 City redoubts. do 541 681 842 Bay and river batteries Artillery 328 413 490 Fort Morgan. - - - Infantry 201 209 266 Fort Morgan Artillery 369 397 437 Fort Gaines Infantry - - 355 399 441 Fort Gaines Cavalry 5 6 7 Grants Pass . - Artillery 69 76 85 Pollard, Ala Infantry 486 603 809 Pollard, Ala Cavalry 74 83 125 Pollard, Ala Artillery 45 46 47 Camp Powell, near Fort Morgan Cavalry... 106 108 122 Camp Withers, near Fort Morgan .do 98 lOt 120 Bluff Springs, Fla do 317 378 486 Montgomery, Ala Infantry 210 267 385 Montgomery, Ala Cavalry . 264 301 599 Montgomery, Ala Artillery 65 67 103 Selma, Ala Infantry 84 98 133 Halls Mills and Pascagoula Cavalry 207 230 433 Total - --. 4,988 5,818~~4 [NOTE ON ORICtNAL.]Deducting the garrieons at Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines and Grants Pass the cavalry force of the department (which in case of all investment of the city will be sent without the line o~ intrenchments~ and the guar(l at Selnia and Muntgomervleavea me an effective total for the defense of the city of 2.554 men [effective total ha det~nse should be 25641, including the Fifty- fourth [Fifty-seventhj Alabama Infantry, stationed at Pollard. Note also that the Seventeenth and Twenty-ninth Alabama Regiments are drilling as artillery Page 157 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 157 Organization of troops in the Department of the Gulf, commanded by Maj. Gen. Dabney H. Maury, C. S. Army, August 10, 1863. Mobile, Ala. Brig. Gen. JAMES CANTEY. 17th Alabama. 21st Alabama (four companies). 29th Alabama. Hutchinsons engineer company. Gid. Nelson Light Artillery Company. Humes Tennessee Light Artillery. Wards Alabama Battery. 2d Alabama Artillery Battalion. Pollaid, Ala. Col. J. P. W. AMERINE. 54th [57th] Alabama. Monroes and Keysers companies, Ala- bama Cavalry. Third Battalion Florida Cavalry (Bluff Springs, Fla.). Section Seldens light artillery company. Montgomery, Ala. Col. J. H. CLANTON. Swanson Guards. 6th Alabama Cavalry. N. H. Clantons battery light artillery. Forts Morgan aad Gaines. Col. W. L. POWELL. 21st Alabama, Second Battalion. (Fort Morgan.) First Battalion, First Confederate (Geor- gia). (Fort Gaines.) Baldwin Rangers (cavalry). (Camp Powell.) City Troop (cavalry). (Camp Withers.) Partisan Rangers (cavalry). (Fort Gaines.) 1st Alabama Artillery Battalion. (Fort Morgaa and Grants Pass.) Detachments. Companies on bay and river batteries, Ma]. W. E. Bu~net, commanding. Alabama and Florida cavalry (Halls Mills and Pascagoula, Lieut. Col. S. J. Mur- phy, commanding. Post at Selma, Ala., Col. W. H. Jenifer, commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Fort Brown, August 10, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant. General, & c., Houston, Tex.: SIR: Major Russell is on duty in carrying out the orders of the gen. eral commanding on the subject of obtaining cotton to pay for army supplies. The loan to the Government at this point of 20 per cent. of all cotton is more beneficial than impressment, for after paying a reasonable freight, there would not be as much left as under the present system which is now in force, and all parties seem satisfied. The Sea Queen has departed for Liverpool with full freight for pri- vate parties, there not being time to make any arrangement after my arrival here. The Owners of the cargo of that vessel are at war with each other; two of them disavow the Bellot contract, and I feel satis- fied that the credit of the Government is not and cannot be involved in the question. The conti act is out of date by nearly a year, and has not been complied with by Bellot & Co. Major Russell will write you on all these subjects. I paid an official visit on Saturday to His Excellency General IRuiz, Governor of Tainaulipas, and was most honorably received. I found him a well-informed gentleman, fully impressed with the necessity of fostering this trade, and profuse in his assurances of co-operation with me in all things necessary to promote harmony between the nationali- ties. On yesterday the Governor returned my visit, and was receive Page 158 158 W FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [Ca~. XXXVIiL by me with all the honors due his position at my command, and he seemed much pleased. I have constant rumors of the near approach of the French; they are said to be coming by sea from Vera Cruz. Their arrival will enable me to obtain a supply of arms. I have no news of the schooner captured by them loaded with arms under the Clements contract. There are now three gunboats off the mouth of the Rio Grande, and they are busy surveying the bar and demonstrating that we may soon expect a visit from them. I am acting on that presumption, and using all diligehee in removing public property and the passage of the cotton across the river. The Federal officers now in Matamoras from the gunboats state that General Lee has been forced farther back into Virginia, and that Ewells army corps has been cut off from the main command and will be captured. I have issued the necessary orders to Colonel Woods, commanding First Brigade, in compliance with your orders of July 31, 1863, requir- ing six companies of the Thirty-second Cavalry to encamp near Indian- ola, and the First Regiment to encamp near Corpus [Christi], but I beg leave most respectfully to renew my suggestions, made from Corpus Christi, that there is not sufficient grass in that vicinity for this regi- ment, and the limited means of transportation will not allow them to move their command from the San Antonio. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. [ATJGUST 11, 1863.For Magruder to Boggs, in relation to sending brigade to report to General Steele at Fort Smith, see Series I, VoL XXII, Part II, p. 963.] IIDQRS. P1ST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Near lJfillican, August 12, 1863. Brigadier-General Bo~Gs, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I respectfully request that the batteries sent from this district to Louisiaua (Captains Nichols, Gonzales, and Gibsons) be re- turned to my command. General Taylor has, I understand, fourteen light batteries in his command, and has applied to me for artillery am- munition, which I am furnishing him as rapidly as possible. Captain Abats battery being ordered to the Northern Sub-District, leaves but two in this portion of the StateGalveston. The batteries above alluded to are, I understand, very poorly equipped, but if they are ordered to Houston they can be fitted up very rapidly. The commanding officer at Galveston reports that the two light bat- teries now stationed there are not sufficient to occupy the salient of the field works already completed, and more extensive ones are in process of construction. I hope, therefore, that the lieutenant-general com- inanding will think proper to comply with this request. I am~ very respentfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Jifajor-General, Commanding Page 159 159 CHAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~CONFEDERATE. [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, August 28, 1863. General Taylor is suggested to send such of these batteries as can be spared. If all cannot be spared, he will send those in the most iu- ferior condition. By order of Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Alexandria, September 2, 1863. Respectfully returned. Captains Nichols, Gonzales, and Gibsons batteries were ordered some days since to rejoin General Magruders command, and have marched for Texas. R. TAYLOR, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 10, 1863. Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Magruder for his informa- tion. (See indorsement of Major-General Taylor.) By order of Lieut. Gen, E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT WORTH, TARRANT COUNTY, TEX., August 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER: The militia of this district met for the purpose of organization in this county at a point known as Robinsons Mills. The Indian depredations up on our frontier had created such intense excitement in the minds of those from Parker and Johnson Counties that it was almost impossible to retain them in camp long enough to organize, their families being in immediate danger. This state of things was not at all surprising. In one family, the mother was killed and four children carried off; in an- other family, the wife and two children killed and two children seriously, if not mortally, wounded. Several men have been killed and many herds of horses driven off. The Indians have been seen in so many neighborhoods that we feel satisfied that there are a great many small parties of Indians scattered through the western counties, and they have been within 25 miles of this place. We had some trouble in getting the border men into the organization, lest they might be ordered away, to leave homes and families unprotected. This originated evidently from a want of proper understanding, for as soon as we explained to them that organization was the only proper mode of defense, the only efficient oue~ and that the authorities intended to defend every portion of the State, they very readily yielded, and were mustered into the service. We then took the responsibility of ordering these men to the frontier to hunt, kill, and drive out these red enemies from our midst, and we now make this re2port that something may be done for the benefit of the su Page 160 160 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXXVIIL ferers. If the militia and arms are taken from these border counties, they must suffer, for it is clearly (lemonstrated that the frontier regi- ment is not affording sufficient protection. Would it not be well to order the State troops from several of those counties now suffering to aid in expelling the Indians, and would it not be well to call out the militia in those counties that have been exempted, and compel them to do duty on the frontier ~ for they were exempted for that purpose, and they ought to be made to act, and that speedily. They are also very much in need of ammunition. The foregoing facts we most respectfully submit to your kind consid. eration. Most respectfully, your friends and servants, R. M. GANO, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry, C. S. Army. NATHANIEL TERRY, Brigadier. General, Twentieth Brigade, Texas State Troops. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C,, No. 216. Near Millican, August 12, 1863. * * * * * * * XX. Col. W. IR. Bradfute, commanding coast, is hereby relieved from command, and will report in arrest to these headquarters without delay. XXI. Col. A. M. Hobby, commanding Corpus Christi, will take coin- mand of the coast from Matagorda to Peiiasco, inclusive. * * * * * * * By command of Major.General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. MOBILE, ALA., August 13, 1863. General S. COOPER: Unusual number of vessels at Ship Island. The following news just received: Late information from New Crleans, all large men of war left here; supposed to be for Mobile. General rumor, Mobile soon to be attacked. Landing to be made on Mississippi coast. Troops landing on Ship Island. Commodore Farragut gone to New York. DABNEY H. MAUIIY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Mobile, Ala., August 13, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: In reply to the letter of the Secretary of War of the 7th [lstj instant, I have the honor to transmit the accompanying reports Page 161 161 CHAr. XXX?VIIT.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. showing the supplies on hand here np to this date, and the available forces. I sent Major [E II.] Cuminins, of the Adjutant and Inspector Generals Department, in order that the Department might learn fully from him the condition of affairs here. If he has reached you, there will be no neces- sity, probably, for any other communications on the subject under con- sideration, for he is very accurately informed as to all of my resources and wants. There are indications reported to me to-day which seem to point to preparations for attack of Mobile. During several days past there has been unusual activity about Ship Island. Twelve v& ssels have been there instead of five, the usual num- ber, and at the same time rumors come from New Orleans of an early attack. In view of these, this garrison should be increased as soon as other exigencies of the service will admit, and very great activity should be used in supplying me with the ordnance stores I have called for. I again urge the importance of aiding the admiral of the station to procure men for his fleet. His crews are weak, and he has not been able to procure transfers from the army, not because of want of men desiring transfer, bat from the reluctance of their officers to part with them. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DABNEY II. MAURY, Major- General. Llnclosure No. 1.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, Mobile, August 13, 1863. Col. GEORGE G. GARNER, Chief of Staff, & c.: COLONEL: The accompanying statement will show the requisitions made on Richmond and Selma for ordnance and ordnance stores, the receipts since 1st of July last, and the balance yet to be supplied, tak- ing as a basis the estimate of Major [W. E.] Burnet, chief of artillery, of 400 rounds for the columbiads and 800 rounds for most of the other guns. Urgent applications have been made to Selma, and, from the tenor of Colonel [J. L.] Whites advices, we may expect to receive at an early day from that arsenal additional supplies of those stores, marI~ed thus: X The statement does not include requisition for fifteen 12-pounder field guns, with carriages, implements, equipments, and ammunition (com- plete); eight 12-pounder Napoleon guns, with carriages, caissons, imple- ments, and ammunition - The two batteries of Napoleon guns have been ordered here and may be soon expected. I have no information respecting the fifteen 12-pounder field guns, ~c. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY MYERS, Major, and Chief of Ordnance, Department of the Gulf. 11 U UVOL XXYI, PT I Page 162 162 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. ~CHAr. XXXVIII. [Sub-Inclosure.] Statement of ammunition required at Mobile, Ala., Augu8t 13, 1863. Ammunition, & ~. Required Received Reonired July 1. since. thi~ date. 10-inch columbiad shot - 4, 334 83 4, 251 10-inch mortar shell 576 576 8-iuch columbiad shot r 1, 980 19 1, 961 8-inch columbiad shell 950 950 8-inch grape - 342 342 8-inch canister 604 . 604 8-inch rifle Blakely shot.. - - - 8-inch rifle Blakely shell 701 701 8-inch S. C. howitzer shell 1, 075 1, 075 8-inch S. C. howitzer grape 547 547 8-inch S. C. howitzer canister - 551 551 8-iuch mortar shell - 1, 050 1, 050 7-inch rifle Brooke shot - . - - 326 326 7-inch rifle Brooke shell - 326 326 6.4-inch rifle Brooke shot - 310 233 97 6.4-inch rifle Brooke shell . - 353 50 303 42-pounder shell 729 729 42-pounder rifle shot 304 - - -~ 304 42-pounder rifle shell - 256 - 256 32-pounder shot 5, 005 631 4, 374 32-pounder shell 8, 378 42 8, 336 32-pounder grape 3, 340 593 2, 747 32-pounder canister - 3, 896 200 3, 696 32-pounder rifle shot 12,475 12, 475 32-pounder rifle shell 11, 623 11, 623 24-pounder shot 4,395 ~ 395 24-pounder shell 5, 886 5, 886 24-pounder grape 2,364 1 2, 363 24-pounder canister 2,751 2, 751 24-pounder rifle shot - 776 776 24-pounder rifle shell 1, 044 1, 044 18-pounder shell 400 400 18-pounder canister 73 45 28 18-pounder spherical case shot. . K 800 800 12-pounder shot 454 406 48 12-pounder shell - 12-pounder canister . 278 1, 108 12-pounder spherical case shot - 2, 902 224 2, 678 24-pounder howitzer shell 88 - 88 24-pounder howitzer canister 389 . 389 24-por~nder howitzer spherical case shot 484 484 12-pounder howitzer shell 1, 761 1, 010 751 12-pounder howitzer canister 1, 360 838 522 12-pounder howitzer spherical case shot 7,269 54 7, 215 12-pounder mountain howitzer shell 534 534 12-pounder mountain howitzer canister - 533 533 12-pounder mountain howitzer spherical case 2, 133 2, 133 6-pounder shell 1, 483 1, 078 405 6-pounder spherical case shot 2, 357 854 1, 503 3-inch rifle shot - .. 1, 451 696 755 3-inch rifle shell 1, 323 333 990 Whitworth shot 105 112 W~iitworth shell 201 Friction priniers 1, 821, 429 18, 000 1, 803, 429 Priming tuhes - 7~ 795 ~ Columbiad or large grain powder 295, 550 81, 000 214, 530 Cannon powder, small grain - 368, 594 10, 100 358,494 (Cartridge bags, sizes and quantities to correspond with fore- going.) Battery wagons - . Battery forges - 4 3 1 Carhines and rifles for cavalry 200 200 10-inch columbiad carriages and chassis - 2 - 2 Tarpaulins 20 20 Mississippi rifle cartridges - 240, 000 80, 000 160, 000 Enfleld rifle cartridges 412, 000 117, 000 295,000 Musket and huck and hall cartridges 500, 000 207, 900 252, 100 Sharps cartridges (carhine) 40, 000 5, 000 35, 000 Musket percussion caps 200, 000 200, 000 HENRY MYERS, Major, and Chief of Ordmctnce1 Department of tl~ Gulf Page 163 U,w?. XXXVIIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 1G3 [Inclosure No. 2.] OFFICE DEPOT COMMIssARY, Mobile, August 13, 1863. Report of 8UbsisteflCe stores on hand at thi8 depot to this date, calculated as per table below. Stock on hand. Quauti~y. Number of Will subsist. Num- ber of rations. days. Bacon .pounds. - 151, 085 302, 170 Beef do... 347, 410 347, 410 Lard .....do.... 1,947 3,894 Salt pork do.... 8, 400 16, 800 Salt beef do.... 9, 745 19, 490 Total Flour pounds.. Hard bread do.... Cornmeal do.... Wheat do.... Corn .do. Total Pease pounds.. Rice do... Total Sugar pounds. - Salt .do.~. Molasses gallons.. Vinegar do.. Soap pounds. Fodder (to feed cattle) do.... Hay (to feed cattle) do.... Empty sacks (for sacking corn, wheat, flour) .number.. Pickles (for hospital) barrels.. 689, 764 284, 088 252, 523 18, 263 16, 214 49, 176 39, 341 602, 691 350, 012 2, 458, 842 1, 4.54, 226 I- I 20, 000 men.. 000 men.. 105 j } 20, 000 men.. 117 20, 000 men.. 79 20, 000 men.. 97 20, 000 men.. 36 20, 000 men.. 140 20, 000 men.. 103 2,112,336 185, 381 1, 235, 900 167, 490 1, 116, 600 2, 352, 500 95, 491 1, 591, 500 87, 926 1, 951, 900 7, 256 e725r600 7, 020k 2, 808, 200 41, 424 2, 071, 200 172,445 23, 774 87, 080 14 Respectfully submitted to the major-general commanding, as per his request to me. F. DOLHONDE, Captain, and Acting Commissary of Subsistence. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Mobile, August 13, 1863. Col. . S. EWELL, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Please inform General Johnston that I have received such reports of movements of vessels about Ship Island, and of rumors from New Orleans, as induce me tb think the enemy is perhaps preparing to attack Mobile. It will be prudent, therefore, eitl~ter to increase this garrison, if com- patible with other interests of the service, or to place troops in snch position as will insure my receiving timely re-euforcements. I applied some time ago for the retnrn of the garrison detached from here last spring to re-enforce General Braggs army, but unless required by an immediate emergency the War Department does not think those troops can be spared. I am, colonel, very respectfully, yours, DABNEY II. NAURY, Major-General Page 164 164 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. HEADQUARTERS, Morton, Miss., August 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. DABNEY H. MAURY Commanding, & c., Mobile, Ala.: Your telegram expressing the information you have received of in- tended Federal attack upon Mobile has just reached me. McNairs brigade is at Meridian; Maxeys and Greggs at Enterprise; all so placed to be in readiness to re-enforce your garrison on the first demon- stration against Mobile by the enemy. Should such a demonstration be made, telegraph to those officers and to me at the same time; and take measures with the officers of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad for the employment of all the means of that company in the transportation of those troops and another brigade or two, should it be practicable to furnish them. Each of these brigades has a field battery. If I can render you any other assistance in preparing to receive the enemy properly, tell me how. What amount of subsistence stores have you on hand ~ Reply by telegraph. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON, General. MOBILE, ALA., August 13, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON: Four months supplies for 10,000 men, and increasing. DABNEY H. MAUBY, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MlSSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 13, 1863. - Major-General MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, fc., Houston, Tex.: GENERAL: In reply to your letter of the 9th, relating to arms seized by French blockading squadron, Lieutenant-General Smith directs that you will take all possible me asures to secure the return of the arms, and desires me to say, in representing the importance of something being done, that one-third of the organized forces in Arkansas are and have been unarmed. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near ]JIiillican, August 13, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that, in his opinion, if an attack be made on your position at Brownsville, it will, in all probability, be under the conduct of Colonel Davis, and with suc Page 165 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~-~-CONFEDERATE. 165 men as are acclimated, who can be procured, perhaps, in New Orleans and from points on the Rio Grande. The major-general does not entertain the belief that a separate expe- dition will be made against your position at this time. If the enemy intends to make an attack on Galveston, Saluria, or any point on the coast in this quarter, he will certainly make a diverson on the Rio Grande. The coast in the vicinity of the populous and inviting country of the Brazos is in greatest danger. The general directs, however, that should the enemy attack your po- sition in force, or should you receive authentic information that he will make an attack, or will make an effort to establish himself at Point Isabel, on the mainland, you will, with Colonel Duffs command, your artillery, and any other forces you may have, use every effort to repulse him, and prevent his advance in every way possible for a small force to resist a large one. In this connection, permit me to say that the general wishes, if you have sent any of ~ command to Major Benavides, that you at once cause this company, or these companies, to rejoin their commands. Should the enemy hind in overwhelming force, and you find it neces- sary, you will, of course, evacuate your position at Brownsville, saving everything possible, and retire up the river, removing all your stores, ammunition, & c., to Roma, or some point near that place, always keep- ing as near the enemy as the safety of your stores will permit. You will, immediately on the reception of this order, cause all super- fluous arms and ammunition now at Brownsville to be sent to Boma, from which point you will cause it to be shipped to Alleyton. This order has been previously given in regard to the ammunition. The general directs that should you be compelled to yield your posi- tion at Brownsville, you will be very careful not to allow any property to fall into the enemys hands. Should there be cotton or other prop- erty exposed, without any chance of removing or saving it, you will cause it to be destroyed. Allow nothing to fall into the enemys hands. The general directs that the cotton destined for Brownsville be di- verted to Roma, save so much as is actually required at Brownsville. The general anticipates an attack on Galveston, Saluria, or the Brazos. Should we lose any of these places, we must necessarily evacuate other points of vital importance on the coast. These are the keys to the country. The railroad communication being once in the enemys hands at any of the above points, the others must fall. A glance at the map is sufficient to show this. The works at Galveston, which have cost us so much time and labor to construct, and which are model works of their kind, will, under the above condition of things, have to be evacuated without a blow. These circumstances render it necessary that a very large portion of the generals forces should be at Galveston Island and in supporting distance, and also renders it necessary that Buchel and Woods should remain in supporting distance of Corpus Christi and Saluria. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- GeneraL [AuGusT 13, 1863.For Bankhead to Turner, in reference to Steeles command, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 965. Page 166 166 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. AUGUST 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER: GENERAL: After General Gano left my camp, a messenger came in, informing me that on last Monday, within 14 miles of our camp, which is at Robinsons Mills, in Tarrant County, a lady, a Mrs. Brown, whose husband is in the army, was killed in broad daylight at her own house, and two young men and a young lady severely, if not dangerously, wounded by the Indians, and large quantities of horses carried away. I at once issued an order putting all the drafted militia of Parker, Johnson, Erath, and Palo Pinto Counties, all of those sub- ject to militia duty, to take the field at once under Major Carmichael, with such subaltern officers as they may elect. Some of them are already in the field. We are almost destitute of ammunition, the citizens having only a few rounds each. The murders and thefts on the frontier are 500 per cent. greater every day than at any former period, and, unless things change before long, the frontier line will be many miles east of Fort Worth, if not east of the three forks of the Trinity River. These things are going on notwithstanding we have a regiment on the frontier. These Indians are between us and this regiment. I feel some solici- tude to have the course I have taken in this matter sustained by you. I could see no reason why these men, who were in camp under pay, should not be put out at once. It will cost the State no more than if in the brigade camp. Hoping to receive orders from you in reference to this affair, and, I trust, a recognition of what I have done in the premises, I am, respect- fully, your obedient servant, NATHANIEL TERRY, Brigadier- General Twentieth Brigade, Texas State Troops. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Fort Brown, Tex., August 14, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Ilous ton, Tex.: CAPTAIN: By the arrival from New Orleans of persons who can be trusted, I ~m informed that there is no doubt of the invasion of Texas as soon as the sickly season is over, and of the occupation by the naval forces of the enemy of our coast towns, except perhaps Galves- ton, which will be reduced by a land attack by way of Berwick Bay and the Sabine, destined first for Houston. As all this seems probable, although not charged with the defense of the coast nor the disposition of the troops, I trust I will not transcend the line of my duty when I respectfully suggest that the troops on the islands near Corpus Christi be withdrawn to the mainland, and the de~ fensive works contemplated thereat be suspended, inasmuch as there will not be time left for their completion. lit seems to me that it will be impossible for the necessarily small force which can be spared to garrison those works to sustain them- selves against any serious attack by the enemy. In a word, my belief is that to successfully repel this invasion the troops must be concen- trated on a line of defense, and a temporary sacrifice of a portion of the country be made. It is further my belief, from the information I have, that the effort to cut off the Rio Grande trade will be made not upon this point, bu Page 167 CHAr. XXX~IiI.i CORRESPONDENCES ETC.CONFEDERATE. 167 through Lavaca to San Antonio. The country west of the San Antonio River will then necessarily be lost to us for a time. Fortunately, it is but sparsely settled, and ody adapted to stock, which can be driven off. In my opinion, defenses should be erected and depots of supplies be established at Beaumont, Liberty, Houston, and Columbus, giving us thereby the line of railroad as a line of defense. An invasion from Kansas at the same time is not improbable, but this from its natnre cannot be more than a series of cavalry raids. Still, a strong force will be required in the northeast to meet it. If this communication is not warranted by my position toward the major-general commanding, it will, I trust, be attributed to my great desire to successfully repel the invasion of my State, and to no less worthy motive. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier- General. [Indorsement.] Nibletts Bluff, Orange, Beaumont, Liberty, Houston, and Columbus have already been made depots of supplies. Some bf them are being fortified. Troops are in the Northern Sub-District, nnder Acting Brigadier-Gen- eral Bankhead, and more ordered. Brigadier-General McCnlloch has been assigned to the command of that sub-district by Lieutenant-Gen- eral Smith. The fort at Aransas has already been ordered to be discon- tinued, and the hills there must be made to assume the appearance of a strong fort, and there must be some guns, as well as the troops now there, kept there until the enemy will probably arrive, say November or December, when the island can be evacuated, if necessary. Saluria must be defended, otherwise Galveston will be turned. The troops caught by the enemy west of his point of landing must make for some point east of the point of landing. The troops at Brownsville will be safe for a long time after the enemy lands at Corpus [Christi] or La- vaca, as he will require time to moveq and can be watched. It will be seen by Brigadier-General Bee that the major-general com- manding has not failed to give these important matters his attention. J. B. N. [MAGRUDER.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Fort Brown, August 14, 1863. His Excellency DON MANUEL RUIZ, General, and Governor of the State of Tamaulipas: SIR: I have been informed that the officers of the Navy of the United States now off the mouth of the Rio Grande have violated the neu- trality of Mexico, in the war at present existing between the United and Confederate States, by occupying and using the territory of Mexico for the purpose of surveying the mouth of the Rio Grande and the country adjacent to it, with a view to hostile movements against this Government. I have the honor to request that you will inlorm me if this statement is correct; and, if so, if it was done by Your Exc~llen& ys consent and approbation. I have also been informed that a certain imaginary line has been established, defining the maritime boundary between Mexico and the Confederate States beyond the mouth of the Rio Grande and in the Gul Page 168 168 w. FLA., ~. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. of Mexico, and that vessels lying to the south of said imaginary line only are to be considered as in neutral waters. As I had been informed by your honorable predecessor, Don Albino Lopez, that he considered all vessels that entered at the Mexican cuts- tom-house at Matamoras, and were at anchor in the open sea adjacent to the mouth of the Rio Grande, as entitled to Mexican protection, from being in neutral waters, and that construction of the treaty of limits between the two nations (as constituted at the date of the negotiations of said treaty) being recognized and respected by me, I have consid- ered it my duty to inform Your Excellency of what I have heard, and to respectfully request that if any change of this understanding is coit- templated, or if other arrangements are more suitable to Your Excel- lency, that you will be kind enough to inform me of them, that I may take such steps as may seem to me proper for the preservation of the rights of my Government in the premises. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier. General, Provisional Arm~j. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near Millican A Brig. Gen. W. H. BoGGS, , ugust 15, 1863. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to state that the arms ordered by the lieutenant-general commanding to be sent from General Taylors com- mand have not yet arrived. The immediate necessity for arms in this district being very great, I beg that the lieutenant-general commanding will direct Major-General Taylor to lose no time in sending the arms above alluded to. I see at present no chance of getting arms from any other source. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near ]Jiliillican, August 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District: SIR: I am directed by the major-general commanding to say to you that Colonel Buchels regiment and that portion of Woods regiment in supporting distance of Saluria are ordered to carry out the instruc. tions as issued and received by them from these headquarters. The disaffection exhibited at Waco and Austin, and the recent mutinous disposition shown at Galveston by the troops in garrison, render it absolutely necessary that the orders from these headquarters should be fully carried out. In case that Saluria and Velasco should be taken by the enemy, it would necessitat~ the evacuation of Galveston, which is now strongly fortified, and for this reason these orders have been issued from these headquarters removing Colonel Buchels regiment and a portion of Colonel Woods to this district: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 169 CHAP. XXXViiI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONEEDERATE. 169 IIEADQUARTER~ FIRST Division, Fort Brown, Tex., August 15, 1805. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston, Tex.: SIR: The Federal vessels off the mouth of the Rio Grande are exer- cising their power with a high hand. They have seized and sent away the brig Atlantic, loaded with cotton, and sailing under the English flag. They have a prize crew on board of the schooner Scudd, partly loaded with cotton, on the ground that nnder another name she had at some time past run the blockade, and avow their intention to take any vessel that has ever run the blockade, even if in the port of Nassau. On yesterday the senior captain commanding the squadron here de- manded of Governor Thiiz that he should compel the English steamers Gladiator Cdt and William Peel to leave the anchorage off the river and pnt to sea,and if not complied with in forty-eight hours, that they would seize them; that they had been informed that those vessels had bronght cargoes for the Confederate States, which were being delivered. The Governor, in reply, denied their right to molest those vessels, as having arrived at Matamoras from England, consigned to Mexican mer- chants, and protested against their right to disturb them. This com- inunication was sent down this morning, and, of course, I do not know the result, but I have no donbt that the vessels will be taken, if not in the neutral port of Matamoras, certainly when they depart for England. These high-handed measures of the Yankees will but serve to increase the prevailing dissatisfaction in England, and will be productive of good to our cause. There are more goods in Matamoras than we can pay for, so no injury to us will result. The William Peel is not yet unloaded. Major Russell will inform you of his progress in the cotton business. The French have taken Tampico, and are expected here daily. Most of the troops in Matamoras left yesterday for the interior with all the money in the custom-house. Governor iRuiz will move to Victoria, and no.resist~uice will be made to the advance of the French. I trust that on their arrival I may be able to be of some service to my country, com- pensating me for my sojourn here. I regret to say that I have to order the troops which I had concen; trated here back to the sanitary campssixty cases in the hospital out of 200 men; every officer of my staff, all my clerks and orderlies, are sick or convalescing. Surgeon McKnight is now very sick. The panic amongst the troops renders it impossible to keep them here, for at dress parade on yesterday there were but two officers out of four companies, the rest being sick or on duty. I am without instructions as to my rule of conduct when the French may arrive, but shall, in the exercise of the discretion the general com- mapding has reposed in me, do all I can to obtain arms, and enlist their sympathy and assistance for our cause. With great respect, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. [Thdorsement.] Copy to be sent to General Smith, and through him to Richmond. Write Brigadier-General Bee a letter of thanks stating the appreciation of the commanding general of his patriotism and valuable services, and reassure him of his entire confidence in his judgment. He leaves the course to be pursued by General Bee in his intercourse with the Frenc Page 170 170 W.PLA., ~. ALA., S. ~4ISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXX~IIt entirely to that discretion and. wisdom which have heretofore charac- teri~ed General Bees conduct~ both toward that nation and the Mcxi- cans. J. BANRIIEAD MAGRUDER. STATE OF TEXAS, ADJT. AND JNSPR. GEN.S O~rIcn, Austin A Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, , ugust 15, 1863. A. A. G., lldqrs. Dist. Texas, & e., Piedmont Springs, fLex.: CAPTAIN: The major-general commanding, in a communication of June 20th, nltimo, addre~scd to His Excellency the Governor, writes: It is no doubt known to Your Excellency that the conscript officer at Brownsville, in the discharge of his duty, found it necessary, in order to secure the enrollment of those subject to conscription, to guard the avenues of departure with a military force until the enrollment was completed. Should Your Excellency, in order to accom- plish the same objeet, desire the co-operation of the military authorities, your views will be seconded by these headquarters. In consequence of the severe indisposition of the brigadier-general of the brigade bordering on the Rio Grande, a delay has occurred in the organization of the State troops there unavoidable, though greatly to be regretted. Measures have now been taken to insure the complete enrollment and draft, in accordance with law, and I am instructed by His Excellency the Governor to ask his co-operation, as courteously proiThred, by giving such instructions to the Confederate States military commanders on that frontier as will tend to effect this desirable object. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. Y. DASHIELL, Adjutant and inspector General SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 219. f Near ]llillican, August 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. Henry E. McCulloch having been relieved from duty in the District of Louisiana and assigned to duty in the District of Texas, is hereby assigned, in the absence of Brigadier-Geueral Scurry, to the command of the Eastern Sub-District of Texas, headquarters either at Houston or Galveston. By command, of Major.General Magruder- GEG. A. MAGRUDER JR., Major, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [AUGUST 15, 1863.For proceedings of a conference of the Governors of the Trans-Mississippi States at Marshall, Tex., of this date, see Smith to Davis, September 11, 1863, Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, pp. 1003 1010.1 HEADQUARTERS EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF TEXAS, Galveston, August 16, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, A. A. G., U. S. Army, Dist. of Tex, cec., Piedmont Springs: SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major- general commanding, that up to date everything is perfectly quiet, th Page 171 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFtDERATE. 171 troops are performing their duties without any evidence of discontent, and I see no reason for any uneasiues~ at present.* There are twelve vessels in front of the bar. Two of the twelve are apparently captured vessels, as they have been brought in by a steamer. The foregoing I wished to telegraph last night; the line being down, it could not be done. Ten vessels are in sight this morning. Every- thing quiet (12 a. in., Sunday, August 16). I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. N. LUCKETT, Acting Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MARINE DEPARTMENT, Decrows Point, Tex., August 16, 1863. To the Commanding Officer, Indianola, Tex.: SIR: I have been instructed by the major-general commanding to place the steamer John F. Carr in these waters, under the command of Capt. S. K. Brown, for the protection of the inland ports of this portion of the coast. Her station will be at Saluria. It is the desire of the commanding general that we abstain from attracting the attention of the enemy by fighting him outside the bay in the present unprepared state of our defenses. The armament of the steamer John F. Carr consists of one 18-pounder and one 12-pounder howitzers. The men are armed with rifles and cut- lasses. in case the enemy should anchor in force outside the bar, I would suggest that you place at least 60 sharpshooters on board. You will please order the quartermaster and commissary of subsist- ence of your command to furnish Captain Brown with fuel and provis- ions on his requisition. It would be well to have a supply of wood upon the wharf. Yours, respectfully, LEON SMITH, Commanding Marine Department of Texas. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 220. Houston, August 16, 1863. * * * * .* * S XV. Brig. Gen. H. E. McCulloch ~having, by order of Lieutenant- General Smith, been transferred for duty in Texas, is hereby assigned to the command of the Eastern Sub-District until the return of Brigadier- General Scurry, detailed on a general court-martial. XVI. Acting Brigadier- General Lnckett is hereby relieved from the command of the Eastern Sub-District, and will proceed, in accordance with previous instructions, to take command of the coast from the mouth of the Brazos to Decrows Point, inclusive, * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: GEG. A. MAGRUDER, JR., ]tliajor, and Acting Assistant adjutant- General. * See Mutiny at Galveston, Tex., August 1013, 1863, Part I, pp. 241248 Page 172 1)12 w. PtA.; ~. ALA.,VS. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. EASTERN SUB-DIST. OF TEXAS, No. 40. Houston, A ugust 16, 1863. In obedience to the foregoing special order, I hereby assume com- mand of the Eastern Sub-District of Texas, and will, until otherwise ordered, transact the business of the sub-district through the regular staff officers of Brigadier-General Scurry. It may be necessary to say to the troops, in assuming the command, that while I will look closely to the interest of every officer and soldier nuder my command, I will enforce such discipline as the interest of our country requires. Without subordination an army is an armed mob, dangerous to civil liberty, useless to their country, and disgraceful to themselves. Headquarters for the present at Houston. H. E. MoCULLOCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding, dye. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Marshall, August 17, 1863. Capt. E. P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, & c.: CAPTAIN: Inclosed please find letter from General E. Kirby Smith touching the impressment of cotton. I have explained the condition of the States cotton to Lieutenant-General Smith, and deemed it best to get from him the letter inclosed. Please to lay it immediately before the general. I received on yesterday your communication relatiVe to the State arms. I leave for Austin in a few days, and will communicate with you immediately after my arrival at that point. I am, yours, very respectfully, F. R. LUBBOCK. [Juclosure.] HEADQUARTERS, - Marshall, Tex, August 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, District of Texas, Arizona, & e.: GENERAL: I am directed by Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to inform you that he did not mean to include the cotton belonging to the State of Texas in that subject to impressment. You will not, of course, impress any cotton belonging to the State. I have the honor to be, respectfully, & c., GUY M. BRYAN, Major, and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., No. 221. Near Millican, August 17, 1863. * * * * * * * XII. Acting Brigadier-General Debray having been relieved from command at his own request, is hereby reassigned to the command of Galveston Island, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: GEO. A. MAGRUDER, JR., Acting As8istant Adjutant- General Page 173 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 173 [AUGUST 19, 1863.] Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: The President requests me to say that he has no objection to order- ing all of the officers and soldiers of the following Louisiana regiments to report to Colonel Allen, at Alexandria (that is, all of them now west of the Mississippi River), to wit: Third, Seventeenth, Twenty-second, Twenty-third, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty- eighth, and Thirty-first Louisiana Infantry, and the Pointe Coup6e battery, giving him full powers to recruit the same, or, if necessary, to consolidate the small regiments into larger ones. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. ALLEN. [Indorsement.] AUGUST 19, 1863. ADJUTANT-GENERAL: Order the within-named regiments to rendezvous, under Brigadier- General Allen, at Shreveport, La., or at such other point as may be designated by General E. K. Smith, and let him be authorized to re- cruit, or as asked within.* J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., No. 223. f Near Miillican, August 19, 1863. * * * * * * * III. Colonel [Joseph] Bates will proceed with his command to Fe- lasco, and assume command, making such disposition of his forces as he thinks best for the defense of the place. * * * * * * * [By command of Major-General Magruder: GEG. A. MAGRUDER, JR., ]Iliajor, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.] ENGINEER BUREAU, August 20, 1863. Lient. Gen. E. KIRn~T SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: I have the honor to send you the following list of men who, by the wish of the honorable Secretary of War, are to be employed in your department on the special service of destroying the enemy~s property by torpedoes and similar inventions, viz: John Kirk, Charles Littlepage, John Silure, Robert Creuzban.r, E. Allen, W. D. Miller, and C. Williams. These men should each be enlisted in, and form part of, an engineer company, but will nevertheless be employed, so far as possible, in the service specified above, and when the public interests, in your judgment, require it, details of additional men may be made, either from the en- gineer troops or from the line, to aid them in their particular duties. Their compensation will be 50 per cent. of the property destroyed by ~ See Special Orders, No. 198, p. 174 Page 174 174 W. FLA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CUAi- XXXVIII their new inventions, and all the arms and munitions captured by them by the use of torpedoes or of similar devices. Beyond this they will be entitled to such other reward as Congress may hereafter provide. Your obedient servant, ALFRED L. ELVES, Lieutenant- Colonel, and Acting Chief of Bureau. Approved: J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. [Indorsement.] A similar letter to the above was written and sent to General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding Department of the West, with the following names: E. C. Singer, J. D. Brannan, iR. W Dunn, B. A. Whitney, D. Bradbury, James Jones, C. E. Tracy, J. R. Fretwell, and S. C. Hirsh- burger, also approved by Secretary of War. ENGINEER BUREAU, August 20, 1863. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJUTANT AND INSP. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 198. Richmond, August 20, 1863 * * * * * * * XXII. Such of the men belonging to the Third, Seventeenth, Twenty- second, Twenty-third, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh, Twentyceighth, and Thirty-first Regiments Louisiana Volunteers, pa- roled at Yicksburg and Port Hudson, as have gone on furlough to West Louisiana, will be reassembled at Alexandria, La., under the supervision of Brig. Gen. H. W. Allen. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Marshall, Tex., August 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, Arizona, cf~c. GENERAL: I am directed by Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to say that you will immediately assign Brig. Gen. H. E. MeCulloch to the com- mand of the Northern Sub-District of Texas, atM also inform him that he will be placed in command of the conscripts of that sub-district. Colonel Bankhead has been ordered to re-enforce General Steele. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, & c., GUY M. BRYAN, Major, and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS MARINE DEPARTMENT, Houston, August 20, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival in this city on the 18th instant. I left the steamer Mary Hill a1 Velasco, in the Brazq~ T~iver. Th Page 175 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ]~TC .CONFEDERATE. 175 steamers J. F. Uarr and Alamo I placed in, Matagorda Bay, the former at Saluria. Inclosed please find a copy of note addressed to the commanding offi. cer at Indianola, relative to the disposition of the J. F. CarL* I was obliged to take the 24-pounder howitzer and long 18-pounder left at the mouth of the J3razos River on board of my boats; the 18-pounder I placed on the J. F. Carr, and the 24-pounder on board the Mary Hill. I have also on each boat one 12-pounder howitzer. The reason I took the 18-pounder to Pass Cavallo was for my protec- tion in case I met the enemy on my way down the coast. I was also aware it was the intention of the commanding general for me to retnrn the 30-pounder gnu to Galveston. In consideration of these circum- stances, I was obliged to take the long 18-pounder to Pass (Javallo. Since my return to this city, I have learned that the 18 and 24 pounders were to be transferred to some other point, and fearing such is the case, I would most respectfully urge that you countermand the order, and allow me to retain them in my department, as I am strongly impressed with the idea that they will be more serviceable here than elsewhere, as the enemy has many inducements to attack the weak points of our coast. With our floating batteries a very considerable defense can be made in that event, but without some large guns our boats are comparatively useless, otherwise than the moral effect they may have in preventing raids along the Gulf harbors. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEON SMITH, Gommanding Marine Department. [AUGUST 20, 1863.For Bankhead to Turner, in reference to General Steeles command, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 972.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Fort Brown, Tex., Au gust 21, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston, Tex.: SIR: I have the honor to inclose a copy of communication from Major Benavides, commanding at Carrizo. I do not feel authorized to approve the order that he has issued con- cerning the exportation of beef-cattle, but submit it for your action. The evil is a great one, and if it is not considered good policy to stop this traffic, it can be made very beneficial to us by the levy of tax by way of exchange. H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. [Inclosure.] CARRIZO, TEX., Au gust 15, 1863. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM 0. YAGER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army: SIR: I would respectfully submit the following: The exportation of beef-cattle to Mexico on this part of the line is * Sec p 171 Page 176 176 W. FLA., S. ALA, S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXXVIII. being carried on to such an extent that the supply of fresh beef to the troops will in a short time be very difficult. For the purpose of putting some check on the trade, with the ap. proval of the general commanding, I will put in force the inclosed order. If the general commanding does not approve the mode suggested, I would respectfully urge the pressing need of putting some check on the business in some other way, or the public service will ere long seriously suffer for want of a staple article of subsistence. One reason for adopting the mode suggested is that it will put a tax on a class of men who are at heart bitter enemies of our cause and Gov- eminent; for the trade is almost entirely in the hands of such men. Another reason is that the specie is an imperative necessity, for we cannot buy anything or obtain any service performed for any depart- ment of the public service without specie, and all applications of dis- bursing officers for specie are refused. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SANTOS BENAYIDES, Major Thirty-third Texas Cavalry, Commanding. [Sub-Inclosure.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. LINE OF THE RIO GRANDE, No. 4. Carrizo, Tex., August 15, 1863. From and after the 1st of September next, no permits to export beef- cattle into Mexico will be granted except the owner or conductor of the cattle shall pay to the commanding officer granting such permit $10 in specie in exchange for $10 in Confederate States currency. SANTOS BEKAVIDES, Major Thirty-third Cavalry, Commanding, OFFICE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, FIRST DIVISION, Fort Brown, Tex., August 21, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: I have received nothing from your office since my arrival at Brownsville, and consequently nothing to reply to. Since my last, I have the honor to state that I have cotton sufficient to meet the obliga- tions of the Government, under our contracts for the cargoes of the Gladiator and Sea Queen, which will be forwarded to Alleyton as soon as landed. I am promised that they shall positively be crossed to- morrow, but it is hard to determine on account of private difficulties between the parties. They all, however, a the Government, and will give a written statement of a prompt and faithful compliance on our part. I have Iorwarded some 60 carts this past week with stores for Alley- ton, among which are some 20~000 pounds of powder, and will purchase everything that I can, and send forward as rapidly as possible. I will here state that, in consideration of the great uncertainty and delay in getting cotton here, and to prevent our being hereafter similarly situated to our present condition, I make all my purchases payable iu cotton delivered at San Antonio or Alleyton. I find no difficulty now in buy- ing on these terms at prices as low as if we delivered the cotton at Brownsville. I am gratified to say confidence is restored, and no feel- ing exists on either bank of the river Page 177 177 CHAP. XXXYIIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. I also inclose several communications [received] from Captain Da Ponte in regard to arms on Caroline Goodyear. Mr. Maloney received yesterday letters from Vera Cruz, and informs me these arms will come, beyond doubt. I have made all necessary arrangements to pay for 900 Enfleld rifles daily expected from Havana, and if they escape capture, for which I have used every l)reca.ution, I will have them here a ft~w hours after landing. I write in haste, and will write move fully next express. Respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES RUSSELL, Major, and Chief Quartermaster. [Inclosure No. 1.] VERA CRUZ, July 2O~ 1863. Major [CHARLES J.] HELM: M~ DEAR SIR: I regret very much to report the detention off Mata- moras of the British s~hoomier Caroline Goodyear, of London, with a splendid cargo of arms (rifles, & c.), purchased, according to the super- cargos statement, in England by Confederate agents for our Govern- ment. The vessel arrivcd here on the 7th instant, in tow of the French war steamer Panama,her valuable cargo being suspected by the French commander to be intended for the government of Mr. Juarez. She will, I am informed, be detained at this port until the cause has been tried before Le conseil des prises at Paris. This is a sad illustration of the necessity of having a Confederate agent at Vera Crnz but let us trust that not many similar instances will occur in future. I am now staying with the British consul at this place, and, recog- nized or not, will continue to be the faithful sentinel and do all in my power for our unfortunate exiled countrymen. The assembly of notables convoked by General Forey in the City of Mexico to decide on the future form of government to be given to this country, has declared for a monarchy, electing Prince Maximilian, Arch- duke of Austria, as~ Emperor of Mexico. A salute of 101 gans was fired on the receipt of this intelligence at Vera Cruz. What will the Yaiz~ees say to that ~ Vera Cruz is remarkably un- healthy, and I regret to say the vomito continues to make daily victims amongst the French troops as well as all arriving strangers. Mr. Proc- tor, the acting United States consul at this place, also died of the dis- ease a few days ago. I remain, my dear sir, very truly, yours, & c., CHAS. RICKER. P. S.Have you received the blank passports ~ [Inclosure No. 2.] CONFIDENTIAL.] VERA Cnuz, July 31, 1863 ~-11.30 p. m. Major [CHARLES J.] HELM: M~ DEAR SIR: I beg leave herewith to inclose you several letters,* which please forward by first safest opportunity to Dixie. I have just ascertained that General Bee has addressed an open letter to Count Dc Saligny, under cover to Mr. Doazan, the French consul at this place, urging him to release the Caroline Goodyear at once, our soldiers in Texas being dreadfully in want of the arms on board the said vessel; in consequence of which earnest appeal, the consul, I understand, will immediately dispatch an expr1ss to Mexico, and expresses little doubt Not found. 12 R RYOL XXVI~ PT I Page 178 178 W. FLA., S. ALA, S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. but the request will be acceded to without delay. The captain and supercargo, however, decline to be released at Vera Cruz, and will most likely demand to be towed back where they have been captured. This is, indeed, a perplexing, serious affair altogether, and I can oniy assure you that I shall do all in my power indirectly (since I cannot act offi- cially in the matter) to get the ship en route again; but I have great fears the delay will be a serious blow to General Bees forces in Texas. in great haste, yours, very truly, (JilAS. IIICKER. P. S.Is Vicksburg fallen and has General Lee been defeated ~ Let us pray that the rumor is false, but it makes me very uneasy, and I hope to hear a line from you by first chance. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Fort Brown, Tex., August 22, 1863. Maj. SANTOS BENAVIDES, Thirty-third Texas Cavalry: MAJOR: I am directed by Brigadier-General Bee to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13th, and iii answer to say that your prompt- ness in going to Eagle Pass, as well as the arrangement you have made with the local authorities of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon, meet with his entire approbation. You are also fully authorized and empowered to enter into an arrange- ment with Governor Vidaurri for the mutual rendition of deserters, thieves, & c., on the basis of the agreement made heretofore between Governor Lopez, of Tamaulipas, and the brigadier-general commandine-, which agreement, if made, you will forward to these headquarters for approval. I am also further directed by General Bee to say that he has no power to approve your General Orders, No. 4, but that it has been forwarded to Major-General Magruder for his advice and action, and that you will not enforce the order until further instructions. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. 0. YAGER, Lieutenant- Colonel, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [AUGUST 22, 1863.For Magruder, per Carrington, to Bankhead, directing him to move at once to the assistance of General Steele, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 975.] [AUGUST 23, 1863.For Bankhead to Turner, in reference to move- ment to the assistance of General Steele, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 977.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Mobile, Ala., August 24, 1863. [General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON:] M~ DEAR GENERAL: I have questioned three or four of the people who came over in the last flag-of-truce boat from New Orleans. They left that city on the 15th instant, and concur in the belief that the troops now assembled there, to the number of 20,000 to 35,000, are destined fo Page 179 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 179 an attack U~Oll Mobile. I cannot learn that any other preparation is going on besides the assembling of the troops. No activity is reported in the navy. Grant was in VicRsburg on the 14th, for on that day he wrote me an autograph letter about Johnny Maurey. These peoj)le say he was believed to be at Pensacola incog. They report no troops on Ship Island excepting the small force which may be in the fort. This morning I learn that a captain of a schooner which ran into Pasca- gonla on the 21st reports fonr regiments on Ship Island, and they state that they expect orders daily to march against Mobile. The strongest evidence that there is preparation to attack Mobile was in the memo- randunl I sent you, which was fonnd on the person of a spy, Asa Weed, killed near Covington early in this month. I think it advisable to ~n- crease my force about Pascagoula, but have not the troops to spare; therefore, if you will send down at once one of the brigades now: await- .ing my call, I think it will be well to do so; they will probably be wanted here before very long, and the bay shore will be a healthful station for them and a cheerful variety. It seems to me important that no more Alabama troops be sent here if others can be found equally available. The weak-kneed influence is now working in the two regiments which now make my garrison, and in the l)ast two or three nights more than twenty desertions have occurred, due, I believe, to the despondency of their friends at home. I fear that the dark aspect of affairs at Charleston, which our newspapers so in- dustrionsly circulate, will not make my garrison more confident. There were one or two battalions or regiments of heavy artillery at Yicksburg and Snyders BlufL Please let me have them here if exchanged in time; they were Louisianians, and doubtless have mostly gone home, but there are some splendid artillerists among theiti, and the year of alertness and frequent practice at Yicksburg made them very dexterous in sinking ships. General, I believe we can and ought to ho?d Mobile. You know the eneniy will land either at Pascagoula, 40 miles, or Portersville, 27 miles. A succoring force might come along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and operate against their line of communication from Citronelle, 30 miles above here. No other route seems practicable because of the want of supplies. The egion west of the Mobile and Ohio road is a sandy, pine wilderness, almost a desert. The Mobile and Ohio road would enable us to have supplies of forage and subsistence at Citronelle or other suitable points. Should an attempt be made to move from Pensacola toward Pollard, and from there to the Alabama River, the cue my will have a still longer line to gnard80 miles. But he can from Pensacola occupy points along the east shore of the bay, and I do not know how I can prevent him from doing so. Leadbetter is going to thicken the parapets of the redoubts. The Yankees attach very great importance to the reservoir~ We are en- tirely independent of it; it is within our lines, however. Should it be necessary to send an officer here senior to me in rank, all I ask is, be sure he is a gentleman. My preferences incline to Breck- inridge, and I believe his Kentucky troops will endure a siege better than any Western troops except the Missourians or Texans. I prefer decidedly to work out my own salvationto win my own suc- cess at the hazard of my fallbut should the interests of the country re- quire a man of higher rank to come here, do not hesitate to send him. If he is a gentleman, I will serve under him as zealously as if I was working for my own glory and reuown, I do not underrate an hones Page 180 180 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. fame gained in rhis war, but I wot~ld not have credit won at the ex- perise of any risk to our cause. I desire very much to have the 20-pounder Parrott guns you spoke of. You thought you could spare me three of them. Geni~ral Raitis has gone away with his gimeracks he was not at all practical; ever~ thing I received from him was vague aiid visionary. He was here about a week and did not commence work. The Presi- dent ordered him to Charleston. The submarine boat sent to Charleston found that there was not water enough under the Ironsides for her to pass below her keel; there- fore, they decided to affix a spike to the bow of the boat, to drive the spike into the Irousides, then to back out, and by a string to explode the torpedo which was to be attached to the spike.* [DABNEY H. MAURY.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Port Brown, Tex., August 24, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, A. A. G., Dist. of Texas, Houston, Tex.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication of the 14th. All the powder has already been shipped to the interior. It goes as the property of the owners, and they will present the necessary papers at Houston to enable them to get their pay in cotton. I am also send- ing to Alleyton all the public l)roperty here, and there will be but little remaining in a few days. The two 24-pounders are still here, and very much in my way. I desire to u:se them if the enemy comes, but will probably lose them should he come in force, as there is no transporta- tion that could then be relied on. I find it impossible to retain the troops at this place; the sickness in- creases, and they must go to sanitary camps. The presence of troops is required along the whole line of the Rio Guande to prevent smuggling or cotton, as there is a good deal of it being attempted. There are no rumors of s-peedy invasion at this place. Some desert- ers from the Federal navy say that they intend to attack Galveston on theist of September. I shall be informed of a contemplated attack here, as the commercial intercourse between New Orlean~ and Mata- moras is principally in the hands of our friends. The gunboats of the enemy are still off the mouth; the commanding officer remarked that he would remain until the 10th of next month. lam anxiously expecting some news of the French,and should las- certain that they will not~arrive here until after the sickly season, I trust that the commanding general will order me to return to the inte- rior, and give me a command in the field suited to my rank. I believe I may do some good should the French come to Matamoras, otherwise there is no necessity for my remaining here, as the cotton business is now systematically arranged by Major Russell, and my presence not necessary in connection with it my force is too small to make any suc- cessful defense~ and I do not aspire to lead a retreat. Will the general write me particularly on this subject l Should the enemy advance by way of Saluria,it will be evident that their intention is to go to San Antonio, succeeding in which, they cut off the trade to the Rio Grande effect~lly, and the few cavalry which I could gather together should, in my opinion, be withdrawn from time * This letter incomplete Page 181 OBAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 181 lIjo Grande. it would be very beneficial, if we had the troops, to keep a regiment out here to prevent guerrilla excursions from Mexico, but, as indicated in a previous letter, my judgment is that we should con- centrate. A comparatively small force of the enemy may come to Brownsville, but they will never attempt to invade us by that route, nor attempt to hold 400 miles of this river, when the same object can be obtained in a march of 130 miles from Lavaca to San Antonio. I have established the m6st friendly and useful relations with Gov- ernor Rniz, and if time is allowed by the enemy, I hope to be more successful in obtaining arms than I have heretofQre been. The arms sent by Captain Da Ponte, if they escape the dangers of the sea, will get into my hands without difficulty, but with some expense. With great respect, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Fort Brown, fLex., August 24. 1863. Capt. EDMuND P. TURNER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Houston, fLex.: SIR: I beg to call the attention of the general commanding to a fact important to be understood in bonnection with faI~ure events here. There is no currency here but specie, and no labor of any kind can be obtained for Confederate money. I have 25 new wagons and over 200 wild mules, but cannot get any one to break them to harness. The attempt has been satisfactorily made with detailed men, and there is but one resultthe mule gets away. There are no horses here for Creuzbaurs light battery, although Captain [Edwin] Lilly, of Duffs regiment, was sent to San Antonio for them in June last. I have no teamsters for the teams now here, as nearly all have de- serted; in a word, the military establishment on this line is a farce, and will remain so as long as oar currency is worth only seven cents on the dollar, and labor from five to ten dollars per day in specie. The con- scripts who come with teams desert in numbers when they come here. I have already sent in several wagons empty to Alleyton, in hopes that the facilities may be greater there than here for furnishing them with teams and drivers. I respectfully suggest that Crenzbanrs battery and the two 24-pounder siege guns now here be ordered to Alleyton at once; they can be hauled by oxen. If General Banks intends to invade Texas, he will be delayed at least three months for transportation, as it will have to come from the North. That he will take the seaport towns, and then march by way of Berwick amid Sabine, seems to me reasonable. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIViSION, Fort Brown, Tex., August 24, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Houston, fLex.: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that my special agent, Mr. A. Supervi~le, has just returned from a visit to the French man of war now off the mouth of the Rio Grande, with the following information: Au attack will he made upon Matarnoras as soon as the troops (which are hourl Page 182 182 W. FLA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., T~EX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. expected) arrive at Vera Cruz from France~- The transports to convey them to the mouth of the river are ready and waiting at Vera Cruz. This vessel now at the mouth of the river was sent to take soundings and select a place for the landing. The schooner Goodyear, with the arms, was at Vera Cruz, and wonid be given np, but she awaits the movements of the French, in order that the arms may come with safety. General Forey and M. De Saligny have been recalled, and Mr. Magne, a distin- guished and near friend of the Emperor, will be sent out with full powers, civil and military. Mr. SupervE~1e brings no general news, excepting that there is no in- tention on the part of the French to intervene in our quarrel, so far as he is informed. The French man of war was at Charleston during the last fight, and the opinion is it will fall. The captain seems to be very Well disposed toward us and our cause. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier. General. P. 5.The schooner Ranger, with the arms sent by Captain Da Ponte, will be permitted to pass also. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MIsSIsSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., Au gust 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding District of Louisiana: GENERAL: I am directed by Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to inform you that he has ordered Colonel Majors brigade to proceed to Bonhain, Tex. The officer in command will report in person at these headquar- ters on his way to Bouham. He has been constrained to order this force to Northern Texas, for he regards it as the weak point of that State, and in consequence of Brigadier-General Steeles weakness and the recent strength of Blunt, the latter having been re-enforced. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, & c., GUY M. BRYAN, Major, and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, No. 119. Shreveport, La., Au gust 25, 1863. * * * * * * * VI. The brigade of Texas troops, commanded by Col. J. P. Major, now serving in Louisiana, will proceed without delay to take post at Bon- ham, Tex. After the brigade has commenced its movement, Colonel Major will report in person to the lieutenant-general commanding, & c at department headquarters. By command of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. [AUGUST 26, 1863.For Anderson and Boggs to Taylor, in reference to engagement of Price with a superior force near Little Rock, & c., see Series 1, Vol. XXII, Part 11, p. 979. Page 183 CHAP. X~XVIIt.] CORR~SPONDENC~, EtC.CONFEDEkATE. 183 SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ llDqas. DIST. of TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIz., No. 231. f Galveston, August 27, 1863. * * * * * * * IX. The Third Regiment Texas Volunteer Infantry is hereby ordered to take post as follows: One company at Houston, one company at Camp Groce (near Hempstead), one company at Beaumont, one com- pany at Orange, two companies at Nibletts Bluff, four companies at Sabine Pass. Upon the arrival of the company at Camp Groce, the company of Elmores regiment relieved by it will at once repair to its regimental headquarters at Galveston, reporting to Colonel Elmore. Griffins bat- talion will also take up the line of march for Galveston, leaving one company (Captain Bickleys) to take charge of the fort at Sabine Pass. Acting Brigadier-General Lnckett will establish his headquarters at Houston, Tex., his brigade consisting of Colonel Bates regiment, Third Regiment Texas Volunteer Infantry, and Lieutenant-Colonel Browns battalion. He will be charged with the defense of the Sabine River and of the coast from Sabine Pass to Decrows Point, with the exception of such points as are included in the district commanded by Acting Brig- adier-General Debray. Acting Brigadier-General Lnckett will station Lieutenant-Colonel Gray (commanding Third Infantry) at Sabine Pass, and Major Kamp- ~mann at Nibletts Bluff the posts at Beaumont and Orange to be com- manded each by a captain. Lientenant-Colonel Gray will select such companies as he sees proper to be placed at the points designated. The troops will move in the following order: The four companies selected for Sabine Pass will proceed to that l)lace with dispatch, relieving Griffins battalion, who will at once take up the march (except Bickleys company) for Galveston, reporting to the commanding officer at that place. As many of the companies as are intended for Beaumont, Orange, and Nibletts Bluff as can be forwarded with the facilities which the quartermasters department can furnish, will be forwarded at the same time with all possible dispatch. After the arrival of the troops of the Third Infantry, Griffins bat- talion will be the first to be transported. After them, Elmores will be transported from the Sabine. The company of the Third Infantry designated for Houston will take post at Camp Lubbock, reporting to the commanding officer at Houston, and relieving the company of Debrays regiment, Company C, who will, as soon as the company is collected together, proceed to Galveston, re- porting to the commanding officer. Upon the arrival of Griffins battalion at Galveston, Browns bat. talion will proceed to the mouth of the Brazos, taking post as the com- nianding officer at that post may direct. Colonel [A. H.] Davidson will collect his command, and proceed to Austin, reporting to Colonel Ford. Upon the arrival of the detached companies of ~ regiment, Colonel [A. W.] Terrell will march with his regiment, and take post at Columbus, or near the West Bernard, as he may think proper. Upon the arrival of Browns battalion at the month of the Brazos River, Colonel [N. C.] Goulds regiment will march with all haste to Bonham, where he will receive further orders. - Goulds regiment is hereby remounted, but will take up the line o Page 184 184 W. J3~LA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., I?EX., N. Mi~X. L.OHAP. XXXVIII. march on foot. Colonel Gould will send forward one-fifth of his men to collect the horses of the regiment, it being understood that they will march through the country in which their horses are to be found. Colonel Gould, in making arrangements to collect the horses, will be cautious to keep his regiment together, as one-fifth of the men are deemed snificient for that purpose. The men intrusted with the office of getting the horses together are reminded of the necessity of a prompt return to their colors. Should any of them tarry at their homes whilst collecting the horses, they will be considered as deserters, beyond the amnesty of the Presidents proc- lamation, and be treated accordingly. The commanding officer of the Third Texas Infantry will leave an officer at Harrisburg to receive the arms of the reAineut turned over to the ordnance officer at Galveston, and the officer thus left will pro- ceed to Galveston to i~ocure said arms. The arms issued to Terrells regiment, Davidsons battalion, or [troops] belonging to other commands, will be tnrned over, to Lieu- tenant [T.. S.] Cook, ordnance officer at Galveston, who will return them to the commands from which they were taken. Acting Brigadier-General Debray, whose brigade will consist of El- mores regiment infantry, Debrays regiment cavalry, Cooks regiment heavy artillery, Captains Moseley and Dashiells companies of light ar- tillery, and Griffins battalion, will make such disposition of the troops upon their arrival at Galveston as will conform with the plan of defense as agreed upon in consultation by the commanding general with himself All surplus arms belonging to any regiment, battalion, or detached companies will be kept in order and ready to be turned over at any time to such troops as may need them. The gunboAts in the Sabine will be subject to the orders of Acting Brigadier-General Luckett. * * * * * * * By command of J. Bankhead Magruder, major-general commanding: W. T. CAIIRJNGTON, Lieutenant, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DrVISIoN, Fort Brown, Ter., August 27, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Asst. Adjutant-General, Dist. of Texas, d~c., Houston, Tex: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch August 3 [4 fl, 1863. In the exercise of that discretion in the discharge of my duties here which was granted to me in repeated letters from the general command- ing, I permitted those to whom the Government was indebted for sup- plies furnished to export their cotton. I regret that my course does not meet his approval. I believed that it was but simple justice. Major Hart may say that there was no specified time for payment, yet I know that there was a clear understanding that by the 1st of April the cot- ton was to commence to arrive here. The middle of July was at hand, and no cotton or bills of lading of cotton had been receive(l by his agent here; there was no prospect then that they would get their cot- ton this season, and I was satisfied that, as I was instructed to shield and foster the public credit, I would not be doing so by taking the cotton of these creditors to pay for supplies furnished by other con Page 185 OMAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, E~C.CONFEDERATE. 185 tractors, none of whom, except the Bellot contract, stood on as high ground of public faith as theirs did. My action was in entire ~ceOr(l with my sense of justice, right, and policy, which makes me regret the more that my views were not coincided iu by the general command- ing. It was my intention, and still is, that should the cotton of Major hart to pay these debts arrive here, I would use it for present purposes of the Govei~ninent, and delay the payment until all our wants were sup- plied; in a word, I will claim an extension of, say, ninety days on the debts in consideration (not expressed) of their being allowed to export their cotton now here. All persons here to whom the Government was indebted have availed themselves of my exemption, and, so far as they are concerned, Ii cannot enforce the wishes of the general commanding. I feel satisfied, however, that no harm has been done to the great objects sought to be obtained here, as there is cotton enough to pay for the cargo of the Sea Queen, and we have retained the good feelings and friendship of those who had proved themselves to be willing to aid ns and to be worthy of it. There is but one cargo here under contract with the Secretary of War, the Sea Queen, and the cotton is ready to pay for it. Clements contract is with Major Hart, and no more national credit is involved than in the (lebt due any of the creditors. Mr. Attrills contract is payable in Confederate money at San Amitonio, excepting the order for Major Washington, for which cotton was pledged, and cotton is now ready to pay that part of it. Major Russell has made a full report of this proceeding; he thinks that the 20 per cent. loan here will answer present l)urposes, and I hope to hear soon from you on that subject. In explanation of the absence of Major Russell at the date of the re- ceipt of your orders concerning the impressment of cotton, I state that I understood Major Russell to have remained on the Rio Grande to carry out certain instructions from the general commanding not con- veyed through me, and when he applied to me for orders t9 go to San Antonio to settle up the business of his office properbrigade quarter- masterthen much neglected, and to the detriment of the soldiers of the brigade, that I ordered him when he had complied with the instructions of the major-general to do so, and the subsequent orders passed him on the road. If you will refer to your letter of July 2, 1863, you will find the fol- lowing paragraph: But you will not under any circumstances impress the cotton of planters. I soon, however, ascertained that nearly all belonged to planters, or rather affidavits were filed to that effect, and I was glad to stop it by the 20 per cent. loan, for it forced me to make a distinction between the planter and stock-raiser or the mechanic, and, what was more important, it rankled the sore spot of our revolution; that it made distinctions against the poor man in favor of the rich, & c. I know that the dissatisfaction is even dangerous on this point; the soldiers wives talk about their husbands being taken from their homes and their families left to starve, or to charity, in order that the planter can keep his negroes. It is re-echoed by the disloyal and the dema- gogues until the population west of the Colorado is dangerously luke- warm on the subject of the war. My judgment is that those in author- ity should seek to calm this state of feeling, and that where distinction is made, it should be made against the planter. His negroes should be taken for the public use, and his whole means (as in the case of the poor soldier) be at the disposal of the Government Page 186 1SG W. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHA?. XXXVIII. I have no right to criticise the orders of my superiors, nor do I seek to do so, 1) ut surely when I am ordered to discharge an onerous and intensely disagreeable duty, and one not appertaining to my official rank, I may be allowed to discuss the effects of the carrying out of those orders in all its phases, and that when I construe them in the broad sense of all its bearings on our present and future position, 1 will not be considered as wanting in respect. In my opinion, the Bellot contract has not a spark of vitality; it has been dead for months; and no liberal, impartial arbiter would say that our public faith is in any way involved. It is on proof that the con- tract was hawked around Paris and London for months, and finally in- vested in as in a lottery. The agents of the house of Bellot owe thou. sands of dollars to our own citizens for moneys advanced on drafts drawn by them on Bellot in Paris. There was no such house, and in a gar- ret in Bordeaux Bellot was found, who protested, of course, the drafts. Would not our own citizens, Duff and McCarthy, Laranberg, & c., have a just and legal right to stop this cotton in my hands before it leaves the State? I think they would, and hope they will do so. I have the special order of the general commanding to exempt the cotton of McCarthy, Clements, and Attrill from impressment, on the ground that they have imported goods. Yet we have to pay for these goods in cotton as soon as we get them, and at enormous prices, fully 50 per cent. more than we can buy them for iii the market. Surely, if they can pass their cotton free of impressment, Droege, Octliug & Co., Marks & Co., Woodhouse & Co., who have advanced their goods months ago, and are still ready to advance more, should have the same privilege. I am also informed to-day that Angus McNeill, a planter, has a special permit to export his cotton individually. This gives me great pleasure, for he has been my friend for twenty years, but its effect will be on the public faith of the Government, and its results be felt, perhaps, on the battle-field. I demand from all planters 20 per cent. of their cotton; this leaves them four-fifths of its value for the purchase of supplies; but to make exceptions to this rule brings discredit on my acts, and I respectfully ask that no more exceptions be allo~ved. With great respect, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier. General Provisional Army, Confederate States. [AIJGUST 27, 1863.For Bankhead to Turner, in reference to joining Steele, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 98l.~ HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Shreveport, La., August 28, 1863. Commanding District Western Louisiana, Alexandria: GENERAL: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to inclose the within telegraphic reports from the operator at Farmers- ville.* The general desires that you will hurry up your force as fast as possible to meet the enemy, as you have the only available troops at present. The minute-men have been called out to assist in resisting Not fonud Page 187 CHAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONPEDERATE. 187 the enemy. General Smith wishes Majors brigade sent to this point as rapidly as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. P. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General. [AUGuST 28, 1863.For Boggs to Magruder, in reference to advance of the enemy, & c, see Series I, Vol. XXLJ, Part II, p. 982.] HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT OF TEXAS, Bonham, August 29, 1863. -Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston, Tex.: CAPTAIN: For the information of the major-general commanding, I inclose a copy of an order issued by Brigadier-General Bankhead, dated 27th instant, on the eve of his advance into the Indian Territory.* I assumed command of the Northern Sub-District on the morning of the 28th (yesterday). A t a very early honr on the 28th, I received a dispatch from General Bankhead, informing me that the enemy was driving General Steele before him, and that General S. had fallen back to Perryville (abont 75 miles south of Gibson), and urging me to co-operate with him, General Bankhead, in every way I could to strengthen and subsist his army. I immediately issued an order (copy of which is inclosed*), directing the majors of five different battalions to hold one company in readiness to march at a moments notice. This order was sent to each battalion yesterday morning by express, and reached them last night. I have or- dered the ordnance officer here to have every gun, of every description, put in order for immediate use, cartridges prepared, & c. I have also taken measures to secure all the ferry-boats on Red River. Neither Goulds nor Terrells regiments (assigned, as I am informed, to this command) have reported. Indeed, I have not heard from them, which is to be regretted, as I am anxious to hurry them forward. With such an addition to General Bankheads force at this time, we should stand a good chance of routing the enemy completely before he could get back to Gibson. There being no commissioned officer at this post belonging to the line, I have appointed Mr. II. C. Cook acting assistant adjutant-general. (Copy of appointment inclosed.*) I have also assigned Capt. J. K. P. Record, acting quartermaster at this post, chief quartermaster of the Northern Sub-District. (Copy of order inclosed.*) Certain information reached me yesterday of a plot (the ramifications of which are not yet sufficiently developed to be reported), originating with disaffected white men and extending to negroes, to murder indis- criminately all the whites, except known Abolitionists. reserving only young women for wives of the blacks. -The citizens ofDenton County have some 17 or 18 negroes and 5 or 6 white men under arrest and closely guarded. They have investigated the matter, and have come to some conclusion; what it is, I am not informed. They send me word, however, that the plot extends through several countiesDenton, Dal- las, Cooke, Grayson, and perhaps others. The messengers instruc * No i~iclosiire found Page 188 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [ChAP. XX~iVIII. tions confined him to communicate fully to General Bankhead only. I did not press him, but sent him immediately on to General B. Enough, however, was elicited to make it certain that a deplorable condition of affairs exists in the counties named and probably in some adjoining ones. I inclose also copy of statement of all arms at this post.* Most of these are unfit for nse. Many can never be rendered serviceable. They were sent forward, General Bankhead informed me, t6 arm Terrells regiment, 593 in all not enough, you will perceive, for a regiment if all were serviceable. The State troops are entirely without arms, and if in an emergency I have to send five companies forward to re-enforce General Bankhead, I shall be compelled to arm them from the guns at this post. If a few stand of arms could be sent to this command, they would be of great benefit. Hoping my acts may meet the approval of the major-general com- inanding, I remain, captain, respectfully yours, SAML A. ROBERTS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Yorthern ~S~ub-District, Texas. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., No. 233. Near ]Jfillican, August 29, 1863. * * * * * * * XIII. Orders having been received at these headquarters assigning Brig. Gen. H. E. McCulloch to the command of the Northern Sub-Dis- trjct, Acting Brig. Gen. P. N. Luckett is hereby ordered to take command of the Eastern Suh-District, in the absence of Brigadier-General Scuri~. * * * * * * * XVII. Brig. Gen. flenry E. McCulloch is hereby assigned to the command of the Northern Sub-District of Texas, with headquarters at Bonham. By command of Major-General Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, shreveport, La., August 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, d~c.: GENERAL: The authority asked for in your letter of the 21st of July to send an agent to Mexico is given. As Mr. Supervi~le has displayed so much diplomatic ability in the matter lately intrusted to him, I suggest him as a proper person to be charged with this duty. He should be furnished with the necessary proofs to establish our claim to the arms seized in the Goodyear, and be sent forward at once. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. Not found Page 189 189 CHAP. XXXVm.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSJSSIPPI DEPARTMENT, / Shreveport, La., August 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Gommanding, dye.: GENERAL: In your letter of the 21st of July you speak of corre- spondence with Mr. Slidell, Confederate States commissioner to France, with a view of securing connivance of the French Government in the introduction of arms by way of the Rio Grande, & c. I heartily approve of any arrangement you may enter into for increasing our supply of arms and ammunition. My recent visit to Little Rock disclosed a most lamentable deficiency in those essentials. Of 6,000 men under General Price, 2,000 are unarmed. The troops in the Indian Territory are even more in want. Governor Flanigan will, call into service from 5,000 to 8,000 who cannot be rendered available until we receive arms. You know the wants of your owii district. You will, therefore, spare no efforts in procuring them, and will meet with my most cordial co-opera- tion and approval in your exertions in that direction. Respectfully, your obedient servant, - E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, & e.: GENERAL: I have received your communications of th~ 21st July and of August 10, in reference to the proposition of Colonel Sulakowski to raise new troops for the Confederate service. My absence at Little Rock, and a desire to submit the matter to the Governors and repre- sentative men met at Marshall, prevented an earlier acknowledgment. Since my return from Marshall until now an inflamed eye has prevented me from writing or giving attention to business. Upon submitting the proposal of Colonel Sulakowski to the conven- tion at Marshall, I regretted to find that it did not meet with the fnll al)l)roval of the Executives of the States of this department. No ap- l)rol)riation of bounty land can be made except by the Legislatures of the States, and as those bodies are not under the control of the Gov- erriors, they could enter into no pledges as to their action. They can only recornmen(L measures. As I feel unwilling to assume responsibilities in matters so clearly beyond my authority, aiid especially in a case already submitted to the consideraLion of the Executives of the States, I cannot concede to Colonel Sulakowski all the powers asked for in his communication and in the way desired. However, I will authorize you to send that officer to Europe, and will agree to pay (in cotton) $80 for every man; armed and equipped as proposed, furnished in the way stated. You can write to Mr. Slidell by Colonel Sulakowski, and the commissioner can negotiate the required funds, to be repaid in cotton, delivered at Matamoras or any port agreed unon i~ot in the possession of the Federals. Mr. Slidell, as commis- sioner, is clothed with plenary powers, and any arrangement made by him with Colonel Sulakowski will have the full force of Executive sanc- tion. All plans should be submitted to the commissioner for suc Page 190 190 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. xxxviir. approval and sanction, with the assurance that the funds advanced will be repaid with an equivalent in cotton, as above stated. A corps raised in accordance with the plan of Colonel Suilakowski would by law be entitled to elect their own officers, vacancies to be filled by seniority. They would, moreover, be entitled to all the bounty and allowances granted by Congress, as other troops in the service of the Confederate States. By enlisting in the army, taking the oath of allegiance, and remaining till their term of service expires, they be- come ipso facto citizens of the Confederate. States without any further form of naturalization. I feel that I can confidently assure Colonel Sulakowski of the ap. pointment of brigadier-general upon his arrival with two or more regi- ments. I will give him the appointment, snbject to the approval ot the President, which will certainly be conceded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant. General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, ]llobile, Ala., August 31, 1863. General JOSEPH B. JOHNSTON, Gommanding Department of the West, Morton, Miss.: M~ DEAR GENERAL: The enemy on last Thursday sent some boats ashore, and burned ott the whole of the brush.wood, & c., on Round Isl- and, 7 miles south of Pascagoula. They will, perhaps, use that island as a depot, becanse it will be secure from attack. This morning it is reported that they have a large ifumber of troops on both Horn Island and Ship Island. Continually I hear that they avow their preparations to be for Mobile. The suggestion as to sending troops to Portersville instead of Pas- cagoula had already been considered by me, and I shall not send any- thing but cavalry to Pascagoula. Maxey~s brigade arrived this morning, and I have ordered it down to Portersville, where the change of air aiid scene will do all hands good. I am glad to have a show of force to prevent absolute surprise. The condition of Selma and the iron-works occasions me much anx. lety. I have no force to send there, and the place is now very important. There are al)out 700 ineii, mostly employds in navy and ordnance work- shops, who are armed and organized in Selma, who are at present my sole dependence for defense against a raid. Although I can illy spare it, if you think the place too much exposed now in consequence of recent dispositions of troops, I will send a regi- ment up. My issues of subsistence have, during the past week, been in excess of my receipts, and I again beg to bring to your notice the importance of drawing all possible supplies from the prairie country along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad above Columbus. Even if the speculators were allowed to purchase there, and send down subsistence, the people would be benefited hereabouts, for all sorts of provisions, of prime ne- cessity especially, are cruelly dear. Maxey tells me he is going across the river. In that case, General J. C. Moore occurs to me as a desirable officer. Moore is a Tennesseean; he is now on parole; but the commissioner of exchange has just in- formed me that the Yicksburg prisoners will all bc returned to duty within ten days Page 191 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 191 I hope to see you very soon down here. I do not believe the court will give you much trouble. Please excuse me for writing unofficially on business matters. I am, general, sincerely yours, DABNEY II. MAURY, Major- General. [Indorsement.] This has been read by General ilardee. OFFICE BENJ. S. EWELL, Assistant Adjutant-General. Abstract from returns of the Department of the Gulf, Maj. Gen. Dabney if Maury, C. S. Army, commanding, for August, Th63. Present for ~ -~ ~ duty.~ ~, ~ a cs ~. H I a Stations, & c. ,,3 ~ -~ H ~,. H) ~ .~ a a~ 0 H H H) 51) ~ 51) H) 0 ~ Department staff 12 12 13 Mobile 109 1, 615 1, 794 2, 292 3, 150 Forts Morgan, Gaines, & c - 50 953 1, 103 1, 248 1, 503 Pollard 70 1, 199 1, 279 1, 555 2, 470 Halls Mills 13 214 224 265 450 Selma 13 67 86 107 136 Talladega 12 91 105 127 240 Total 279 4,139 4, 591 5, 606 7, 962 RECAPITULATION. Infantry 1, 534 Artillery 2, 188 Cavalry - 869 [NOTE ON OHIGINAL.]Brig. lien 5. B. Maxeys brigade not incorporated in this report, they only reporting August 31. Field return shows effective total, 1,834; total, 1,987; aggregate present, 2,242. SMITHFIELD POST-OFFICE, Po.lk County, Tex., August 31, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to report that immediately on receiving your order of the 7th instant to furnish information with a view to the loca- tion of iron~works on Trinity River, I addressed letters to gentlemen in the iron region of the highest character and intelligence and long resi- dence in our State, thinking it better to rely Oil their combined informa- tion, acquired through a series of years, than on the donbtful and un- satisfactory results of such an examination as I would have been able to make in person. Their replies have begun to reach me; and as I have already received enough to establish the material facts, I think it better to report at once, undei the possibility of General [Benjamin Page 192 192 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. Hugers arrival, and then to continue to collect such further informa- tion as may be useful. The chief iron region of Texas lies in the northeast portion of the State, beginning in Nacogdoches and San Augustine Counties, and running northwardly, increasiug in value as it proceeds, and has been very successfully worked in Cass County, in the northeast corner of the State. From this main region the ore extends laterally toward the Trinity River, through Smith, Cherokee, Anderson, and a part of Henderson Counties, coming within 10 or 12 miles of the river in Anderson and the southern portion of Henderson County, with an abundance of timber for fuel. There a suitable location can probably be found, within between 10 and 20 miles of the river, which, I presume, will be a sufficient com- pliance with the spirit of the orders from The Ordnance Bureau. My correspondents inform me that the ore increases in richness and extent as it approaches Trinity River; and the best guarantee of the success of the Government operations in that region is that two foundries and forges ar~ now being established in Anderson County by private persons whose characters are such that they would not probably engage in anything of uncertain success. From the tenor of your orders, and their reference to the papers in- closed, it seems to have been contemplated that I should select the point for the iron-works. This I could not undertake to do. Having spent some time in the iron region of Pennsylvania, I know that t~e location of a furnace requires scientific qualifications and experience in mining which I do not possess. The ore must be assayed to determine its richness, and, I suppose, partially analyzed, to ascertain whether it contains substances unfavorable to its successful working. I have seen ati extensive region in Pennsylvania, abounding with rich specimens of iron ore, which I was told could not be worked because it contained too much sulphur. Combination with phosphorus, I believe, and perhaps with other mineral substances, produces similar effects; and IDr. B. F. Shumard, the State geologist, reports some iron ore in Western Texas as useless from containing too much silex. Besides, the appearance of even rich specimens of iron ore on the surface is only slight presump- tive evidence of the existence of what is necessary for a furnace. Ex. l)lorations must be made, under the direction of experienced miners, to (letermine the size and extent of the veins, and sometimes expensive excavations are necessary. Even with all these precautions, I have seen iron masters suffer severely from the exhaustion or change in char- acter of the veins on which they relied. I could not, therefore, under- take to select a site without the risk of involving the Government in the consequences of an improper location. My assumption of such a responsibility seems to have been made un- necessary by the appointment of a special agent from the Mining Bureau, who doubtless pnssesses every qualification, and would prefer to make his own selection. It seems, therefore, that I can only hope t~ be useful by procuring such inforniation as may enable him to deter- mine where to commence, and in what direction to prosecute his exam- ination with the best chance of success. To this I am now directing my particular attention, and hope to have obtained full and satisfactory information before it will be needed. I am also prosecuting inquiries with regard to the present state of forwardness and probable time of completion of the foundries being established in Anderson County, with a view of ascertaining whether they may be useful in furnishing iron to the Government, if needed, in advance of the successful opera~ tion of its own iron-works Page 193 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 193 If the furnace should be established near the Trinity, in the region indicated, and foundry, & c., at Liberty, then the navigation of the river becomes an important element in the calculation of their useful- ness. Its navigation above Liberty, which is the head of tide-water, depends entirely on the rains, and cannot be relied on, excepting for a few months in the spring, and even then it is sometimes so baffling and uncertain as to be almost useless. The river usually falls about the close of the month of May, and remains very low during the summer and fall, and, generally, the winter. Unless, therefore, the furnace can be put in successful operation in time to produce the necessary amount of iron to be boated down on the rise of next spring, another year would be lost, excepting so far as hauling with wagons would be practicable at a distance of between 1150 and 200 miles. So, afterward, unless a full years snpply of iron can be shipped down during the brief and uncer- tain navigation of each spring, the foundry must be idle during a portion of the year. How far these facts may militate against placing them so far apart, connected for only a small portion of the year, and then by the most precarious navigation, is a question respectfully suggested for consideration. Though there seems at present every reason to hope that a suitable location can be. obtained near the Trinity in the region mentioned, yet as the ore there has never been successfully worked, these anticipa- tions may fail, and we may be obliged to resort to the more eastern por- tion of the iron region, the availability of which has been fully proved by the successful working in Cass County. The Angelina and Sabine Hivers are in that region, both of which are nearly as navigable as the Trinity. A location on one of these rivers comes near to meeting the conditions sought, as the iron could be boated down either of them to Beaumont, and thence forwarded by railroad to Liberty. I am, there- fore, endeavoring to obtain all necessary information with regard to those rivers and favorable locations on them for iron-works, holding this information in reserve, and not intending to trouble the major- general commanding with it unless it should be needed. The iron region of Texas which I have described lies in the tertiary strata of the geologists, and the iron usually appears in the form of the red and brown oxides (hematites), though the State geologist claims to have discovered also important deposits of carbonate of iron, which is the ore chiefly relied on in the English furnaces. The whole regiou abounds with timber, and extensive beds of lignite have been found in some parts of it, though not in the neighborhood of the Trinity. Br. Hiddell, of the State geological survey, ascertained by analysis that the iron ore used in the Cass County furnace contained nearly 80 per cent. of iron, and a specimhen from Husk County over 71 per cent. The Hon. J. H. Anderson, of Cherokee County, informs me that speci- mens have been examined in that county which contained 80 per cent. If the arsenal workshops and foundry should be established at Lib- erty, it will not be necessary to resort to the Neches for oak timber, as is supposed. It grows on the Trinity above Liberty in great abundance and variety and of excellent quality. I will report again so soon as I shall have collected such further in- formation as may seem necessary to enable the special agent of the Mining Bureau to determine wbe~e to commence and how to prosecute his examination for selecting a suitable site for the irou-works. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. WASHINGTON Volunteer Aide-dc- Gtnir. R RVOL XXVI, PT Page 194 194 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIJI. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, No. 125. f Shreveport, La., August 31, 1863. * * * * * * * III. Brig. Gen. James E. Slaughter, Provisional Army, Confederate States, will, on his arrival in Texas, report by letter to Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder, commanding District of Texas, & c. * * * * * * * VI. Under the proclamation of the President calling out all men be- tween the ages of forty and forty-five years not properly exempt by law, all men between these ages who may, np to the promulgation of this order in the several districts of Texas, have entered the service of that State, will be enrolled, and permitted to remain in this service for the period of six months. After the promulgation of this order, all men be- tween these ages will be enrolled under the general orders and instruc- tions relating to conscripts. The commandant of conscripts for the Department of Trans-Missis- sippi will give the necessary instructions to the enrolling officers of Texas for the immediate enrollment of the men above referred to. By command of Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-(Jeneral. Abstract from returns of the Western Sub-District of Texas, Brig. Gen. B. P. Bee, C. S. Army, commanding, for the month of August, 1563; headquarters, Fort Brown, Tex. Present for a a duty. ~ u ~a -~~ ~. ~ Stations and commands. a S ~ ~a S - 9 a ~c b~ uau District staff 8 8 9 9 Line of the Rio Grande, Lient. Col. J. R. Sweet commanding: Infantry 31 477 626 895 869 Camp near Harrisburg, Col. A. Buchel commanding: 1st Regiment Texas Cavalry 32 418 486 823 823 Camp Lee, Lient. Col- Nat Benton commanding: Eight companies 32d Texas Cavalry 29 485 582 683 682 Corpus Christi, Maj. H. wilike: Battalion artillery 6 139 180 238 240 San Antonio, Maj. A. G. Dickinson commanding: Infantry 19 66 111 211 207 Total 125 1, 585 1, 993 2, 859 2, 830 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 1, 1863. Brig. Gen. P. 0. IIn3ERT, Commanding, & c., near Monroe, La.: GENERAL: I am directed by Lieutenant-General Smith to say you will detach five companies of Colonel [W. H.] Parsons brigade to re- port to Lieutenant-Colonel [A. B.] Burleson, and direct him to proceed to the parishes of Winn and Jackson and the contiguous country, for the purpose of arresting deserters and conscripts and breaking up the bands of jayhawkers infesting that section of country Page 195 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE 195 Captain Bradford will accompany Colonel Burleson on this expedition for the purpose of giving his aid and assistance in the duty with which Colonel B. is charged. I am, general, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, S. S. AINDE1~SON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,. Shreeeport, La., September 1, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel [A. B.] BURLESON, Parsons Regiment: COLONEL: From the disaffection existing and growing in the parishes of Jackson and Wiun, La., caused in the main by deserters and strag- glers from our army, I am directed by Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to inform you that orders have this day beeii issued to you to proceed with a part of your command to these parishes, and get possession of all de- serters, stragglers, and enrolled men. You will first give notice to all such to report to such a place or places as you may indicate. Should they refuse to obey your orders to do so, you will then make such efforts to carry out your orders as will insure your success. This detail has been made in consequence of the confidence that the lieutenant-general commanding has in your energy, zeal, and effi- ciency. It is very important that the evil complained of should be checked at once, or it may result in an invitation of the enemy to enter these parishes. Captain Bradford, who has a company from these parishes, will ac- company you. Respectfully, & c., GUY M. BRYAN, Major, and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, September 1, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. BoGGS, Chief of Staff, & e.: GENERAL: I have received the orders of Lieutenant-General Smith of the 28th ultimo, informing me of the near approach of the enemy in four columns. I have received also, through Brigadier-General Bee, on the Rio Grande, intelligence of the con templated invasion of this State by Lavaca to San Antonio and by the Sabine Pass, getting pos- session of llouston,which is at the center of all the railroads and in the heart of the most valuable portion of this State. No troops other than those which I had already ordered can be spared from this l)art of the country without exposing the coast and all the coast country and the railroads to the enemy; but, in obedience to the orders of the lieutenant- general, I will run the risk of this great danger, and detach to meet the enemy as many troops as can possibly be spared, concentrating them 4 Bonham, where I have already ordered all the cavalry and such o Page 196 196 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. the infantry of the State troops as J can arm. If, however, this move- ment of the enemy in Northern Texas and Western Louisiana takes all or nearly all the troops from the coast, it must fall into the hands of the enemy, with all the railroads, a great many negroes, vast quantities of cotton and sugar, and will, I fear, be a severe blow to us. Nevertheless, I recognize the necessity of concentrating all of our means to beat the enemy in detail, and will do my best to accomplish it. You say, You will move your headquarters to some l)oint near the troops.~~ They are at present at Houston, the center of all the railroads leading to my troops; for three weeks past they have been with the troops at Galveston, and for some three weeks before that they were within 7 miles of the terminus of the Central Railroad, at Piedmont Springs, some 1O4~ miles nearer Brigadier-General Bankhead. If the lieutenant-general will designate, and I hereby request him to do so, what point I shall occupy as my headquarters, I will select it with pleasure. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, ]lliajor- General, Commanding District, cfc. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, September 1, 1863. Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your sev- eral communications dated from 14th to 24th August, inclusive, all of which have received the earnest consideration of the m~jor~general commanding, who has instructed me to reply as follows: He fully ap- preciates your patriotism and the valuable services you have rendered our cause, and desires to assure you of his entire confidence in your judgment and discretion. In regard to your letters relative to the con- templated invasion of Texas, I am directed to inform you that Nibletts Bluff, Or ange, Beaumont, Liberty, Houston, and Columbus have already been made depots of supplies; some of them are already fortified and being fortified. Troops are iu the Northern Sub-District, marching under General Bankhead to the relief of General Steele, and more have been ordered to that quarter. General H. E. McCulloch has been placed in command of the Northern Sub-District by Lieutenant-General Smith. The forts at Aransas have been ordered to be discontinued, and the hills there must be made to assume the appearance of a strong fort, and there must be some guns as well as troops kept there until the enemy will probably arrive, say November or December, when the islands can l)e evacuated, if necessary. Saluria must be defended; otherwise Gal veston will be turned and the troops caught. The troops at Browns- ville will be safe for a long time after the enemy land at Corpus Christi or Lavaca, as he will require time to move, and can be watched. You will see by this, general, that the major-general commanding has not failed to give these important matters his attention. As regards our foreign relations, he leaves the course to be pursued by you in your intercourse with the French entirely to the discretion and wisdom ~vhich have heretofore characterized your ~onduct both toward that nation and the Mexicans. I am also directed to state to you, general, what wil Page 197 CHAP. XXXN~III1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 197 doubtless be a pleasant fact, that Brig. Gen. J. E. Slaughter, recently on duty in Mobile, has been ordered to the Rio Grande, and as soon after his arrival as you have made him thoroughly acquainted with the situ- ation and the duties incumbent on the commanding general of that frontier, and inform the general of that fact, he will relieve you, and order you to some point (such as you may designate) more contiguous to the bulk of your command. The important points of your communication have been communicated to the lieutenant- general commanding. In conclusion, the general begs that you will accept his sincere thanks for the energy and fidelity with which you have performed your duty. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, September 1, 1803. Brig. Gen. S. P. BANKHEAD, Commanding Forces, & c., iNo9thern Sub-District: GENERAL: Your communication relative to the advance of the enemy was received last night, and in reply I have the honor to inform you that orders were immediately dispatched to Colonel Gould to move without delay to Bonham, and orders for the assembling of the State troops at Bonham as rapidly as possible, under Brigadier-General Gano, were at once issued. The general is making every exertion to forward troops and supplies to your relief, and trusts that you may be able to hold the enemy in check. General II. E. McCulloch has been ordered to assume command of the Northern Sub-District and hurrying forward. Captain Pendleton leaves in a few days with 500 additional arms for the border battalion. Your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near ]liliillican, September 1, 1803. Brigadier-General MCCULLOCH, Commanding Northern Sub.District: GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to in- form you that communications have just been received from General Bankhead, stating that Steele is falling back before Blunt, and unless he has been checked ere this, the enemy are in Texas. Orders were immediately dispatched to Colonel Gould to push forward to Bonham as rapidly as possible, and all organized State troops flave been directed to assemble at Bonham as soon as practicable, under Brigadier-General Gano. Ammunition and stores are also being sent forward. These facts the general states for your information. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Ueneral Page 198 198 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, september 1, 1863. Col. C. L. PYRON, Commanding Regiment: COLONEL: I am instructed by the commanding general to inform you that information has been received from the headquarters of the Trans- Mississippi of the advance of the enemy into Texas by four different columnsone from the north into the Indian Territory; one from Helena, about 20,000 strong, upon Little Rock; one from Vicksburg, 10,000, upou Monroe; and one from Natchez, upon Harrisonburg. The lieutenant- general commanding department anticipates, from information received, that Banks will move upon Lower Louisiana. In view of these facts, the major-general commanding directs that you get your regiment to- gether as quickly as possible, having the necessary transportation, arms, ammunition, & c., prepared, and that you march with all possible dispatch to Bonham, reporting to the commanding officer. The major-general relies upon your accustomed energy to carry out this order with promptness. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. CARIRINGTON. Lieutenant, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 149. Houston, Tex., September 1, 186& The State of Texas, which has hitherto been almost entirely free from the presence of the enemy, is now threatened with invasion by four col- umnsone from the Indian Territory, one from Arkansas, and two from Louisianaand the presence of every man capable of bearing arms is needed in the field. The desolation and ruin which have marked the track of our foes in Louisiana should teach Texans what they have to expect from the presence of the enemy, and the major-general com- manding earnestly enjoins upon all those who have formed minute corn- panies to perfect their organization and arm themselves at once, sending their muster rolls as soon as completed to these headquarters, and those who have not as yet organized themselves, to do so without delay, so that we may rush forward, young and old, to give them battle and save our State from the impenAing danger. Nowis Ihe hour for Texans to prove themselves worthy of their sires, and the major-general com- manding hopes that throughout the State this call will be obeyed with alacrity. By command of Maj. Gem J. Bankhead Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., No. 236. [Near ]Jlillican,] September 1, 1863. * * * * * * * XIX. 1. Brigadier-General Gano will immediately proceed to Bonham, Tex., and take command of the State troops and minute-men ordered to assemble at that point. He xviii organize said forces in accordance with orders issued by the assistant a~jutant-general of State troops, an(l will arm themu with such am-ins as (~III be spared from the supply fo Page 199 CHAP. XXXVIII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 199 the troops of Acting Brigadier-General Bankheacls brigade, which includes all the arms at Bonham or that may reach there. * * * * * * * 4. Brigadier-General Gano will endeavor to put these troops upon an efficient footing. Should the enemy continue to press General Steele, and intelligence reach Bonhain from Acting Brigadier-General Bank- head that re-enforcements are needed, Brigadier-General Gano will call upon the cavalry of the State troops to volunteer to march to General Steeles aid. He will then, without delay, march with such battalions, companies, or parts of companies as may volunteer to go and meet the enemy. By command of Major.General Magruder: W. T. CARRINGTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [SEPTEMBER 2, 1863.For Smith to Slidell, in reference to the action of the French in Mexico, see Series I, Vol XXII, Part II, p. 993.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Alexandria, September 2, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. H. BOGGS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I beg leave to call the attention of the lieutenant-general commanding to the inclosed order of Major-General Magrnder.* Pyron~s regiment reached here as infantry and has served as infantry. Both the colonel and lieutenant-colonel (Pyron and Walker) were severely wounded in action on the La Fourche, and returned to Texas on leave. The men have since deserted in large numbers, and are to be rewarded, it seems, by remounting them. It appears also from the order that the regimental standard is now planted at Austin, although the regiment is supposed to be serving in this district, in accordance with orders from department headquarters. After seeing this order, I directed the few remaining men of Pyron~s regiment to proceed to Texas. I have called the attention of the lieutenant-general commanding to this matter with no purpose of criticising, the action of Major-General Magruder, but simply itm justice to myself, for it is clear if the natural desire of the Texas troops to serve at home is encouraged, their useful- ness when called on to serve elsewhere will be seriously impaired. H. TAYLOR, M0or- General. [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 4, 1863. Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Magruder, and his attention called thereto, and also to the inclosed Special Orders, No. 129, Par X.t By order of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. The Special Orders, No. 129. Par. X, alluded to, was sent to the news- papers for publication. Cdptain Turner will find in the Telegraph. STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Actim g ilssistant Adjutant- General. Not found. ISeep. 202 Page 200 200 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 2, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, Arizona, & e.: GENERAL: I am directed by Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to unclose to you a copy of a letter just received from Captain [J. F.] Crosby,* assistant adjutant-general of General Steele, in regard to affairs in the Indian Territory. He also directs that you will send Major-General MeCulloch immedi- ately to his command of the Northern Sub-District of Texas, as here- gards him, from his tact, experience, energy, and good sense, as well fitted for that command. From the sentiment that exists in that com- munity, threatened invasion or raids by the enemy, and its vulnerability from locality, make this part of your district one of great concern and apprehension to him. You will, then, send any troops that can be spared to support General McCulloch, and watchfully regard this part of your command. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, & c., GUY M. BRYAN, Major, and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. o~ TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 238. Houston, Tex., September 2, 1863. * * * * * * * VII. In consequence of information received, the following changes in the distribution of the troops in this command are made: The Third Regiment Texas Infantry, Griffins battalion, Goulds and Pyrons regiments (cavalry), and Jones battery of light artillery, will constitute a brigade, to be commanded by Acting B rig. Gen. P. N. Luckett, and will, under his orders, proceed, without delay and by forced marches, to Bonham, Tex., where Acting Brigadier-General Luckett will report with his brigade to Brig. Gen. Henry E. McCtilloch. Jones battery will, under the orders of General Luckett, march at once, without waiting for any other troops, and report to the command- ing officer on his arrival at Bonham. Griffins battalion will, with the exception of [Charles] Bickleys company (assigned to the fort at Sabine Pass), proceed forthwith with the Third Regiment Texas Infantry to Bonham, as soon as relieved by the companies of Elmores regiment, - ordered to Sabine Pass for that purpose. The companies of Elmores regiment stationed at Beaumont and Nib- letts Bluff, and those at Orange, if any, will, when relieved by State troops, as hereinafter ordered, proceed to Sabine Pass. Lieutenant- Colonel [L. A.] Abererombie, of Elmores regiment, will establish his headquarters at Sabine Pass, and prepare in the best manner for its defense. One company of cavalry of the State troops from Nacogdoches will relieve the companies of Elmores regiment at INibletts Bluff. The com- pany of cavalry of the State troops from Liberty will relieve [Andrew] Daly~s company at Sabine Pass, when the latter will proceed to Galves- ton, and report to Brigadier-General Debray. - The company of Elmores regiment (Captain [Claudius] Busters) stationed at llampstead will, when relieved by an infantry company of the State troops, proceed to *Not found Page 201 tHAP. XXXVIII.] CO1~EESPONDENCE, ETCOONFElITh~flATE. 201 Galveston, and report to Colonel Elmore. The detachment of this com- pany at Houston will be relieved by such State troops as may be in that place, and will also proceed to Galveston. The four companies of Woods regiment of cavalry, detached and ordered to report to Colonel Bradfute some time since, will assemble at Saluria, or snch point as he may designate, for the defense of that place; and the places of the two companies at Corpus Christi will be supplied by two companies of cavalry of the State troops. The two companies of Browns battalion at Harrisburg will take post at the point they were stationed when they left for Harrisburg, reporting by letter to Lienten- aiit-Colonel Brown. Buchels regiment of cavalry will return to its former post on the West Beriiard. The cavalry companies of Debrays regiment at Hous- ton will, when relieved by the State troops from Houston, report to Galveston for duty with the regiment, Captain [Peter] MeGreal remain- ing in command of the post of Houston until relieved by Colonel [A. T.] Itainey. Any previous orders conflicting with this are hereby revoked. Quar- termasters and commissaries are directed to furnish the necessary trans- portation and subsistence. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [SEPTEMBER 3, 1863.For Smith to Taylor, in relation to condition of affairs in Trans-Mississippi Department, see Series 1, Vol. XXII, Part II, p 988.] MOBILE, September 4, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: SIR: I respectfully report that Major-General Maury has for duty in his department 3,164 infantry, 2,319 artillery, and 1,469 cavalry, the latter new. In the event of siege, at least 10,000 infantry would be necessary for the defensive works on the land side of Mobile. Most of the artillery is required in the forts and water batteries; the cavalry ought to join the army on the outside. Major-General Manry is authorized to call to Mobile, whenever it may be threatened, Greggs brigade, from Enterprise, and McNairs, from Meridian; their effective total is 2,800. They will be followed by Feath- erstons and Adams, now at Newton, and amounting to 2,600 effective. Each of these four brigades has a field battery. Some 1,200 or 1,500 citizens have enrolled themselves, and promise to assist in the defense of the place. I propose to place Bufords brigade (should Mobile be invested) at Meridian, to be ready to go to the defense of Selma or Deinopolis, should either be threatened by Federal cavalry, or to protect the railroads of Mississippi. This brigade has an effective total of 2,500 and a field battery. After the return of the troops sent to General Bragg, we shall have about 9,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry for a relieving force. It is likel Page 202 202 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. 1~fEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. to be insufficient against any army with which the enemy may be ex- pected to undertake such a siege. I have been summoned to appear before the court of inquiry at At- }anta, and am about to obey the summons. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON, General. [Indorsements.] Submitted for information of President Davis. [S. COOPER.] Adjutant-General please note the estimate of force, and refer to re- turns to explain the great reduction of numbers. J. D. [DAVIS.] [SEPTEMBER 4, 1863.For Smith to Taylor, in reference to employ- ment of negro troops by the enemy, see Smith to Price, Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 990.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. ~ B. MAGRUDER, Shrevejport, La., September 4, 1863. Commanding District of Texas, Arizona, d~c.: GENERAL: I am directed by Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to acknowl- edge the receipt of yours of the 1st instant, with inclosures.* Redirects me to say that he inclosed to you on yesterday duplicates of important letters to Mr. Slidell,t one of which was to be sent by Hon. A. Super. vi~4e, and the other by some safe and expeditions channel to Mr. Slidell. He calls your attention to the importance of instructing Hon. A. Super. vi& le of the necessity of having the co-operation of the French to pre- vent the landing of the enemy at Lavaca and Rio Grande, and the con- sequences of their success in cutting off our trade, aud the serious detriment to French interests from that and other causes if they get possession of Western Texas. He also desires you to communicate these facts to Hon. Mr. Slidell, and press upon him the importance to France to prevent it. News from Northern Texas not quite so bad as previous reports indicated. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, & c., GUY M. BRYAN, Major, and Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, No. 129. Shreveport, La., September 4, 1863. * * * * * * * X. The lieutenant-general commanding the department learns with regret that a regiment of Texas troops, known for their valor and good conduct, should, in an il 1-advised moment, have sullied their reputation by insubordination and abandonment of colors. Their grievances, pre- sented through the proper authorities, would have met with redress. * Omitted. It transmitted petitions for expoi-iat ion of cotton, & c. t See inclosure, Smith to Davis, September 5, 1363, Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 993 Page 203 203 CHAP. XXXVIIL] CORRtSPONDENCE, ETC .CONFEDERATE. Under the. provisions of the amnesty granted by the President, they will be exempted from that punishment which is justly awarded to such grave military oft~uses. Pyrons regiment will be reorganized at Aus- tin, under special orders from district headquarters of the 20th August, 1863, when it will march without delay to Louisiana, and report to Gen- eral Taylor for duty. The commanding general trusts this regiment will return to du ty determined to sustain the reputation they had so gallantly earned, and which has hitherto been so deservedly awarded with pride by the citi- zens of their State. By command of Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, A8sistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near ]iiiillican, September 4, 1863. Brig. Gen. W H. BOGGS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have received your letter of the 28th ultimo, and notified you of the same a few days since. You directed me to Concentrate all of your [my] available force near the Red River and remove your [my] headquarters to some point near the troops, and personally supervise their movements. In pursuance of these orders, which I received at Houston, I accom- panied the Third Regiment of Texas Infantry to a point near this place, arriving here last night. Millican, 7 miles from here, is the northern termiuns of the railroad in this direction. There is no water, though, at that point, and the troops have to be encamped in the neighborhood where they can find it. I directed Griffins battalion from Sabine Pass and Goulds regiment from the mouth of the Brazos to be concentrated in this neighborhood, where a battery of artillery had also been sent en route to Bonham. I ordered that portion of Pyrons regiment which is at San Antonio to move to Bonham, and constituted a brigade of these troops, to be commanded by Acting Brigadier-General Luckett. Acting Brigadier General Bankhead reports that he has 1,300 troops and a battery of mountain howitzers, with which he has proceeded to the support of Brigadier-General Steele, who has fallen back, being pursued by the enemy, to Il3oggy Depot. I also ordered about 1,800 of the State cavalry to proceed to Bonham,and report to Brigadier-General Gano. The rest of the State troops are mostly infantry, and are en- tirely unarmed. It is my duty to state, for the information of the lieu- tenant-general commanding, that in taking these troops from the defense of the coast,lam compelled to leave vital points on the coast almost (lestitute of the means of defense. These troops concentrated near here will remain where they are, waiting wagons for transportation, until the lieutenant-general commanding, if he answers promptly, will be enabled to decide as to their further disposition. The question now presents itself and cannot be avoided, as to the relative importance of the different sections of Texas to be defended; and, in the first place, I would remark that, in consequence of the scarcity of water between this place and Bonham at this season of the year, it is almost impossible to march a regiment of infantry in a body to that point, and that not more than two companies of cavalry can be sent forward in a body, and, further, wheim the rains do commence, th Page 204 204 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXvIII. return of tjiose troops will be extremely difficult, and, if effected, will occupy much time, in consequence of the nature of the soil in wet weather. When once, therefore, we part with them, they can no longer be depended upon in ease of emergency on the coast, and I have reason to believe, from the concentration of troops at New Orleans from above, that the enemy will attempt to get possession of the Sabine River from its mouth to Nibletts Bluff, in order to cut off communications with Louisiana, and thus enable him to occupy the State of Louisiana with. out danger to his communications, whilst with his naval forces, and per- haps others, he will possess himself of Aransas Bay, and threaten San Antonio, cutting off at least our cotton trade with Mexico, and mak. ing preparation to take San Antonio, only 120 miles from Saint Marys, on a route which affords wood and water. The small force at Browns- ville, on the Rio Grandeonly one regiment and a batterywill then have to abandon that river, and unite itself with the forces in the east. The 5,000 troops sent to Louisiana left me about 11,000 men, exclusive of State troops, the latter not available nuder present orders. This is the force witi& which I have to defend a coast of about 400 miles, be- sides the Louisiana frontier. I propose to give up, in case of necessity, the Rio Grande and the coast as far as Saluria, the entrance to Lavaca, which will reduce it to about 150 miles, and if I cannot sustain myself at Saluria, to concentrate still further by taking the line of the Brazos (holding its mouth) on the west, and Sabine on the east, defending the Brazos country and the (Janey, if possible, and removing everything from San Antonio, should that place be likely to fall into the hands of the enemy. However important the wheat region may be to us as a source of supply, he who commands between these lines, the Brazos and the Sabine, controls the heart of Texas, and will have beef and corn enough, even if he should not obtain flour enough, to support his army for an indefinite period. Should the enemy succeed in forcing the Sabine, or Galveston, or the Brazos, he will soon take possession of the country here indicated, and will virtually be master of Texas. I think, there- fore, that it would be very imprudent to send to Bonham the troops which are being concentrated here, with the following exceptions: Three companies of Griffins battalion, who will desert unless they are ordered there, as they are from a country in which 17 women and children have already been scalped by the Indians; Goulds regiment, for similar rea- sons; and a battery of artillery which can be spared, ordering to the coast in the place of these a corresponding number of mounted State troops now ordered to Bonham. I acted promptly in obedience to Lieutenant-General Smiths orders, but contrary to my own judgment, as I did not understand the injunc- tion in regar(1 to the personal supervision of the movements of these troops and the removal of headquarters, having always superintended personally all movements of my troops when it was possible, having headquarters at Houston, Galveston, and the extreme northern termi- nus of the Central Railroad. I believe, however, it was my duty to put the movement in a state of forwardness, and then explain my reasons to the lieutenant-general commanding, that there might be no delay in carrying out his instruc- tions. I have reason to believe that within a month, or perhaps within a less time, we shall begin to receive arms. Every conceivable step has been taken to procure them, from the time I received orders from Richmond to the present moment Page 205 CHAP. XXXVIII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 205 It is to be hoped that the junction qf Steele and Bankhead may enable them to assume offensive operations against Blunt (if so, we shall be much relieved), or that Majors brigade, when it shall arrive in that part of the country, may, with Steeles and Bankheads troops, be suffi- cient to afford it protection. It is a matter of the last importance that I should be informed whether Major~General Taylor will fall back by Nibletts Bluff or not, and in what force. Depots are already provided there for him, but I must know whether 1 c~in depend upon him to assist me in defending the pass, the river, and railroad in the neighbor- hood. I have the honor to state that I relieved Brigadier-General McOulloch from duty with the court-martial in which he was sitting, and from the command of the Eastern Sub-District, the moment I received Lieutenant- General 5miths order, placing him in command of the Northern Sub- District, and directing him to proceed to Bonham. He will reach that place, it is expected, in a few days. Begging that the general will give me his views by return of mail, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. IIEADQU~RTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near Millican, September 4, 1863. Brig. Gen. S. P. BANKHEAD, Commanding Forces of Northern Texas, & c.: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that his communication to Lieutenant-General Smith, commanding de- L)artm ent, recominendin g your application as bri gadier-general~ has been returned to these headquarters with the following indorsement: The appointment of Col. S. P. Bankhead is approved till the action of the War Department can be obtained. The Northern Sub-District is the most important, dif- ticult, and one of the most important commands in your district. An officer of ability, a Texan, who understands the peculiarities of the people and possesses their confidence, should be assigned to that command. General McCulloch is the most suitable person that I can suggest, and he was ordered to repQrt to you for that purpose. E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutena at- General, Commanding. I am, colonel, & c., EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near Millican, September 4, 1863. Col. V. SULAKOWSKI, Chief Engineer, District of Texas, & c.: COLONEL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to direct you to have Sabine Pass and its approaches fortified without the least delay, as it is expected that the enemy will make a demonstration at that point at an early day. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. CARRINGTON, Lieutenant, and Acting Assistant Adjutant.General Page 206 20G w. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX.~ N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 239. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT, & C., Near Jlfillican, & .pternber 4, 1863. * * * * * * * YJTJ. Col. A. T. IRainey, of the First Texas Infantry, is hereby as- signed to the command of the force in and about Houston and Harris- burg, with his headquarters at Houston. * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: STEPHEN D. YAXCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SCHEDULE OF PRICES FOR TEXAS. OFFICE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS, Tyler, & ptentber 4, 1863. In accordance with an act of Congress to regulate iinpressments the following schedule of prices is agreed upon, and pablished by the the Board of Commissioners for the State of Texas, for the information of all concerned, to continue in force until altered: Articles. Quality. Description. Quantity. Value. Wheat Flour Do.. - Corn Do - Corn meal Barley Rye Oats Rice Do Pease - Beans Bacon Do Do.. - Pork Do flogs Lard Beef-cattle Beef Do.... Mutton . Do... - Tallow Candles. Potatoes Sugar Do Do Molasses Peaches. Do Vinegar.. - Salt Soap Fodder Hay . Leather Do.. - Do Do Do. Do. .. Shoes Prime Good do Prime ......do Good do do do do do... do do do do do do do Fair . Good 4 years old and upward. Good do Fair do Good do do... Common brown. Prime White clarified Good Dried ....do Good do do do Good Good russet do Kiip and calf Good White or red Superfine Less cost of sacks.. Shelled ... . Unshelled 6fd New Sides . . . Hams. Shoulders Fresh Salt Gross Nett. Salt or corned Dried Wethers Nett . Tallow Sweet... Hogshead. do do Merchantable. Pealed . Unpealed Barrel Merchantable Hard . Blade Grass Common sole Best sole Harness Heavy upper Light Black Russet Per bushel, 60 pounds... Per barrel, 196 pounds Per 98 pounds Per bushel, 56 pounds Per bushel, 70 pounds... Per bushel, 48 pounds... Per bushel, 50 pounds... Per bushel, 60 pounds... Per bushel Per pound do Per bushel, 60 pounds... Per pound .do do Per 100 pounds. .1 do. Per pound Per head Per 100 pounds do Per head. Per pound do ......do Per bushel, 60 pounds. Per 100 pounds do. do Per gallon.. Per bushel, 18 pounds -. (10 Per gallon Per bushel, 50 pounds... Per pound Per 100 pounds do...... Per pound. do. do do.......... (l(,. *2 50 15 00 7 00 1 50 1 37 1 50 2 00 2 00 1 50 20 25 1 75 2 00 35 35 30 15 00 20 00 12 25 35 30 00 15 00- 25 00 6 00 10 30 50 1 00 20 00 25 00 15 00 1 25 8 00 5 00 1 50 2 50 20 2 00 2 0) 75 1 00 1 25 1 37~ 1 50 15 00 S Q Page 207 CHAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONPEDERATE. 207 Articles. Quality. Description. Quantity. Value. Hides Good Dry ~Per pound $0 20 Wool do Unwashed do 50 Cotton Baled. do. 20 Work oxen . No.1 Per yoke 125 00 Horses do Artillery Per head 400 00 Do Good Cavalry do 325 00 Mules - No. 1 do 375 00 Do --- - 2d class medium do 300 00 Wagons Good Road 400 00 Do. 2d class. 350 00 Amhulances Good Two-horse 325 00 Whisky do Per gallou 3 00 Jeans Colored. Half wool Per yard 4 00 Cotton cloth Striped or plaid - do 3 00 Do Plain 2 50 Socks Good Woolen Per pair 1 00 Hats do do Each 400 In making the schedule of prices, the commissioners have done the best they could with the lights before them. Notwithstanding their advertisement in all the State papers, calling upon quartermasters, commissaries, and the citizens for information, we have received noth- ing excepting from officers at this post. Under these circumstances, there are doubtless defects. Our aim has been to do justice to the Government as well as to the holders of all articles necessary for army purposes. The schedule may occasionally work a hardship; so may all general laws or regulations. We would suggest to officers the propriety of making their purchase of any article in that region in which it is most abundant, and at the same tilne to avoid stripping one section 50 that prices there will put necessaries out of the reach of the families of the soldiers and of the poor. We still solicit informa- tion as to the value and supply of commodities from officers and citi- zens from all portions of the State. Address us at Marshall or iRask. W. IR. D. WARD, FRANK E. WILLIAMS, Commissioners OFFIcE OF CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, DIST. OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, Tex., September 5, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Piedmont Springs, Tex.: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of the major-general commanding, copies of telegrams dated 4th instant, from Maj. J. C. Stafford, quartermaster, relative to supplies and move- nients of the army in command of Brigadier-General Mouton, & c.; also copy of my reply to same, which I have taken the liberty to send, trust- ing it will meet the approval of the major-general colnmanding. Very respectfully, B. BLOOMFIELD, Major, and Chief Quartermaster, District of Texas, & e. [Inclosures.] NIBLETTS BLUFF, September 4, 1863. Maj. B. BLOOMFIELD: The train left two days ago, loaded with the stores to be stored at the three depots established by me, which have been built and finishel Page 208 208 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL Captain [L. G.] Cleppers company, Elmores regiment, escorted the train, and a detachment of 20 men and 1 conmissioned officer out of said company was to have been left at each depot to guard the stores. A courier has been dispatched to stop the train until 1 hear from you what to do under the circumstances. J. C. STAFFORD. NIBLETTS BLUFF, September 4, 1863. Maj. B. BLOOMFIELD: The following has just been received, and by special courier I send to Beaumont to telegraph you: HEADQ1JARTER~ FORCES SOUTH OF RED RIVER, VernLillionville, A ugust 29, 1863. Maj. J. C. STAFFORD, Quartermaster, Nibletts Bluff, La.: MAJOR: I am instructed by Brigadier-General ]~onton to state to you that the emergency has ceased to exist which gave rise to the order to establish depot of for- age and provisions on the Vermillionville and Nibletts Bluff road. These depots are no longer necessary. rhe provisions at Nibletts Bluff are intended for the troops of this command. An officer with a proper escort is dispatched for the purpose of foiwarding them to this point as rapidly as possible, the troops being very much in need of such stoies. Invoice them to Maj. J. S. Mouton, chief commissary of subsistence, who will re- ceipt for the same. I am, & c., A. J. WATT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Generat. OFFICE OF CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, DIST. OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, Tex., September 5, 1863. Maj. J. C. STAFFORD, Quartermaster, Beaumont: Proceed to carry out the order of General Mouton, and push forward with the utmost dispatch all commissary stores. Retain the depots established by you on the Vermillionvilfe road for future use. Keep supplies of forage at Nibletts Bluff, Orange, and Beaumont, as per former orders. Be particular to have all transportation returned to Nibletts Bluff for emergencies. B. BLOOMFIELD, Major, and Chief Quartermaster. [SEPTEMBER 5, 1863.From Smith to Price and others, in reference to increasing effective force, and employing negro labor in the place of detailed soldiers, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 994.] [SEPTEMBER 5, 1863.For circular from headquarters Trans-Mis- sissippi Department, calliiig upon the people of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas to organize for local defense, see Series I, Vol. X1N1II~ Part II, p. 995. Page 209 CHAP. XXXVIIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 209 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shrereport, La., September 5, 1863. Maj. E. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: Your letter of the 3d instant, dated 12 p. in., has been received. Lieutenant-General Smith directs that if Majors brigade be sufficiently near to be of service, that Major-General Taylor shall deflect it from its course, to be used in his operations in the direction of Fort Beauregard. When the necessity of its service there is no longer needed, it will resume its march to this place. I remain, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. li. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near Millican, September 5, 1863. Brig. Gen. HENRY E. MCCULLOCH, Commanding Northern Sub-District: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that you will at once proceed as rapidly as possible to Bonham, Tex., and assume command of the Northeru Sub-District. Please ~reply. 1 am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. SABINE RIVER, TEXAS, Orange, September 5, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: I would most respectfully call your attention to a matter that has come under my observation while on a tour of inspection in my de- partment, relative to the facilities the Government possesses for the transit of its materials of war on the Sabirie River. Arriving at Beaumont the night of the 3d instant, I found that place to be the terminus of the Texas and New Orleans Railroad, leaving 20 miles to the proper terminus of that road lying idle for want of proper attention. The Government at present is compelled to submit to ex- tortionate rates of transit and delays and inconveniences without num- ber by running a boat from Beaumont, by the Neches River, to Sabine Lake, and thence to Nibletts Bluff, via the Sabine River, increasing the distance 40 miles, which could be decreased to 40 miles and a certain mode of transit if the railroad from Beaumont to Orange was put in running order. At times and often the boats in this district are delayed by grounding upon the bars at the mouths of the Neches and Sabine Rivers, which circumstance might materially frustrate the calculations of the major-general commanding if he should desire the rapid concen- tration of re-enforcements in this vicinity. By having this 20 miles of road made available, the facilities of the major-general would be in- creased for the defense of the Eastern Sub-District of Texas, and might be the means of checking the advance of the enemy should he make an attempt in this quarter. I consider this matter of the greatest importance, and would most i~espectfully recommend the major-ges~era1 oornmaiiling to ordev Cap~ 14 II ~YOL XXVII Page 210 210 W. ELA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. tam [H. B.] Andrews to place at the disposal of the president of that road at least 150 negroes, to be applied upon the road east of the Beau. mont Bridge to Orange, which force, he says, will enable him to corn. plete the road in a weeks time. If Captain Andrews cannot spare the negroes from his burean, then have an order issued to the superintend. ent of the New Orleans and Texas Railroad to take a suitable number of negroes from the west side of the river, now employed on that road, and place them on that portion from Beaumont to Orange. No delay should occur, as the rainy season will set in the latter part of this mouth, when it would be impossible then to work in the swamp through which this road lies. I make this statement because the steamers in this district are very old and more or less out of repair, and liable at any time to fail, not. withstanding all my exertions to keep them iu order. The distance from Beaumont to Nibletts Bluff, by the railroad to Orange and then by boat, is 40 miles, and by the route at present taken via the bay it is 80 miles, with the obstacles of two bars to contend with, which at any time are liable to delay everything in this quarter. Hoping this subject will meet with your earliest attention, I beg leave to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEON SMITH, Commanding Marine Department. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISsIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 6, 1863. Major SURGET: MAJOR: Your dispatcn of 7 p. m. the 4th has just arrived. Too much time is takeu in the transmission of dispatches; seveuteen to eighteen hours is sufficient. Your measures for the removal of stores are wise, but still I can scarcely believe that the enemy are so foolhardy as to venture a small columu through so difficult a country as that between Trinity and Alex. andria, unless in connection with a heavy force moving from Berwick Bay or Simsport. It is either a plundering expedition or Harrisonburg is its objective point, and a covering force sent over toward Little River to prevent assistance from Alexandria reaching the garrison. An enemys column estimated at 10,000 or 15,000 will generally be found to be less than one-half that force, and if 5,000 or 7,000 men venture to Alexandria by the route they are reported approaching, an excellent opportunity offers for opposing them on the Flaggon [Bayou], or for striking a blow somewhere in that section of country. Poligna~9s brigade must be in supporting distance. Major can be thrown to your aid, and, with Walkers division, I know I shall hear good news from General Taylor, who is, I presume, now with you. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- Genera4 HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, September 6, 1863. Maj. SANTOS BENAYIDES, Commanding from Clareno to Eagle Pass: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation, with the copy of your correspondence with Governor Vidaurri Page 211 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 211 Jt has received the careful attention of the brigadier-general command- ing, and your action meets with his approval. Governor iRuiz will be communicated with on this subject, and urged to take prompt measures to arrest Zapata and his party. The murder of Col. Jesus Garcia iRamires, so much to be regretted, warns us that the band of Zapata is again preparing to disturb this frontier; the brigadier-general commanding, therefore, urges upou you to exercise the greatest vigilance, and as soon as it is kuown that they are organized you will use every effort to destroy them, crossing into Mexico when iiecessary without hesitation, as you are authorized to do by the arrangement entered into with Governor Lopez. You are instructed to notify the authorities of Guerrero that that town will be held responsible for all damages which may be done by the band of Zapata, and urge them to disperse it, as it is in their power to do. Should you discover that this movement of Zapata is a serious one, you will immediately notify the troops along the line and also these headquarters. And, in conclusion, allow me to assure you that the brigadier-general commanding reposes the utmost confidence in your ability and zeal. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servauf, WM. 0. YAGEB, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF Mobile, Ala., & pternber 7, 1863. (JoL B. S. EWELL, Asst. Adjt. (len., Dept. of the TVest, ]Jiliorton, Miss.: COLONEL: I have been notified by General Johnston that the bri- gades of Generals Gregg and McNair await my orders at Enterprise, and that the brigades of Generals Featherston and John Adams are at Newton, and destined to come to Mobile to assist in its defense so soon as I may inform you that I require them. I need some good heavy artil- lerists. There are three battalions or regiments, the First and the Twenty-first and Twenty-third Louisiana, and Eighth Louisiana Bat- talion, captured at Yicksburg, whom I know to be very skillful in hand- ling heavy guns. I hope so soon as they can be exchanged you will send them down here to me, if other interests of the service will permit you to do so. Littles old Missouri brigade, once commanded by me, will be more serviceable here than any other troops. I shall be glad to have them also, preferring, if necessary, to exchange forthem troops now here or awaiting orders to come here. I think it very important to have troops belonging to distant localities. There are questions involving embar- rassment to the service frequently arising in consequence of the singu- lar manner in which officers of the general staff have been assigned to specified l)osts and duties within the limits of my command without any report being made to me or the post commanders of such assignment. I believe it is in accordance with military usage for staff officers to be ordered by their chiefs to report to the department commander, and for him to have them assigned to their appropriate positions, and in no case is it proper that an officer should enter upon duty at a military post and fail to report to the commander of that post. As several un- Pleasant difficulties have arisen in consequence of a neglect of thi Page 212 212 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL requirement on the part of chiefs of staff corps, I respectfully call your attention to it, in the hope that you will make such an order as will pre- vent the recurrence of it. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DABNEY H. MAURY, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, No. 212. Richmond, September 7, 1863. * * * * * * * XXII. Brig. Gen. F. A. Shoup, Provisional Army, Confederate States, will proceed without delay to Mobile, Ala., and report to Maj. Gen. D. H. Maury, commanding, & c., for assignment to duty. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., September 7, 1863. Lient. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding, d~c.: GENERAL: Your letter of June 16, inclosing a communication and recommendation for appointment of officers from General Magruder, having been duly received, was submitted to the President, and has been under advisement by him. He has not deemed it expedient to make the appointments recommended by General Magruder. His views, as you are aware, are decided as to the irregularity and impolicy of appointing brigadiers, except to the command of brigades already con- stituted, and he is, besides, unwilling to act on the presumption of such brigades existing, unless the regiments composing them have been duly reported and the muster-rolls furnished to the Adjutant-General. The other appointments recommended have been by him likewise deemed as either exceeding the number of those under the usage of the Department allowed to commanders in the field, or as excessive in the rank sought to be conferred. He supposes General Magruder to be already provided with staff appointments proper to his command, and cannot recognize, in the peculiar circumstances of his position, the ne- cessity for the latitude of appointment which he thinks these recom- mendations invoke. It is not without regret that I feel myself constrained to disappoint the wishes and expectations of General Magruder; nor am I without apprehension that some embarrassments may result to him from the denial of the rank to which, as it would appear, some of the officers have been already assigned. It will be necessary, however, that, re- straining the liberality of his nature, he should conform himself to the stricter views of the Executive, and I rely on the zeal and patriotism of his officers for the full measure of efficiency which he has sought to stimulate by the bestowal of rapid promotion. As far as opportunity allows, I wish you would yourself give consid- eration to the appointments that may be really necessary in General Magruders command, and present them, with reasons for their appoint- ment, directly to the ec~si4er~tion ~f the ~resideut, Withoi~ 4isp~r Page 213 CHAr. XXXVIfl.] CO1IIV~SPONDENCE, ETC.CONF1~DERATTh 213 agement to General Magruder, you will appreciate the greater weight which the President will be apt to give to your well-considered recom- mendations of officers deemed necessary by the commanding general of the department. I regret much to hear that the efforts of Major Hart to secure sup- plies through Mexico have proved less successful than was anticipated. He was appointed and large trust reposed in him upon very strong rec- ommendation of his great influence and remarkable energy, as mani- fested in his past transactions in business on the border. I fear he has been embarrassed both by the difficulty of obtaining cotton and trans- portation, and by the want of funds with which, nnder the late military operations, it was almost impracticable to furnish him. Efforts are being made to remit to him by direct messetigers, as well as by the Secretary of the Treasury to send large amounts of money for the general use of the department via Kassau. I have not been successful in inducing the Secretary of the Treasury to devise and establish an office of issue in the Trans-Mississippi Depart- ment. He deems the obstacles insuperable at present. The desire you express for authority to regulate medical boards within your depart- ment and to extend invitations is readily accorded. I inclose, however, a suggestion made by the Surgeon-General on the sub.ject,* to which I invite your attention, and, if no objection exists, as none appears to me, I would prefer you to conform. I avail myself of the opportunity to transmit you a memorandum ~ sent by one of the scouts of the Signal Corps, now on the Potomac River, and said to be derived from a reliable source in Washington. I have not found the information furnished by the Signal Corps specially worthy of credence; but as this is stated to be received from undoubted friends, having peculiar sources of information, I deem it best to send it to you for such consideration as it may deserve. I confess it does not strike me as having much probability, as the march of a column of even greater force over such an extent of country must prove both difficult and hazardous in the extreme. With high regard and respect, your obedient servant, JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIssIsSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 7, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Gommanding District of Texas, d~c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 1st instant. I will not fix the point for your headquarters, but leave it to your own judgment to select the most suit- able place from which you can give your attention to the various wants of your district. It may be Houston, or a point near the termination of the railroad to Navasota. Only your disposable troops were ordered to the Northern Sub-Dis- trict as a support to Brigadier-General Steele. In the letter of the 28th ultimo, signed by Brigadier-General Boggs, the object was to push for- ward the organization of the State troops, and to bring them into the field at points within supporting distance of an invasion either from Aj~kansas, Louisiana, or the Indian Territory. * Not found. Page 214 214 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. rOHAP. xxxvift. In my interview with you in Rusk, I pointed out the importance to us of the lines of Red River and the Sabine, and a point near Kacog- doches was suggested for a concentration of the State troops intended as reserves or supports for the defense of those lines. A point some- where in the Northern Sub-District should also be selected as a camp for the State troops intended to support Brigadier.General Steele in a retreat from the Indian country. Whilst we are threatened by formidable columns of the enemy from Arkansas, the Indian country, and Louisiana, an advance to Red River, even under the most unfavorable circumstances for us, must necessarily be slow, and the letter of the 28th ultimo, above referred to, was in- tended only to prepare in advance for a contingency likely to happen at no very distant day: I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shrerejport, La., September 7, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAcfRIJDER, Commanding District of Texas, ct~c., Houston, Tex.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let- ter of the 4th instant. My letter in reply to your communication of the 1st instant answers most of the points in yours of the 4th. The State troops organizing in the Northern Sub-District, with a small force of more reliable troops, must suffice for the protection of that district. Griffins battalion, Goulds regiment, and the battery referred to by you might well be or- dered to Bonham, but do not further weaken the force to be relied on for the defense of the Sabine and coast. Pyrons regiment, under the orders from these headquarters, will return to Louisiana when reorgan- ized. I shall not require it to be dismounted, but discipline and example both demand the return of that regiment. They may not remain with Major-General Taylor, but their return is necessary to the maintenance of subordination in his army. I agree with you in your views of the relative importance of the dif- ferent sections of your district. I place probably a higher importance than you do on the holding of the Rio Grande. It is our base of sup- plies. Yet, as great a disaster as its loss would be to us, I see no ade- quate means of defending it should the enemy organize any large expedition by water for its occupation. Should an invasion of Texas from New Orleans be contemplated this winter, an expedition may be sent to either Point Isabel or Lavaca, with the Rio Grande or San Antonio for their objective points, or a column may invade the State by Brashear City and Nibletts Bluff having Houston and the railroad system of Texas for its objective points. General Taylors disposition of his troops looks to a concentration in the Valley of the Red River, which is the natural and an easy line of opera- tions for an invading column from Lower Louisiana. Should the enemy take the route by the coast and Nibletts Bluff which is destitute of supplies and almost impassable for wagons in winter, General Taylor will be in position on their flank to strike a de- cisive blow and aid you in the defense which is offered to them in front. Your assurances as to the speedy reception of arms within the di Page 215 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 215 trict are truly encouraging. Their arrival is a vital necessity, and would encourage the people more than any other fact that could be presented to them. We have the men, if we only had the arms, to defend the de- partment. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. [SEPTEMBER 8,1863.For Manry to Coopei, in reference to Brig. Gen. Neal Dow, U. S. Army, see Series JI.j BEAUMONT, TEX., September 8, 1863. Commanding Officer Eastern Sub-District of Texas: SIR: At 6 oclock this morning I was notified by Captain [Richard V.] Cook, Company ID, Griffins battalion, that he had received a dispatch from Captain OdIum, commanding at Sabine Pass, that nine Yankee vessels had arrived off the bar, two of them inside, within a mile of the fort. I have taken the responsibility of ordering all the troops at this post on board of the steamer Roebuck, which boat will immediately leave for the Pass. The troops consist of 65 men from Cooks company and 15 from Bickley~s company, and several volunteers. I am exceed- ingly sorry that Captain Cook did not. Ji~t me know of this at the time he received the dispatch. I then could have had the troops there this morning. We have heard heavy firing for the last hour. The firing has now ceased. Captain [W. S.] Good and myself will start immedi- ately on horseback, as we can get there three hours ahead of the steamer. I am, sir, very respectfully, LEON SMITH. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 9, 1863. Col. A. J. MCNEILL, Commanding, & c., Vienna: COLONEL: It having been reported that there are a number of de- serters and men liable to conscription collected in Union Parish for the purpose of resisting the Confederate authorities, the lieutenant- general commanding directs that you quietly make arrangements to temporarily send a sufficient force from your command to break up these organizations and arrest the offenders. The lieutenant-general also directs that copies of the order of amnesty, allowing till the 15th proximo for all deserters to return to their com- mands, be immediately sent to that parish. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. MEEM, JR., Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Near ]liliillican, September 9, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. BO~GS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Information was received here last night of the appear- ance of a fleet of gunboats off Sabine Pass, said to be nine in number Page 216 216 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXV1IL and I learn this morning unofficially that the works at the Pass were bombarded yesterday morning, but with what result is not known. Major-General Magruder, who went down yesterday to Houston, sent back an order o~u the return train for the troops assembled in this vicinity to proceed at once by special train to the Pass. As the attack- ing force is represented as being so superior to the garrison at Sabine, and as few of the guns are of very heavy caliber, it is presumed that the Pass is now in possession of the enemy. I am momentarily expect- ing intelligence from Major-General Magruder, and shall at once ac- quaint you with the movements of troops in that vicinity. No transports were mentioned as being in sight by our latest ad- vices. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., No. 245. houston, September 9, 1863. * * * * * * * XVI. That portion of Hobbys regiment not engaged in the defense of Saluria, together with all the troops at Corpus Christi (excepting one company of State cavalry to guard the stores), will at once, without the least delay, proceed to the defense of Saluria with all the artillery, leaving two guns and their detachments, with one other company, to defend Aransas Pass against launches. One-half of the company at Corpus Christi will be stationed at Corpus Christi Pass. Remove the large flag-staff to Aransas, placing Quaker guns in the most conspicuous places, particularly at Aransas, and in every manner making as great a display of force as possible. As fast as State troops come in, armed, they will re-enforce Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi Pass, and Corpus Christi, relieving any volun- teer troops left there, excepting the artillery detachments, which must always remain with the pieces. XVII. Colonel Woods regiment, excepting four companies under the command of Colonel Bradftite, will move as rapidly as possible to Co- lumbus, where their horses will be left. The regiment will immediately proceed by rail from Columbus to Beaumont, Tex. One soldier to every five horses will be detailed by the commanding officer to take care of the same. Quartermasters and commissaries of subsistence will furnish transportation and subsistence without any delay whatever. By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Shreveport, La., September 10, 1863. Commanding District of Western Louisiana: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- mnnication of the 7th instant. In my letter of the 4th I do not require the issuing of an order fo Page 217 CRAP. xxxviii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 217 the removal of the able-bodied male negroes. I believe that it would be to our advantage, and it is the interest of the planter, that they with all transportation should be removed to safe localities in our rear. - This can be impressed upon the people without a proclamation. I leave it to your own judgment as to the best method of carrying out a policy which is so evidently a good one. I have within the past few weeks received communications from planters and others, expressing both a willingness and a desire that their able-bodied slaves should be taken into the service of the Government. Whilst a willingness to respond to any call is expressed, the desire seems general that the negroes should be impressed. They seem to wish that the call should fall equally on all. The public-spirited man, whilst he gives up his slaves, objects that his unpatriotic neighbor should receive the protection of the Govern- nient without adding his quota to its support. The conviction that the danger is near, and that the tenure of slave property is uncertain, has been gradually gaining ground in the public mind. The time, I believe, is propitious for introducing slave labor into the army. There can be no doubt as to the wisdom of the policy. I wish you to carry it out in every branch of the service in your district. I will not dictate to you the mode in which it shall be done. ~[ou can resort to impressment or not, as you deem wise. I see the logic and acknowledge the force of your suggestions in re- gard to the forced employment of negroes whose families are near the enemy. In the obstruction of Lower Red River, referred to by you, the construction of any merely temporary raft could be productive of no permanentgood,norhaveleverconsideredanytemporaryobstruction advisable, except under the guns of a fort. You have had my views on that subject, with reference to the defense of our inland streams. The construction of a permanent raft on Lower Red River, if practicable, should be adopted immediately. The fact that it closes thorough navi- gation should not delay its adoption. If it can be made below the mouth of Black River, it would be a great military advantage indeed. I feel great concern on the subject of Black River. High water next winter will open its navigation to the enemy as high as Camden and Arkadelphia. With their base established at Monroe, the abandonment of Little Rock and the Arkansas Valley will follow as a necessity. I do not know what steps in advance can be taken to meet the contingency. I wish you would give it consideration, and I ask the benefit of your experience and the promptness of your execution in the obstruction of that river before winter. The permanent obstruction of Lower Red River by the raft you pro. pose I fear is not feasible; the opinion of old river boatmen is worthy of consideration; their knowledge a practical one; but it seems to me the river is too broad and deep, with too rapid a current, for the for- mation of a raft as suggested. Let it be attempted by all manner of means if you have any hopes of success. Some permanent obstruction will have to be made in advance, at the point at which the raft is to be commenced, for the purpose of giving it a foundation. On the Upper Red River, in what is called the Narrows, between Tones Bayou and Cushatta Chute, the obstruction referred to by you is feasible. I inclose you a communication from Mr. Witter and other planters above this place.* They present themselves as a committee, representing the planting interests above, and state that 1,000 hands could be obtained, under the superintendence of the planters themselves, Not fonud Page 218 218 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX,, N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. for the purpose of carrying their proposition into effect. I discouraged their plan, whilst I stated I would forward it to you. The fall of the river, with the complete cessation of navigation, which must continue till the rise this winter, makes it a matter for consideration whether any steps should be taken for the obstruction of this portion of the river. To be prepared in advance for obstructions of the river above when necessity compels the abandonment below, I believe would be a wise forethpught; further I am not prepared to recommend. As regards your proposed expedition toward Natchez, let me caution you against being too far influenced by the desire of retaliation. This is now the most sickly season of the year; our infantry should iot necessarily be exposed to the malaria of the swamps. Let the enemy march through them as much as he pleases; his thin ranks this fall will be more telling than defeat. We cannot afford unnecessarily to lose a man from duty. When the frosts come, you will have occupation for twice their number, if you have them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & O., Beaumont, Tex.. September 10, 1863. Major-General TAYLOR, Commanding Dist. of Western Louisiana, Alexandria: GENERAL: I have the honor to state that the enemy appeared on the morning of the 8th instant off Sabine Pass, with twenty-two vessels and a force supposed to be at least 15,000, commanded by Major-General Franklin, and several vessels, coming inside the bar, engaged the bat- tery at the Pass. He was repulsed with the loss of two steamers, the Clifton and Sachem, and thirteen guns, together with about 350 prisoners. He has disap- peared, and it is supposed has gone to the Calcasieu. If this be so, and there is every reason to believe that it is, from the testimony of prisoners, as well as evidence which has fallen into our hands, it is evident to my mind that your forces should be brought for- ward to Nibletts Bluff. I have, therefore, to request that you concen- trate your forces as rapidly as possible at Nibletts Bluff. With the assistance which I may be able to lend, by our combined efforts we may crush the enemy at a blow, but unless this be done the enemy will as- cend the Calcasieu, the communication between us will be broken, and Lower Louisiana lost; and the State of Texas may be a prey to the enemy, who will in all probability push forward, and may succeed in getting possession of Houston, and thus reducing Galveston. I have written to Brigadier-General Mouton, supposed to be at Vermillionville, requesting him to concentrate his brigade at Nibletts Bluff, in order that we may co-operate. The prisoners state that the object of this expedition is to cut off your retreat by getting possession of Kibletts Bluff and throwing forces across to Alexandria. I think that a concentration of your forces at Nibletts Bluff, with such troops as I can furnish, will defeat his plans. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANK HEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding Page 219 CHAP. XXXVIIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 219 HEADQUARTERS BUREAU OF STATE TROoPS, DISTRICT OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, September 10, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. B. BOGc+S, Chief of Staff: I am directed by Major-General Magruder through dispatches from Beaumont to forward. to you his official report of the battle at Sabine Pass on the 8th instant, which resulted so gloriously to our arms.* I am also directed to forward the official report of Captain Odium, received through Acting Brig. Gen. P. N. Luckett.t The major-general commanding directs me to say that, in view of the emergency before him, he has ordered to-the line of the Sabine the forces on the march for Bonham, he believing from the intelligence received from that quarter that the advance of the enemy has already been checked. The brigade destined for Bonham is, therefore, now at or near Sabine Pass. The fleet off Sabine comprises, from the best information gained, nine steamers and eighteen sail vessels, the two most formida- ble of which have been captured and another badly crippled. The guu- boats captured are to some extent injnred, but engineers and mechanics are already at work putting them in repair. The enemys force being reported at 10,000, and facilities for landing being easy, every prepara- tion will be made to secure the armaments and stores of the vessels, at least, should it become necessary to evacuate the position. Orders have been issued revoking all furloughs and leaves of absence, and call- ing in all detailed men that can be possibly spared without actual detri- ment to the service. All available forces are being concentrated at ex- posed points. The State troops are also taking the field, a portion of them already having marched to the posts assigned them. Nine of the enemys fleet left Sabine Pass on the night of the 9th. The prisoners have been sent to Houston, and will be sent from thence to Camp Groce. I am directed by the major-general commanding to ask that he be allowed to retain the troops ordered to Bonham until the plans of the enemy on the coast have been developed or he is defeated. The major-general commanding is at Sabine Pass. By command of Major-General Magruder: E. W. CAVE, Major, and Vol. Aide-de-Camp, Chief Bureau State Troops. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, September 10, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston: SIR: I have the honor to inform you of the arrival on yesterday from Havana of Brigadier-General Slaughter, who will report to you by this mail. I propose to place General Slaughter in possession of all the in- formation he may need concerning the state of affairs on this frontier, and then to hold myself in readiness for orders. I am prepared for any service, but most respectfully and earnestly ask that I may be instantly relieved from all connection with the cot- ton bnsiness. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. * See Part I, p. 302. t See Part I, p. 309 Page 220 220 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW Mnxico, AND ARIZONA, 1863. Capt. MAT. NOLAN, Beaumont, lox., & ptember 10 Nibletts Bluff: CAPTAIN: I am directed by the major-general commanding to inform you that the enemy, in strong force, attacked the fort at Sabine Pass on the 8th, but was repulsed with a loss of two vessels (the gunboats Sachem and Clifton), with thirteen guns; 340 prisoners now in our hands; killed and wounded considerable; on our side no loss at all. They have left Sabine, and, from information in our hands, direct, it is most probable they have ere this attempted a landing at Calcasien; if not, that it will soon be done. It is of the utmost importance that the major.general commanding should be constantly and correctly informed of any movements about the Calcasien. You will, therefore, send men to that point, as far down as you can, to look sharp for the fleet. If you can possibly spare the men, establish couriers from Nibletts [Bluff] to and along the Calcasien, and especially to keep them on a line from Nibletts to the nearest point of the Calcasien. Communicate any information direct to these headquarters and also to General Mouton. Use every exertion to see this duty promptly, prop. erly, energetically performed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. BEAUMONT, TEX., Brigadier.General LUCKETT, September 10, 1863. Houston, Tex.: I have received the confidential instructions of Commodore Bell to the commander of the gunboats, from which it appears that the landing of the enemy (about 15,000 strong) depends upon the success of three light-draught boats, all that he could spare from New Orleans. One of these being crippled and two taken, my opinion is that he has retired to New Orleans to refit. Planters ought to move their negroes and mules from the coast. J. BANKilEAD MAGRUDER, Major. General, Commanding. [SEPTEMBER 11, 1863..For Smith to Davis, transmitting minutes of the conference at Marshall, Tex., of the Governors of Arkansas, Loui- siana, Missouri, and Texas, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, pp. 1003 1010.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, 63. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Shreveport, La., September 12 18 Commanding District of Western Louisiana: GENERAL: General Magruder reports the enemys fleet, twenty-seven in number, as having appeared off the Sabine Pass, and as preparing for the attack of that position. They are reported accompanied by a land force of 10,000. Their plan is not yet fully developed; it may be the occupation of Sabine Pass and Bay as a base of operations, or a Page 221 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 221 invasion of Texas, with Houston and its system of railroads for the ob- jective points. If any large operations are undertaken in that direction by the force from New Orleans and Berwick Bay, it will relieve you of the pressure anticipated from that qnarter of your district. You must endeavor to co-operate with and assist Magruder in meeting this attack. Your command is composed almost entirely of Texas regiments; if not actually engaged in active operations against the enemy, they will be restive, and desert when their State is invaded by a column so near the theater of their own operations. I inclose you a copy of a letter to General Magruder.* Your obedient servant, [B. KIRBY SMITH,] Lieutenant- General. P. S.Since writing the above, General Magruders letter, of which a copy is inclosed, has been received.* You will see the importance of co-operating with General Magruder. Make such dispositions as the force on your front allows for meeting this new move and for co-operat- ing with General Magruder. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 12, 1863. THoMAS 0. MOORE, Governor of Louisiana: Your letter from Alexandria of September 9 has just been received. You are in error regarding both the orders and 1~ie movements of troops in the military districtof Louisiana. Genera]. Tappans brigade was not ordered to General Taylor as a portion of his command; it was ordered to Northern Louisiana to assist in the operations opposite Vicksburg, and General Taylor was instructed not to withdraw it from that section, where it remained in readiness to return to Little Rock whenever its services were required. General Walkers division was withdrawn from Arkansas, placed in General Taylors command, and made subject to his orders, and but for its transfer our troops would probably now be in possession of the Arkansas Valley, instead of being forced back to the line of the Washita. There has been no order issued from department headquarters for the removal of any portion of Walkers division from General Taylor~s com- mand, nor has such order been contemplated. I do not see what steps have been taken or orders issued indicating an intention to give up Louisiana without a determined effort. The fortifications at Shreveport which you refer to were ordered at the time Grand Ecore was ordered to be fortified. General Taylor was at the same time instructed to for- tify at any point below that might be selected by him as suitable. The removal of my family west, spoken of by you, was the sending my wife and child five hours ride from this place to escape fever, with which the household and neighborhood were afflicted. The inadequacy of General Taylors force, spoken of by you, according to the tabular statement re- ferred to, is double that under the command of General Magruder, and one-half greater than that under General Holmes in Arkansas; it, too, is composed almost entirely of Texas, with a few Louisiana and Arkan- sas, troops. I see now no practical means of increasing that force ex- cept by calling the people of the State of Louisiana who are remaining Not found Page 222 222 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. ME X. [ChAr. XXXVIII. at their homes into the field, and I call upon the Executive to bring out every able-bodied man in the State for the defense of his fireside. I would refer you to your letter to me of the 2d of Angust, 1863. I am, Governor, with sentiments of esteem, yours, E. KIRBY SMITH, _____ Lieutenant. qeneral. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY 01? TEXAS, Fort Brown, Tex., September 12, 1863. His Excellency Brig. Gen. MANUEL Ruiz, Governor of the State of Tamaulijpas, Matamoras, lIJiex.: SIR: I hasten to express my regrets at the occurrence of this morning. It appears that attention was attracted to a large number of men cross- ing and recrossing the river at a point some half mile below the ferry at Brownsville. This was reported to me, and I sent a verbal order to the officer of the day to ascertain who and what they were. He ordered a sergeant and 5 men to make the necessary examination. About the time the sergeant started, it was said that Cortina was crossing the river with 300 men, and the excitement became very great. A few young men, without waiting for orders, ran ahead of the sergeant, and opened fire on the people who were quietly bathing in the river, which continued until that officer arrived and stopped it. In the meantime the report that Cortina was crossing was spread through the city, and the confusion was indescribable. I sincerely hope that no injury was done to your soldiers by this unfortunate occurrence, and am prepared to make every reparation in my power. I would suggest that Your Excellency inquire into the antecedents of Cortina, at present said to be an officer of the Mexican army in Mata- moras, and notorious for the many outrages committed against the lives and property of the citizens of Brownsville, and perhaps you will not be surprised that there should exist an excited state of feeling when it is known that he is so near them w them. , ith the will, if not the power, to annoy Trusting to this frank acknowledgment of my regrets at this occur- rence, and the assurance that it was the result of an excited state of feeling, I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, H.P. BEE, Brig. Gen. P. A. C. S. P. S.I trust that, as a proof of renewed confidence, your troops will continue to bathe at the same place. MONTGOMERY, September 13, 1863. General S. COOPER: Should it be necessary to re-enforce Mobile, troops must be taken from Loring and French. Both of them rank Manry, who was selected for his command. What am I to do with those major-generals in such an event ~ J. E. JOIINSTOX. HDQRS. TRANS.MISS. DEPT., Shreveport, La., September 13, 1863. Brig. Gen. HENRY E. MOCULLOCH: GENERAL: I have intended writing you for some time. I am always glad to hear from you, but let me beg you to remember our people ar Page 223 CUAI. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 223 a censorious people; they will find fault and abuse every one in author- ity; many complaints are unfounded; all should be taken with many grains of salt. I have been accused of frivolity throughout the depart- ment for riding out with my wife before office hours for three hours to pick blackberries. I inclose you an order, or rather a copy, of instructions given on the subject of securing negroes and stock as our troops retire before the enemy.* It is our policy to strip the country and leave it bare of sup- plies as we fall back. Great tact and judgment must be displayed in its execution, so as not to embitter the people against us; they should be our instruments for carrying it out. I inclose you copy of General Orders, No. 36; * carried out, it should increase the efficient strength of the army. You are authorized to retain your son Benj. E. as acting aide-de-camp on your staff. Hart and the cotton business has long occupied my atten- tion; it is the most tangled snarl that has ever come before me. Colonel Terrell has been placed in charge of the bureau. Two gentlemeu of integrity and standing, one Major Williamson, inspector-general on my staff, have been -directed to examine into the whole business, and have been authorized to make the most searching investi,ation. After con- sulting with Colonel Terrell, they have authority to associate with them- selves any citizen of integrity and character they may think will ad- vance the interests of the service. I have sustained General Magruder in his aJ~pointment of General Bankhead until the action of the President, to whom it was submitted, can be received. General Magruder had committed himself to it; the objections had been removed; harmony was restore to the command; so I confirmed the temporary appointment, whilst I censured General Magruder, and instructed him no appointment, excepting under the law and from proper authority, would hereafter be recognized. In regard to your staff officers, General Scurry has been instructed that when he takes command of your brigade, to which he is to be as~ kigned, his staff officers will be exchanged for yours. I see no other way of effecting what you desire. Staff o ~cers are appointed to the troops, the organization, and not (excepting the personal staff) to the general. General Slaughter, to whom you refer, was not ommanding any or- ganized body of troops; his was more an administrative position, and this probably accounts for the law having been evaded in his case. I shall place General Martin in chwg~ of the conscript bureau in your district; he is an energetic and efficient officer. He will be instructed to consult and call upon you for aid. I hope you will co-operate with him. See that he does his duty and have the laggards and deserters brought into service. I know your heart is in the work. I am, general, with feelings of friendship, yonrs, & c., B. KIRBY SMITH, Liente ant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., 0. S. (late U. S.) Steamer Clifto , Sabine Pass, September 13, 1863. Brig. Gen. XV. II. Bocws, Chief of Staff, Shreveport, La.: GENERAL: A fleet of twenty-two steam transports (largest size), with five war steamers, attempted to pass into this river on the 8th instant, Not found Page 224 224 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA, TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. as I predicted in my letter to you from Piedmont. The number of troops is estimated by the coolest men and stated by prisoners to be 15,000 picked menmostly of Grants army. The transports could not pass unless the war steamers reduced our fort of six 32-pounder guns. Lientenant [R. W.] Dowling, in immediate command of the fort, directed his men not to return the fire of the enemy, as our guns were of short range. The enemy at length approached with his war steamers, fonr in num- ber, backed by the whole fleet of transports, to a point well within our range, when Lieutenant iDowling, of the Davis Guards, opened upon the advanced ships of war, and in some thirty-five minutes two sur- rendered, with over 300 prisoners, and another left in a crippled con- dition. The fleet then backed out and sailed east. I arrived the day after at Beaumont, a strategic point, with a portion of the troops from near Piedmont, and have since concentrated 2,500 men here, and greatly strengthened the works at this place. I expect their return soon with iron-dads, and hope to be prepared to meet them successfully. Had they got in, they would have pro- ceeded at once to ibletts Bluff cut us off from Major-General Taylor, and probably advanced on Houston. Now it will be more difficult. The prisoners all stated that they were bound for Houston, and will yet get there. The flag officer (commanding officer) of the naval squadron of the Gulf was captured. It is the most brilliant affair I have ever read of. I will place Colonel Sulakowski in command of all the troops on the Sabine, and give him also the construction of all the works. We have some 250 negroes noxv hard at work, and will get more. The troops are in the finest spirits. I inclose copies of my orders to the troops, and hope they will be found approved by the lieutenant-general com- manding.* The enemys fleet of transports, I have reason to believe, have returned to Berwick Bay. It will either return here to force its way to Nibletts Bluff, or it will advance against Major-G-eneral Taylor, in Lower Louisiana, and force him back. In my judgment, General Taylor ought to be ordered to fall back to Xibletts Blufi oi at least to the Calcasien, removing his depots to that point. Should he come here, we can unite in preventing him from getting possession of Nibletts Bluff, Beaumont, or Houston; and as long as Red River is not navigable, he will be afraid to advance into the State, lest the joint forces of General Taylor and myself should cut him off from his base by marching into Lower Louisiana by the Ver- millionville road. He will then be effectually checked unless he gets heavy re-enforce- ments. 1 have written to General Taylor to this effect, but he may not have gotten my letter. I submit this proposition to you for such orders as you may think proper to give. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major- 4~eneral, Commanding. So~ NIagruder~ report, Part I, p. 306 Page 225 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 225 IIEADQUARTERS NORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT OF TEXAS, Bonham, September 13, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston, Tex: CAPTAIN: Your favor of the 9th is just received by express, direct- ing me by return of express to inform the major-general commanding of the movements of the enemy, whether they have fallen back, are at a stand or advancing, and their present position and force. Had any of this information been in my possession, I hope the major-general feels assured it would have been promptly furnished to him. Since General Bankhead has left this side of the river, I have received only a single slip, written iiui pencil, dated the 4th, of a private liature, in which he states that he has not been able to ascertain either the position, force, or movements of the enemy; that he is about to advance along the Fort Smith road, and will send an express as soon as he can give any information. - By yesterdays express I received a letter from General Steele, equally unsatisfactory. The letter relates solely to business of the quartermas- - ters department. The postscript, a copy of which is inclosed, relates somewhat to the points inquired of by you. This is all I have received from officers in the Indian Territory. I give so little heed to rumors that I never think of repeating much less of em- bodying them in an official letter, but from a great variety of sources I gather enough to feel satisfied that the great want in the Indian Terri- tory is arms and more white troops. General Coopers command is not over half armed; that, with the mis- erable powder served out to them, and with which they have fought in their recent brushes with the enemy, has considerably demoralized them. While I write, a gentleman for whom I vouch has handed me a memorandum made by him on the 9th, while he was in General Coopers camp, which was then 12 miles north of Boggy Depot, on Fort Smith road: Bankheads command at or near Riddles, on Fort Smith road; Steeles command with Cooper. Cooper says his scouts report without doubt that Quantrill had en- tirely destroyed both Fort Scott and Leavenworth, with large amounts of military stores; that many Missouri militia were joining Quantrill. On the 2d instant Cabell was at Waldron, on his way to Red River, in the direction of Lane~port. So for the memorandum. My informant also states that he heard after leaving the camp that General Steele had ordered Cabell to return into the Indian Ter- ritory. This, captain, is all that has reached me in a shape to be at all relied on. The great want here is arms. Except those sent up to General Bankheads command for Terrells regiment, and which he has been or- dered to retain, we have none. The country was pretty well stripped of everything to arm the first regiments that were organized. The best were all taken then. The officers of State troops are calling on me daily to know if, in case of their taking the field, they can be armed. I evade an answer as much as possible, not wishing it to be known how destitute we are. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML A. ROBERTS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. 15 R RVOL XXVI, PT I Page 226 226 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS~, LA., TEX., N. MEX. [ChAr. XXXVIII. [Inclosure.] P. S...J send an interesting extract of a letter received by my med- ical director. Extract from a letter of A8st. Surg. J. C. Field, stationed at North Fork 1108pital. Colonel [William R.] Judson, commanding the detachment of Federals that came this way, called upon us, and we had a long talk with regard to the condition of affairs north and south, and he seems of the opinion they can yet get a good many of the Tex- ans to join them. Some of [T. C.] Bass regiment [Twentieth Texas Cavalry, dis- mounted] came here in Federal uniform, and a good many more Texans have gone and reported that they will get a great many recruits as they advance into the State. They say they will certainly winter in Texas. They report a great many re-enforce- ments coming down from Springfield, Mo. I think there is a good deal of braggadocio about them. JULIAN C. FIELD, Assistant Surgeon, Bass Texas Infantry. I have no direct information from General Cabell. It is reported by a man from that vicinity that he inflicted a severe loss upon the enemy, losing but 4 men himself. WM. STEELE. HEADQUARTERS BUREAU OF STATE TROOPS, DISTRICT OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, 863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER: Houston, & ptember 13 1 GENERAL: I have endeavored as far as possible to carry out your wishes respecting State troops. Here nothing has been done compara- tively. As I told you, the militia laws have not been enforced, and but about 100 meu transferred to the service, of which at least half are de- tailed as mechanics, & c., iu the departments on railroads and steam- boats. The intelligence I received from the country indicates that the State troops are responding to the orders. The cavalry of [John] Sayles bat- talion will march on Monday or Tuesday. The infantry will go to Camp Groce. The battalion from Columbus will be down on Tuesday. The cavalry of the battalions ordered to Millican are no doubt prepar- ing for the march. I do not think many minute companies have been organized. The prospect of being ordered to the field rather staggers the candidates for home defense. Two companies have been organized here for home defense, but by the regulations every man is bound to march when called on to do so. If they report to this bureau, rest assured that they will be assigned to duty. Major Dewalt, of the Second Battalion writes me that he has sent his cavalry forward, and will have 300 infantry, unarmed, in camp on Monday. He has made a requisition for arms. I shall assign (or rather call for volunteers) enough men from his battalion to fill up the two batteries under Major [S. T.] Fontaine. Your various orders and circulars in reference to the presence of the enemy at Sabine have been scattered far and wide. All these docu- ments, copies of which I inclose , * were prepared by myself, your notes furnishing the ideas, of course. Your Sorley letter is still the theme of much comment. It has been received with much favor. I trust you will soon see the good results of its publication. I am devoting myself to the cause, but find much difficulty in perfecting plans concerning the * Not identified Page 227 CHAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 227 troops. Captain [F. J.] Lynch, paymaster and acting chief quarter- master, was sent by your orders to iRusk for funds. Now he writes me that Lieutenant-General Smith has notified him to be in readiness to carry dispatches to Richmond. This, I think, is putting the chief of two departments of the State troops on rather a low basis. I have, therefore, as you see, no one to manage the business of that department, now so important. My desire is to assign Capt. E. W. Taylor, assistant quartermaster of the battal- ion of this district (sixteenth), to that duty; he is a first-class business man, with great administrative talent. You no doubt know him as the father of Mrs. Lieutenant-Colonel [E. F.] Gray. Captain [John E.] Owens, chief commissary of subsistence, has com- menced his labors. Major [II. II.] ilaynie will turn over to him such supplies as he can spare, and furnish him money for the balance. I am in a quandary concerning my printing establishment, although I leave it now entirely to my foreman; it is doing a heavy business. The orders from Lieutenant-General Smiths headquarters are now being filled, amounting to some 100,000 blanks. If it is to be removed at all up country, it should be done in time. Its value to the army is consid- ered great by all officers of departments, and, being fully organized and efficient, it should be kept so. The confidence you have shown in my poor abilities has led me to devote myself almost exclusively to this bureau. If you deem it proper that the printing house should be re- moved to a point at or near the terminus of the Central road, I would remove it at once. Brenham or Anderson are the points I now have in view. Anderson, although 15 miles from the railroad, is my preference; Bren.ham is so far from the central line of the populated portion of the State. Should I move the establishment, I would still keep a small concern here, and the field printing office at your headquarters. Excuse my mentioning these matters, but I solicit your advice. Mrs. Cave and little Mary are both better; they join me in regards to you. Receive the assurance of our best wishes for your health and safe return. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. CAVE. IIEADQUARTERS BUREAU OF STATE TROOPS, DISTRICT OF TEXAS, ~EW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, September 13, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: Our latest accounts from Dallas are favorable respecting affairs beyond Bonham. The enemy had been checked in his progress toward Boggy Depot. A portion of General Steeles force is already reported to have reached Fort Washita. The State troops and citizens turned out nobly at the call of danger. Paris, Lamar County, furnished 400 volunteers in a few hours. I inclose a communication concerning Col. N. W. Townes * with refer- ence of same, by Brigadier-General Boggs. I would suggest, as Briga- dier-General Gano has been ordered to Millican, that Colonel Townes be assigned to the duty of organizing and taking to the field, if necessary, the State troops ordered to Bonham. I see that Lieutenant-General Smith directs that the force in this direction shall not be weakened, * Not found Page 228 228 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA, TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL showing that the course of the major-general commanding was in ac- cordance with his views. I am waiting anxiously the development of the enemys plans on the coast. All is quiet at points west. I still think the object of the ex~ pedition is the complete possession of Southern Louisiana. It may, however, in view of the assembling of our army on the line of the Sabine, thereby threatening the line of the Mississippi, strike farther west. I hope by Tuesday next to make some definite report as to what may be expected of the State troops. The cavalry of this battalion (two com- panies) have gone to the mouth of the Brazos. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. CAVE, Major, ct~e., Chief of Bureau of State Troops. SHREVEPORT, LA., September 14, 1863. General JOsEPH E. JOHNSTON: Mv DEAR GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, from Colonel [T. H.] MeCray, of your letter of the 27th ultimo. It has always been my intention to send back to you, when it should become practicable, such men of your command as have found their way to this side of the river. The vigilance of the enemy along the Mississippi makes crossing, even for individuals, extremely hazardous therefore, bodies of men have not been allowed to make the attempt. I have put Colonel McCray to work to collect all the men of General McNairs brigade. As soou as communication is again established, these and all others can return to you, but till that time I think it useless to make the attempt. I sincerely hope affairs in your department wear a brighter aspect than they do in mine. I have but a handful of men to oppose the overwhelming masses of the enemy. The preparations making by them at all points, and the occupation of a large part of Grants force west of the Mississippi, indicate a determi- nation to overrun at least Louisiana and Arkansas, with the probable intention of holding the country and bringing these States back into the Union. Hoping, general, that success may crown your every effort for the public good, I am, truly, yours, E. KUIBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, lex., September 14, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston, Tex.: SIR: New Orleans dates to the 5th are received. I have seen a let- ter written by the Mexican consul at New Orleans of that date, which says that Twenty thousand men are crossing the river at Carroliton, to take the Opelousas Railroad to Texas; that 10,000 had left for Brazos Santiago, under charge of Com- modore Porter; that the President (Juarez) must be informed that these troops have the best feelings for his cause, and will Jo what they can to aid him. If this is true, the enemy will be on us in a few hours; but it seems to me that a sufficient time has elapsed already for their arrival, and it may be that they have gone first to Saluria, and intend to occupy the line of the coast in rotations and will not be here for some time yet. Page 229 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORJfl~SPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 229 have used all diligence in sending off the quartermasters stores pur- chased here, and a considerable quantity have gone to the interior. Much, however, remains, and if I am invaded so promptly, I shall en- deavor to pass them back over the river, and in that way save as much public property as possible. I inclose an extract from a letter from Mr. Quinterro concerning Mexican affairs.* Charleston dates to the 24th ultitno. Sumter has doubtless been de- stroyed by this time; shells loaded with Greek fire were being thrown into the city. The Federal vessels at the month of the Rio Grande have captured the William Peel (the steamer which brought out Mr. Attrills goods), lying in the neutral waters of Mexico, and having 1,000 bales of cotton on board belongiug to legal traders of Matamoras. Her cargo for Matamoras has been discharged This outrage on the flag of Eng- land and the recognized principles of the law of. nations is said to be founded on two circumstancesthat the vessels brought supplies for the Confederate Government, and that she was to be purchased as a privateer by the Confederacyand they claim to have the proofs of both. And this reminds me to say that it is entirely possible that the letter from General E. Kirby Smith, detailing an officer to examine the fitness of that vessel for war purposes, may have been surreptitiously for- warded to our enemies in Matamoras, as it is known that important letters from your office are now in the possession of those in Matamoras, who will use them to our detriment, the particulars of which Major Russell will explain to you. The Governor of Tamaulipas has pro- tested against the seizure of the Peel, and she still remains at anchor. It is said that portions of her machinery have been concealed, and the Yankees cannot replace then at present. Up to last night there was no sign of the approach of the enemy, and I have no doubt but that you have heard from them before now. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERs, Velasco, Tex., September 14, 1863. Capt. A. N. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I would most respectfully call the attention of Acting Briga? dier-General Luckett, commanding Eastern Sub-District, to the con- solidated morning report of my regiment, which shows an aggregate of 257 men for duty; in addition to this force, I have one company of Lieutenant-Colonel Browils battalion, numbering about 35 enlisted men for duty. I most respectfully ask that additional companies be sent to this point, and would suggest Lieutenant-Colonel Brown with his battalion. Their horses and equipments are now here. Besides the service they would render in the event of an attack or invasion, it would be uniting them with their horses and equipments, which, if lost, it would be im- possible for many of them to replace. The troops are generally good men; they are companies that were raised by me, and once composed a part of my regiment. The above is respectfully submitted. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BATES, Colonel, Commanding at Velasco. * Not found Page 230 230 W. PLA., S. ALA,, S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. tOHAP. XXXVIIL HEADQUARTERS, Velasco, Tex., September 15, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: Since my return I have learned with deep regret that the major-general commanding believed that I, while on the march in Loui- siana, had not shown his orders that respect and obedience which is due from an inferior to a superior. I now enter a full disclaimer, and will, as briefly as possible, make the explanation. I received an order from Brigadier-General Scurry, com- manding Eastern Sub-District of Texas, to march to Nibletts Bluff La., with eight companies of my regiment, to wit, four companies of cavalry, three of infantry, and one battery of light artillery. When I ar- rived at Houston, I called on Brigadier-General Scurry, and informed him that the light battery was unfit for service. He declined to give any countermanding orders. On the morning of the 25th of May, I issued an order to Captain [W. E.] Gibson to march, by embarking his guns, caissons, and wagons on board the steamer for Liberty, that even- ing. He said he must appeal to Brigadier-General Scurry, inasmuch as his battery was unfit for service. He did so, and returned to me, the brigadier-general refusing to issue any orders regarding the battery. The embarkation took place as ordered, and the next day I left by the overland route, in company with the artillery horses, leaving Cap. tam Gibson and Lieutenant [II. Z.] Hill to bring forward 40 sets of har- ness, which was ascertained (after the steamer had left for Liberty) to be on hand in the ordnance department; they were also ordered to bring up all absentees. When I arrived at Liberty, on the 27th of May, I ordered Captain Gibson to report to his company without delay, as his presence was absolutely necessary with it. Lieutenant Hill was ordered to remain and bring forward the harness and absentees. On the 28th of May, I arrived at iNibletts Bluff and there had the command turned over to me by Colonel Major, with orders from him to march as soon as my transportation arrived, which had been delayed by the act of my quartermaster, and it did not arrive until June 5, 1863, 10 a. in., making a loss of seven days. At 3p. in. the same day, the com- mand was ou the march, Captain [William] Saunders in advance with a squadron of cavalry and the light artillery, with orders to proceed with as little delay as possible. I remained with the infantry, and, by the breaking down of wagons and men, I did not unite with the cavalry and light artillery till June 13, at Opelousas. Two days previous to my arrival at Opelousas, Captain Saunders re- ported himself to Brigadier-General Mouton, at Vermillionville, with the three companies, to wit, two of cavalry and one battery of light ar- tillery, and received orders to march to Washington, where the com- mand remained two days, shoeing artillery horses and paying off the troops two months pay. I also procured, while at this place, 7 or 8 sets of new artillery harness (Yankee), at a cost of only $13 for the whole, the amount charged by a man for gathering and hauling to a safe place from where the Yankees had left them. At this point and period, June 17, Captain Gibson arrived, with orders from Major- General Magruder, dated May 28, ordering the battery to return to Texas. I felt embarrassed at this order. I had been ordered to report to the military authorities of Louisiana. I was 120 miles east of Nib- letts Bluff, and, under all the existing circumstances, although with regret, I thought I could not do less than to order Captain Gibson o Page 231 231 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. duty, which I did, arid marched June 18, as orderd, toward Morgauza, on the Atchafalaya River, some 30 miles from Port Hudson. On the first day, about noon, we met an order from Major-General Taylor, and a little time after met General Taylor himself. I introduced Captain Gibsou to him. Captain Gibson appealed to him to countermand my order without going into detail. He declined to do so (the particulars, however, I suppose Captain Gibson remembers, and I will not lengthen this communication by a detail of all that followed), but the general ordered me to send some officer in whom I had entire confidence to Houston. I think it dne to make this explanation, which I hope and believe will be entirely satisfactory to the major-general commanding. I will only add if any other statement has been made with regard to this affair, I unhesitatingly say it is a falsehood. I regret to trouble you with so long a communication npon a personal explanation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BATES, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS DISTRTCT WESTERN LOUISIANA, Alexandria, September 111, 1863. Major.General MAGRUDER, Commanding Texas, & c., Beaumont: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 10th instant. Permit me to congratulate you on the glorious success of your arms, and to indulge the hope that this auspicious beginning may be but an earnest of the future. I regret that the present disposition of my forces will prevent me from moving to your assistance as rapidly as I could desire. I have been compelled to look to the defense of the Red River Valley, as being of the first importance to both Texas and Louisiana. The shortest line from the Mississippi into the interior of this State is from Morganza, and I have a considerable portion of my troops in that quarter, where they have been interrupting the commerce of the enemy on the Mississippi, and recently repulsed with heavy loss a column sent to drive us away. These dispositions have left but few troops at Ver- millionville or below, but I have taken the necessary steps to prepare for a move in the direction you indicate. If, however, you are right in your impression that the enemy design making a lodgment on the Calcasieu, he will succeed in establishing himself there long before I can reach that point; but his attempt to operate from that base against you can, I trust, be seriously interfered with by movements from this quarter. I have some reasons for believing that General Franklin intends to operate against you farther west, and that the attack at Sabine was not intended to be serious. This has undoubtedly occurred to you. I will add in conclusion that should the future operations of the enemy bring us together, I anticipate much pleasure from serving under your command. With high respect, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR Page 232 232 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL HEADQUARTERS SABINE PASS, September 16, 1863. Brigadier-General MOUTON, Commanding Forces South of Red River, Verrnillionville, La.: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to inform you that the enemys fleet of gunboats and transports recently off this Pass have either gone to Berwick Bay, or Brashear City, or New Orleans, having stopped at the mouth of the Calcasieu only long enough to com- municate with the land. He has secured information, however, which he considers reliable and entitled to belief~ that they intend soon re- turning to attack this point with a larger force and vessels of a differ. ent and more formidable character. Every preparation is being made to receive their attack, which is hourly looked for. I am, general, very respectfully, & c., STEPHEN P. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjueant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & O., No. 148. f Sabine Pass, Tex., September 16, 1863. The following order is published for the information of all concerned: GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPATiTMENT, NO. 38. ~ Shreveport, La., Augu8t 26, 1863. In accordance with the proclamation of the President, a general pardon and am- nesty is hereby granted to all officers and soldiers now absent without leave, in the Trans-Mississippi Department, who will return to duty by the 30th day of September, proximo. Officers and enlisted men, absent from their commands east of the Mississippi River, will, under this amnesty, report as follows, viz: Those from Arkansas at the camp of instruction at Washington, and district headquarters; from Texas, at Bonham and Houston; from Louisiana, at Shreveport and district headquarters; and will be per- mitted to join any regiment of their own corps they may elect. This amnesty and pardon shall also extend to all who have been convicted and undergoing sentence for absence without leave, or desertion, excepting only those who have been twice convicted thereof. By command of Lieut. Gen. B. Kirby Smith - S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- Uenera. The commanding officers at Houston and Bonham will designate an officer to whom these officers and men will report. They will be allowed to select any regiment of their corps in this district, and will receive from the officers appointed for the purpose the necessary orders. Transportation and subsistence supplies will be furnished. The major-general commanding calls upon all concerned to avail themselves of the amnesty within the time, or else they will be hunted down, brought in as deserters, and punished according to the law. Col. N. C. Gould, of the Twenty third Texas Cavalry, has been as- signed tQ the duty of executing this order. By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhea4 Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General Page 233 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 233 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, shreveport, La., September 17, 1~363. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of General Magruder~s letter to you,* with your indorsement, under date of 14th of September, also your letter of September 15,1 relating to the trans- fer of a portion of your command to Nibletts Bluff. That an expedition on the scale and with the force ascribed to the expedition at Sabine Pass, and under the command of an officer of Franklins rank and character, should have been abandoned without even an attempt to bring its force into action, I cannot believe. It must have been, as you suppose, a demonstration intended to cover some other point of attack. The facts are, however, that the fleet has with- drawn, and the enemys plans are not yet developed. IITntil that be the case, it would not be wise to remove any portion of your command to Nibletts Bluff; especially, if the enemy have returned to New Orleans, as General Magruder supposes, would this be impolitic. The character of the country is such, and the difficulties in the way of supplying the troops so great, that any portion of your command transferred to Nib- letts Bluff would be entirely thrown out of all operations on the Lower Red River. General Magruder and yourself must co-operate with each other. If the whole force of the enemy is thrown upon one, assistance must come from the other. It would be well to keep up a system of depots with supplies for the passage of troops between the Sabine and Red River. The line best suited depends upon the disposition of your own troops, and must be selected by yourself. If Colonel Majors brigade has re- turned from Natchez, it would be well to have it halted at some point near Natchitoches; it is then at a central position, and can move rapidly toward any point desired. You will submit your views to me in regard to this matter. If an independent command could be organized for operations on the Mississippi River, under Colonel [Isaac F.] Harrison, I believe efficient service would be performed. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, No. 140. Shreveport, September 17, 1863. * * * * * * * XIII. Brig. Gen. W. R. Scurry is assigned to the command of the brigade~ of Walkers division lately commanded by Brigadier-General McCulloch. He will report forthwith to Major-General Taylor, com- manding District of Louisiana. * * * * * * * By command of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. Probably that of September 10 (p. 218), but indorsem~nt not found. tNot found Page 234 234 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CRAP. XXXVIII. [HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C. Sabine Pass, September 17, 1863.] Brigadier-General BOGGS, Chief of Staff: SIR: On account of the vast extent of country in this district, and the difficulty of disseminating orders throughout every part of the dis- trict, I have the honor to state that I regard it as impossible for Gen- eral Orders, No. 38, from headquarters Trans-Mississippi Department, to be strictly complied with. In view of this, I have the honor to suggest that the time be extended to the 318t of October, 1863, inclusive. Colonel Gould, commanding Twenty-third Texas Cavalry, with a portion of his regiment and two companies of cavalry of State troops, an officer of reliability, activity, and efficiency for this purpose, has been directed to take all steps necessary to carry out the instructions of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith on this subject, conveyed in letter No. 731, September 7, 1863. On account of the recent attack at Sabine Pass and the present threatened condition of the coast, this is all the force I had at my dis- posal to carry out the instructions of Lieutenant-General Smith. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & O., C. S. (late U. S.) War Steamer Clifton, Sabine Pass, Sept. 17, 1863. Brigadier-General BEE, Commanding, & e., Brownsville: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to inclose to you, by the hands of Captain [J. C.] Ransom, of Brigadier-General Slanghters staff a communication from Lieutenant-General Smith, addressed to the Hon. John Slidell, commissioner to France, and also a letter addressed to Major-General Magruder, for your guidance. The major-general commanding directs that you send the inclosed communication, addressed to Mr. Slidell, by the hands of Mr. Super- vi~le, with the instructions that he exhibit it to General Forey and the minister to that country (Mexico) from France (the French authorities). He will be instructed to allow them only to be read. This communica- tion, after this is done, will be sent to Paris, by Mr. Supervii~le, or by some reliable agent, to be delivered to Hon. John Slidell. Mr. Super- vi~le may be instructed to intrust it to the hands of some good, relia- ble, and intelligent man, to be taken to Mr. Slidell, in Europe, wherever he may be, from Mexico, after being read by the French authorities in Mexico. The duplicate of this letter, now in the hands of Major-General Ma- gruder, will be transmitted directly, by a reliable officer or agent, to Hon. John Slidell. The general wishes you to instruct Mr. Supervil~le to keep this mat- ter a profound secret, and desires you to let the whole transaction be characterized by strict secrecy. On account of your diplomatic connection with the country, and the valuable services you have already rendered and are still rendering the country, which are highly appreciated by the major-general command Page 235 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 235 lug, he is unwilling to make the exchange at present, although you have expressed a desire to be relieved from duty on the Rio Grande, and Brigadier-General Slaughter, who will shortly arrive at Browns- ville, wishes to be placed in command on the Rio Grande frontier, and to be continued in the same. The major-general commanding desires you to continue in command until the diplomatic plans and arrange- ments set on foot by you be brought to a successful issue. This will be handed you by Captain Ransom, of Brigadier-General Slaughters staff; whom I have the honor to present to your kind con- sideration and courtesy. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., C. S. (late U. S.) War Steamer Clsfton, Sabine Pass, Sept. 17, 1863. Brigadier-General MOUTON, At or near Vermillionville, La.: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that from information deemed reliable he is led to believe that the enemy will make an attack on this place with a force of at least 20,000 men. The largest force which can possibly be assembled here in time and without exposing other vital points of this district is 3,000 men, all told. Under these circumstances, Major-General Magruder is convinced that unless your forces are joined with ~ it will be hopeless to be success- ful against such odds~ and that it will consequently be followed by the sel)aration of Louisiana from Texas, and the result will probably be that this State will be invaded by the enemy on a large scale. The major-general commanding directs me to say, however, that every preparation is being made to receive the enemy here, and he will be firmly and resolutely met. The major-general commanding requests that you will send over to this district the cavalry belonging to Colonel Bates7 regiment, inasmuch as Lieutenant-General Smith has ordered the regiment to Texas. You will please send them to Houston. If you move at once with your forces, you will probably be able to form a junction with Major-General Magruder. Should you not be able to effect a junction, and the enemy force us from this place, he will place you in a dangerous situation by occupying Nibletts Bluff at once and throwing his forces across to Alexandria, thus making an effort to cat off your retreat. Major-General Magruders position here is a good one and the enemy will be resisted here at all hazards. A junction of your forces with Major-General Magruder would, in his opinion, perhaps turn the scale in our favor, and might change the whole features of the campaign here. If the enemy occupy Houston and the railroads radiating from that point, it will be hopeless for us to think of holding any position of the Trans-Mississippi Department; for he who holds Houston with its rail- road communication is master of Texas, and hence virtually master of. the department. I have the honor, & c., EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 236 236 W. FLA., S. ALA., ~. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. rCEIAP. XXXVIII. HEADQUARTERS NORThERN SUB-MILITARY DISTRICT, Bonharn, & pternber 18, 18~33. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: I have scarcely been here long enough to look around me, but at a casual glance am forced to report things in bad condition gen- erally. No district quartermaster nor commissary has yet reported, although I learn the major-general has assigned some to duty in this district; if he had not done so, I could transact the business of the dis- trict through the staff officers of this post. There are no funds in the quartermasters or commissary departments, and certified accounts have been given out until the people are sick of them, and unless funds are sent here very soon, everything we obtain for man or beast will have to be impressed except that received from the tax in kind. The quarter- master has abont 150 detailed teamsters employed, and no negroes to fill their places, and, under orders not to interfere with the labor bu- reau; I conid not have them employed if I could find them; they might possibly be hired here; if not, they could be impressed, I presume. From all I have yet been able to learn, not a quartermaster or com- missary in the district has army funds, and those at this post have not only to provide for the troops that may be ordered here, but for those in the Indian Territory. There seems also to be a conflict among quar- termasters about transportation, caused by orders for some to send all that they can obtain in one direction, while others feel that they have the right to call on them for a portion. This can be avoided by doing everything in this district thronghthe officers assigned to duty here. I have received most pressing letters already from different portions of the district, urging me to take steps to arrest deserters and con- scripts that have gone into the brush in large numbers in some portions of the district. These men live off the property and produce of the people near their camps, and are a terror to the country about them, and in many instances the lives of our best friends are in danger from them. This is an evil that should be corrected at once,. but I have no troops to send after~ them. Some of the militia will be here in a few days, but they are very poorly armed, when armed at all, and you will see from the report of Captain [W. G. M.] Samuels, ordnance officer at this post, that I have only a meager supply of either on hand. In short, there is nothing here, comparatively speaking, to defend the country with, and if both men and means are not supplied, I cannot do it, nor will I be held responsible for its defense. There are no tents on hand, nor any other camp and garrison equipage for troops in the field, nor is there any means of obtaining them in this section. I shall direct estimates to be made by the staff officers at this post for supplies of all kinds for 10,000 men, and the major-general can order them for such number of troops as he may know will have to be supplied from here. The only surgeon here is a hired citizen, and the hospital needs both hospital stores and medicines. I have selected a citizen whom I shall recommend for the appointment of surgeon, and put him on duty as medical director and purveyor of this district. I learn from General Steele that he has very little artillery, and I have none. Ask the major-general to send up one or two batteries as early as practicable. Most respectfully, & c., II. E. MoCULLOCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding Northern Sub-District Page 237 ChAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 237 HEADQUARTERS, Fort Brown, September 18, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston: SIR: I announced previously the capture of the William Peel by the United States squadron, the said vessel being in Mexican waters, taking cotton on board. The English ship of war Pylades has arrived since the departure of the Pccl, and the necessary affidavits have been laid before the captain of that ship to prove her legal status; a vessel has been dispatched to New Orleans to demand her surrender, and it is supposed she will be given up. New Orleans papers to the 12th have been received. Charleston still stands. General Gilimore and Admiral Dahigren have quarreled, and operations suspended; it is thought that Admiral Farragut will be sent there. A battle between Lee and Meade is announced as imminent. The French have ordered the coast of Mexico under blockade excepting the port of Matamoras. There will be no occupation by the land forces at present, but a large naval squadron will be kept permanently off the bar. All this tends to a speedy closing of this port for our trade, for the Yankees will see the necessity of taking Brownsville, and then the Yankee.lVlexican guerrillas will render too dangerous the transit of commerce. No other news of importance. I beg to tender to the major-general commanding my congratulations on the brilliant affair at Sabine. It has inspirited us all. With great respect, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier. General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, Tex., September 18, 1863. H. S. BELL and FRANK BROWN: By virtue of the authority in me vested, you are hereby authorized to cruise on the high seas in the schooner Santiago, under the Confederate flag, and, in the name of the Confederate States, to capture, burn, and destroy the ships of the Government or people of the United States wherever found. H.P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army, 0. 5. GALVESTON, TEX., September 18, 1863. ]IAentenant [JOUNI BRASHEAR, Post Adjutant: SIR: Inclosed I send a report just received by me from Lieutenant- Colonel Robertson of events disgraceful in their character which trans- pired while I was in Houston, in conference with the chief of the cotton bureau. I regret that I had not received information at an earlier day. My first reliable information of the extent and character of the mutiny was to-day. On yesterday I learned at Houston, through unofficia Page 238 238 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL sources, enough to cause me to communicate direct with General Bank- head, asking him to arrest Murray and the men under him. Conduct so disgraceful as that reported by Lieutenant-Colonel Robertson, in which so many are culpable, must find its explanation in the inefficiency of company officers, which I will do my utmost to remedy by preferring charges. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, A. W. TERRELL, Colonel, Commanding Regiment of Texas Cavalry. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS TERRELLS REGiMENT, Col. A. Galveston, & ptember 17, 1863. SIR: On the evening of the 11th instant I received orders from Major- General Magruder, at Camp Kelsoc Springs, Colorado County, to pro- ceed with the troops under my command to Galveston, leaving detail to take care of horses, & c. On the receipt of the order, I paraded the troops, consisting of about 340 men, had the orders from Major General Magruder read to them, and also orders I had prepared for them, giv- ing in detail the necessary instructions for the march. When the orders had been read, I addressed the troqps on the subject of their being dis- mounted. As there was some discontent on that subject, I gave them the assurances of the general commanding and your own that we were but to be temporarily absent from our horses, and that we were only called away for a time to repel the invasion of Texas. When I had finished, Captain [C. G.] Murray, commanding Company F, asked to say a few words to me. He began by saying that the order looked very much like dismounting the troops, and for one he was not willing to leave his horse; said he had promised his men that they should not be dismounted; that he had been fooled once before and never got back to his horse. Dur- ing the time he was frequently cheered by the troops, and the excite- ment grew so intense throughout the regiment, the fermentation in- creased to such an extent, that I saw there was no chance to snppress it unless I had arms, and then I scarcely knew who to trust with them. I again spoke to the men, and denounced Captain Murray, and tried to convince the troops that he was misleading them. I was oftentimes in- terrupted by vociferous cheering for Captaiu Murray. I found that in- subordination had been increased and excited by Captain Murray to such an extent that the troops were beyond my control. I dismissed the parade, hoping that by next morning a better condition of ~ffairs would occur. The troops were boisterous for a time, but soon they all retired in apparent quietude. On the morning of the 12th, I went up the lines, and found the excite- ment again rising, and a large number of horses saddled up and the troops preparing to leave. I called them up agaiu and addressed them. At this time Captain Murray and the troops generally seemed to become satisfied upon my assurance that I had concluded to call for volunteers to go with me to Galveston to repel the enemy. My object in this was to gain time, and in moving our camp to once more get control of the men by proper influences. I retired to my quarters, and in a short time received information that Captain Murray, at the head of about 100 men, had left. I hastened up the line; found it was true. I was powerless without arms, and at that time did not suppose I could get mei~ to usc them if I had them Page 239 CaAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 239 Some timeafterward, about two hours, I found that these troops took with them many of the horses, some of the clothing and baggage, of the men of their respective companies who had been previously sent to Gal- veston. I also learned that Captain Murray had, very early in the morn- ing, sent to Alleyton, where the saddles of those who had been sent to Galveston were left under guard, and by force took from the guard the saddles of those whose horses they were to take away with them. The troops under Captain Murray left in a body, and consisted of his own company, 25 men; of Captain [James E.] Grays company, 4 men; of Captain [Israel] Spikes company, 30 men; of Captain [William C.] Hur- leys company, 30 men; and Lieutenant [J. G.] Chancellor, who was in command of them. I conceive it to be my duty to state that Captain Taylor, Captain [Reuben A.] Reeves, and his lieutenants, Lieutenant [Charles C.] Grayson, Lieutenant [George W.] Reynolds, Lieutenant [J. M.] Cameron, and Lieutenant [Byron C.] Sigler, did their duty as officers in auppressing insubordination and mutiny, and in their respective com- panies succeeded. On the day preceding the day I received the orders to proceed to Galveston, some of Captain Murrays men went to the town of Alleyton, inquired the specie prices of boots, and purchased seven or eight pairs, and paid for them in Confederate money at the specie price, or offered to pay for them, which was refused, and they took the boots by force and brought them away. Upon being informed of this, I ordered Cap- tain Murray to find the perpetrators and arrest them, and bring in the boots, to be returned, and assured him that the perpetrators should be punished. This order was disregarded. I have since been informed that Captain Murray directed the men to do the very act. These things did not come to my knowledge till too late to apply the remedy. I am confident that Captain Murray laid all his plans and promised protec- tion to all who would go with him the night previous. I have no doubt many of the men were led away by Captain Murray in the excitement, who will return when they see the error. I should have stated in the proper place that Lieutenant Chancellor, so I have since been informed, did very much in fermenting and excit- ing the troops to insubordination by false representations and putting in circulation false reports. I left the proper detail of men in charge of horses, and some who were inefficient yet as soldiers, being sick and convalescent, and brought with me to this place 98 men and 9 officers. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. ROBERTSON, Lieutenant- Golonel, Terrells Regiment Texas Cavalry. HDQRS. EASTERN DIvIsION, DEPT. OF THE GULF, Pollard, Ala., & ptember 19, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond: GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report in regard to the organization of my brigade, consisting of the Fifty-fourth [Fifty. seventh] Alabama Regiment Infantry, Col. J. P. W. Amerine com- manding; the Fifth [Sixth] Alabama Regiment Cavalry, Col. C. H. Colvin commanding; the Fifty-fifth [Sixty.first] Alabama Regiment Infantry, Col. W. G. Swanson commanding; the Sixth [Seventh] Ala- bama Regiment Cavalry, Col. Joseph llodgson commanding; Clautons battery, Capt. N. II. Clanton commanding; and Tarrants battery, Captain [Edward] Tarrant commanding Page 240 240 . w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA, TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. On the 30th day of last July, nine muster-rolls of the Fifty-fourth [Fifty-seventh] Alabama Regiment Infantry, seven of the Fifth [Sixth] Alabama Regiment Cavalry, six of the Sixth [Seventh] Alabama Reg- iment Cavalry, two of the Fifty-fifth [Sixty-first] Alabama Regiment Infantry, and one roll each of Captains [George] Goldthwaites and Tarrants batteries, were forwarded by me through Mr. [0. M.] Avery, president of Alabama and Pensacola Railroad, and delivered by him, as he reports, on the 3d day of August last, to Hon. John A. Camp- bell, Assistant Secretary of War, to be filed by him in the War Department. At that time and until very recently, owing to the disorganized con- dition of my comnmaud, the greater portion of it being detached and at various times ordered to diifrrent points to meet anticipated raids and incursions of the enemy both in Mississippi and Alabama, it has been almost impossible to receive reports or records from the detached com- mands of my brigade. My command, with the exception of the Fifth Alabama Regiment Cavalry (now detached and to the front on outpost duty), is now con- centrated at Pollard, Ala., and all embarrassments being now removed, I hope in a few days to be able to forward complete rolls showing the organization of my brigade. - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. H. CLANTON, Commanding Eastern Division, Department of the Gulf. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, shreveport, La., AS1eptember 19, 1863. Hon. JOHN L. LEWIS, lJfinden, La.: SIR: I am instructed by Lient. Gen. E. K. Smith to inclose to you the within papers,* in relation to the disaffected in the parishes of Winn, Jackson, and Claiborne. You will see from these papers the importance of using gentle means to satisfy, if possible, the men referred to. If they have cause to complain and real grievances, they should be heard and their wrongs redressed. You will then proceed to the camp of Lieuten- ant-Colonel Burleson, and with this letter of authority and instructions see these men and assure them of the desire of the lieutenant-general commanding to redress all past grounds of complaint, if in his power to do so. You will use your own mode, manner, and address to accom- plish your object of satisfying these men and continuing their loyalty. Should you be unable to go yourself, you are authorized to appoint as his agent some discreet and suitable man for the purpose. This course has been taken by the lieutenant-general commanding in consequence of the professions of loyalty, & c., set forth in the inclosed notice stuck up by them in the place of Colonel Burlesons proclamation.* You must use your best efforts and judgment to accomplish success- fully your mission. You are hereby authorized to call upon Lieutenant-Colonel Burleson for any assistance or means you may need in carrying out your instruc- tions. Upon proper representations, a portion, if not all, the men may be induced to return to their homes and submit to the laws. You will report the result of your mission to these headquarters. I have the honor to be, respectfully, & c., GUY M. BRYAN, ]Jiliajor, and Assistant Adjutant-General. Not found Page 241 CHAP. XXXVIII. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 241 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 19, 1863. Major-General TAYLOR, Commanding District of Louisiana: GENERAL: I am instructed by Lieutenant-General Smith to say you will order Walkers division to proceed immediately to INatchitoches, La., and there await further orders. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 19, 1863. Col. J. P. MAJOR, Comma~~ding Cavalry Brigade: COLONEL: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that you will move your brigade as rapidly as possible to Natchitoches, advising these headquarters by the courier line of your progress and what time you will reach that point. He also directs that you will report your arrival at Natchitoches. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. P. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: I am in receipt of your communication of the 12th in. stant, in regard to the unparalleled number of desertions occurring among the Texas troops of your command, andin reply thereto am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say he sees no method of stopping this disgraceful abandonment of colors other than by the most summary punishment. He suggests, therefore, that a cav- alry force be used by you for the apprehension and delivery of all de- serters, and that their cases be disposed of as speedily as possible, the several sentences of courts-martial being executed at once. With regard to the subject of pay, as referred to in your letter, the lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say that he has given in- structions that all the troops belonging to this department should be paid alike, and if any deviation from this rule has been made, it has not been with his consent or knowledge or that of the disbursing officers of his headquarters. No one can be more solicitous than him- self that the troops of his command should be paid promptly. A copy of the indorsement of the chief paymaster of the department on that portion of your letter in regard to pay is herewith inclosed. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] Arrangements have been made for the payment of all the troops up to the last of August. [C. E. CARR.] 16 R RVOL XXVI, PT I Page 242 242 w. PtA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, AS hreveport, La., September 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: General Price has fallen back to the Washita. His force is not over 9,000 effective, of all arms. Our reports make the enemys force that entered Little Rock 22,000, since re-enforced by 5,000; they have pushed onr rear-guard throngh Benton, and are reported, by Gen eral Price, advancing in force on Arkadelphia. Walkers division should be immediately advanced to Natchitoches. Majors brigade, if it has not yet left Alexandria, should be pushed for- ward rapidly to the same point. Have you had further and reliable intelligence of the Sabine Pass ex- pedition ~ Has it returned to New Orleans ~ If the Lavaca or the Rio Grande is its destination, you will be relieved in Lower Louisiana. I have information which tends to make me believe Grant is preparing for an attack on Mobile. I go myself to Arkadelphia as soon as General Prices reports are verified. Should the enemy advance with the force stated, your command will have to be drawn on largely, and a concentration made somewhere in this vicinity. I cannot believe they are prepared to push any serions advance beyond Little Rock. Early in November the roads are impas- sable. They will be sufficently occupied till that time in preparing for offensive movements and in organizing a State government. They bring a governor with them. Yours, & c., E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant~ General. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., Sabine Pass, September 19, 1863. To the Soldiers and Citizens of Texas: I have ascertained beyond doubt, from letters found on board the steamer Clifton and intelligence from the Calcasien, that the late ex- pedition against this place was composed of 15,000 men, including 1,500 cavalry, a large quantity of artillery, and a number of wagons and mules, for a serious invasion of the State of Texas. The enemy is now returning; seven war vessels now lie off this place. I call upon the Confederate troops already ordered, upon the State troops designated, and npon all the minute-men in this direction to march to Liberty without delay. The minute-men, State troops, and citizens will swiftly communicate to Lieut. Col. J. D. McAdoo, assistant adjutant-general of State troops, at Houston, the day and hour of their marching, and the Confederate troops the same to Brigadier-General Scurry, at Houston, Capt. A. N. Mills, assistant adjutant-general. lt is particularly desired that all troops, citizens, and others report- ing for service here will state the time of their departure and expected arrival, as the information is absolutely necessary at these headquarters. The reports relating to the movements of Confederate troops will be communicated to these headquarters by telegraph, via Beaumont, by Brigadier-General Scurry, and those relating to the movements of the State troops and minute-men will be sent through Maj. B. W. Cave, chief of bureau of State troops Page 243 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 243 Let all arm themselves and come without the least delay. By a com- bined effort the enemy will be defeated. We will not look at the other alternative, but all must respond to this call with the utmost promptness. The army of speculators is respectfully invited to participate on this occasion. J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine, Septemoer 19, 1863. Brig. Geu. W. H. Boc~Gs Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to herewith transmit, for the informa. tion of the lieutenant-general commanding, a copy of the letter fouud on the captured steamer Clifton.* Copies of the same were forwarded to Generals Taylor and Mouton, and in my letter to General Taylor len- deaved to impress upon him the importance of assisting me. Since my last communication, I have positive intelligence that the enemy were at least 15,000 strong, and will return with certainly not less than 20,000. To meet them, I have at present here not more than 1,600 for duty, officers and men, and though I may succeed in repelling for a brief period their first onslaught, they will undoubtedly be successful event- ually, unless Brigadier-General Moutons command is hurried forward to my assistance. There is very little water in lied River now, which renders that country safe, at least from a naval attack, and if they get a footing in Texas with such a force, Louisiana will have to be abandoned, in my judgment. The importance of immediate relief in this quarter is, I think, apparent, and I trust my views may commend themselves to the lieutenant-general commanding. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine Pass, September 19, 1863. Brigadier-General MCCULLOCH, Commanding Northern Sub-District: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that the State is seriously threatened by an invading force of 15,000 men. Neither the troops asked for nor Lucketts brigade, previously ordered, can be spared. The major-general commanding has only 2,500 to meet a force of 15,000. Captain [Alexander] MeCulloch will be assigned to duty as pay. master of the Northern Sub-District at once. Your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Not found Page 244 244 W. FLA., S. ALA, S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. MOBILE, ALA., September 20, 1863. [General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON:] M~ DEAR GENERAL: I have not been able to report anything of especial interest to you since you left here. My scouts report no move- nient of troops about New Orleans except down the riv~r. As they have not come here nor to any points under observation in this vicinity, I think it not unlikely that large forces are being sent to Texas, as the Yankees now say is being done. Yesterday I fired at the elliptical tower from the barbette battery, distance 1,200 yards; used the 6 and 7 inch Brooke guns and a 10-inch gnu. The Ilring was excellent, and the result showed the battery to be utterly unserviceable. The effect of one shot from the 10-inch gun would have been to make the whole garrison capitulate or evacuate. It knocked away a huge mass of iron and wood, throwing the splinters all abont the interior of the battery, and breaking the shot itself into a hundred pieces. The Brooke projectiles were less destructive. We lost a fine cargo of Government supplies iii the Fanny. She was chased into Pascagoula the other day, and burned. She reports having seen the Alabama chased by a gunboat. The cargo of the Alabama was still more valuable than that of the Fanny. The two boats de- posited in Havana 450 bales of cotton, which was sold at 36 cents. They may be regarded as the last of the blockade-runners, as they were the best of them. [W. L.i Powell is very ill; how to replace him I do not know; lie is an excellent officer. We are very anxious you should be placed in command of the vast army now under Bragg at Chattanooga. It seems a great risk to intrust such a force to Bragg after his recent experience. A letter has just come in from a New Orleans man, who says Grants forces in New Orleans on the 8th were, from best information, about 42,000 men. There is much dissatisfaction; many desertions in his army. it is rumored that he was about to send an exl)edition to Texas. Negroes are again coming in slowly. DABNEY H. MAURY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of September 18. You will suspend the movement of Walkers division. Majors brigade should, however, continue to march to Nat- chitoches; there it can await events; its central position and mobility will permit its moving in either direction as circumstances demand. My dispatches this morning from General Price report the enemy moving in force from Benton on Arkadelphia, 12,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry and artillery. I still do not think they will now attempt an advance beyond the Washita. Fery respectfully, your obedient servant, IX KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General Page 245 CHAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 245 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, dec.: GENERAL: I have a blank commission from the Department at Rich- mond to fit out and send to sea a cruiser, in charge of some naval officer. This was given at the time the ship at the mouth of the Rio Grande was supposed to be suitable for a war vessel. By direction of Commodore Brent, C. S. Navy, and commandant of naval affairs west of the Mississippi, Lieutenant Wharton, C. S. Navy, proceeds to Texas for the purpose of examining the vessels captured at Sabine Pass. I desire that every facility should be given Lieutenant Wharton for such examination, so that in the event of either of them being fitted for sea purposes, being of sufficient draught and too deep for the defenses of the channels on the sea-coast, or not needed by you for that purpose, one or both of them may be commissioned as cruisers and sent to sea immediately. I am, general, respectfully, yours, & c., E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Alexandria, September 21, 1863. Maj~ Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding, ct~c. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that the expedition lately at Sabine Pass is now at Berwick Bay, having come through iNew Or- leans. My own conviction is that this force will take boats from the bay for some part of your district. Franklin joined Ord and Herron at Berwick on the 18th instant. I will endeavor to keep you informed and do all in my power to assist you. The enemy cannot march on Nibletts without first driving me north of Red River. In truth, I do not think he will attempt it. Gen- eral Price is falling back down the Washita before a superior force, and I have just received orders from department headquarters to move Walkers division of infantry ~ind Majors cavalry to Natchitoches, there to await orders. I shall, however, hold them in hand to check Franklin, unless I receive other orders after the lieutenant-general is advised of affairs at Berwick. In view of the present state of affairs, I think you h~md best retain Pyron~s regiment in Texas. I presume they would march by Nibletts, and possibly may be in the position you want them. Perhaps it would be well to let the regiment know that it is retained in Texas at my suggestion. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major- General. [HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine Pass, September 21, 1863.] Brigadier-General SCURRY, Commanding Eastern Sub-District, Houston: Order ~ regiment at once to Liberty. Direct commanding officer of Terrells regiment to send for horses of the regiment to meet him at Liberty Page 246 246 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., ~EX., N. MEX. [CHAP. NXXVIII. Direct Colonel [A. II.] Davidson to collect all his men, and report to Brigadier-General Debray at Galveston, to act as infantry, without the least delay. Direct Brigadier-General Debray to call out every one of the militia at Galveston, and arm with the arms formerly used by ~ regi- ment. Other arms have been given Terrells regiment, and itis pre- sumed he has them. Direct the quartermaster at Liberty to have transportation in readi- ness to take the troops at that place to Galveston should the enemy make an attack there on land. Direct Major Bloomfield in the generals name to send corn at all hazards to Beaumont. If not, he will be responsible and no one else. By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. [P. S.]Telegraph, and forward by first train. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to inform you that you will give instructions to the officers who are dfrected to reorganize their commands, nuder General Orders, No. 43, current series, department headquarters, to grant furloughs of thirty days to such men as were paroled at Yicksburg and Port Hudson and afterward ordered to the parole camps and granted furloughs. Such men as belonged to the garrisons of those places, that were pa- roled by the enemy and by him permitted to cross the river without furloughs, have bee improperly paroled; their paroles will, therefore, not be considered binding; they will be immediately placed in camp and made ready for service. I inclose an extract from a letter of the Secretary of War on this subject, which gives in full the views of the Department.* I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Lieutenant-General Holmes and Major-General Magruder.) HEADQUARTERS FORCES SOUTH OF RED RIVER, in the Field, near Opelousas, September 22, 1863. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Sabine Pass, Tex.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of the 17th instant. In a previous communication I stated to Major-General Magruder that his request had been submitted to my commanding officer, Major-General Taylor. The latter considers it im- possible and impracticable to answer to General Magruders call. All Not found Page 247 ~ii!AP. XXXVIIJ.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 247 the troops under my command are now concentrated abov~~ Opelousas excepting a small force of cavalry stationed near Berwick Bay to watch the enemy. The enemy have concentrated a large force at Berwick Bay. They have thrown a force up toward Pattersonville, so that it is impossible for me to observe their movements. My impression, from all J can gather and observe, is that the expedition is intended for Texas. The force is estimated at 20,000 to 30,000 men, but this is only surmise. Their force is certainly large. They may attempt to march from New Iberia to Nibletts Bluff. Should they do this, I hope it will produce a disaster; at any rate, I can make them very unhappy~ I send your communication to General Taylor, and will act accord- ing to his instructions. Ii am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFIR. MOUTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine Pass, September 22, 1863. Lient. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi: GET~ERAL: With a view to strengthening all of the weak points in the vicinity of this post and giving his personal supervision to the same, Major-General Magruder left yesterday evcning on a tour of inspection of the coast running westward, and will perhaps be absent two days. In the interim, he directed me to give you a full report of the situation here, the progress of our works of defense, and his views as to the prob- ability of an attack and his anticipations as to its result. The fort, our main reliance in case of an attack from the navy, has been strengthened by the addition of two 30-pounder Parrott guns (its armament at the time of the fight consisting of two 32-pounders, two 24-pounders, and two 24-pounder brass howitzers), and by increasing the thickness and height of the walls. In addition to this, the captured steamer Clifton will soon be ready for service, and, under the command of the gallant Leon Smith, with her brave crew, who have seen service under him before, she will be an invaluable acquisition in the defense of the Pass. Her armament consists of two 9-inch Dahlgren guns, one 30-pounder Parrott, and three smooth-bore 32-pounders. The Sachem was so completely disabled that some time will elapse before any use can be made of her. She has, how ever, been removed to Sabine Lake, and her guns placed in works ou the shore. Anticipating a landing of the troops on the beach with a view of turning the fort, in case of the renewal of the attack, the approaches to the fort and town are being rapidly fortified, under the direction of Col. V Sulakowski, and light artillery has been put into position at the most inviting and weakest points of attack. The country in the immediate vicinity of this place is a flat prairie, interspersed with marshes and mud fiats, and practicable for cavalry as well as infantry in dry weather. A large force of negroes are at work on the intrenchments, and the major-general commanding is con- fident that if he cannot hold Sabine, it will at least prove a thorny entrance to the interior of Texas. Our forces consist of Buchels, GouhFs, and Lncketts regiments, Griffins and Browns battalions, three four-gun batteries of light artillery, and some 300 cavalry; in all Page 248 248 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. ICHAP. XXXVIIL about 2,000 effective men. ]~very detailed man that can possibly be spared has been ordered to rejoin his command, and appeals have been made to the minute-men and State troops, and, I am happy to inform you, with some success. By the energy and zeal of Major Cave, the chief of the bureau of State troops, cavalry is being assembled rapidly at Liberty, on the Texas and Northern Railroad, and in a few days he expects to have 1,000 State cavalry there, under the command of Colonel Townes. At a double bayou on the road leading from Liberty to this place, the general has placed a fine battery of light artillery, supported by cavalry, to pre- vent this position being turned. The troops here and in the immediate vicinity are under the command of Col. A. Buchel, a gallant, efficient, and meritorious officer, who served through the Mexican war, and whom he regards as one of the ablest officers in the department. There are at present six vessels off the bar, one of which is repre- sented as being an iron-clad, and, from all the information that can be gained, the general is of the opinion the attack will be renewed with an increased force at no very distant day; and he thinks their delay is owing only to the time required to bring iron- dads and mortar-boats from the Mississippi, and until the equinoctial gales are over. The greater portion of their transports in the recent attack were Mississippi River steamboats, which, of course, would be unmanageable in stormy weather on the Gulf. In order to blockade the channel, the general has ordered several old vessels to be sunk below the fort, and they are now being made ready for that purpose. The channel in the Pass is very narrow, but about 15 to 18 feet deep, and if we can successfully obstruct it, to do which only time is required, the general regards this post secure from a naval attack. In his communications to Major-General Taylor and General Mouton, the major-general commanding has endeavored to impress upon them the necessity of co-operation and immediate relief. From the tenor of their communications, however, he has little hope of receiving assist- ance from them, and fears that he will have to rely solely on the little force now gathered here. Our troops are in fine spirits and eager to emulate the example of the heroic little garrison that so successfully repelled the enemy on the 8th instant, and at every signal of attack have rushed promptly into line. All traces of mutinous conduct seem to have disappeared, and the general has great confidence in them if called into action. Trusting that his disposition for the defense of the State may be crowned with success, the major-general commanding desires to tender you his best wishes for your success in the administration of the department. With great respect, I have the honor, general, to remain, your friend and obedient servant, STEPHEN I). YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRsT DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, Tex., & ptember 22, 1803. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston: We, the undersigned, respectfully recommend that Maj. Sautos Bena- vides, of the Thirty.third Texas Cavalry, be assigned to duty, subjec Page 249 CHAP. XXXViIi.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 249 to the approval of Lieut. Gen. Kirby Smith, as brigadier-general, and placed in command of the Mexican frontier of the State, under the orders of the general commanding the Western Sub-District. We offer the following reasons for our suggestion: Major Benavides, a native of Laredo, Tex., has been in the service of the Confederacy from the date of secession of Texas, and has done his duty faithfully and zealously. He has for nearly a year been in command of that part of the line of the Rio Grande most infected with traitors and thieves; he has by the exercise of most admirable tact, skill, and decision, pun- ished the enemies of his country, stopped the depredations of the thieves, and, whether on the one or other side of the Rio C~rande, given quiet and protection to the people; he has acquired the respect and confi- dence of the authorities of Tamaulipas and Knevo Leon, and the highest esteem of all citizens living on the frontier in Texas. The anticipated arrival of the enemy on this river is fraught with great danger to the large and valuable stock ranches of Western Texas; the population on both sides is turbulent and restive; the ordinary resources of the country are not sufficient to give occupation and sup- port to all of them, and with great facility bands or companies can be raised to depredate on either or both sides. The most direct and positive efforts have been made by Dan [Davis], ilaynes, and other traitors who are known and have influence on this frontier, to prganize and prepare them as an auxiliary force to join the enemy on their arrival, and they succeeded so far as to render necessary a constant and vigilant watch to be kept on their actions by our troops; happily Major Benavides, a short time ago, crossed the river and attacked the band, all of the leaders of which, including Zapata, were slain, and now they have no head. This and other similar acts of rapid justice on the part of Major Benavides have stricken terror to our enemies and given confidence to our friends, and it is our belief that he can rally the greater portion of the population to our assistance if he has the necessary power, means, and position. In this connection we would suggest that no effort be made to enforce the conscript or militia laws on this river, as certain to produce but the effect of driving the population across the river, and making them the more readily join our enemies when they come; but, if let alone, Major Bena- vides can, with the guarantee of all they may capture from the enemy and the strong personal influence he possesses, create a guerrilla force that will not only identify them with our cause, but prove a source of annoyance and loss to the enemy which will assuredly cripple their movements. We speak from a long and personal acquaintance with this frontier and its people, manners, and customs, and we believe that the appoint- ment of Major Benavides to the position sought will transfer a quasi- hostile population into most valuable auxiliaries. II. P. BEE. JAS. E. SLAUGHTER. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ AD JT. AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, No. 225. Bichrnond, Va., September 22, 1863. * * * * * * * VIII. Brig. Gen. T. N. Waul, Provisional Army Confederate States, will proceed without delay to Shreveport, La., and report to Lieut. Gen Page 250 250 W. PLA., S. ALA, S. MISS., LA., ~PEX,, t~. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIt. E. Kirby Smith, commanding Trans-Mississippi Department, for assign- inent to ditty. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT. Shreveport, La., September 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding District of Western Louisiana: GENERAL: In reply to your communication in regard to sending steamboats to Alexandria, the lieutenant-general commanding directs me to inclose the within commnnicatiou from the chief quartermaster of the Trans-Mississippi Department in reference to that snbject.* He further directs me to say that, in view of the threatening attitude of the enemy in your frollt, the disposition of Majors brigade is approved, and it will remain under your command until further orders. JOHN G. MEEM, JR., Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 23, 1863. lVJaj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge your two communica- tions of the 21st instant. Your disposition of Majors brigade, under the circumstances, meets my approval. I have had no further information from General Prices command. They are at Arkadelphia and Rockport, with their cavalry advanced to the Sabine. Should any advance be made in force, necessitating the farther retreat of General Price, the concentration you refer to will be necessary for the purpose of striking a decisive blow at one or the other of the columns advancing from Arkansas and Louisiana. IdonotbelievethatanadvancewillnowbemadefromLittleRock, nor does the concentration at Betwick Bay necessarily imply an advance into Louisiana. Texas may be the destination of the latter force, or possibly Mobile may be its objective point, in co-operation with Sher- mans and McPhersons corps, moving from Yicksburg. Hardee, who commands General Johnstons army, has but little force at his disposal. Two divisions of that army have re-enforced General Bragg, and a third is said to have been sent to Charleston. 1 can give no directions in regard to the movement of your army until the enemys plan is further developed. The armies are too far apart now for any practical plan of concentration being carried into effect. Cir- cumstances and your own judgment must govern you, and whilst I do not wish to place any check upon your engaging the enemy, you as well as myself know our means and resources are too limited to risk any general engagement without some reasonable chance of success. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. * Not found Page 251 251 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORl~E~PO~DENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., & xbine Pass, September 23, 1863. Brigadier-General DEBRAY, Commanding Galveston, and Brigadier-General SCURRY, Iliouston: Five steamers and two supply vessels in sight to-night. Three close into the bar, as usual. All quiet. I have received to-day from General Taylor official information of the lauding of 15,000 Yankees at Berwick Bay from New Orleans by railroad. They have with them a large amonut of transportation, and are under command of Generals Ord and Herron, from Grants army. Their destination is as yet unknown, and they arc evidently not the same force that attacked Sabine Pass on the 8th. STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 24, 1863. Col. G. P. RANDOLPH, Collinsburg, La.: COLONEL: The movements of the enemy in Louisiana will very soon render it necessary to call out the companies organizing for home de- fense. Under the provisions of the act, and for their greater efficiency, they will be organized into battalions and regiments. The power of appointing field officers is with myself. No time should be lost in completing these organizations, and I desire that you will command the battalion or regiment that will be first formed in North- ern Louisiana. Col. J. L. Lewis, of 1\Iinden, has several companies under process of organization. B. Witherspoon, of Black Jack, Dc Soto Parish, Col. B. L. each been author Hodge, and W. S. Welch, of this place, have ized to raise a company. There are other companies in process of formation, but a head is wanted to give life and organization to the whole. I inclose you your commission as colonel. The appointment of the other field officers will be made with your advice and on your recommendation. Col. B. L. lodge, from his energy, experience, and position, would be the best appointment that I can suggest for the lieutenant-colonelcy. I suggest this matter to your earnest consideration, and, if you take it in hand, will materially hasten the organization of a regiment. Let me thank you for the prompt and patriotic zeal with which you have responded to every call made upon you by the authorities. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Alexandria, September 24, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. BoGGS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: My latest from below is of the 22d instant. The enemy had made no attempt to advance up the Teche. His l)ickets had driven ours to Pattersonville, at the mouth of the Teche, 9 miles from the bay Page 252 252 W. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXvIII. where we were re-enforced, and drove the enemy in turn. I have or- dered the officers in command to drive the opposing pickets suddenly into Berwick, so as to obtain a clear view of the position, the number and kind of transports, & c., so that we may arrive at a definite opinion of the enemys designs. As soon as the enemy commits himself fully to the Texas expedition, if that be really his purpose, I shall attempt to overthrow the force in front of Green, on the Mississippi, hold the For- doche and Morganza roads with infantry, and push all the cavalry into the La Fourche to destroy the railroad from New Orleans to Berwick Bay. Should circumstances warrant it, we can then push to Algiers or at least the lower coast. This in case instructions from department headquarters do not render other dispositions necessary, for late dis- patches from General ll6bert indicate rapid progress by the enemy in front of General Price. Lieutenant Watkins, from General S. D. Lee, has reached here. I give instant attention to the subject of his mission. I have invited General Lees notice to my proposed plan, as above indicated, and suggested that could he sweep down with a large force of cavalry on the opposite side, we might strike a heavy blow, and force a recall of the Texas expedition. I will endeavor to communicate often with General Lee, using a cipher for our communication. General Magruder will be kept informed of the movement below. Respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Maj. Gen. STEPHEN D. LEE: Alexandria, September 24, 1863. GENERAL: Lieutenant Watkins, of your command, reached my head- quarters to-day, and communicated the verbal messages which you had intrusted to him. I have pickets stationed along the river from a point opposite Fort Adams to a point opposite Tunica, but as your forces are considerably north of the first-mentioned point, I shall at once dis- patch suitable persons to establish themselves opposite Rodney, so that communication may be opened and kept up with you at that place. Connected with this party will be a detachment of the signal corps, which will enable us to carry on our communication with tolerable facil- ity. It is my purpose to harass the enemy above as well as below the mouth of Red River with light batteries and sharpshooters, and by means of horse artillery and mounted men the mobility of these attack- ing columns will enable them to harass the enemy and seriously inter- fere with his navigation of the Mississippi River. I have had for several weeks past a force consisting of light artillery and mounted men operating against the enemy from points from 30 to 40 miles below the mouth of lied River, in the neighborhood of Morganza, which has been of much annoyance to him, and has served quite effect- ually to interfere for a week or ten days at a time with the navigation of the river by transports and commercial vessels. As long as this policy can be carried out, I shall continue it. The force concentrating at Berwick Bay is a large one, and from all the information which I can gather is intended to move into Texas. As soon as this movement takes place, the strength of the enemy in the lower portion of Louisiana will be materially lessened, and by a rapid movement into the La Fourche country on my part, with a simultaneou Page 253 253 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .CONFEDERATE. movement by your forces down the east bank of the Mississippi River, we cnn clear both sides of that stream to the neighborhood of New Orleans, and perhaps the city itself If the movement indicated is prac- ticable on your part, and you should desire to avoid Baton Rouge, the roads leading from Jackson and Clinton to what is known as the New River road, which at this season and for a month or two later are entirely practicable, will enable you to strike the Mississippi nearly opposite Donaldsonville, and my expedition would reach the river a short dis- tance below that place, or 15 or 20 miles below, as circumstances might render more judicious or advisable. This movement, made by us in concert, wonid, in my opinion, not only be attended with the good results above mentioned, but, in consideration of the small force left in Lower Louisiana, would almost inevitably force the column which had moved into Texas to return for the protection of New Orleans. I send a cipher by which we can communicate with each other. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major- General, Commanding. SAN ANTONIO, TEX., September 24, 1863. General LEWIS T. WIGFALL, Richmond, Va.: M~ DEAR GENERAL: I have the most cogent reasons for believing that a most l)ernicious policy of traffic with the enemy, or within their lines by their connivance, is being inaugurated in official quarters in this department. Unless some change has come over the spirit of our Government on this subject, I know that this policy is very far from meeting the approval of the President. But it may be carried on for a considerable period without his knowledge, in the present state of affairs on this side of the Mississippi. So soon as I heard that such a ~)olicy was being carried out, I took steps through the medium of a letter to my friend, Surgeon [J. NI.] iladen, of General Smiths staff, to apprise the general of what I know to be the Presidents view of such transac- tions. A copy of that letter I now inclose in one to the President, and with this forward them to you. If you concur with me in the propriety of bringing this matter to the notice of the President, you will please deliver him my communication. For my own part I look upon it as a matter of the greatest importance, but I defer to your better judgment. I very much regretted not meeting Colonel [J. C.] Ives when he was in this State the past summer. In fact, I think it much to be regretted that he did not remain here. Nothing, in my opinion, could conduce more to the benefit of the service than the presence in this department, now isolated, of some discreet member of the Presidents staff, who could take a view of public affairs from a position above the distorting ele- ments of local prejudices and passions, clique influences and interests, or selfish considerations personal to himself. Please present my highest regards to the members of your family, and believe me, truly, your friend, ~. HART. [Inciosure.] SAN ANTONIO, TEX., September 23, 1863. President DAVIS, Richmond: Mr. PRESIDENT: I deem it my duty to call your attention to the facts stated iu the within copy of a letter I addressed to Surgeon Haden, fo Page 254 254 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL the information of Lientenant.General Smith. Since the date of that letter, other information which I deem reliable has been communicated to me, which forces the conviction upon my mind that the species of traffic alluded to has been, and may continue to be, carried on through the enemys lines, which, if not put a stop to, will lead to disastrous results. You will pardon me for making this private communication; my mo- tives, I am sure, you will properly appreciate, and I remain, Your Excel. lencys most obedient servant, S. HART. [Sub-Inclosure.] SAN ANTONIO T Dr. J. A. HADEN, , EX., September 15, 1863. (Surgeon- General, Trans.Mississippi Dept.), Shreveport, La.: - M~ DEAR SIR: I am informed by General T. A. Washington, of this city, that a letter was received here by Mr. McCarthy (of firm of Duff & McCarthy) from Lieutenant-Colonel Broadwell, to the effect that if Major Washington would make out certified accounts of certain stores, either contracted for or needed by him (in which, I suppose, Mr. McCar- thy was concerned), he, Lieutenant-Colonel Broadwell, would take up such accounts and pay them in cotton on Red River, and would author- ize Mr. McCarthy to export the cotton, through some foreign party, by way of the Mississippi River, under condition that the cotton should not be sold at New Orleans. I am further informed by a young man of intelligence in the employment of Major Bloomfield, chief quarter- master of this district, that coffee has recently been procured by the same sort of commerce from within the lines of the enemy, and that the cotton to pay for it was actually sent to and sold at Saint Louis. The details of these matters may not have reached me correctly, but I am compelled to believe that some system of commercial intercourse is being inaugurated with parties inside of the enemys lines which im- plies sonie sort of understanding with their authorities. Major Wash- ington at first offered to get me the letter above referred to for inspec- tion, but on inquiry he learned it had been forwarded to Mr. McCarthy, at Brownsville, but he saw the letter when here himself. At first I thought I would write to General Smith, who may not be aware of these matters; but, as it is a matter in no way connected with my duties, it occurred to me that he might not regard it as proper for me to do so. When I was in Richmond last fall, it happened to come within my personal knowledge that propositions of a similar character looking toward a commerce in cotton and supplies, to be carried on by consent or connivance on the part of the authorities of both Governments, were made to the Departments at Richmond, and were strongly urged by some of the heads of the supply. departments. They were, however, referred to the President himself, and he at once and without hesitation put a peremptory stop to all such negotiations, condemning all inter- course of the kind in the most decided manner. It has occurred to me that it might be well for this to be brought to General Smiths knowledge; in fact, it might save him from difficulties hereafter, and, if you think so, I now make the statement in order that you may communicate it. I do not desire, however, that this information should be used where it could do injury to Colonel Broadwell, or any one else, whose motives, I am aware, may be entirely above suspicion. Several high officials, a Page 255 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .CONFEDERATE. 255 I have said, whose patriotism and integrity were, of course, unques- tionable, approved similar plans in Richmond last fall. The decided determination of the President was based upon the moral and political consequences of such a commerce, which he regarded as of the most dan- gerous tendency, in which view I know very many judicious persons concur. Knowing the above facts, I did not think it right to keep them to my- seig but leave it to your discretion to communicate them or not, your official and personal relations with General Smith being of such a char- acter as will enable you to determine better than I could. * * * * * * * Very truly, your friend, S. HART. [SETEMBER 24, 1863.For Bankhead to Magruder, in reference to operations in Arkansas and Indian Territory, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 1026.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LouIsIANA, Alexandria, September 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. BocfGS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the com- munication of the lieutenant-general commanding, 23d September, and accompanying documents. The force at Berwick Bay is now very large. Grant is in New Or- leans, and will command the expeditionstated on all hands to be for Texas. Two at least of Grants army corps, probably McPherson and Ord, with whatever Banks can supply, are at Berwick Bay. Their encampments cover a larger area than did Banks army last spring. Up to the night of the 22d, no advance had taken place, except by a cav- alry regiment and four light pieces; this force has driven in our pick- ets this side of Franklin, but seems to be too far from their supports to indicate an advance of the main body. Probably knowing our force, they desire to enlarge their preparations, and prevent us from overlook- ing their operations at the bay. I have directed Majors brigade, with two pieces, to re-enforce Vincents regiment on the Lower Teche, to re- strain the enemy and force him to develop his plans. As I may need all my cavalry for this purpose, I have directed General Walker to move at once to the Lower Bo~uf to relieve Green, almost constantly engaged with the enemy. I leave for below to-night or to-morrow. Inclosed are communications from General Magruder to General Mouton.* Respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. TAYLOR, Major- General. SHREVEPORT, LA., September 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAILoR, Commanding District of Louisiana: M~ DEAR GENERAL: Let me thank you for your letter of the 22d. The free expression of your views and the cordial tone throughout are * No inclosures found Page 256 256 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIH. the more acceptable, as, under adversity, criticism and abuse an support, are the natural result of position. d not I feel the soundness of your views; indeed, for some time past have had the conviction forced upon me that a concentration in one or the other district was inevitable; the time for carrying it into execution and the point of concentration have alone been matters of doubt. I am now on the eve of leaving for Arkadelphia, where General Holmes telegraphs me I mnst come immediately. I shall reach Arka- delphfa Sunday, and can then judge of the enemys intentions at Little Rock; his plan~ below will have been developed, and I can then decide whether the Arkansas force should be carried below, or whether yours should re-enforce Holmes. Should the enemy advance from Little Rock, Arkansas is (lecidedly the place for concentration. A success there clears the Indian country, whilst it redeems the Arkansas Valley. The despondency is greater in that State than elsewhere, and the Indians are preparing to change their allegiance. Nothing but a decisive blow struck speedily in that section will prevent the loss of the whole coun- try east of Red River. In the event of your being ordered to re-enforce Holmes, what effective force can you bring, and what cavalry will you leave in Louisiana, and whom do you propose leaving in command of the district 0? I shall direct stores collected at Minden, where they will be available for a command marching from Yatchitoches upon either Camden or Arkadelphia. I am not posted in events and the condition of affairs in Prices front. Should I be detained in Arkadeiphia, I will write to you, and will then be better able to determine npon the plan to be adopted. Sincerely, yonr friend, E. KIRBY SMITH, [Lieutenant- General.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, iSitrerejport, La., & ptember 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let- ter of the 23d instant. General Boggs was some months since directed by me to have an examination made of the position at Grand Ecore, and, if suitable, to have a work erected there for the defense of the river. My instructions were, in accordance with the views I have always expressed, that a simple redoubt capable of containing a small garrison, with its guns commanding the obstructions in the river, was, with our means, the true mode of defense. Such was the work directed to be constructed at Grand Ecore. I have been dnring the last three months so much ab- sent from department headquarters that but little attention has been given by me to this matter. A short time since it was reported to me that a practicable road could be made east of Spanish Lake, up the Valley of Red River, offering a safe line of retreat, and remedying the objections to Grand Ecore as a position for an intrenehed camp. General Boggs is now absent making an examination of the position. I think, however, it is too late to com- mence any extensive works there, even if his report should prove favor- able. I shall instruct him by letter (a copy of which is inclosed), in the event Major [H. T.j Douglas has commenced any extensive line of works, not near completion, to suspend further operations; that i Page 257 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~CONFEDERATE. 257 never was my intention to erect any but a small inclosed work on the bank of the river. He will report to you his action, and will give direc- tions for the removal of the guns, hands, and tools to this point, where the works are rapidly progressing. If a work can be thrown up at Plaisance or at any point below, upon the plan and for the purposes which I have previously indicated, you will (10 well to push its completion. Should you desire it, one of the 9-inch guns can be left at Grand Ecore at your disposal. The construc- tion by you of the fortification at Plaisance must depend upon the movement that you believe will be made by the enemy. Such work is only useful in obstructing the navigation of the river, and looks to the operations of the enemy being suspended until high water. Should he move in force from Berwick Bay before the rivers rise, the occupation of the work will be only a useless sacrifice of men and guns. Should the enemy in force advance from Berwick Bay, your plans for the obstruction of Lower Red River will fail for want of time. Would it not be well to be prepared in advance for the obstruction of the river above, should the abandonment of the country be forced upon us ~? There are points where one or more boats loaded with stone would form serious, if not permanent, obstructions to navigation. It has been proposed to me, though I am unable to pronounce upon its feasibility, that the falls above Alexandria can readily be obstructed, in this way closing the navigation of the river for at least one season, There is every disposition on the part of the planters to give their hands, teams, and overseers for this work. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 25, 1863. Brigadier-General BOGGS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I inclose you a copy of General Taylors letter and my reply.* If any extensive line has been commenced, and not near com- pletion, you will suspend operations. Only a small inclosed work on the bank of the river was contemplated by me. If the ground is not suitable for a work to be garrisoned by about 300 men, commanding obstructions in the river, and the work not well under way, you had better communicate with General Taylor at Alex. andria, and if he orders the fort at Plaisance to be constructed, give directions yourself for the removal of the guns, tools, and hands to this point with as little delay as possible. Whilst the guns and tools are all needed at this point, if General Taylor requires any portion of them for his work at Plaisance, you will direct the necessary disposition to be made, after consultation with him. Two of the guns are absojately necessary, and all the tools, if General Taylor can make other arrangements for obtaining the necessary supply. I am, general, very respectfully, your. obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. * See letter immediately preceding. 17 i~ RYOL xxw, PT I Page 258 258 W. FLA., $. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, AS1 hreveport, La., September 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: Since writing you this morning in reference to the works at Grand Ecore, I have received the within report from Major iDouglas.* His views are sound. From his examination of the location, extensive works will be necessary, should it be determined to defend the position. They were never contemplated by me at that point, and I shall direct the guns, & c., removed and all operations permanently suspended. Un- less you feel satisfied no advance of the enemy will be made in force before the rivers rise, his recommendation had better be adopted, and all heavy guns transported to this place, where a concentration is prac. ticable and where extensive works are under construction. You should give your attention to the obstruction of the river; at least, preparations should be made in advance, so that Wcan be promptly obstructed when necessary. I am, general, yours, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant General. SHREVEPORT, LA., September 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. HENRY E. MOCULLOCH, Commanding Northern Sub District of Texas: GENERAL: I have just received your letter from Bonham, and on the eve of departure for Prices command at Arkadelphia. I wish you success in bringing back the absentees in your district to their colors. It is one of the crying evils hi this department, and one of the most difficult to manage. Where clemency and persuasion fail, force must be resorted to. Any citizen who it can be clearly proved is encour- aging this lamentable desertion from the army, should be arrested and sent beyond our lines to the enemy, where he belongs. The employment of negroes throughout your district for detailed men should most un- hesitatingly be adopted; orders to that effect have been issued. The drafting of the militia may take many men from your district whose presence is indispensable at home. Forward General Magru- der a list of such names as you honestly believe should be detailed to remain at home. Retain the millers needed for grinding the present crop, on your own authority, till General, Magruder can act on their cases. The wheat crop must be ground. I do not know what I can do for Edgar; he deserves promotion, but there is no promoting power except for gallantry in the field. Dr. Haden, medical director, has written to General Magruders medical director, requesting that Dr. Baring may be ordered to report to you. Sincerely, yours, E. KIRBY SMITH, [Lieutenant- General.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MJSSISSjPPJ DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. ~. B. MAGRUDER, Shreveport, September 25, 1863. Commanding District of Texas, Houston: GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding has the honor to ac- knowledge the receipt of your letter of 19th instant,f with inclosure.* * Not found. tSeep. 243 Page 259 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 259 He directs me to say until the enemys plans are further developed no plan can be adopted. The letter you inclosed intimates an intention of the enemys invading by way of the Teche and Red liiv~r. General Taylor reports Franklins command, increased ~y Ords and Herrons corps, of Banks army, landing at Berwick Bay, and the con- centration of a large amount of transportation indicates that the enemy intend moving by land from that point. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. MEEM, JR., Aide-dc- Camp. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., No. 260. Beaumont, September 25, 1863. * * * * * * X. Brigadier.General Bankhead will repair with his brigade without delay to Houston, Tex. The battery of mounted howitzers attached to his brigade will be attached by Brigadier-General McCnlloch to Gen- eral Steeles command. General McCulloch will also send all cavalry ordered to report at Bonham forthwith to Millican, and there to report to the commanding officer at Houston, excepting two companies, which he will retain for courier service at Bonham. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., September 26, 1863. Maj. W. H. THOMAS, Chief of Subsistence: MAJOR: Lieutenant-General Smith directs preparations be made so that seven days rations for 6,000 men, with forage, can be speedily col- lected at Minden when ordered. He directs that the corn at Camden be not removed from that place. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, -Assistant Adjutant- General. (Copy to Major Minter, chief quartermaster.) BEAUMONT, TEX., September 26, 1863. Major-General TAYLOR: GENERAL: Your dispatches have been received. It is obviously necessary that you should march with your whole force to effect a j uuc- ture with me near Nibletts BlufL If the enemy should send his expe- dition against Texas, as both you in your dispatches of the 21st, and General Mouton in his ot the 22d, say he doubtless will, I request that you will do so without the least delay the moment you ascertain that Texas is the object of this expedition. In anticipation of this, I eari Page 260 26Q W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. estly requested you, as early, I think, as the 10th instant, to take this step. The point at which the enemy strikes Houston is vital to the Trans-Mississippi Department. I cannot concentrate more than 5,000 troops to meet him, and he will gain his objectthe possession of Hous- ton and the evacuation of Galveston, and the establishment of a new base, Galveston, for fhtnre operations in the interiorbefore he can be prevented by me, and before 1 can receive re-enforcements from any other source excepting yourself. With the hope that you will move at once to Nibletts Bluff Ii have ordered Captain Nolan to retain 12,000 rations of breadstuffs and some beeves on the other side of the river. There will be on this side and near Beaumont 700 beeves, and also cattle in abundance, belonging to private indIviduals, on the Louisiana side, near Nibletts Bluff. Should you determine, under these circumstances, not to render me any assistance, please inform Captain Nolan with the least possible delay, so that he can remove these provisions. Very respectfully, your obedjent servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF TEXAS, NEW MExIco, AND ARIZONA, Beaumont, & ptember 26, 1863. Licut. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: MY DEAR GENERAL: I address you semi-officially, because I think I can explain in a few words my views. The enemy is reported by Major-General Taylor at Berwick Bay, 15,000 strong, nuder Ord and Herron, and I have since learned they advanced to Pattersonville, 20 miles beyond New Iberia. These are not the same troops that made the attack at Sabine Pass. I believe this latter force to have been from 12,000 to 15,000 men, not a man less, and that they will certainly renew the attack on the coast, while (Jrd~ troops will advance by the way of Nibletts Bluff and try to reach Houston by the railroad. To meet these troops, I cannot concentrate 5,000 men in a mouth, but I will make it difficult for them to reach Houston, and thus give myself time to get together a larger force. In - May last I had about 16,000 troops. I loaned General Taylor 5,000, and hastened to his assistance from the Rio Grande with some 3,500 more. He declines coming to my assistance now, and I desire the return, with the least possible delay, of the troops seat him by me, in accordance with your orders. The whole . force, exclusive of State troops, numbers on paper about 11,000 men, of which I have only about 7,000 effective men, and these are scattered from the Sabine to the Rio Grande, including Bank. heads brigade. I cannot calculate on a greater number of State troops armed than 5,000 men, and these cannot be assembled within a month, and are only armed with shot-gnns. I have, therefore, ordered Bank- head, nowi n the Indian Territory, to march with his brigade as rapidly as possible to Houston, and I respectfully request that you will order Brigadier-General Majors brigade to report to me at this place, via Nibletts Bluff if he can get there before the enemy reaches there. You were kiud enough to order Bates regiment back, and part of it is now at the mouth of the Brazos, but the rest, under Major [L. C.] Roun- tree, is still in Louisiana, by whose authority I know not. I beg that they be ordered to join their regiment. With these troops I may make hea Page 261 CJIAV. XXXvIIIJ OORIIESPONDENOE, ETC.~OONPEDERATE. 261 against the enemy; without them, the railroads and the heart of Texas may be theirs, and our canse perhaps irretrievably ruined in the West. In a word, in my judgment, Texas is virtually the Trans-Mississippi Department, and the railroads of Galveston and Houston are virtually Texas. For whoever is master of the railroads of Galveston and Hous- ton is virtually master of Texas, and this is not the case with any other part of Texas. The enemy at Houston in force, and occupying the Teche and La Fourche country, no troops of ours can operate with safety below a line from Nibletts Bluff and Alexandria, as the enemys troops can be marched from Nibletts Bluff to Alexandria before information of the movements could be obtained in time to enable our troops in Lower Louisiana to fall back. On the other hand, if General Taylors troops occupied Nibletts Bluff or the road leading by the Calcasien to it, we could always form a junction, and the enemy could not advance far up the country without exposing his rear to us. lie would, therefore, be confined to the Teche and La Fourche country. The wheat region of Texas, important as it is, cannot be reckoned as vital as this section above spoken of, at which the enemy is now aiming with a masterly view of its importance. I beg, therefore, not only that the troops asked for by me, that is, the return of those sent by me to General Taylor, be ordered, including Rountrees command of Bates regiment, but that Major-General Tay- lor be ordered to Nibletts Bluff, or on the road from Verinillionville to Nibletts Bluff as soon a~ possible. Since writing the above, I have received a dispatch from General Tay- lor, stating that at least 15,000 men have crossed from Berwick Bay and are advancing into the country, and if they march west toward Nibletts Bluff he will attack them in flank. If General Taylor can follow him, anti you can -send troops to Kibletts Bluff from Shreveport and Alex- andria or intermediate places, he might be prevented from crossing the Sal)ine by me, if Franklin does not make another descent upon the coast and thus occupy me entirely. If Franklin should attack me front the coast, I would not be able to make head against both columns, and one or the other must succeed unless I get large re-enforcements. I mu sure Franklin will attack me, and, in case he does make his appearance, Taylor~5 troops and as many others as can be sent from the Red River might be sent by one of the upper ferries over the Sabine, and effect a junction with me ~t Liberty or Houston before the enemy could get pos- session of the latter place. Captain Fauntleroy states that the sailors sent by me to man the iron- clad ship at Shreveport can be of much more service here than there. ~ could be made of the greatest service to me. I hope, therefore, that you will send all these sailors to me; I cannot get along without theni; also low and high pressure engineers and steamboatmen generally. I have no crews for the captured steamers, and want the drilled sailors which Captain Barney took from me last March. The guns of the Har- riet LaRe sent from here, I learn from Major Douglas, are still not mounted, and are in danger of being captured. We are extremely in want of them. I hear the Missouri can never be of any use, and I trust these guns may be returned to me. I will send for them if you will )crrnit them to return. On the river, they can be turned and taken any- where; with me, they will be comparatively safe and very efficacious. Please let me hear from ~ ou as soon as possible. I have ordered Bankheads brigade and all the mounted troops except- ing two companies from Bouham to Houston forthwith. As the enem Page 262 262 W.FLA S. ALA., .5. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [ChAP. XXXVIIt has retired to his forts, I hope there is no longer any danger of invasion this season; at all events they ought to be here. General MeCalloch will complain, but that ought not to be heeded, though he is an excel- lent officer and a patriot. If the enemy. can be defeated in his great designs, let him succeed in his smaller ones if it be unavoidable. His present design is to march to Houston, and thus cause the evacu- ation of Galveston, which will then become his base for further opera- tions in the interior. If he succeed, the Trans-Mississippi Department is gone for any effective action. I hope, therefore, general, that you will support me strongly and without delay. In my judgment, it is un- fortunate that there should have been any change in General Taylors purpose of falling back by the Nibletts Bluff road. If the enemy has taken the Niblett~s Bluff road, you cannot hurry troops too fast nor in too great numbers to my assistance; otherwise the above-mentioned re- sults will in all probability, indeed, I think, will certainly, take place. I beg, my dear general, again to ask your action on my recommenda- tion for officers to command my artillery. The law allows it, the Ad- ju~ant-General at Richmond admits the principle, and says he will be guided by it, and the service imperiously demands it. In haste, with great respect and esteem, I am, general, very respect. fully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding District of Texas, & c. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine Pass, September 27, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that you will send forward the whole of Dafts regiment excepting the com- panies of the two Benavides and one other company of this regiment, making in all three companies, to regulate matters an(l protect the pub lie property which may be left there. The rest of this regiment, as well as Creuzbaurs battery, with the two 24-pounders, the general directs you will also send forward in company with 1)uffs regiment. The pub- lic property will be removed by you and sent to Alleyton, but should the enemy land at any point between this l)laee and Lavaca, you will t~ause these troops to be marched in a circuit, avoiding Alleyton, so as to l)revent being captured, and to effect a junction with the troops at this place. You will also cause the public property to be so transporte(l as to prevent its falling into the enemys hands, should they land be- tween the points above mentioned. The general directs that all the guns, both heav.y and light, be removed to Alleyton. Under existing circumstances, the gemjeral is unwilling for you to leave, but directs that you remain at Brownsville, or some i)OiI~t near there, until the successful issue of the diplomatic relations between our Government and the French and Mexican authorities, which have been conducted in a manner entirely satisfactory and as you alone ean con- duct them. The general directs that the 250 mules referred to in your communi- cation will be used by you in transportiug the public property to Alley- ton. You will give the men orders to break in these mules to harness, and if they refuse, prefer charges against them and have them court Page 263 263 CHAP. XXXVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. martialed. The general does not understand how it is that soldiers cannot break mules. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HoUSTON, TEx., September 27, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TuRNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Sabine Pass: CAPTAIN: Having returned from the mouth of the Brazos, in accord- ance with Special Orders, No. 253, I have the honor to i~eport that on my arrival at Velasco, on the evening of the 24th instant, I found Colo- nel Bates in command, attentive to his duties, and exercising his author- ity, with strict obedience from his command. He is exceedingly anxious that he should be re-enforced, especially that 200 cavalry should be sent him, he having only about 300 men, and expressing himself able to de- fend the works only from an attack from sea, attempting to cross the bar, or a bombardment by vessels, and not from any considerable com- bined effort both by land and sea. The great wealth in this section makes it a most desirable point of attack. As the general commanding is from personal observation im- pressed with the importance of the point, I need only call his attention to the earnest request of Colonel Bates to be re-enforced as soon as possible. The fort on the west bank of the river (Velasco) has three guns in position, one 24-ponnder, one 8-inch howitzer, and one of the 32-pounders sent over from Sabine Pass. Several guns in this battery as well as those in the works on the east bank have only about 40 rounds to each. The fort on the east bank of the river is not yet completed. There is one 18-pounder, mounted, on the right bastion; the other 32 [pounder] received from the Pass was placed in position, but the platform being too small, at its first discharge the gun flew off. A larger one has been constructed, ~nd the gun will be mounted on the 26th instant. Lieuten- ant Cross, engineer, reported that he would require 20Q men about fifteen days to finish this work on the plan given by Colonel Sulakowski. I received the assurance from Colonel Bates and Col. John Herndon, who represents a large interest in that section of country, that the negroes should be furnished in the course of the next few days, and Colonel Herndon started immediately to assist in raising this force. From Colonel Bates, and Lyons, a pilot, I find that there are from 8k to 9 feet of water on the bar. Two days before I arrived at Velasco, a vessel belonging to Messrs. House & Co. was run ashore below the mouth of Caney and burned by her crew. The captain was forced to this, being closely pursued by the three-masted schooner of the enemy which has been cruising for some time past off the mouth of the Brazos. There was a slight skirmish between the enemy (who attempted to board the vessel to extinguish the fire) and one of our scouts, but they were driven back to their vessel, some of them supposed to be killed. On the evening of the 24th instant, a vessel consigned to Messrs. Ennis & Co. passed up the river, having run the blockade with a cargo, comprising chiefly coffee and other groceries, manifested at about $8,000. I found in the river the schooner Henrietta, empty; a three-masted schooner, loaded with cotton; schooner Mary Elizabeth, loaded with cot- ton; the Cora, loaded with cotton; the Star, with import cargo.; the schooner Agnes, the schooner Rob Roy, the schooners John and Lilly Page 264 ~G4 w. PEA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., ~t. MEX. [dHAP. XXXVIII. loaded with cotton, and two others, names unknown, makin gin all eleven vessels. Your instructions in regard to the destruction of these vessels, the Mary Hill, the Era No. 3, and the bridges over the bayou and canal, in case of their being jeopardized by the enemy, have been given to Colonel Bates. The discipline of the garrison I found good, the meu quiet and or- derly; they are reported dissatisfied with the corn-meal which is issued to them. Some little sickness, probably occasioned by this unvaried diet of corn-meal and the water they drink, which, owing to the drought, is more brackish than usual. Both complaints and sickness might be greatly remedied by occasional issues of flour to the troops. Captain [W~ E.] Gibsons battery, at Yelasco,is in very good order7 with the exception of the horses, which, owing to their hard trip intG Louisiana, have become thin; but I think they will be in condition for active service in fifteen or twenty days. I found at Velasco a well-mounted and well-armed company of State troops, under Captain Weston. A company of State troops had been stationed about 25 miles from Velasco, by Colonel Bates, but they have been or4ered down, and will arrive there on 28th instant. I found the hospital in poor order and very illy supplied with medicines. I directed the surgeon at Columbia to make requisitions for medicines, hospital stores, & c., for a hospital for 59 men at Columbia, which I hope the commanding general will approve. There was nominally a hospital at this place, but upon inspection I found accommodations for only 4 men. Owing to the heavy planting interest in this section of country, and the precarious tenure by which negro property wonid be held in case of an invasion, the deepest anxiety prevails among the inhabitants, and I was met on every side with solicitations to request the general com- manding ~o strengthen the defenses. I gave the assurance that the major-general was fully alive to the existing state of affairs, and would as soon as possible do all in his power to complete his preparations for its defense. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. N. LUC.KETT, Acting Brigadier- General. [HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine Pass, September 27, 1863.] IVIaj. A. G. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General, San Antonio: MAJOR: The major-general commanding directs that you prepare to remove, first the arms, and secondly the powder, from San Antonio to Palestine. You will prepare to move to the same place, if necessary, afterward, the shops, machinery. & c. If the enemy land at Corpus Christi, La- vaca, or Saint Marys, you will cause everything above mentioned to be made [moved] at once. You will send to the commanding officers at the different points of the coast directions that, if the enemy land at any point on the coast between the Brazos and Corpus Christi, information be immediately given you, and furnished also to Brigadier-General Bee, and will also inform any troops which may be on the march in the vicinity. Ii am, major, & c., EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 265 CHAP. XXXVIII.l OORRE8POND1~NC1~, ETPO.CONFEDERATE. 265 ~IIEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine Pass, September 27, 1863.] Lieutenant-Colonel FORSHEY, Consulting Engineer: SIR: The major-general commanding directs me to say to you that you will take charge of the works at Burrs Ferry, Sabine Town, and Pendleton, and have them pushed forward with all dispatch. Lieuten- ants Powers, Sylvester, and Dallas will report to you for duty and assist you in the erection of the fortifications. The order in reference to Lieutenant Woods is countermanded; he will remain in charge of the railroad. The works at Burrs Ferry, Sabine Town, and Pendleton to be erected as follows: A t~te-de-pont on .the east side, if the Sabine River is large enough, to contain a force of 2,500 men; this work to be constrncted so as to put the flanking arrangements on the west side of the river, so as not to expose the artillery to capture. Should any of these places have a commanding position on the west side of the river within our range of the crossing there, a small work to be erected there, to prevent the enemy from availing himself of these positions. All the crossings to be supplied with a double flying bridge. Should the west side of the river be lower than the east side, the flanking lunettes and redan to be raised to a sufficient height to command the opposite shore and the t~te-de-pont, if possible. The following information has been received from Major-General Taylor, of the 21st, and & eneral Mouton, of the 22d, viz: The enemy concentrating at Berwick Bay between 20,000 and 30,000 men, and, from what information they can gain, the whole arc destined for Texas by water; Major-Generals Ord and Herrorin, of Grants [army], in com- mand of one expedition, and Franklin, with his officers, in command of the other. They have a large amount of transportation, showing their intentions of moving into the interior. They may move by land. All the roads, with the exception of the main roads to each Place, to be obstructed as much as l)055i1)le. Kotice to be sent to Major-General Taylor of your plans, so that it can be communicated to any troops who ipay come in this direction. Gen- eral Price is falling back down the Washita before a superior force, and may be obliged to avail himself of these works of yours; so may Gen- eral Taylor. The intelligence has been received since your orders were issued, and has caused the change in the plans. Captain Sylvester will be employed, and receive the pay of captain of engineers, lie will be sent immediately to Burrs Ferry, which works will be erected first. Lieutenants Powers and Dallas to take charge of the works, as negroes have been started for that place. After the works have been laid out, you will return to ilpuston, and report to these headquarters by letter. Yours, respectfully, WM. KEARNY, ]Iiiajor, and Assistant Inspector- Ueneral. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine Pass, September 28, 1863. Brig. Gen. HENRY E. MCCIYLLOCII, Commanding Northern Sub-District: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your vari- ous communications of the 18th and 19th instant, and fully appreciate the difficulty under which you are laboring, and will do my best to r Page 266 2G~ W. PLA., S. ALA., S. MIS S., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXX~7III. lieve you. I hope to have the necessary funds at your disposal in a few days. Though there is neither quartermaster, commissary, nor ordnance funds in the district, I will endeavor to procure you fan ds from Mr. [James] Sorley, at least sufficient to meet past liabilities. He has not failed to make the necessary estimates, nor to press them by special agents at department headquarters. The chief commissary of the department, however, insists upon it that a sufficiency can be raised from tithes to support the army without purchasing. This will be doubtless, so, after a short time, particularly in your district, where flour and beef, as I am informed, are abundant. Some quartermasters funds must be supplied, however, to pay for transportation, and ordnance funds to pay work- men for repairs, & c. I have sent 5,000 pounds powder, some ammunition, and thirty or forty wagons by Maj. Henry Pendleton, quartermaster of Bankheads brigade, and presume he will arrive at Bonham by the time this reaches you. At whatever cost, we must meet the enemy now advancing toward Texas, and if you are stripped of all your troops excepting General Steeles command, and the Northern sub-District is invaded from the Indian Territory by a superior force, you will have to operate upon h~s communications amid flanks, if possible, keeping him in a body, or cut- ting off parties, should he send them out, avoiding a general engage- ment, thereby saving .as mnch of the country as possible. To attempt to defend the State at all points would be but to lose it. My last dispatch from Louisiana, received yesterday, informs me that the enemy are at or near Vermillionville, somne 30,000 strong, at that point [where], the road turns off to Nibletts Bluff. It is not known whether he will push on to Alexandria or come to the latter place. If the latter, I may expect Franklins corps on the coast, and I cannot possilMy concentrate more than 5,000 armed men to meet this immense force, striking at the heart of Texas, the center of our railroads, and forcing the evacuation of Galveston, without calling upon all the troops in the Northern Sub-District, including Bankheads command. There- fore, I have ordered all these troops to Millican. Should the enemy come to Nibletts Bluff; they could be concentrated against him, either at one point or the other. Should he march to the northern part of Louisiana, I hope to have time to divert the march of our troops to Nacogdoches, so as to dispute the passage of the Sabine either at Burrs Ferry or Sa- bine Town. In the meantime they should be moving down rapidly, particularly Bankheads brigade. Gemieral Price is marching down the Washita before a superior force of the enemy. Coircentration must be our policy, and the line of com- munication from the different portions of the army must be kept secure till the enemy develops his plans, when we shall know how to make use of them. I had thought that before this many companies of cavalry would have reported at Bonham. Please inform me as fast as they arrive, and, in sending them or any portion of the army to Millican, take such route as will enable them to be diverted easily from their course to Nacogdoches; that is, the most eastern route. Not more than five wagons to a regiment are necessary, and three would be sufficient, in- cluding those for officers. In your movements or when stationary, do not hesitate to impress whatever you may require. The Indian Territory amid the troops under General Steele should be under your command, if you rank him, as I presume you do. I shall so recommend to General Smnith. In the meantime you will assume command if you find it necessary or beneficial to the publi Page 267 2~7 CHAP. XXXVIII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDEEATE. interest. In a day or two I shall be able to inform you whether the enemy~s operations are against Louisiana or Texas. In the meantime I am fortifying Burrs Ferry. Should Texas not be invaded until after the rainy season sets in, I should consider the coast and Louisianas frontier as comparatively safe for a few months; in which case I will concentrate all the available force in the State, and proceed with you in person to Forts Gibson and Smith, and clear out the Jndian Territory, returning in time to ixieet the enemy in the spring campaign. Ye is evidently, however, trying to strike at the heart of Texas this fall, and must be defeated at all hazards, whatever frontier suffers. Please inform me if Jannary, February, and March are good months to operate practicably in the neighborhood of Forts Smith and Gibson. I thank you for the full details you have given me, and th9y shall be attended to as soon as the letter can be written; in the meantime let my order for the movements of troops be promptly obeyed, and the troops marched with great rapidity, however grave may be the consequences to any locality, since you may be assured that, if we sacrifice a lesser interest, it will be always to preserve a greater. The letter of my adjutant-general will give detailed instructions upon the points mentioned in your communications. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, Tex., & ptember 28, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston: SIR: The schooner Love Bird, loaded with arms, and consigned to Hale & Co., under the Clements contract, arrived off this bar on Mon- day, the 2 1st. Information was given to me on Wednesday at 12 oclock on Thursday and Friday it blew a gale, and nO boat could cross the bar. On Saturday, I succeeded in discharging three lighter-loads from her,andonthesameeveningat8oclockshewascapturedbyaFrench frigate, Which arrived at 5 oclock p. m.# At sunrise on Sunday the frig- ate left for Vera Cruz, with the prize in tow. There was no possible oppor- tunity for me to communicate with the frigate. The Mexican authori- ties embargoed all the shipping so soon as the Frenchman arrived, and although $1,000 [was offeredl] (through an agent, of course), I could not get permission to take a boat out. The boats on this side were too small to cross the bar, which was rough and dangerous. The result is, that if the elements had not been against us, I could have saved all the arms. The blockaders were absent, but another equally fatal enemy was at hand. I exercised my best judgment, and have at least 4,000 splendid Enfield rifles, which I shall forthwith dis- patch to Alleyton under guard. A full statement of the facts concerning this shipment will be made out and forwarded to Vera Cruz by the first vessel; duplicates will also go to Mr. Slidell at Paris. The vessel lay in Mexican waters, as the captain could not be induced to change his position. Nearly half of her cargo was landed at Point Isabel, and every circumstance goes to * See also Bees communications of September 29 and 30, and October 3, 13; and 19, and Turner to Bee, October 9 and 19 Page 268 268 w. ~ThA., ~. ALA., S. ivtISs., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVTIL show that the vessel was loaded for the Confederacy. I shall inclose copies of my communications by next express. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier. General, Provisional Army. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DIsT. OF TEx., N. MEX., AND ARiz., No. . Sabine Pass., Tex., September 28, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. W. II. Scurry is hereby relieved of the command of the Eastern Sub-District of Texas, that he may obey orders from depart. ment headquarters. II. Acting Brigadier-General Lnckett will at once assume the com- mand of the Eastern Sub.District of Tex~s.* By command of Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder: OSCAR M. WATKINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA Alexandria, September 29, 1863. Col. S S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: In the absence of Major-General Taylor, who has gone below, I ask respectfully to make the following statement for the con- sideration of the lieutenant-general commanding: A few weeks since, General Taylor received instructions from your headquarters to render every assistance to planters removing their negroes, and to promote such action where negroes were at all liable to fall into the hands of the enemy. These instructions have been obeyed, but planters complained bitterly that one-fourth of their negroes were taken from them after crossing the Sabine. It is now reported by persons returning from Texas that one-half are taken, in consequence of which many planters will not move, and some even who have started are, I am informed, returning, preferring to risk the chances with the enemy. These reports may be much exaggerated or altogether false, and as I am freqnently called upon by planters in relation to them, I would respectfully ask for such information as you may deem proper or have it in your power to give. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. SUIIGET, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, October 6, 1863. Respectfully referred to Major-General Magruder, commanding Dis- trict of Texas, & c. I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that per- sons driven from their homes and seeking an asylum elsewhere should not have their negroes disturbed until they become settled, when they Luckett assumed command same day Page 269 269 CHAP. XXXVIIJ.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. should and would come under the same rule as other residents. This is (lue alike to the Government, to the master, and the negro, for if they are taken away before a home is selected, they will certainly run off and, not knowing where to go, will be lost both to the Government and their masters. Respectfully, your most obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement No. 24 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT, October 9, 1863. This subject has received my fullest reflection, and I am convinced that the Texan owners of negroes will not send their slaves so willingly if the same rule be not adopted in regard to the people of Louisiana as to themselves. Few or no negroes have been lost iu the manner stated, and few have been so impressed, if any; but if the suggestion of Lieu- tenant-General Smith be carried out, the masters will never find a home for their slaves. It will produce great confusion to make this change now, and I hope the indorsement of Colonel Anderson is not considered an order. Should it be ordered by the lieutenant-general commanding that I should discharge all the negroes I have impressed from the l)eople of Louisiana in Texas who have not settled themselves, I would have to discharge all I have. The business of the negro bureau works well now for the first time, and I do hope the lieutenant-general will not permit the representations of interested parties (planters from Louisiana or elsewhere) to interfere with it. I am, sir, & c., ~ BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine Pass, September 29, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. BoGcfS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Brigadier-General McCulloch has written that he has no funds to pay back debts, nor to pay present or prospective ones, and that he cannot get along in his command if he be not furnished with funds. I send you his letter and estiinates.* 1 have called on the staff officers of the department for funds, and sent after them, but could get none. I have supported a large portion of General Taylor~s army for months, furnishing transportation and subsistence stores, aud my quartermaster has called on his for the money which we had to pay for these stores, but received none. I furuished funds for Bankheads bri- gade, and that is well off- but General McCulloch writes that he is called upon to furnish Steeles troops, for whom no estimate has been or can be made by me, as General Steeles district is not under my com- mand. It is obvious that if a district commander is called uponto fur- nish supplies which he has to buy with money, and account to another district commander for whom he is not allowed to make estimates, that the funds thus advanced must be returned or he will fail. General Tayfor ought to have sent me the funds to pay for the provisions fur- * Not fonnd Page 270 270 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXYIJI. nished by me, and General Steele for those received by him. I send General McCullochs estimates and copies of his letters. I shall ask of Mr. Sorley to loan these staff departreeuts the funds required, but I respectfully suggest that the lieutenant-general commanding will re- quest Mr. Sorley to tnrn over such funds as may be reqnired by the chief disbursing officers of the district to meet these liabilities. I am informed that the Confederate notes received by him in exchange for bonds, and which were to have been canceled, are retained by him for reissue, in accordance with instructions of the lieutenant-general coin- manding, and I am of opinion that the time has arrived for such reissue of these notes to the disbursing officer of the army if he have exhausted the other funds he had on hand. I beg leave to ask the attention of the commanding general to these papers of Brigadier-General McCul. loch, and such action in relation to funds as he may deem proper. It will be perceived that I have ordered Brigadier-General Bank- heads brigade, and such armed mounted troop.s, excepting two com- panies, as may be collected in Bonham and vicinity, to Millican, via the eastern routethat is, through Palestine. This was done with the view of meeting the enemy, who is now at Vermillionville, should he march to Nibletts Bluff, or diverting our troops to Nacogdoches, should the enemy proceed toward Alexandria. Luckily, we have now a heavy rain storm, and the roads will be bad for weeks, so that his progress will be slow in whatever (lirection he may go. The storm here has been severe, and is not ~et over. The four blockading steamers were obliged to go far to sea, and their coal ship was driven ashore, and surrendered to our men to-day. I sent down Commodore Leon Smith to dismantle her, and to secure her cargo, which is done. Her crew are prisoners in our hands, and have just come in. I respectfully suggest for the consideration of the lieutenant.general commanding the propriety of attaching the Indian Territory to the command of Brigadier-General McCulloch. It will simplify the admin- istration, I think, and will be conducive to the public interest. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BAINKilEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. Velasco HEADQUARTERS, Capt. A. N. MILLS, , Tex., & ptember 29, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: The brigadier-general commanding this military sub-district will observe from the last weekly report forwarded from my headquarters that I had only 284 men for duty, including all commissioned officers and en- listed men. I have only 35 cavalry (State troops) to scout and guard a distance along the coast of some 70 or 80 miles, when there ought to be at least three companies. I have, by a communication dated September 19, called the attention of the commanding general to the fact that my four companies of cav- alry had been detained in Louisiana, contrary to a promise made by Brigadier-General Mouton nor, in deed, have I ever received any infor- mation or intimation as to when these four companies might be expected; but hoping that they would soon be permitted to rejoin my regimei~t, I have hitherto refrained from urging upon the earnest attention of the com manding general the want of additional troops for the better de- fense of the country, to say nothing of the injustice to my command. Page 271 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 271 say injustice, because I have rai~ed and mustered into service for the war twenty cYmpanies, and that, too, without the aid of State or Coit- federate authorities. I mean by this that no company has ever been assigned to my command by the Executive or the commanding general, excepting one company by Major-General Magruder, and that one com- pany was originally detached from my command. Under these circum- stances, I feel that I am fully justified in appealing to the commanding general against this injustice, expecially as I am convinced that this will be the first point of attack upon our coast. I am, very respectfully, J. BATES, Colonel, Commanding at T~elasco. [P. S.]Captain [R. W] llargroves (cavalry) company of Lieutenant- Colonel Browns battalion was taken or detached from my command by the following order, delivered to inc by Colonel Luckett: SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., - No. - Quintana, September 25, 1863. Captain Hargrove, of Lieutenant-Colonel Browns battalion, will proceed with his company as soon as practicable to Sabine Pass. Captain Hargrov e will report to the major-general commanding District of Texas, & c. By order of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhcad Magruder: JOS. ED. DWYER, A8sistant Jnsjpector-General. [Indorsement.] OCTOBER 2, 1863. Respectfully forwarded for the information of commanding general. The order for llargroves company was issued by me, General i~lagru- der having directed me to issue it. ColOnel Bates had refused to allow the company to leave under an order from Colonel Brown. P. N. LUCKETT, Acting Brigadier- General, Commanding Eastern Sub-District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Sabine Pass, September 29, 1863. Maj. J. C. STAFFORD, Commanding at Nibletts Bluff: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to direct you to send without delay, by steamer Florilda, to Beaumont, via Sabine Pass, the clothing, shoes, & c., now at Niblett,s B luff belonging to Sibleys brigade. You are also directed to impress, in accordance with the provisions of the impressment act, all of the molasses at that post, paying for it if there are funds enongh on hand; if not, by giving certified accounts. You will also send down to this post with this molasses (retaining one barrel of molasses for your post) all of the salt beef and bacon on hand excepting two barrels of each, which you will keep for issue only to Nolans mounted pickets or detached infantry, the rest of the troops to be furnished with beef rations instead. These stores you will send down to Captain [E. P.] Alsbury, post commissary at this place, who will receipt for them. You will also send all of the bagging and rope of Major McKee at the Bluff to Major Bloomfield, at Houston. You will also send to this place all the Gov- ernment sugar excepting two hogsheads, all of the remaining wagons riow being repaired, the carpenters, with tools, and all of the axes no Page 272 272 XV. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL required for use at the post in cutting wood for the steamboats and sup - plying this post with wood. Impress all of the horses now at the Bluff; particularly those of speculators, and send them down immediately to this place, and all the good horses that may come hereafter belonging to speculators. If the enemy is found to be advancing on Nibletts Bluff, you will divert the cotton en route for that place to Spikes Ferry and Burrs Ferry. Send to this post also all the meal over 30 sacks and all of the flour over 30 sacks; also all of the salt excepting 3 sacks, and all of the soap excepting 120 pounds (2 boxes). You will order the detachment of [L. G.] Cleppers company now at the Bluff to take post at Spikes Ferry, and impress one-half of the male negroes passing through. You will direct Lieutenant Aikens to go out with a detachment to collect negroes in the Big Woods; also you will keep as many of these negroes as are necessary to cut wood for the steamers and this post, and send the rest to Beaumont to repair the railroad. As the country is not well known to the major-general commanding, you will use your judgment in sending out 6avalry or infantry to col- lect negroes for these purposes, as it is of the first importance that the steamers and this post be kept continually supJ)lied with wood and the railroad put in immediate repair. The arrangements of the troops to accomplish this he leaves to you, in the absence of Captain Nolan. There is no wood here either for steamboats or fuel; therefore, as much wood as she can bring will be put on the Florilda. All of these stores must be shipped by this boat. If, after they are aboard, there is room for private freight, it will be taken, a strict account being rendered of it to the quartermaster, the Florilda being now considered a chartered boat, and private freight will be accredited to the Government in pay- ing for her. Jam, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- Generat.~ HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown Hon. JOHN SLIBELL, , Tex., September 29 1863. Commissioner of the Confederate States, Paris: SIR: I beg to ask your official interposition with the French Govern. uient that the cargo of the schooner Love Bird may be returned to the Confederacy. This vessel was sent out under a contract between the authorities of Texas and Nelson Clements, and was consigned to a house in~ Mata- inorasHale & Co. Her cargo consisted of 10,00() Enfield rifles, 156 revolvers, 2,000,000 cartridges, 5,000,000 caps, & c. The vessel arrived off the mouth of the Rio Grande and anchored in Mexican waters. I immediately commenced discharging her into light. ers, and conveying them to Point Isabel. But 210 boxes of rifles, con- taining 4,200, had been landed there, when a French frigate arrived there, and without giving me an opportunity of communicating with her, captured the vessel, and sailed off with her toward Vera Cruz. The frigate arrived at 6 p. m. on Saturday, and left at daylight. This is the second vessel that the French have taken from me at this port. The schooner Goodyear was captured in the same way in July last, with the difference that I got none of the arms. The proofs in tha Page 273 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 273 case were sent to the admiral of the French navy at Vera Cruz, and to Mr. De Saligny at Mexico, but no reply was received. You can suppose how very serious this occurrence is to us. Texas is invaded, and we are without arms to defend ourselves. But for the in- terference of the French, 16,000 good rifles would have been in the hands of as many men, who know well how to use them. The Mexicans are very much incensed at the violation of their neu- trality, and the crews are now in prison, with a fair prospect of remain- ing there some time. I inclose a copy of the certificate of the consul of France at Mata- moras. It speaks for itself. The address of Nelson Clements is London. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, H.P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. IIDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, C. S. A., Fort Brown, Tex, & ptember 30, 1863. To the Captain Commanding the French Frigate Miagellan, Off the mouth of the Rio Grande: SIR: I forward by Mr. A. ~upervi~le, a citizen of the Confederate States, the certificate of the consul of France at Matamoras that the English schooner Love Bird, captured by you at the mouth of the Rio Grande on Saturday last, was loaded for the Confederate States, and that her cargo was being landed in Texas. In addition to this, I beg you to accept my official assurance that the arms were inteiided for my use, and were bought in England under a contract made by Maj. S. Hart, a duly appointed quartermaster of this army, with Mr. Nelson Clements, and by virtue of that contract were shipped to Matamoras, a neutral port as between the United and Con- federate States, and on me rested the responsibility of securing them after the vessel might arrive, which I was doing in defiance of the rev- enue laws of Mexico, and with no intention of their being landed on Mexican soil, which would have caused me to lose them. All these things Mr. Snpervi~le will make plain to you, and I trust that it will comport with your sense of justice to order that the said vessel be restored to her former place of anchorage. I have the honor to recommend id r. Supervi~4e to your consideration and courtesy. With great respect, your obedient servant, H.P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army, Confederate states. [Inelosure.] YIC~-CONSULATE OF FRANCE AT MATAiWORAS: We, vice-consul of France at Matamoras, State of Tamaulipas, Mexico, do certify: That we knew that the English schooner Love Bird, Captain Burbot, had sailed from England on about the 29th day of last July, oonsigued to the house of commerce of Hale & Co., loaded by Nelson Clernents, a contractor of the Government of the Confederate States, with 10,000 Enfleld rifles, 156 revolvers, 2,000,000 cartridges~ and 5,000,000 caps. That General Bee, in command of the Confederate troops in Browns- ville, had let us know the leaving of the aforesaid schooner Love Bird 18 R RVOL XXVI, PT I Page 274 274 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. in order to enable us, if it was necessary, to certify that the arms and ammunitions of war brought by said schooner were intended for the Confederate States. That the consignments of the said ammunitions of war and Enfleld rifles made to the house of Hale & Co., of Matamoras, had for object to protect said schooner Love Bird on the high sea, and that it was sent to Matamoras for the reason that it was a neutral port between the Confederate and United States. That the schooner Love Bird on its arrival threw anchor in Mexican waters; that one-half of its cargo was takeu by lighters and brought to Point Isabel, Tex., 14 miles distant from the mouth of the IRio Grande, and that not even a single rifle has been unloaded on the Mexican ter- ritory, and the intent of General Bee was to bring all the ammunitions of war brought by the Love Bird to Point Isabel, a small seaport of Texas, not far off from Brazos Santiago. That while General Bee was engaged in the operation of unloading the Love Bird and superintending the same, a man of war of His Im- perial Majesty seized, on Saturday, the 26th instant, the schooner Love Bird and raised the anchor on the following day at daybreak, without giving us the opportunity of imparting to the captain of the frigate of His Imperial Majesty what we knew about the destination of the cargo of the Love Bird. That the authorities of Matamoras have confiscated the lighters that did transport a part of the ammunitions of war from the Love Bird to Point Isabel; that they have arrested and put in gaol the seamen who nsed said lighters for violation of the neutrality laws, and for having de- franded the municipal and custom-house revennes of Matamoras. In witness whereof we have delivered these presents, which we have signed after previously affixing the seal of the vice-consulate of France. Matamoras, this the 28th day of September, A. D. 1863. The vice-consul of France: [IMPERIAL SEAL.] I. I. BRJZOX. Report of operations for the defense of Mobile, Ala., for the month of September, 1863. FORT MORGAN. A small force of laborers has been employed in cleaning out the ditch, repairing traverses, & c. Thirty torpedoes have been placed in the - main ship channel, half a mile outside the fort, and occupying half the width of the channel, from the west side easterly. FORT GAINES. Nothing has been done here daring the month. GRANTS PASS. The battery at this place is being enlarged so as to mount six heavy gnus, and will contain bomb-proof shelter for the garrison and stores. A large quantity of sand has been transported to the site, and a part of the 1~omb-proof shelter has become available. Four of the gun plat- forms have been laid. The work -has been vigorously shelled on several occasions by the enemys gunboats in Mississippi Sound, but without effect. About the end of September, and during the enemys absence, sixteen torpedoes were planted near his station of attack, and up to this date hehas not ventured to return within shelling distance. It t~ iloVed that this bat Page 275 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 275 tery will be made wholly available in October, though another month may be required for its entire completion. Lient. J. W. Glenn, restored to this department by General Johnston, is in charge of the work. BATTERY GLADDEN (PINTO ISLAND SPIT). This battery is l)eing enlarged on the extension of its left flank, to contain two more heavy guns. A large part of the embankment has been brought 5 feet above the water, but the work can hardly be finished before the end of November. The means of transportation are very limited. [Several lines illegible.] D. LEADBETTER, Brigadier- General, and Engineer. Organization of the Army in the Department of the Gulf, commanded by Maj. Gen. Dabney H. Maury, C. S. Army, September 30, 1863; head- quarters, Mobile, Ala. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JAMES CANTEY. Brig. Gen. J. H. CLANTON. 17th Alabama, Col. Y. S. Murphey. 54th [57th] Alabama, Col. J. P. W. Ame- 21st Alabama (First Battalion), Col. C. rifle. D. Anderson. 55th [61st] Alabama. 29th Alabama, Col. Jobn F. Conoley. 5th [6th] Alabama Cavalry. 4th Lonisiana, . 6th [7th] Alabama Cavalry. :30th Louisiana, Lient. Col. Thos. Shields. Clantons battery. 15th Confederate Cavalry, Company K. Tarrauts battery. Battalion Light Artillery, Maj. D. True- heart. Dnrrives battery. Fenners battery. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen.F. A. SHOUP. 21st Alabama (battalion), Lient. Col. J. M. Williams. 1st Confederate (Georgia) Regiment, Col. G. A. Smith. 5th Alabama Cavalry (detachment). 1st Alabama Battalion Artilb~ry, Maj. J. T. Gee. Brig. Gen. TV. A. QHarles Brigade. 42d Tennessee. 48th Tennessee. 49th Tennessee. 53d Tennessee. 55th Tennessee. 1st Texas Sharpshooters. Hntchinsons Engineer Company. Gallimards Sappers and Miners. Miscellaneous. 15th Confederate Cavalry, Col. H. Manry. Bay batteries, Col. W. E. Burnet commanding. Selma, Ala. (one company), Col. W. H. Jenifer. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, M~undville, September 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your corn- munication, dated Beaumont, September 26, 1863; The reasons sta~ted in my former communication render it impo~sibl Page 276 276 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. for me to accede to your request; in addition to which I am just in re- ceipt of a letter from the lieutenant.general commanding, directing me to hold my troops in readiness, and advising me of the probability of my marching at an early day to Arkansas, to effect a junction with Major-General Price. Unless, therefore, there existed imminent danger of your being attacked, and I could reach you at a point where such attack is certain, I do not feel myself justified in moving the troops as you request. In relation to the supplies at Nibletts Bluff, if they are not absolutely needed by you, I would suggest that they should for the present be left at the Bluff, as I may receive such communication from the lieutenant. general commanding which will either order or permit me to join you. The force which was at Brashear City has left that place, and if be. fore the receipt of this communication it has not appeared at Sabine Pass, its destination is either sortie other point on the Texas coast or Mobile. I take pleasure in informing you that on yesterday a portion of our forces, nuder command of General Green, attacked the enemy near Morganza, and achieved a very handsome victory, capturing two Parrott guns (field pieces) and between 300 and 400 prisoners. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Jlfajor-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRiCT OF TEXAS, & O., ASabine Pass, September 30, 1863. Surg. J. II. BERRIEN, Medical Director, ct~c.: SIR: I am directed by Major-General Magruder to say that you will at once make, or cause to be made, estimates of funds required for the coming quarter, say, for 23,000 troops in this district. This number is composed of aboftt 13,000 volunteers and 10,000 armed ~n(l unarmed State troops, estimated from returns on file at these head. quarters, the unarmed men being largely engaged in detail duties, usually performed by armed troops. I am, doctor, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- Ueneral. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 173. Sabine Pass, September 30, 1863. I. At the time that Paragraph II, Special Orders, No. 252, was issued from these headquarters, the major-general commanding was led to be. lieve, from orders received from headquarters of the Trans-Mississippi Department, that the paroled prisoners captured at Vicksburg had been exchanged; since, however, he has learned that these prisoners have not been exchanged; therefore Paragraph II, Special Orders, No 252, is made to read: That the paroled prisoners captured at Yicksburg and elsewhere will, without delay, be organized by their commanding officers at suitable camps, selected for the purpose under the orders from the lieutenant-general commanding the department and the major-general commanding this district, preparatory for field service as soon as exchanged. II. This paragraph is issued by virtue of instructions from the head- qm~arters of the lieutenant-general commanding the department Page 277 CHAP. XXX~III.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 277 In consequence of the depreciation of our currency by the refusal of persons of both large as well as limited means in this district to re- ceive Confederate money in payment for supplies and the liquidation of debts contracted by the Government, purchasing agents throughout this district, when it is found necessary to procure supplies in the vi- cijiity of such persons, are hereby directed to apply to them first of all, and in case of a refusal by them to sell the supplies at a reasonable rate, or receive in payment for the same Confederate money, to impress such supplies from them, in preference to all others, observing in all cases the provisions of the impressment act. By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DisT. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 264. Sabine Pass, & ptember 30, 1863. * * * * * * * II. Information having reached the major-general commanding that it was the intention of a small portion of this garrison to leave their colors and go to their homes because they had heard of the invasion of the northern frontier of the State by the Federals and Indians, the major-general commanding announces that no such invasion has taken place, but, on the contrary, that he has received information, much more rapid and direct than could possibly have been obtained by any one else, to the effect that the enemy has been driven back toward Forts Smith and Gibson, and that there is no cause of uneasiness whatever at this moment. He takes this occasion, however, to say to the good men of this command that they must not be misled by the base cowards who use these means but as a pretext to induce brave men to cover their cowardice on the plea of reli~eving their families at home. When a country is invaded, if every man left his regiment to go home to protect his family, the army would soon be dissolved, amid the country and every family in it would become an easy prey to a foe who openly declares that you shall not inhabit the land on which you dwell except as slaves. That such a base and despicable design should have been entertained at all, and especially on the spot made sacred and historic by the most brilliant achievement of the war, is almost past belief, and that any considerable portion of his troops would hesitate to inflict the most dire and summary punishment on the dastards and traitors that would attempt to carry out such a design, the major-general command. ing scorns to believe. Those who dare on this or any other pretext whatever, to leave their colors, shall be shot without mercy, and the commanding general will not insult the patriotism and the loyalty, the intelligence and the bravery of his men, by entertaining a doubt of their readiness to obey his orders for the execution of such miscreants. It is also represented that some craven-hearted officers have spoken disparagingly of the war, and that a few cowardly traitors in the ranks have said the only way to end it is for the soldiers to go home. None but those who feel that they are the basest of cowards, and fear that it will be known to their comrades in the day of battle, ever feel or ex- press such sentiments. The commanding general calls upon officers and men of this army, so remarkable for its gallantry and readiness to meet the enemy that those few exceptions but serve to heighten-the picture of their devotion Page 278 278 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. to bring at once to his knowledge any who are guilty of this conduct, subversive of good order and military discipline, and affording aid and comfort to the enemy, in order that they may be punished in the severest manner, and that they may be driven from the ranks of honorable men to hide their faces in confinement, whilst their names shall be published to their countrymen for execration, and go down to the latest posterity branded with infamy as the Arn~olds of a revolution the most righteous and the most just that a people has ever inaugurated. Forbearance has already ceased to be a virtue, and the commanding general tells these men now, and for the last time, The sword of justice shall fall. * * * * * * * By commaud of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. GALVESTON, TEX., Capt. EDMUND V. TURNER, & ptember 30, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General: Sin: The undersigned memorialists, commissioned officers of the un- attached companies 110W composing Col. A. W. Terrells regiment, Texas Volunteer Cavalry, would respectfully represent to the major-general commanding that on or about the 20th day of June, 1863, Col. A. W. Terrell assumed command of these companies at Camp Scurry, Tex. Subsequently the regiment was put on the march to Columbia, bnt was afterward ordered to Richmond, Tex., to await further orders. On the 15th day of August, 1863, Colonel Terrell published an order from the major-general commanding, directing him to dismount the regi- ment, place the horses in charge of a detail, and proceed immediately with the regiment to Galveston Island. In an address delivei~ed to the troops on that occasion, Colonel Ter- rell assured them that the necessity for dismounting was only tempo- rary; that they should be again remounted; predicating his promise upon the assurances of the major-general conimanding that the regiment would be permanently retained as cavalry, and remounted at an early day. With what dispatch and cheerfulness this order was obeyed the major-general is informed. On the day of September, 1863, an order was received by Lieut. Col. John C. Robertson , commanding detachment of regiment at Colum- bus, Tex., to make a further detail from the detachment to strengthen the regiment on the island. Umider this last order, quite a number of men abandoned the service and returned to their homesa sufficient number, indeed, to disorganize several companies. The major-general commanding can but be aware of some of the causes which led to this dissatisfaction and unfortunate demoralization of the regiment. Somqof the companies were placed under orders before their organizations were completebefore the arrival of many of the men in camp. Consequently, when the last order was received, making a further de- tail for the defense of Galveston Island, many who could not commu- nicate with their officers at Galveston became alarmed at the prospect of being permanently dismounted, and deserted as before mentioned. Xour memorialists would further represent to the major-general corn- manding that as these cornpal4ics were origin ally organized under th Page 279 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 279 auspices of the Arizona Brigade, ~and contemplating an active cavalry service, we recognized no labor too onerous and no sacrifice too great in our efforts to mount and equip our respective companies. Your memorialists would further respectfully represent to the major- general commanding that our companies are composed of men who have seen cavalry service during the present war, men inured to battle, and accustomed to all the hardships incident to the profession of arms. With a just pride, we bent our energies to the task of rendering our companies active and efficient, and, indeed, were approaching the high- est state of efficiency when dismounted. Our horses (the best the State can afford) were purchased at an enormous cost to ourselves and our companies; our equipments durable, and of the most approved style for cavalry service. These things, together with the evident unorganized state of the regi- ment, may be regarded as the only palliation for desertion, and may, in some measure, extenuate the highly reprehensible course of some officers and men who are eager to recount them to justify their own conduct. We can assure the major-general commanding that we do not believe those who have deserted the ranks are men disloyal to the Government or unfriendly to our cause. On the contrary, we know them to be men of tried courage and patriotism, who are now seeking the rai~ks in some portion of our army, and who will at once return to duty and fill their companies, if the regiment is speedily remounted and directed in an active field of service. Being citizens of Northeastern Texas, and not being acclimated as far south as Galveston, our regiment is becoming alarmingly depleted by disease. Yonr memorialists would further respectfully represent to the major-general commanding that our regiment being so divided, dis- cipline and drill are rendered utterly impracticable. Under all these circumstances, the regiment is shorn of its strength, and powerless for good. We can but promise the major-general commanding that, if we are remounted at once and permitted to pursue our original purpose to its final consummation, at an early day our regiment will be unsurpassed by any in the service. Relying implicitly upon the sincerity of oiir motives, and hoping this matter will recommend itself favorably to the major-general command- ing, we are, as in duty bound, & c., S. II. B. CUNDIFF, Captain) Company B, TerreWs Regiment. JAS. F. WARREN Captain Company G. J. E. GRAY, captain 6ompany L GEG. W. DIAMOND, Captain Company fi. ISRAEL SPIKES, (Japtain Company A. WM. C. HURLEY, Captain Company D. W. PRESTON PAYNE, Company C. R. A. REEVES, Company . H. J. TAYLOR, Captain Company Page 280 280 W. FLA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA, TEX, N, MEX. [ChAr. XXXVIII. [Indorsement.] Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER I respectfully refer the within to the major-general commanding, being perfectly confident that it was gotten up in no spirit of insubordi- nation, but in an earnest and patriotic desire to be placed in more active service. The facts, as stated, are true; the assurances, based upon the promises of the major-general, were given by the colonel commanding. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. ROBERTSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Terrells Regiment, Texas Cavalry. Abstract from returns-of the Department of the Gulf, Maj. Gen. Dabucy H. Maury, C. S. Army, commanding, for September 30, 1863; headquarters, Mobile, Ala. Stations and commands. Present for duty. 0 a 4 a a bU a: -1 a a 4 a an -a a: a: Mobile, Ala. 162 2, 202 2, 484 3, 175 4, 807 Pollard, Ala 88 1, 410 1, 508 1, 915 3, 428 Forts Morgan, Gaines, and Grant 57 953 1,110 1, 303 1, 683 Camp Cummings (Quarles brigade). 146 978 1,007 1,428 2,135 Halls Mills (Fifteenth Confederate Cavalry) 25 418 431 494 835 Selma, Ala 11 63 81 100 135 Total 489 6, 024 6, 681 8, 415 13, 023 Abstract from returns of the Trans-Mississippi Department, Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, commanding, for September, 1863. Present for -~ a I ~ Pieces of duty. ~ artillery. a ,, a 7 S Commands. a a a a: ~t~a - a a an ~ a - a aa ~. ~ a n ~L b~ a a ~ ~ a 0 District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona (Magruder): Eastern Sub-District (Scurry) 232 3, 359 4, 454 6, 720 Northern Sub-District (Bankhead) 56 688 941 1,250 ... 4 Western Sub-District (Bee) - -. 145 2, 265 2, 816 3, 607 4 13 Total 433 6,312 8,211 11,637 4 17 District of Western Louisiana (Taylor): Forces on Red River (Mouton) 559 6, 412 9, 424 13, 325 12 10 Forces south of Red River (Walker) 329 3, 613 4, 867 I 7, 823 6 Sub-District of Northern Louisiana . . 210 2, 526 3, 831 5,564 18 Total.. 1,098 12,551~ 10422 26412 12 34 District of Arkansas (Holmes) 771 7, 761 10, 655 20, 005 32 .III~2~2 District of the Indian Territory (Steele) ..... 3 3, 722 4, 890 8, 019 Grand total . ----.- 25~ 30, 346 41, 887 66, 373 16 83 * Includes unattached cavalry, estimated at~ 500, present and absent Page 281 ~IHA!. XXXVIII.] ooRgESPoNDENCI~, t~VC.CONVE13I~11AT]~ 281 Ab8tract from returns of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding; for the month of September, 1863. Present for + -~ ~ duty. ~ ~ ~ eA ~,o ~ Stations. ,~ ,~ Q . ~ ~ be be be a be be be 0 ~ -~ ~ District staff ~.. 23 - -. 23 26 Eastern Sub-District: Staff 26 26 26 Defenses of Galveston 119 1, 457 2, 047 3,196 3, 295 Sabine Pass . 125 1, 784 2, 270 3, 603 3, 636 Liberty 21 289 372 526 521 Velasco 25 274 377 541 540 Western Sub-District Staff 19 19 19 Line of the Rio Grande 27 352 467 654 641 Mnstang and Padre Islands and dorpus Cliristi 22 346 435 626 631 Detached: San Antonio 5 91 123 219 162 Saluria, Indianola, and Lavaca. - 16 324 416 602 585 Grand total* - 428 4, 917 6, 575 10, 038 10, 011 * The Northern Sub-District not reported. Troops in the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, ]Iliaj. Gem J. B. Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding, September 30, Th63. EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT. Col. P. N. LUCKETT. Defenses of Galueston.* Col. X. B. DEBRAY. 1st Texas Heavy Artillery (eight companies). 20th Texas (seven companies). Davidsons cavalry battalion (four companies). Debrays cavalry regiment (six companies). Terrells cavalry regiment (nine companies). State Troops (two companies). Howes company heavy artillery. Moseleys Texas Battery. Sabine Pass. Col. A. BUCHEL. 1st Texas Heavy Artillery, Company A and F. 20th Texas (three companies). Browns cavalry battalion (five companies). Buchels cavalry (ten companies). Goulds cavalry. Griffins battalion (six companies). Lucketts regiment, Lient. Col. E. F. Gray. 0. G. Jones battery. Liberty. Woods cavalry (six companies). Velasco. Texas Troops, Col. J. Bates. * Troops at Galveston, Fort Point, Fort Jackson, Fort Magruder, Shell Banks, and South Battery, aud on gunboat Bayou City Page 282 282 w. PtA., s. ALA., S. MISS., tA., TEN., N. MEN. [CHAP. NXXVIU. WESTERN SUB-DISTRICT. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE. Line of the Rio Grande. Col. J. DUFF. 33d Texas Cavalry (five Companies). Cummings Company. Frontier Guards. Mounted battalion six months Cavalry. Wilikes artillery battalion, Company A. Mu8tang and Padre Islands and Corpus Christi. Col. A. M. HOBBY. 8th Texas (four Companies). 32d Texas Cavalry, Companies C and I. Wilikes artillery battalion, Companies C and D. DETACHED. San Antonio. Maj. A. G. DICKINsoN. 8th Texas (detachment). 334 Texas Cavalry (detachment). Arizona Brigade (detachment). Sal uria, Indianola, and Lavaca. Lient. Col. D. D. SHEA. 8th Texas (detachment). Sheas artillery battalion. NJBLETTS BLUFF LA , ., October 1, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: Capt. W. II. Lloyd, post quartermaster, sends by this steamer the balance of the transportation that was at this post. The wagons need some repairs. The steamer also takes commissary stores and the ammnnition and wood that was at Orange. Orders having come to pnt the road leading from this point to the crossing of the Sabine (3 miles in length) in a condition so wagons could be put across, prevented wood being cut, as there have only been 12 negroes on hand for ten days. Previous to that time w.e had no negroes, and it has only been six days since axes were received. For three days it has been raining incessantly, and nothing conld be done in the way of cutting wood, & c. I had about 120 cords cut, but the steamers Roe- buck, Grand Bay, and Florilda have nsed that np. Latterly there have been no negroes passing through; the people within 20 miles around own none. By next trip steamer Florilda I shall be enabled to have about 100 cords, and shall put all the force that I can raise to cutting. I shall do everything within my power to ac- cumulate wood. I have sent detachments of that portion of the infantry that was here of Company K, Elmores regiment, to the different ferries above to i Page 283 CHAP. XXXVIIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 28~ press negroes coming through to Texas, and the balance I have engaged in cutting wood. A small detachment has also been sent to the Big Woods settlement to impress negroes; there are very few there; however, may be enabled to get an addition of 5 more hands. I received a note from Captain ~olan, of date the 28th; he was on the Calcasien River, and had sent detachments to the Mermenton. He saw nothing of the enemy, but says travelers report them at or near Camp Pratt. Reports are very conflicting and have nothing reliable. Cap- tam Nolan will proceed with his detachment until he can learn some- thing definitely. Passengers in yesterday, leaving Opelousas Sunday, report the enemy at or near Franklin; General Moutons force at Moundville, above Ope- lousas Colonel Majors brigade, with Second Louisiana Cavalry, had left Opelousas en route to Franklin. The above is as I received it; as before stated, every one that comes through brings different stories. I shall, when I receive any reliable intelligence, immediately forward the same to the major-general commanding. The clothing that has been here for the past five months belonging to Sibleys brigade, has been by me forwarded to Beaumont. Lieutenant Aikens, immediately after his return from the scout on the Shoe Pigne Bayou, proceeded on to join his command that had gone to the Mermenton River. Government cotton arriving slowly; this steamer takes all that is now here. Very respectfu1ly~ & c., J. C. STAFFORD~ Major, & c. P. S.Since this was written, I am in receipt of a dispatch from Cap- tain Nolan, which I inclose to the major.general commanding. [lnclosure4 CALCASIEU, CLENDENINGS FERRY, October 1,, 1803. Major STAFFORD: SIR: I arrived at this place on Sunday evening, September 28, and could not learn anything in regard to the movements of the enemy, ex- cepting what I heard at Nibletts Bluff I immediately started a small detachment for the Mermenton or Vermillionville, and instructed the commander not to return until he found the enemy. I have not heard from them or th~ enemy since they left. Yesterday morning I sent a sergeant with another detachment to the Mermenton to overtake the first detachment, and to carry out the same instructions. This evening I have started Lieutenant Aikens with another detachment, to proceed, if possible, to New Iberia; so if there are any Yankees east of this place some of my men will find them. It has been raining here for something near forty hours, and the roads are nearly impassable for horses, so it will be about three days before I will hear from any of my men. I have seen two travelers who live at Lake Charles. They say that they left Vermillionville on Sunday, the 28th of September, and there was no enemy at that place, and that there was none this side of Frank- lin, and only a few cavalry at that point; that the enemy was embark- ing, supposed for Texas Page 284 284 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., PEX., N. MEX. (ChAP. XXXVIII. I am satisfied there are none of the enemy near Vermillionville, for if they were there some of my men would have brought me the news by this time. I will wait here till 12 m. to get what information I can. I will start for the Bluff this evening. I am, very respectfully, yours, & c., MAT. NOLAN, Company C, Second Regiment Texas Mounted Rifles. NIBLETTS BLUFF, LA., Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, October 2, 1863. A ssistant Adjutant- General, Sabine Pass: CAPTAIN: Since mine of yesterday, I received another dispatch from Captain Nolan in regard to a vessel, which I inclose. Yery respectfully, J. C. STAFFORD, Major, & c. [Inclosure.] CALCASIEU, October 1, 1863. Major STAFFORD: SIR: Since writing to you this morning, I have seen Mr. ilaskell, deputy marshal, who returned from the Mermenton about 12 oclock last night. You will please find inclosed a statement which he made in regard to some questions that I have made of him. Please forward the same to Major-General Magruder. Ask the general if he wishes the vessel named in the statement seized by me. Mr. ilaskell is also (leputy collector, and has charge of the vessel at present. He thinks she is all right. No more news worth mentioning. I will be at the Bluff to-morrow. I am, very respectfully, yours, & c., MAT. NOLAN, Captain Compai~y 0, Second Regiment Texas Mounted Rifles. [Sub-Inclosure.] LAKE CHARLES, LA., October 1, 1863. Capt. M. NOLAN, Comdg. Detachment ~f men at the Calcasieu and ]Jfermenton Rivers: DEAR SIR: In answer to your inquiries regarding the schooner Derby, from New Orleans, now lying in the Mermenton River, I beg leave to state that she arrived about three weeks ago direct from New Orleans, with a small cargo, consisting of flour, coffee, Irish potatoes, & c. She cleared from New Orleans for Balize, Honduras, with the privilege of touching at Matamoras. She is under English colors. She has come here for a load of cotton. From the best information I could get at the Mermenton, I am satis. fled that the Yankees are not above Berwick Bay. They may have their scouts a few miles above but I do not believe they are as far as Franklin. The news I got is from persons direct from Bayou Teche. I am in- formed they have never been as high as New Iberia in this last raid. Parties that had left from different points below are all returning. Most respectfully, yours, W. H. HASKELL, Deputy Confederate States Marshal Page 285 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 285 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, AS~hrevejport, La., October 2, 1863. Brigadier-General MOCULLOCH, Bonham, Tex.: GENERAL: I have just received your letter of the 29th ultimo. Your position is a difficult one, your responsibilith~s many. I rely upon and place confidence in you, and so, I believe, do the people of your district. The deserters must be won back, the disaffected disposed of. If the steps you have taken do not bring inimediate good results, decided measures must be adopted, the stern hand employed. Bankheads brigade has been ordered to Bonham to report to you., Make your arrangements in advance of its arrival. Have all the or- ganizations of minute-men, the companies of Sons of the ~ all the good men of your district, in readiness to act with his command, and should your conciliatory measures have failed, Bankheacls command will enable you to enforce order and restore confidence. The deserters must be arrested and brought back to their commands or exterminated. Affairs have reached such a crisis that in some parts of your district the question now is whether they or we shall control. Disaffection and disloyalty, too, must be silenced. Any enemies in our midst who by their acts and public expressions clearly evince their (lisloyalty mast be disposed of. Arrest and send them beyond the Rio Grande. The higher their position and influence the more prompt should be your action. The facts must be evident, the proofs clear and certain. They should be collected in written form, by affidavits, & c., so that you may feel secure of the support of those in authority. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN SUB-MILITARY DISTRICT, Bonham, Tex., October 3, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assist ant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: I inclose you herewith a letter from Brigadier-General Bankhead, giving further information respecting the enemy in front of us here. I have advised him to act in concert with General Cooper promptly, and to save the Indian Nation and Northern Texas, if possible; that I had no force to assist him with now; that I was trying to assemble a force, and, if the enemy advanced, would come with what I had, whether little or much, and stand or fall with them. - I cannot ask the general for mote troops, as he seems to need these that I have here; but I must ask him, if it is possible for him to do with- out them, not to take any from me that I have. Please hand these communications to the general immediately. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, H. E. MCCULLOCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding Northern Sub-Military District. [Inclosurej MOUNTAIN STATION, Choctaw Nation, September 29, 1863. Brig. Gen. HENRY E. MCCULLOCH, Commanding Northern Sub -District, Texas: GENERAL: General Cooper and myself having met at this place for purposes of consultation, it was agreed between us that I should con Page 286 286 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII vey to you the condition of affairs in our front, so that it might be by you cOmmunicate(I to your district headquarters. The enemy is con. centrating ~his forces along the Canadian, with the evident purpose of an early advance. The force at iN4orth Fork is 2,500, and six pieces of artillery; 1,500 at Scullyville, with four pieces of artillery; and a like number at Fort Smith, with other troops in smaller numbers at differ. eat points convenient to his point of concentration. To the advance of this force we can oppose no adequate resistance. The total effective of~ white troops will not exceed 1,250, and these alone are to be relied upon. We have deemed it proper to advise you of the exact condition of affhirs, so that if it is possible to reenforce this army with the purpose of defending the Texas frontier, it may be done at once. ~ General Coopers headquarters are at present near Perryville; my brigade is near Riddles Station, on the road known as the Fort Smith and Boggy Depot road. Will you be good enough to read this dispatch to General Steele on his arrival at Bonham, and to make such other use of it. as may seem best to you? I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SMITH P. BANKIIEAD, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, Tex.. October 3, 1863. NELSON CLEMENTS, Esq., London Sin: You will have been informed of the capture of the schooner Love Bird, sent out by you to the port of Matamoras, under your con- tract with Major Hart, of the Confederate Army. There have been (lelivered to me 4,200 Enfield rifles; the rest of the cargo was captured by the French. This irreparable misfortune to Texas was caused by the ignorance, incapacity, and disgraceful conduct of the captain of the Love Bird. The vessel arrived on Monday. I did not hear of it until Wednesday, although my picket stations bring me information in three hours from the mouth of th~ Rio Grande. There was no blockade, either French or Yankee; the coast entirely clear. I was at first met with the refusal of the supercargo (a young man of not the slightest conception of what was expected of him or of what was his (luty) to give up the bills of lading until he saw the cotton to pay for them; literally, as one box of~irms came over the side a bale of cot- ton should pass up on the other. This difficulty was settled by Mr. Attrill, and the bills of lading handed to Ruthven. Arrangements and contracts were then made to lighter the vessel at once. The captain gave his word that he would move his ship to Brazos Santiago Bar, in American waters, and there discharge his cargo, I giving him a guar- antee to pay him 1,800 sterling in case of loss; but at the last moment he broke his word, and refused to do so; consequently the lighters had to unload in Mexican waters, and by carrying the freight to Point Isa- bel, a port of Texas, were violating the revenue and neutrality laws of Mexico, and he finally lost his vessel, which would not have been inter- fered with by the French had the ship been north of the mouth of the Rio Grande. The captains and crews of the three lighters which car- ried the cargo to Point Isabel on their return to Mexican waters wer Page 287 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPOND~NC L, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 287 arrested and sent to Matamoras and the vessels confiscated. Mr. Ruth- yen was also incarcerated in the same filthy prison. It is sufficient for me to say that 1 had them released on payment of $26,000, for which I hold the official receipts. This sum I demand that you should retfirn to the Confederate Government, and I shall further instruct the agents of the Confederate Government in England to demand damages for the loss of the arms under the contract. If contractors satisfy themselves with insuring their goods heavily at the expense of the Government, and send a cargo worth millions of dollarsworth, perhaps, the liberties of a nationand contraband of war, to a port in possession of one of the belligerents, and place men without judgment, without experience in these things, in command or at the head of it, and without instructions, it cannot be expected that success would follow. Arrangements were made for the vessel, but it was not dreamed of that the captain would enter at the Mexican custom-house; yet he did so, because he felt as happy and contented as Englishmen used to do before their flag was insulted and torn down with impunity on the high seas and in neutral ports. The captain of the Love Bird was insane enough to think that he was safe under the flag of England, formerly the symbol of protection to the rights and property of her subjects, now the sport of the Yankees, who respect it no more than they do the Confederate. You have in many respects done your duty faithfully to your country, but you have lacked foresight and prudence. The authentication of the papers of the Love Bird could have been obtained from the French Government as easily as it was obtained for the Bellot coutract swindle. Why did you not get it0? I am disheartened and annoyed. With the slightest exercise of com- mon sense, the whole cargo might have been landed in Texas. The fault is not mine, although I and mine are the sufferers. The 10,000 rifles might have won our country this winter, and made your name forever memorable in having done it, and to see it defeated by the course pur- sued in this case is terrible. Yours, respectfully, H.P. BEE, Brigadier-General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Port Brown, Tex., October 3, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Texas, & c., Houston, Tex.: SIR: I have been involved in quite a difficulty with the authorities of Mexico as to the cargo of the Love Bird. I premise by saying that there was a perfect understanding with the captain of the vessel that he should move his vessel to the Brazos Santiago Bar and there dis- charge his cargo into the lightei~s. I gave him a guarantee for the value of his vessel in case she was captured or wrecked, but when the time caine, he refused to move his vessel, and cousequently the cargo was discharged in the neutral waters of Mexico. The captain had also en- tered his vessel at the custom-house at Matamoras, and had done every- thing which ignorance and his entire nnfitness for his position could induce him to do to thwart and embarrass me. The violation of the neutrality and revenue laws of Mexico was open and clear, for there wa Page 288 288 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXXVIII. no attempt at con~ealment, and consequently, on the return of the three lighters which had carried the cargo to Point Isabel, they were seized by the authorities and the crews placed in jail in Matamorasamong the prisoners, Mr. A. ~3 Ruthven, the agent of Mr. Clements, the con- tractor. This caused great excitement on both sides of the river, and in a moment lighted up the latent feeling of mutual hostility which exists between the two sides and which shows itself on every opportunity. I at once, through an agent, communicated with Governor iRuiz, who re- ported to me that the penalty of the offense was death or imprisonment in the penitentiary, and that the latter shonld be their sentence. It was on this basis and with that great advantage over me (for I could not contemplate for a moment that those whose fault was serving the Con- federacy should be made responsible) that a neg~tiation [was opened] remarkable for the pertinacity with which they claimed that money could not atone for the outrage and the facility with which it was finally set- tled, by charging me an enormons price, and on its payment releasing the prisoners. I was required to pay the usual duty on the arms received, as if they had passed through the custom-house; then the value of the three light- ers, and a fine of $1,000 each on the prisoners, 15 in all, making $26,000. This affair will add greatly to the cost price of the arms; but I felt, first, that our people were entitled to the assistance of the Government, and secondly, that an offense as well as an indignity had been committed, unintentionally, to be sure, but still leaving the same obligation as if it had been otherwise, and I ordered the necessary funds to be raised to settle the question. This was done, and the proper receipts are in my possession - I have ordered Capt. G. W. Chilton, division ordnance officer, to take charge of the arms and accompany them to Alleyton, delivering 420 to Colonel iDuff and 200 to Colonel Hobby, the necessity for which will appear from the accompanying letters.* I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H.P. BEE, Brigadier~ General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, October ~, 1863. General BOGGS, Chief of Staff, & c.: GENERAL: If, after examination and consultation with General Tay- lor, it has been determined that no works shall be constructed below on Red River, you will immediately have all the heavy artillery at that place removed hither. In any case, two heavy guns will be sent here forthwith, and you will direct the artillery officer in command at Grand Ecore to superintend their removal. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH. P. S.Should General Boggs have passed up on his return without leaving instructions, with Major [J. J.] Gaines or the artillery officer in command at Grand Ecore, he (Major Gaines, or, & c.) will cause the two 9-inch guns to be removed immediately to Shreveport under his super- intendence. * Not found Page 289 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 289 HEADQUARTERS, Sabine Post October 5, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, flouston, Tex.: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith Commodore Leon Smiths report relative to the flag of truce from the enemys vessels. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, A. BUCHEL, Colonel, Commanding Post. HEADQUARTERS MARINE DEPARTMENT, C. S. S. CLIFTON, Sabine Pass, October 5, 1863. Col. A. BUCHEL, Commanding Post, Sabine: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note dated headquarters Sabine Post, October 4, requiring statement, to forward to the major-general commanding, of the object of flag of truce signaled from the enemy~5 fleet off Sabine Bar yesterday morning, the 4th itista~t, and which I answered in person. Arriving at the neutral position oc- cupied by the truce boat, I met Mr. [Ezekiel ID.] Percy an(l Mr. of the enemys gunboat Caynga, who were delegated by the command- ing officer of their squadron to inquire into the loss of the schooner Manhasset and the disposition of the crew by the Confederate author- ities. I informed Mr. Percy that the crew were considered prisoners of war, to which he politely advanced the rule of nations, which he stated exempted shipwrecked seamen from being considered prisoners of war, and at liberty to be returned to their command. Having received his views, I stated to him I would address the com- manding general a note on the subject, and respectfully request him to examine the case. The Federal officer also handed me two Jetters, ac- companied by the sum of ~100, which he desired to be forwarded to Mrs. Thayer, of Calcasieu, La. He was also desirous to know what time the schooner Manhasset went ashore, and whether anything had been saved from her. These questions I answered by stating the time, and also that I had saved everything. These two officers were extremely courteous and polite. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEON SMITH, Commanding Marine Department. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, Tex., October 6, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District, Brownsville, Tex.: GENERAL: I am directed by Major-General Magruder to say that you will send forward to this l)lace, without the slightest delay, the arms and ammunition which have just arrived on the ho Grande, said to be 10,000 Enfield rifles, 3,000,000 percussion caps, and 2,000,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition. The general directs that you send ahead of this train couriers, with specific instructions that they watch carefully, and if the enemy now hovering around our coast in large numbers lands at any point, that these arms and ammunition be (liverted so that. they ~m~t allowed to fall into the euemy~ hands under any circumstane~s~ 19 R RYOL XXVI, PT I Page 290 290 W./FLA~ S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. xxxviii. You are requested to give your particular attention to this matter, and lose no time, night or day, to insure their safe and speedy arrival at this place. I send you a copy of this by express, and also by one of Major Rus- sells clerks. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. DISTRICT TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., October 6, 1863. Gov. F. R. LUBBOCK, Austin, Tex.: GOVERNOR: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to request that you will forthwith concentrate, with or without the consent of the Legislature, this being beyond doubt a military necessity, in his opin- ion, the Frontier Regiment or any other troops of this nature which you may have at Fort Belknap. It is important that this should be done with the utmost rapidity, in order to anticipate and prevent a raid which the Indians are certainly expected to make into the frontier counties some time in November. Brigadier-General MeOulloch, commanding the Northern Sub-District, is authorized to appoint as many officers as may be necessary to organ- ize these commands, and have them ready for service. The whole, when organized, will be under his entire control and subject to his orders. I am, Governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C -, Houston, October 6, 1863. - Brigadier-General MCOULLOCH~ Commanding Northern Sub-District, Bonham: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to acknowl- edge receipt of your communication of the 28th ultimo, with inclo sures, and to say that the pacific measures adopted by you meet with his approval, and he trusts that it may produce the desired result. The major-general commanding fully empowers you to retain and or- ganize the absent officers and men that are reporting to you, that their services may be availed of arainst the lndians and other enemies. By the inclosed orders and letters, you will observe that Capt. John R. Baylor, with his company of ~ Rangers, is ordered into your district, and the Governor and minute-men have been appealed to. Major-General Magruder assures you that everything in his power will be done to assist you in protecting that exposed frontier, and that all unnecessary interference will be avoided. He will acknowledge the private portion of your lettei~, and furnish such officers as he can spare at an early day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 291 CnAr. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 291 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LoUIsIANA, Alexandria, October 6, 1863. Col. S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: By direction of Major-General Taylor, I have the honor to inclose the accompanying copy of a letter from General Mouton and the pass given by Major-General Franklin, * from which you will perceive the condition of affairs below. I also quote the following from General Taylors letter: There is no doubt that the enemy is advancing in very large force. Whether it is his intention to march to the Red River Yalley before going to Texas has not yet been developed, but to-day or to-morrow will decide what he means. You know he can strike out by the road from Vermillionville or from New iberia, via Abbeville, to Nibletts Bluff. I shall gradually and quietly remove surplus stores from this point. There are some 470 or 480 Federal prisoners, captured by General Green, who will be started for Shreveport to-morrow morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.] IIDQRs. SUB-DISTRICT OF SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA, Camp Pratt, October 4, 18637.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding District of Western Louisiana: GENERAL: I have the honor to report the enemy at New Iberia. We left the town at sundown. Colonel Vincent ambuscaded them at Nel- sons Bridge, and their advance was driven in, leaving the road fall of dead and wounded. I will move this command, say about 250 men, be- yond the Vermillion after midnight to-night, leaving only men enough to observe and to get on their flank, so as to find out their exact strength. They are in large force. Colonel Major cannot reach the Vermillion before to-morrow night. I have sent him orders to cut across the coun- try, and cross the Vermillion at Moutons Bridge, 6 miles above the public bridge. I cannot do anything except watch their movements and ascertain their force. A prisoner taken this evening states the enemy have seven regiments of cavalry, and a very large quantity of artilleryamong them the siege Parrotts. He says he has always heard there were 75,000 men under Gen~eral Franklin. They are going to Texas. The expedition by water was given up. General Banks is in~ New Orleans; General Grant, he says, is expected, having gone to Mobile. He says their camps extended from near Berwick Bay to near Franklin~ showing these by their force. The prisoner is an American, rather intelligent, and gave the names and number of the cavalry regiments, and was made to repeat them, so as to see whether h?was telling the truth. His statement was consist- ent in every instance. I hope to meet Colonel Major to-morrow before the enemy reaches that point. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFII. MOUTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. T~ass omitted Page 292 292 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVTIL HDQRS. DISTRICT TEXAS, NEW MExIco, AND ARIZONA, Ifliouston, Tex., October 6, 1863. To His Excellency SANTIAGO VIDAURRI, Governor of Nuevo Leon and (Joahuila: GOVERNOR: Your communication of August 30, relative to Andres Yalenzuela and his band of robbers, has been just received, and in reply I beg leave to assure Your Excellency of my hearty co-operation in any measure tending to suppress and exterminate all such outlaws. You are, therefore, authorized to pursue and apprehend in this district all such characters as Valenzuela, and I shall direct the military author. ities to render all assistance in their power to accomplish this laudable end. Trusting that a united effort on the part of the two Governments will result in the restoration of peace and quiet on the frontier, I have the honor to remain, with respect,your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, ]Jfajor. General, Gornnzandinq. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Brown, October 6, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston: SIR: Private letters from New York, dated September 19, say that an expedition on a large scale is fitting out for the Rio Grande. The United States consul at Matamoras told a reliable person yesterday that there would soon be here a force of 30,000 men, provided with boats and all appliances, to take prompt possession of this river. If this is so, the movement is against the French, and will precipitate the issue between them. I have communicated with the French ship of war that took the arms. He says that papers were found on board that the arms were for the Juarez government; that the banker of the Mexican Government sent them out; that he was sent expressly to take the said vessel; believes that the arms which were saved are now in Mexico, for he knows that General Bee and Governor iRuiz mutually help each other, & c. The matter cannot be arranged this side of Paris, and I have already sent the necessary papers forward. The Frenchman professed to be surprised at the directness of the proofs, and changed his tune some- what. He offered to take the supercargo of the vessel to Yera~ Cruz, that, with his papers, he might make such statements as would serve to make the matter clear before the court in Paris, but as the only object I have is to get; the arms, if I have to wait until the court is heard from I take no interest in it; nor do I seek to assist the insurance officer nor the shipper of the goods, for it was by the ignorance of the latter that I lost the arms. With great respect, H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, October 7, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District: GENERAL: I an) (lirected by Major-General Magruder to acknowledge receipt of and reply to your comn~unic~tion of the 14th iAtimo Page 293 Onir. ~~VIII.) COkl~ESPONDflNCE, ONPEThtRATI~. 293 You will greatly oblige me by stating what letters are in the posses- sion of residents of Matamoras that may be used against ns, If you can obtaiu the information. Some few copies (so I am informed) of letters relating to the exporta- tiou of cotton have been furnished to acctedited agents or contractors of the Confederate States GoVernment, some of whom may have proVeii treacherous. Letters, too, may have been intercepted while iu charge of couriers, many of whom are Mexicans and Well posted, on the other side, and there is a possibility of some having been surreptitiously taken from our office, or even yours, it being so much nearer the Rio Grande. The major-general commanding is extremely anxious to detect the party or parties thus traitorously working against us, and any clew or information you can impart will be promptly used to bring the parties to justice. Yours, most respectfully, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. flEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIsSIssIPPI DEPART1~L1ENT, Shreveport, La., October 8, 1863. Maj. Gen. RIUIIARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: Your communication of the 30th ultimo, from Monudville, has j ust been received. My information from Little Rock indicates a speedy advance. They have re-enforced, as both our secret-service men and the Northern papers state. They are, moreover, accumulating large wagon trains, which come down the Mississippi and by Helena. An a(lvance to Red River is openly proclaimed. I can scarcely credit an advance this season; the fall and winter rains soon set in, and the difficulties of campaigning in this upper conutry become almost insur- mountable. Should they be so foolhardy as to venture a march on Red River, we must concentrate and strike for a decisive blow. Defeat to them so far from their base should be a disaster. Collect your disj~osable force in the Red River Valley with as little delay as possible, make your dispositions, and be prepared to march when called on. Supplies should be collected at Natchitoches. Your route will be through that place to Minden or Shreveport, as circum- stances may demand. Hdbert will probably have to be left in command of the district; of this, however, you must decide. Mouton is a gallant soldier; experience has proved him a better subordinate than inde- pendent commander. In any event you will not be far removed, and but a short time absent from your district. Your action in reply to General Magruders application was well ad- vised. To have moved your command across the desert piney country to Nibletts Bluff before the enemy moved from Berwick and developed their plan would have placed you in a false position and might have entailed a serious disaster. Major Douglas leaves in a day or two for the Lower Red River. He will examine and report upon the facilities and the best plan for ob- structing the river above Natchito~hes. He will advise and consult with you in Alexandria, having collected the necessary information on his trip down. I have recently returned from Arkadelphia. I found the command in better spirits and condition than I had anticipated. They lost some 1,200 or 1,400 on the retreat from Little Rock. The command has r Page 294 294 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL ceiveci some additions since its arrival on the Washita, and numbers about 8,000 effective. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. P. S.I understand and base my calculations on the fact of the ex- pedition having sailed from Berwick. Is this undoubtedly true ~ HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR. Shreveport, La., October 8, 1863. Commanding District of TVestern Louisiana: GENERAL: I am instructed by the lieutenant-general commanding to announce to you the reception of a letter from Major Surget of the 6th instant, announcing the advance of the enemy from Berwick Bay, and to say that the concentration of your forces in Red River Valley, ad- vised in his letter of the 7th [8th] instant, was directed under the im- pression that the enemys expedition had left Berwick Bay. As this supposition was incorrect, and the enemy appears to be in large force, your movements must be regulated by your own judgment, according to circumstances. The lieutenant-general thinks that if the enemy move toward the Sabine it would be well to hold your force at some point from which you could operate on his flank, and thus give valuable relief to General Magruder. I am, general, very respectfully, E. CUNNINGHAM, Lieutenant, and Aide-de-Camp. OPELOUSAS, October 8, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Gommanding, & c.: GENERAL: Judge Dupr6 has just called to see me to give the in- formation brought by Father Raymond, the priest at this place, just rctnrned from New Orleans. He has been in New Orleans, the La Fourche country, and at the Bay, and returned by way of Plaquemine. He states that he has been among the enemy for the last three weeks, and from his own observations and by availing himself of the means of acquiring information which his position and calling afforded him, he gathers the following: The advancing force of the enemy consists of two army corps, the Nineteenth and Thirteenth, the former under command of General Franklin, the latter of General Washburn. The Nineteenth numbers from 10,000 to 12,000, the Thirteenth from 12,000 to 115,000. All their wagons passed through Thibodeaux, and number four hundred (counted by the priest at Thibodeaux). Their cavalry force, he thinks, does not exceed three full regiments. General Dana, on the Mississippi coast, and near Morgauza, has only abiut 2,000 men. The expedition is in- tended for Texas; is commanded by General Franklin. General Dana stated to Mr. Raymond that General Franklin would advance cautiously, driving you before him, until he could force an engagement, or in de- fault of that, by pushing you, to demoralize your army so that he woul Page 295 ~95 CflAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--CONFEDERATE. have nothing to apprehend from your army in his march to Texas. He expected you to make battle at Vermillion Bridge or between Vermil- lion and Opelousas. Judge IDuprd and other citizens here represent Mr. Raymond as true and devoted to us. He is the priest whom you saw at the judges house and to whom you gave permission to go to New Orleans. General Walker and his division are at Big Cane. I have communi- cated to him the information which I dispatched to you last night. Major [Louis] Bush has ordered all the sick, stores, & c., to be moved toward Alexandria from this place and Washington. 1 await your orders at this place, and, unless otherwise directed, shall remain until General Mouton retires, when I will accompany the rear gnard, and keep you posted of what is going on. General Green, with Semmes battery, starts for General Mouton this morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. M. LEVY, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA, Alexandria, October 9, 1863. In the absence of Major-General Taylor, the within is respectfully forwarded for the information of Majnr-General Magruder. E. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant- General. [HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, Tex., October 8, 1863.] Brig. Gen. HENRY E. MCCULLoCII, Commanding Northern Sub-District: Mv DEAR GENERAL: I have just received your letter of the 3d in- stant. In the letter of September 22, I only meant to advise you, or to authorize you rather, to go into the Indian Territory and take command there, if, in your judgment, it was necessary. I have written to Lieu- tenant-General Smith, and advised him to attach the Indian Territory to this district; and, as affairs there do not press at present, you are perhaps better where you are. I have written you a long letter on the affairs of my district, and sent a copy of it to Lieutenant-General Smith. The difficilities are innumerable everywhere, and I fully appreciate your situation, but can do very little at present. I beg at least that you will continue to write to me privately and every way. I will do what is possible, bnt much must be left to your judgment at this distance. Ten thousand Enfield rifles have gotten in safe at Brownsville. In haste, yours, truly, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER~ Major- General, Commanding. [HOUSTON, October 8, 1863.] Brig. Gen. HENRY E. MOCULLOCH, Commanding Northern Sub-District: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of October 2, 1863, 1 uclosing copy of General Coopers letter Page 296 296 W.FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., ~PEN., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL and in reply I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that, in view of the threatening aspect of affairs in the Indian Territory, you did right in not carrying out the order relative to Bankheads brigade until you had heard from him. Since our last communication, intelligence has been received of the embarkation of 30,000 Federals at Berwick Bay, who sailed to parts unknown, and as they have not made their appearance on the coast of Texas, the major-general commanding, strange as it may seem, believes that they have gone eastward. He therefore countermands the orders directing the troops under your command to proceed to Mil~ican, and Bankheads brigade, as well as the State troops, will remain with you. iDashielis battery was ordered to yours relief to-day. Information has been received of the safe arrival at Brownsville of 10,000 Enfleld rifles with appropriate ammunition, and the major-general commanding will endeavor to supply your troops that are unarmed as soon as practicable. The major-general commanding has received no report of the number of State troops that have arrived at Bonham, and why those who have not arrived are delayed, nor has he received any intelligence relative to General Gano, who was ordered to Bonham to command the State cavalry. He wishes you to give him precise as well as general informa- tion on the affairs in your district, and to keep him constantly informed on the subject. He has learned also that some State troops who went to Bonham returned home, and he directs me to say that he wishes you to hold them there, and permit them to return home under no circum- stances. As to details, few should be made as possible, and those only for governmental purposes. Since writing the above, your letter of the 3d, inclosing one from Gen- eral Bankhead, has been received. When it is made certain that the 30,000 Yankees from Louisiana are not intended for Texas, but go east of the Mississippi, the general hopes to be able to re-enforce you. In the meantime, he thinks that with the arms left at Bonham by General Bankhead, and the arms brought in by the State troops, you will be able to have 1,200 additional armed men; and he desires that you will organize arid drill the State troops as rapidly as I)O55iblC. With these he thinks the enemy can be held somewhat in check until re-enforce- ments reach you. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant STEPHEN 1). YANCEY Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. ENGINEERS OFFICE, Capt. EDMUND ~. TURNER, Galveston, October 8, 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General, Houston: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, after examining the injury done to the works on Galveston Island, I found the works in the fol- lowing condition: Fort Magruder .The parapet in front of one gun was washed away to within a few feet of the gun, arid a part of the slope washed away in front of another gun. The breakwater was also washed away in front of the two guns; also the palisading for the same length. The maga- zines were not affected in any work. To replace the embankment it will rOquire four days work. Pelican AS~pit.ThC embankment on the sides of the embrasures washe Page 297 CHAP. XXXVIII.1 COR1~ESPONDENCE, E~C.CONFEDERATE. 297 away; also the breakwater in front; no other damage. It will require ten days work to make the repair. The railroad between Fort Scurry and Fort Point washed away for half a mile. It is undergoing repairs. It will require ten days more work. The balance of the works are not injured. Forts Magruder and Pelican Spit, notwithstanding the injury, are ready for action to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, V. SULAKOWSKI, Chief Engineer. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, October ~9, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. B. BoGGS, Chief of Staff: Sin: The mouth of the Brazos requires for its defense artillery, in- fantry, and cavalry, in small numbers. I found Bates regiment, thus composed, stationed there and xvell acquainted with the locality. This arrangement was made by Brigadier-General Hdbert. I recognized it as a good one for the defense of the Brazos, and have kept it so. I thought it better to use these means thus prepared than to disorganize two regiments to accomplish that which was better done by other means. Browns battalion has not been sent to Louisiana nor has all of Bates regiment arrived in Texas. My last dispatches from General Taylor, dated September 3~I), state that the enemy sailed from there for Texas or Mobile the day before; it is not yet time to learn if he has arrived at the iRio Grande; as soon-as it is ascertained that such is not the case, I propose to send re-enforcements to Bonham, to Brigadier-General Mc- Culloch, who represents this command (the Northern Sub-District) in the greatest danger. This movement may interfere with the reorganiza- tion of these regiments at present, but wben it can be done it will be. In my opinion the mouth of the Brazos can be better defended by Bates regiment as it now is than by any other organization in my power. I have no unattached companies of infantry in the district, and I would not advise the dismounting of the Texas troops. I have, after careful reflection and experience, published an order to them, stat- ing that they would march on horseback and light on foot. I believe no better arrangement than this can be made, and I wonid regret any order from my superior in rank which would force me to violate my official pledge to my troops. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIJEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. [Q~TOBER 9, 1863.1 Maj. Gen. RIChARD TAYLOR, Commanding District of Louisiana, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have withdrawn my supplies from Nibletts Bluff, but am prepared to send provisions to that point at a moments warning from you that your troops will move in that direction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, - Major- General, Commanding Page 298 298 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. rCHAP. XXXtIII. [OCTOBER 9, 1863.] Brig. Gen. II. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District, Brownsville: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of the 28th September, 1863, reporting the arrival of the schooner Love Bird, loaded with arms, & c., I am directed by Major-General Magruder to inclose copy of a letter to Major Russell, of 3d July, 1863,* from which you will perceive that specific instructions were timely forwarded, so that the proper arrangements should be made to seenre the entire cargo. The major. general is therefore surprised that a portion of these arms have not been secured, and are lost to the country. The transaction is such au important one, and the failure to secure the arms of such a serious and grave character to the whole country, as to require an investigation by a court, unless a full and complete report of the whole matter is made by you. This is, therefore, espe- cially requested at your earliest convenience; at once, if possible. I am, general, & c., EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. ENGINEERS OFFICE, DISTRICT OF TEXAS, Galveston, October 10, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston: CAPTAIN: Herewith I respectfully iiclose the instructions left with Maj. J. Kellersberg, chief engineer Eastern Sub.District of Texas, which is respectfully submitted. I am, captain, yours, very respectfully, V. SULAKOWSKI, Chief Engineer. [Inclosure.] SABINE CITY, October 5, 1863. Maj. J. KELLERSBERG, Chief Engineer, Eastern District Texas, Sabine Pass: You will remain at this place, and take charge of the following works now in process of construction: I. Both channels to be obstructed by piling in groups of five piles bolted together, and aline of torpedoes is placed about 60 feet below the obstructions, opposite the intervals of groups of piling. Should the enemy appear in force before the piling is complete, you will sink the boat Belle in Texas channel and fill the Louisiana channel with torpedoes. The sunken schooner will receive additional ballast of several tons at the end most protruding out of the water, and left so for several days; then cut down to low-water mark, so as not to injure the joints. II. Fort Griffin will be surrounded by a covered way all round; at the foot of the covered way an abatis will be made 5 feet high and 15 feet wide. For that purpose, all the mesquite trees in front of the fort and between the old fort and the lake will be cut down. In~ide of the abat- tis, and joining, a strip of the foot of the covered way about 6 feet wide * Not found Page 299 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDEM~E, ETC CONFEDERATE. 299 will be sodded (taking for this purpose sod with tall grass); in that strip of sodding the 13-inch shells will be placed in the ground about 40 feet apart, connected with wire or rope attached to stakes driven in the ground, the wire to be about 4 inches above the ground and hidden from view. On the southwest corner of the fort, a double line of torpedoes will be placed. On the side fronting the river, the ditch between the work and the covered way will be reduced to 10 feet, and the slope of the covered way will be made steeper for want of room. The additional bomb-proof and a magazine will be covered with iron, to be taken from Beaumont for that purpose. Around, four platforms traverses will be constructed, with 8 feet base, 3 feet top, on the outside of the platform in broken line, leaving 6 feet passage on each side. The terre-plein will be leveled with one foot fall toward the center and drained through the passage. The breastwork to the right will be completed as now laid out. The Texas Eastern IRailroad will be put in running order- first from Sabine City to 5 miles beyond Taylors Baybu, and then connected with the New Orleans Railroad. Flat cars from the Central Railroad will be placed on it as soon as the former part is completed. The wagon road between Sabine City and the railroad to be made practicable at all seasons; part of it to be planked. The line of redonbts will be limited for the present to two redoubts and two redans. After the above works are completed, or negroes can be spared, a line of breastworks will be thrown up from the second slough in front of the breastworks now under construction to the head of the lake, with- out leaving any opening; the water from the slough and lake to con- nect. This breastwork to be 6 feet high and 8 feet top. It is intended partly to prevent the enemy from deploying his forces after landing and keeping him limited to a narrow space within range of the guns of the fort. As soon as a barbette carriage is constructs~d, you will take one 32-pounder from the Clifton, and mount it in place of the 24-pounder pintle in center. The 24-pounder to be moved to the lunette, and placed in the capitol. At Taylors Bayou a redoubt for four field pieces will be thrown up between the railroad and the lake. You will report every ten days the progress of the works to this office, at Galveston or Brazos. V. SULAKOWSKJ, Chief Engineer. HEADQUARTERS COAST CoMMAND, indianota, Tex., October 10, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TuRNER, A. A. G., Houston, Tex.: SIR: Special Orders, No. 266, Paragraph XV, bearing date October 1, 1863, in reference to Hawleys dredge-boat being chartered by the quartermaster~s department, was received yesterday. In reply, I deem it my duty to submit the following facts bfore executing said order, and respectfully request further instructions: This dredge-boat is owned by a company, most of whom reside in the vicinity where it is now lying, in fact, where it has been lying unused for years. Lieutenant-Colonel Lea, of the engineer department, is one of the company. The condition of the boat is such that, in my opinion Page 300 300 W. PTA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. to repair it would tend only to the benefit of the company, as the neces- sary repairs cannot be made in less than from two to four months; and the cost to place it in a serviceable condition, including material and labor, will not cost the Government less than from $30,000 to $40,000. The advantage to the CTovernment from the use of such a , coul(1 it be at once put into operation, I can well see, but in all probability, judging from communications received at these headquarters from the major-general commanding on yesterday, before this boat can be gotten ready for service, the enemy will have effected their object upon this coast, or will have been driven from it. 1 am informed by Lieut. Col. A. M. Lea that after the boat is repaired it will require the services of the steamboat Lizzie Lake to keep her supplied with wood, and you have been heretofore notified of the inad- equacy of the transportation in these bays to supply the requirements ot this command, and now that four cavalry companies of the militia have been ordered to Corpus Christi, the services of all the transporta- tion will be required to supply them with corn and wood. I most respectfnlly submit the above, and request an early answer. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. IR. BIRADFUTE, Colonel, C. S. Army, Commanding Goast. [Indorsement.] DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS, Houston, October 14, 1863. Respectfully referred to Colonel Sulakowski. By order of General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.l SPECIAL ORDERS, 4 HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIZ., No. 266. Sabine Pass, October 1, 1863. * * * * * * XV. Col. W. R. Bradfute, commanding the coast, will at once cause the dredge-boat near Aransas Pass, belonging to Captain Hawley, to be chartered by the quartermasters department and kept under the control of that department, subject, however, to instructions from the engineer department in regard to work to be performed in that depart- ment. This is a matter of importance, and will be attended to at once, and the execution of the order reported promptly to these headquarters. By command ~of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant. General. [Indorsernent.] ENGINEERS OFFICE, Galveston, October 30, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, flouston: Respectfully submitted, in reply to the report of Colonel Bradfute, that 1. Colonel Bradfute admits the importance of the services of a dredge- boat besides those tending to secure communications with Fort Delrray by Saluria Bayou (Devils Elbow). 2. Most of the necessary material is already supplied from here, and all the necessary castings are completed Page 301 301 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .CONFEDERATE. 3. That in six weeks time the boat may have been put in good order, if there was any disposition so to do by the quartermaster. 4. That the probable or possible movements of the enemy cannot be taken into consideration when a work of importance is to be carried out, until the movement actually takes place. I therefore respectfully suggest that the dredge-boat be appraised in its present condition, and then after its completion, and the difference to be put to Government credit, to be deducted from its services. Ten thon~and dollars will put the boat in good order. V. SULAKOWSKI, Chief Engineer. [OCTOBER 11, 1863.] Lient. Gen. E. KIRBY S1~IITII, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: I have discovered a well-laid and I fear widespread con- spiracy, with an understanding with the Federal army, through the Federal prisoners at llempstead, by which our cause ~s greatly endan- gered on this side the Mississippi River. A Mr. Baldwin and a Dr. Peeples, the former of this place and the latter living near llempstead, are ringleaders. I have arrested both, and have Baldwins papers, implicating many. A German printer, named Zinke, is also one of theni. Baldwin and Zinke are now on their way to El Paso, via San Antonio, and Dr. Peeples is here in jail, and will be sent forward to avoid the writ of habeas corpus until I can hear from you. There are grave ol~jections to these men. going out of the country. They are intelligent and daring, and know everything. They ought not to be allowed to go. On the other hand, if they stay, there will be a great public discussion by men of talent and boldness which will prove eminently dangerous. I have taken the course of sending these men toward San Antonio, not to send them out of the country, which would be the most unwise plan of any for this class of men, but only to gain time until I can hear from you. I urgently request that I may be allowed to declare martial law, and to suspend the writ of habeas corpus. In this manner alone can the public interest be preserved. I have a considerable number of names implicated, but for the present shall make no further arrests. Boldness and promptness are absolutely necessary. As you are really the Government on this side of the river, cut off as we are from the President, I think you would be perfectly right to exercise the power conferred upon him by Congress. I agree with you that we should be more particular, in our isolation, in exercising any authority not pos- sessed by us, unless absolutely necessary; but I think the President would fully justify it if the public safety were clearly in jeopardy by a combination of traitors. Please ans~wer as soon as you receive this. Our difficulties increase on all sides; 10,000 arms arrived at the mouth of the Rio Grande the c [her day; 4,000 were landed and 6,000 captured by the French. I have 7,000 men without any arms, and one- half of the rest very badly armed. I understand from Major Snead that General Prices army is now well armed, and so is General Tay- lors. I hope I may be allowed to retain these 4,000 for my unarmed and badly armed troops. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BKNKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding Page 302 302 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, fLex., October 11, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation dated September 17, by favor of Captain Ransom. While I hear with personal regret the decision of the major-general commanding as to my remaining on the Rio Grande, I am grateful to him for this renewed mark of his confidence. It is an official indorse- ment of my coUrse while in command here which will go far to hush the voice of slander against me. I trust that I will immediately be relieved from all charge of the cot- ton business, and respectfully request it. I am willing to serve my country in any position; I am willing to remain on the Rio Grande in command of a battalion of troops, but I am not willing to be placed in a position where I have no power but to execute orders that I may receive, yet am subjected to the mortification of having my good name bandied about by the slanderous and disloyal., I have clean hands and a clear conscience on this cotton business, have been indorsed by the people of Brownsville and the major-general commanding, and feel that it is now due me that I should be entirely relieved from all connection with it. I feel, indeed, so sensitive on the subject that I would prefer to return my commission to the President and fight for my country in the ranks, as I have done before, than fur- ther subject my reputation to this ordeal. Colonel Broadwell is, I un- de~stand,in charge of the cotton bureau. I presume he is competent and that it is not necessary for me to serve nnder him. I am willing to assume full charge of the cotton business, provided I have full anthority, ,a.nd held directly responsible. I feel satisfied, from my intimate knowledge of the business, which no other officer but Major Russell in Texas possesses, that if I had had the full charge given to me last April, I could have carried out the wishes and supplied the wants of the army. It is probably now too late, as the enemy may soon cut off th~ trade, nor do I now propose to take it, but only mention it as in connection with my present respectful but firm request to be relieved from all connection with the cotton business. The important letter from General Smith will be sent by a special messenger on the French frigate for Vera Cruz, to sail in a few days, it being the only opportunity at my command. I~ believe I could have rendered especial service if I had been sent with it myself, for there are local reasons that might be brought to bear on the question which have not been, of course, known to General Smith. We receive to-day the positive news that Rosecrans has been routed and in full retreat. God be praised! I am suffering from the climate here, and am hardly fit for duty. Respectfully, II. P. BEE, Brigadier-General, Provisional Army. HEADQUARTERS I~1ORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT, Bonham, fLex., October 11, 1863. Capt. STEPHEN I). YANCEY, A. A. A. G., houston, flex.. CAPTAIN: Yours of the 8th instant is at hand, and in reply I must say that I am glad from my heart to learn that the 30,000 Yankees har Page 303 CHAP. XXXVIIl.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 303 in all probability gone away from Texascertainly there is no portion of the Confederacy in any worse condition than we are to meet such a forcethat the 10,000 gnus, with ammunition, had arrived, and that the major-general commanding was not displeased with my course re- specting the movement of troops from this section of country, under his order And now, in return, permit me to give you the intelligence, through a copy of a letter from Brigadier-General Cooper, that our enemy has fallen back, and that we are advancing a little, but only to get to where there i~ some forage. This is a great relief to us, and will enable us to get ready for them whenever they come, or to help Gen- eral Holmes, if he should have to fall back from Washington, Ark., in the direction of Fulton, & c. I regret that I cannot give as cheerin~ accounts from the pacific policy toward the men in the brush as I had hoped. But few, comparatively, have come in. Still, I feel that much good has been done, that some will yet get in, and that public sentiment will sustain me in extreme measures where I have to use force, which is very desirable, under the circumstances. In the meantime, not having the force ready, I am stilt (loing all that can be done consistently to bring them by a conciliatory course, but the moment I can get ready I shall use force promptly and vigorously. Only two battalions of State troops have yet reached camp, the and Fifteenth. Others are on the march; one expected in a day or two, another in a day or two more, and so on. Why they have not been more prompt I am not able to say. They plead want of transportation, & c., but I expect want of energy and competency on the part of officers is the secret of the whole matter. None have left here that have re- ported for duty, and so far those that are in camp are behaving as well as any new troops I have seen, and seem to be trying to do their duty and learn to be soldiers. General Gano reached here with his staff and body-guard last even- ing. I am highly pleased with him, and will put him in command of the State troops at once, and with his help hope soon to make them efficient. I shall certainly make as few details as possible, but it is in- dispensably necessary to detail shoemakers and tanners and thrashers, millers and blacksmiths, if we supply the army with shoes and bread. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, HENHY E. MeCULLOCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding Northern Sub-District. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, INDIAN TERRITORY, Camp. Magruder, October 9, 1863. Brig. Gen. HENRY E. MOCULLOGH, Commanding Sub-District of Northern Texas: GENERAL: I have to acknowledge your communication of 3d instant, and to thank you for the information afforded and the a~surance of support by you. The enemy is now at Fort Smith, North Fork, though not in large force. general Blunt is expected back from Kansas on the 25th instant. I presume no important movements will be undertaken prior to his re- turn. I will keep vigilant watch upon the enemy, and will apprise you of all worthy of note. I have information that the Federal force has left Scullyville and has gone in the direction of Fort Smith, having burned some building Page 304 304 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. at Scullyville and old Fort Coffee. Their travel is from Gibson to Fort Smith, on north side of the Arkansas. Colonel Watie, with a cavalry force of Cherokees, has been sent to intercept couriers and trains on that road, and to create as much ex- citement in their rear in the Cherokee Nation as possible. I am moving this morning in the direction of North Fork, via Camp Johnston, near Canadian, where there is an abundance of forage. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, DOUGLAS II. COOPER, Brigadier- Uen~ral, Commanding. OCTOBER 12, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. Boo c~s, Chief of Staff, Shreveport, La.: GENERAL: I h~ve just seen an order from Lieutenant-General Smith forbidding any cotton to be purchased for a higher price than 20 cents per pound. To.day for arms and army supplies which have arrived on the iRio Grande, on contracts of Major Hart, approved by me, and those faithfully fulfilled by the contractors without the advance of a dollar or a pound of cotton, I ordered Major Bloomfield, after learning from Major Hart that he could not fulfill his contracts, to purchase cotton enough to do so. This was before the schedule made its appearance, and he informs me~ that he has purchased at market price. If this is disapproved or interrupted, I know not what to do. The planters are not bound in any way by the schedule; their cotton is under the law of impressment, must be appraised by arbitration, and no one in his senses (lOubtS but that it would be appraised at the market value, at least. Cotton in the hands of holders other than producers is liable to the schedule price, but this order was given and the most of the cotton, I am informed, purchased before the schedule made its appearance. I have written to the Governor, telling him that his letter has l)rOduced embarrassment to me, and requesting him to give such advice as will extricate me from it. I dont think he looked at the whole of the im- pressment law. Am I to understand that the arms lately arrived, for which 1 ordered a contract to be made, are to sent to Major [T. G.] Rhett direct ~ If so, I must state, that the lieutenant-general may be informed of it at once, that I have 7,000 troops without arms, and of the rest only four regi- mnents are well armed; and that I am informed by Major Snead, of Major-General Prices staff, that his troops (now Holmes) are now well armed. I hope the general commanding will allow these arms to be distributed among the Texas troops in this district, for whom I caused them to be imported, or that at least they have a pro rata share of them. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKITEAD MAGII1ITDER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS lMsmJcT om~ TEXAS, & C., 863. Brigadier-General SLAUGHTER, Houston, October 12 1 Brownsville: GENERAL: I am instrncted by Major-General Magruder to direct you to relieve Brigadier-General Bee from the command of the Western Page 305 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 305 Sub-District, and to assume command yourself, establishing your head- quarters at Brownsville. Brigadier-General Bee has been instructed * to establish his head- quarters at Goliadq Tex. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. OFFICE OF CHIEF OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPAGE BUREAU, MILITARY DISTRICT TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZ., ilouston, October 12, 1863. Captain TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Houston: CAPTAIN: For the information of the major-general commanding, I beg leave to report upon the organization of the bureau placed under my charge as follows: In July last, while Maj. B. Bloomfield, chief quartermaster, was at San Antonio, I received, through Maj. E. B. Pendleton, commissary of subsistence and acting quartermaster, an order to submit to the major- general commanding (then at Galveston) an estimate for clothing mate- rial for 50,000 men for twelve months. The letter went on to say: Your views on the subject of clothing and the supply to be relied on in this part of the country are also solicited. My report on this is doubtless on file in your office. The result was the following order from the major-general commanding: GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, No. . Galveston, July 10, 1863. I. With a view of developing more fully the home resources for clothing purposes, a clothing and equipage bureau will be established to supply the wants of this dis- trict. Maj. E. C. Wharton, quartermaster, is placed in charge of this bureau, and will conduct its operations subject to the orders of Maj. B. Bloomileld, chief quarter- master. He will make the regular reports to Maj. B. Bloomfield, and will make estimates on him for supplies from abroad and for fuudsto carry on domestic manu- facture. Major Wliarton will establish a principal depot in each of the sub-districts, at such points as may be most suitable, with an officer in charge of each, who will establish shops for the manufacture of clothing and equijsage. These officers will he assisted in their duties by others, if found necessary. II. Mr. W. J. Mills is hereby assigned to duty as captain and acting quartermaster, subject to the approval of the President, and will report to Maj. E. C. Wharton, quartermaster, chief of clothing and equipage bureau, for the purpose of assisting him in the discharge of his duties. By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. Receipt of the above was acknowledged to Captain Turner (yourself), and Major Bloomfield arriving soon after, I reported to him for orders. Captain Mills, assistant quartermaster, filed his bonds with you, and reported to me for duty. A few days after, Major [W. II.] ilaynes, quartermaster and chief of clothing and equipage bureau, Department of Trans-Mississippi, arrived here expressly to consult with Major Bloomfield and the major-general commanding, in order to establish a hureau of clothing and equipage in this military district, with sub-districts and officers in charge of depots * By dispatch of same date. 20 R RYOL XXYI~ PT I Page 306 306 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. and shops therein; more especially to develop home resources. He was entirely satisfied With the system set forth in general orders above given, and addressed a letter to the major-general commanding thereon, through Major Bloomfield, requesting that the su1~.district depots be at Tyler, Smith County, for the Northern Sub-District; at San Antonio for the Western, and at Houston for the Eastern. He also requested the major-general commanding to issue a stringent order that no officer or agent should purchase clothing or equipage or material therefor in any of the sub-districts without first subihitting the transaction to the cloth- ing and equipage officer in charge of the depot, for his approvalthis to prevent competition and the interference of outside agents with the sub-district clothing quartermaster. The major-general commanding returned this communication through Major Bloomfield to me, approved, and wffh directions to carry out Major Haynes wishes to the letter, especially in regard to the pur- chases order. I at once sent instructions on this and other matters (as reports of stock, of purchases, fabrications, issues, transfers, estimates, & c.) to Captain [J. J.] Kirby, assistant quartermaster at Tyler, and Captain [William] Prescott, assistant quartermaster at San Antonio; also send- ing copies of the major-generals orders and other necessary information to General Bee and General Bankhead, so that they would be aware of the organizations ~entered upon, and the officers in charge in their re- spective sub-districts. From General Bee I received a reply, being a special order announc- ing Captain Prescott as clothing and equipage quartermaster for the Western Sub-District, directing all quartermasters in the sub-district to report to Captain Prescott in such matters, and especially enforcing the order concerning purchases. .1 retained immediate control of the Houston depot until the 1st September last, when I turned it over to Capt. W. J. Mills, assistant quartermaster, who is managing to my satisfaction. I supervise it, however, constantly, as being the most important depot of clothing and equipage in the State. The organization, then, is as follows: Eastern Sub-District.Principal depot at Houston, under Capt. W. J. Mills, assistant quartermaster, with shoe, tailor, tent, tin, and carpenter shops. Branch depot at Austin, under Captain [James P.] McKinney, post quartermaster; his chief business is to make shoes. Northern Sub-District.Principal depot at Tyler, Smith County, under Captain Kirby, post quartermaster. He is principally occupied in mak- ing shoes. Western Sub-DistrictsPrincipal depot at San Antonio, Bexar County, under Captain Prescott, post quartermaster, and now assisted by Lieu- tenant Bell, acting assistant quartermaster. I have not yet received definite information concerning the manufact- uring capacity of the San Antonio depot, as Captain Prescott has but just relieved Captain [E. P.] Gaines, assistant quartermaster. There would appear to be two or three smaller depots in the Western Sub-District, judging by Major Russells reports to Major Bloomfield of localities therein to which he has forwarded some of the clothing he~ has received from the Sir William Peel and other sources, at Browns- ville, at Corpus Christi, Goliad, & c., and Captain Prescott does not seem to be aware of this. The question arises whether Captain Pres- cott ought not to have complete control, under my directions, of the movements of stores appertaining to his department and yet, as Majo Page 307 9 CHAP. XXXVIIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 307 IRussell is his superior, it would seem a violation of the rights of the latter officer to direct him to report to Captain Prescott, and receive instructions where to ship clothing and equipage supplies to, and when. This difficulty might be obviated by directing Captain Prescott to report to Major IRussell what clothing and equipage or material there- for are needed in his sub-district for the first six months of the second clothing year (now commencing), and Captain Prescotts requesting Major IRussell to supply the posts on the Lower Rio Grande and coast toward Indianola with what they immediately need, and then ship the remainder of this six months supply to Captain Prescott at San Antonio. Captain Prescott ought to be in possession by this time of the precise information as to the number of troops in the Western Sub-District and their clothing account and wants, for General Bee issued an order two months ago that was designed, at my request, to furnish him that data. I have just received Captain Prescotts first report of stock on hand at San Antonio. I will consolidate it with that of the stock at this depot and the stock Major Russell has on the road (copies of invoices of same being furnished me by Major Bloomfield), and will forward it to the major-general commanding, together with a statement of the sup- plies of clothing due the troops for balance of first clothing year and first six months of second year, by which he will see at a glance the clothing resources of the district, what is needed and due, what can be furnished, and what we should have in addition. I deem it necessary to state that lVfajor ilaynes, quartermaster, chief of clothing bureau, Trans-Mississippi Department, requires of me a monthly report of the stock of clothing and equipage in the State. This leaves it open to his orders and as he has already taken away, for the troops in Arkansas and the Indian Nation, 5,000 jackets and 9,500 pairs trousers, I cannot altogether rely upon keeping for this district the stock which comes into its depots. Major ilaynes promises to return the supplies he draws from me, but I do not well see how he can do it, as he has to depend largely on the same source I am compelled to look tothe IRio Grande importa- tions. He controls, however, the Texas State penitentiary exclusively, so far as army supplies therefrom are concerned, and promised to let me have a share of those goods. The financial agent of the penitentiary informs me, however, that Major ilaynes has not a very large stock there; as the major has not been able to place him in funds, and he can sell only for cash. Major ilaynes also controls directly, through Captain [A. W.] Wright, assistant quartermaster, at Jefferson, Tex., the best por- tion of the leather-producing counties of Eastern Texas, and has a shoe factory at Jefferson, the products of which are to be shared among all the troops in the Trans-Mississippi Department. I rely but little on any supplies from that quarter, however, as I am convinced that the troops in Louisiana and Arkansas and the Indian Nation will absorb all the clothing and equipage that can be fabricated in those sections, and then be obliged to look to Texas for additional supplies. The best proof of this is, that officers from Walkers division are now at home, in Texas, with special orders to procure clothing from the citizens. Major Haynes has contracted for machinery, to come from abroad, for a large cotton and wool factory, to be located at Tyler, and which he expects to have in operation next spring. That will be a valuable re- source for clothing. As valuable a one will. be Major Washingtons Government tannery at San Antonio, which (if nothing detrimental occurs) will enable the department to concentrate all its shoeuzaher Page 308 308 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX~,~ N. MEX. [Cxu~r. XXXVIII. and furnish all the shoes we may need. In the meantime I shall con- tinue the shoe-shops at Tyler, Austin, and Houston, which will together average 1,000 pairs shoes monthly. I have contracted with Anderson and Richards, machinists, at Dan- yule, Montgomery County, to make thirty spinning-jen flies and one wool-carding machine, to be delivered commencing in December next, so that by January or February they will be at work spinning cotton thread and yarn in large quantities. Two jennies are at work now, and they make very good thread, equal to that from the State penitentiary. ~This establishment is in charge of Mr. James K. Metcalfe, of Washing- ton County, who is under bonds to me, and, understanding the business, is erecting a factory building on his plantation at his own expense. He is assisted by Mr. Rouse (an exempt), a practical weaver, and Mr. Hueb. ner, a practical machinist, understanding weaving machinery. Should Lieutenant-General Smith authorize the purchase of the foundry at Hempstead (as already reported to the major.general commanding), I propose to place the factory there, so as to use the steam power to drive the spindles and looms. This foundry will also enable me to make cooking utensils rapidly. Major Haynes is making camp kettles and skillets at the Marshall foundry, and will furnish me a large quantity, but when, I cannot say. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. WHARTON, Major, Quartermaster, Chief of Bureau. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Port Browu, Tex., October 13, 1863. Hon. A. SUPERVItLE: SIR: In accordance with instructions received from Lieut. Gen. Kirby Smith, commanding the Trans-Mississippi Department, through Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder, commanding District of Texas, I intrust to you a communication addressed to the Hon. John Slidell, commissioner of the Confederate States in Paris. You will proceed on the French ship of war Magellan to Vera Cruz, and there present yourself to the author- ities as empowered by me to represent the facts concerning the cargo of th~ Love Bird, and endeavor to have it released and sent back to the Rio Grande. Should you succeed in this, you will cause the arms to be reshipped in small vessels, and, with the consent of the French author- ities, sent to Tampico, with orders to remain there long enough to allay all suspicion which may have been excited in Vera Cruz as to the des- tination of the arms, and then to run for the Brazos Santiago bar, taking care to reach there in the night, the vessels employed for this purpose to be of such draught of water as will enable them to run up to Point Isabel (say 5 feet); these arrangements to be made by French or Mexican merchants in Vera Cruz, so as not to excite the suspicion of the Yankees. You will then seek an interview with the admiral of the French navy, and, unless satisfied by previous conversation that he is inimical to the Confederacy, you will then hand the letter to Mr. Slidell to him for perusal, but will not leave a copy. Should you ascertain that there is in Mexico an officer who would have the power to control the move- ments of the French army, you will proceed to his presence and submit the letter for his perusal, with such additional facts relating thereto as may occur to you as strengthening the position of General, Smith Page 309 t~1tA?. XZxVIIt.J CO ONtENCI~, ETO.CONFEDERATTh ~O9 which accomplished, you will proceed with all dispatch to Paris, and place the letter in the hands of Mr. Slidell, and await his instructions. Should you become satisfied from your conversation with the admiral that there exists no power in the hands of any officer in Mexico to carry out the views of General Smith, you need not proceed to the City of Mexico, but go at once to Paris. You are authorized to intrust the letter to a good, reliable, and intel- ligent man, to be delivered to Mr. Slidell after it has been perused in Mexico, and return yourself to this place, should you encounter a person of such description in Vera Crnz. Should you proceed to Paris, you will have a full and free conversa- tion with Mr. Slidellq and place before him the exact situation of affairs on this line which will serve to strengthen him in the position he may assumeon the points involved in the letter. Your knowledge of mat- ters as they exist renders it unnecessary to give you any detailed in- structions. You are instructed to keep this matter a l)rofound secret,, and allow no intimation of your business to escape you. Your mission as my agent to secure the cargo of the Love Bird will be ample to cover this transaction, and you will not fail to always represent yourself in that light. Your dispatches will be concealed on your person or otherwise, prepared for immediate destruction should there arise any emergency involving their captnre by the enemy. You will communicate with me from Vera Crnz, and on all other occasions when there is an oppor- tunity, under cover to Droege, Oetling & Co., Matamoras. I herewith inclose bills of exchange for 200 sterling, which I hope will be sufficient to defray your expenses. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II ~ BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army, Confederate States. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Port Brown, Tex., Qetober 13, 1863. The Captain of the French Ship ]Jliagellan: Sin: I have the honor to inform you that by a letter received from London, dated September 2, 1863,1 am notified that a shipment of arms was made from that port on the 1st of September, on the schooner Nancy Dawson, consigned to Hale & Co., Matamoras. This shipment is made by Mr. Nelson Clements, the same contractor who loaded the Goodyear and Love Bird, and, like those cargoes, is destined solely for my Government. With the earnest hope that you will receive this information in time to prevent a repetition of the disastrous and lamentable consequences to my country which she has snifered with the other cargoes, I have the honor to be, very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army, Confederate States. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, Port Brown, November 2 1863 Respectfully forwarded for the information of the general command- ing, as ~he best evidence that we have nothing to expect from any one, and that, between the French, Yankee, and Mexican, no arms will be received here for the Confederacy. U. P, ni~ Page 310 ~jO w. PLA., ~. ALA., ~. MISS., LA., TEX., N~ MEX. ~ XXXVIfl. [Reply.] ON BOARD THE MAGELLAN, In front of the Rio del Norte, October 21, 1863. General BEE, Commanding at Brownsville, Tex.: GENERAL: I regret infinitely having received the communication which you addressed to me concerning The Nancy lDawson; but I am under the obligation of following the instructions which have been given me. I have the honor of being, general, respectfully, your very devoted servant, DUVAL, Captain, Commanding the Magellan. [P. S.]I shall hereafter find myself under the necessity of not taking any cognizance of any letters which may have reference to vessels laden with arms, and reqnest yon to indorse on the letters which you may write me that they are not relative to that matter. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, AS~hreveport. La., October 13,1863. Hon. P. W. GRAY: SIR: Your letter of October 3 was received a few days since. It was not sooner answered in consequence of the receipt of a second letter from yourself, announcing Colonel [A. W.] Terrells departnre for Shreve- port. I find Colonel Terrell averse to taking charge of the cotton bureau in Texas, but anxious to be associated with the investigating committee in that State. The order has been issued assigning him to that duty. I have been embarrassed by the difficulty of fihding a suitable per- son to take charge of the cotton bureau in your State, and by an un- willingness to connect themselves with the business by those whose position, integrity, and capacity fit them for the discharge of the duty. There is no field offering a greater opportunity for doing good, restor-. ing confidence, and benefiting the army than that filled by the chief of the cotton bureau in Texas. I know the position has its difficulties and its objectionable features; that the state of the public mind and the tone of public feeling is such that every man jealous of his reputation hesitates about having his name associated with any Government trans- action in cotton. I feel and appreciate the self-sacrificing spirit and the patriotic mo- tives which have induced you to accept the charge of the cotton bureau in your State. I have entire confidence in your ability and the success of your ad- ministratfon, and thank you for relieving me from a situation of uncer- tainty which has not only embarrassed me, bnt seriously impeded the operations of the department. I have consulted with Colonel Terrell and Major Minter. The former will deliver this letter to you in person; the latter, after arranging the business of his department, will leave for Houston, and will assist you in organizing and putting in work the machinery of the bureau. In regard to the first proposition submitted by you in your letter, I agree with you that the administration of the bureau should be charac- teriz~d by 8onie fixed policy. The confidence of the people has been los Page 311 dUAF. XXX?VIItl OOIU~ESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFI~DI3~RATE. 311 already by constant change of policy and contradictory orders, and I promise you that when the bureau is organized, and a line of policy adopted, that no change will be made except by orders from department headquarters, after consultation with the chief of the bureau of Texas. I see no objection to your second proposition. The third is unobjec- tionable except as far a~ relates to the sale and exchange of cotton for the purchasing of supplies abroad. Here I would state that the object in organizing the bureau seems to have been misunderstood. It was not my intention that the purchasing of supplies abroad and the pay- ment therefor should be in the same hands. They should be separated, and act as a check upon each other. The arrangements already made by the Government and being carried out will meet, in all probability, every want of the department if the necessary supply of cotton can be obtained for meeting the engagements of the Government. The duties of the bureau now will be to get possession of and collect cotton at de- pots where it will be safe and can be rendered available. Its difficul- ties will be in collecting the necessary transportation and securing the cotton to the Government without exciting the opposition of the peo- pie. Afterward I propose to issue cotton certificates on the cotton collected in depot, assuring exemption from destruction by our author- ities, and a free transit without our lines to the holder. I also propose sending abroad a trusty agent, acquaiiz~,ted with our wants, who, on the credit of these certificates, will purchase supplies and send them directly to the department without the intermedium of contracting parties. The Government, while it takes the risks; will economize the profits. These matters, however, are for after action and after consideration by the bureau. The contracts . already made for the government and being carried out in good faith, and under which supplies are arriving, will for the present tax all the energies of the bureau in keeping up a supply of cotton to save the credit of the Government. I shall consent in the organization of the bureau to your associating with yourself such gentlemen as you may deem best for the interests of the Government. I sincerely trust that Messrs. Hutchings and Sorley may connect them- selves with you in its administration. Their experience and capacity will materially add to its success, and with such assistance, should the interests of your constituents require your presence in Congress, you can safely and without anxiety turn over your duties during your ab- sence. Military rank can be given you, and should be held undoubtedly by the chief of the bureau. The salaries can be arranged either by the rank conferred or from a fund accumulated by the bureau. You say nothing directly relative to Colonel Broadwells remaining as chief of the bureau for the department. This was Colonel ~errells principal objection, and I understand from him is also made by your- self. I shall be extremely sorry to lose the services of Colonel Broad- well in that capacity. He possesses the confidence of the President and the heads of the departments with which he has served. His capacity and energy are remarkable, and it is to be regretted that his usefulness should be lost to the bureau and Government through clamors and accusations which have never been supported by facts or proofs. Colonel Broadwell writes that if the. public interest requires it, he will willingly assent to his removal. I not only dislike to lose his services, but every change is indicative of vacillation and weakness at headquarters. ~ltould you require it, I will allow Colonel Il3roadwell to withdraw, an Page 312 & 12 w. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., I~. MEX. [CHAP. XXX~IIL will leave the position unfilled. Colonel Terrell, after discharging his duties as a member of the investigating committee, will probably be the best selection that could be made. He has signified his consent, and the experience which he will acquire on the committee will be invaluable to him as chief of the bureau at headquarters. I am, sir, your obedient servaut, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant. Gener~1, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Brig. Gen. P. ~. H~BERT, . Shreveport, La., October 14, 1863. Commanding Sub-District of Louisiana: GENERAL: I am instructed by the lieutenant-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of September 17, relative to the organization into the military service of the Confederacy of able-bodied negro men. The commanding general thanks you for the suggestion, and directs me to say that the subject had before been brought to his attention, and is now under consideration. The adoption of the measure, however, is totally at variance with the policy of the Government, and he is com- pelled to defer any action in the matter till the Legislatures of the States take it up and authorize such a course. The difficulty of getting arms is now our greatest trouble. The blockading fleets of the United States and France capture every vessel that attempts to bring munitions of war into the Rio Grande, and it is impossible at present to arm the troops already in the field in this department. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. CUNNINGHAM, - Lieutenant, and Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. ~ B. MAGRUDER, Shreveport, La., October 14, 186& Commanding District of Texas, & c.: GENERAL: I am directed by Lieutenant-General Smith to say you are authorized to retain 2,000 of the 4,000 stand of arms recently landed at the mouth of the Rio Grande, and referred to in your letter of the 11th instant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. .EADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. ~. B. MAGRUDER, Shreveport, October 14, 1863. Commanding District of Texas, Arizona, & c.: GENERAL: I am directed by Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to say that you will send to him a full statement by return courier of the evidence on which you formed the opinion that there is a - widespread conspiracy, with an understanding with the Federal Army, through the ~ederal prisoners at Ilernpstead, by which our cause is greatly endazi~ered on thi Page 313 ChAr. XXXVIIL] OOI~RESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 313 side of tlie Mississippi River. A Mr. Baldwin and a Dr. Peeples * * * are ring- leaders, & c. The men you have arrested or who may be implicated and arrested should be carefully confined and guarded in proportion to their offenses and the importance attached to them. He has no power to declare martial law, and he doubts the policy of his doing so even if he had this power. The state of affairs you describe requires the exercise of judgment, decision, and ability, which he confidently relies upon your possessing equal to the emergency. It is your duty to consult with the Confederate district attorney (Confederate and State judicial officers when practicable), and, if pos- sible, prevent any embarrassments arising from writ of habeas corpus. If there is apprehension of serious difficulty resulting from judicial in- terference, you can send the prisoners away, so that they can be out of reach until a proper and efficient course can be adopted to meet the crisis. He agrees with you that these men should not be sent outside of our lines, for they can be cared for within them, and if sent to the enemy they might give information that would be of great detriment to us. In regard to the arms referred to by you, recently landed at the mouth of the Rio Grande, you can retain 2,000. The others must be sent forward, as they are needed by General Prices army, for the lieutenant- general knows from his own observation that he had 2,000 men at Little Rock without arms, and since then two brigades, which have been in service from the commencement of the war, have arrived from the other side of the Mississippi without arms. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, GUY M. BRYAN, Major, and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, October 14, 1863. Hon. JOHN SLIDELL, Confederate States Commissioner to Prance: SIR: I have the honor to transmit a communication from Lieutenant- General Smith, the commanding general of the Trans-Mississippi De- partment, and to state that I fully concur in the views therein presented.* It will be impossible for France to hold her possessions in Mexico if the United States troops overrun Louisiana and Texas. War with the United States must be the result of an attempt to do so, and though the Texans are the most warlike people on this continent, she will prob- ably be overrun before the French Government can come to our assist- ance. I have been endeavoring to induce General Forey to order the occupation of Matamoras, offering to throw the cotton of Texas into the hands of French merchants in return for the convenience to us of such occupation. It requires but a small force, since General Yidaurri, Governor of Kuevo Leon, is the only civil governor who has any troops or can raise any, and he is ready to join the French as soomi as he ascertains that they are likely to be permanent in Mexico. Vidaurri is one of the shrewdest and most influential men in Mexico. He is firmly our friend, expresses in every official communication to me his deep interest in our * See Smith to Slidell, SerieB I, Vol. LXII, Part II, p. Page 314 M4 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., WX., N. MEX. tCHAP. XXX\i~U. success, and gives us the most substantial evidcnccs of his sincerity by sending us arms and supplies whenever in his power. In ease of an intervention by the Government of France in our behalf, his co.operation with France could be fully relied on. Texas will not separate herself in any contingency from the Confederacy. The people are almost unanimous on that point, and therefore the Con. federacy must be recognized to secure Texas as a barrier between the Northern armies and Mexico. At present the sentiments of the people of the Trans.Mississippi Department, as of all the Confederate States, are most friendly to France, and the occupation of Mexico has given the greatest satisfaction to all. An untoward event occurred tbe other day, which somewhat cooled the ardor of our people (Texas) in favor of the French. .A schooner, I think the Caroline Goodyear, arrived at the mouth of the Rio Grande with 10,000 English rifles, consigned to a house in Matamoras for the Confederate States. These arms were greatly needed by us in the Trans-Mississippi Department, had successfully eluded the vigilance of the United States cruisers, and were considered safe, when a French blockading vessel took possession of her, and sent her to Vera Cruz to a prize court, where the vessel was sold, and the arms, I believe, are in the hands of the French authorities at Vera Cruz. Doubtless this vessel was a lawful prize, as the port of Matamoras was then blockaded by the French navy; but the commanding offleer had been informed by our general on the. spot that these arms were not intended for the Mex- icans, but were ours, and were of the last importance to us, and earnestly requested him to let them come to us, but in vain. An agent was then sent to the admiral in command at Vera Cruz to represent the facts of the case, and respectfully to request that they might be turned over to us, we paying their full price and all expenses and charges. I directed also that the French navy officers and men should be paid in cotton on the Rio Grande the fall value of these arms as prize money; that no question of prize money should intervene to prevent or delay our re- covery of the arms; but all to no purpose. I beg that you will represent the case to the French Government, and procure, if possible, an order from the French minister of marine, which might perhaps be done through Dronyn de Lhuys, to the admiral commanding the French squadron in the Gulf, to deliver these arms to an agent of ours, upon the payment by us in cotton for the same and all claims or expenses connected with them, and also an order instructing the French block- ading ships to allow arms, ammunition, munitions of war, and all army supplies to pass to Matamoras upon his receiving satisfactory evidence that they are intended for the Confederate States and not for the use in any way of the Mexicans. Had the French army beaten my Texans in a pitched battle, it would not have inaicted.so alarming and severe an injury upon us as by the seizure of these arms. 1 have to request that you will do whatever may be in your power to enable us to recover them, and procure, if it be possible, such facilities from the French Gov- ernment for the introduction of supplies through Matamoras as will render that means less precarious and uncertain than it has been. Since writing my communication of the 9th instant, I have received a United States mail, just captured, containing official documents to the Secretary of the INavy, and many private letters speaking of their move- ments and plan8. I am satisfied that the enemy will interpose a large force between us and Mexico to prevent our co-operation with the French, which force will depend upon the sympathy of the Mexican people on the borders. But if France occupies Matamoras and the Rio Grande, it would not take more than 2,000 men. NYc occupying as we do the lef Page 315 ~ThAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CO1~EDE~ATE. ~15 bank, the Federals probably would not send an expedition there at all, as their means of infinencing the Mexicans would then be very small. Forty-one men of my command repulsed, the other day at Sabine Pass, 15,000 of the enemy, captuhug two gunboats, crippling a third, and driving off the remainder. These captured steamers are very valuable ships, magnificently armed. I have now, with the flarriet Lane, three captnred from the enemy, and six of our light-draught cotton gunboats. It would be easy to get Semmes and Maffitt to come to our coast, and if the French fleet in the Gulf will, in case of intervention, sail along the coast eastward, Semm es, Maffitt, and others having joined them, they~ will pick up the Federal blockading fleet off our harbors and will unite with them the naval forces nnder my command in any attack they may make. Sailors and soldiers could be put on board the captured fleet of the enemy as we proceeded, and it will thus be rendered easy to capture or destroy those at Mobile, and so along the entire coast, commencing properly at this end. if His Imperial Majesty can be bronght to look upon this subject as I do, with our assistance it will be the easiest task ever undertaken by a navy when compared with the magnitude of its results. Since writing the above, another 10,000 stand of Enfield rifles in a British schooner from England, the Love Bird, arrived at the mouth of the Rio Grande. We had succeeded in landing about 4,000 of them, when a French man of war arrived, and took her off to Vera Cruz with the remainder. The Mexicans threw all the impediments in the way pos~uble, laying an embargo on all boats, so as to l)revent our obtaining the means of landing these arms. This was done to obtain the favor of the United States Government. There was no Federal cruiser in sight. This is a bitter disappointment, and deep dissatisfaction is felt. The occupation of Matamoras at once would cure these evils, and not com- promise the French with the United States. The people of the Confed- erate States, and particularly those of Louisiana and Texas, entertaining the most profound respect for the wisdom and enlightened policy of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the French; recognizing that the interest of France in Mexico is closely connected, if not, indeed, iden- tifled, with the welfare of the Southerxi Confederacy, cannot appreciate the hesitation on the part of France to acknowledge our independence, or the mistakes that are made by the commanding officer of the French squadron in his active exertions to deprive of the means of defense a country now devoted to the cause of France in Mexico, and which must sooner or later have a powerful influence upon tne permanency of French interests in that country. It is not believed that the policy pursued by the commanding officer of the French squadron at the mouth of the Rio Grande can meet with the approval of His Imperial Majesty. I have the honor to request that these subjects be brought to the notice of His Majesty the Emperor of the French in any manner which would seem to you most likely to command attention. Maj. George A. Magruder, jr., of our army, will deliver this communi- cation, as well as that from General Smith, and will explain more fully our situation. He will bear with him on his return any communications with which you may honor him, and will remain in Paris a reasonable time to receive from you any evidences which you may obtain from the French Government of its disposition to afford us the facilities so much needed by us for the protection of her interest on this continent as well as our own. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, .JIajor-Grner~l, c1omm~zn7,ing Page 316 ~16 W. I?LA., ~. ALA., S. MISS., LA., tflX., N. MEN. tCHAP. ~XXVfiL HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, October 14, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Gommanding Western & tb-District, Brownsville, Tex. GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to ex- press to you his deep disappointment that the arms which had been procured with such difficulty and expense, and had escaped the vigi- lance of the enemy and had arrived within your reach, and upon which the safety of our State if not the result of our cause depends, should not have been secured. The State of Texas is now being invaded by a powerful army, and 7,000 of her troops are without arms to defend her, whilst the rest are poorly armed. This disappointment cannot be increased excepting by a delay in sending forward to Houston the 4,000 arms already received, with their appropriate ammunition, if any. Major-General Magruder further directs that you retain not a single one of these arms on the Rio Graude, but send them all to Houston, where they are vitally necessary. He also directs that you hasten forward the companies of Duffs regi- ment, as previously ordered, i. e., six companies, leaving one at Browns- ville or vicinity, or the mouth of the river, the two Benavides on the river above, and [J. B.] Weymans company at San Antonio. [J. T.] Brackinridges company will join its regiment on the march to Houston. You will have all the percussion caps that can be procured at Browns- ville sent forward to Lieutenant-General Smith, via Houston, and also such ordnance stores as were ordered by Lieutenaiit Sampson, under special instructions from Major Rhett, ordnance officer of Lieutenant- General Smith. Lieutenant sampson went to Brownsville some time in August. It is presumed the arms above mentioned have left Browns- ville long before this with a proper escort. If that be the case, you will send forward a special agent to push them along, and to lighten the loads by dividing them amongst additional wagons, to be procured by impressment, if necessary. After the lapse of live days, you will send another agent to see that the former one has done his duty. The slowness with which teams loaded with Government stores come from the Rio G~rande is disgraceful. You will do all you can to stimulate them to greater exertion. In this case of arms, no effort must be spared to get them to Houston in the shortest time possible. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, [Vex., October 14, 1863. Maj. GEORGE A. MAGRUDER, Jr.: SIR: I am directed by the major-general commanding to order Brig- adier-General Bee to send forward to Houston immediately all the arms and ammunition which came from the Love Bird, and in the most rapid manner, sending forward an officer and an escort with them rapidly to this place. Inform General Bee that this pkrce is being invaded by the enemy, 25,000 strong, by Sabine Town add Burrs Ferry, and that the i~esponsibihty of the failure to get the arms ashore, and p~xtieu1arl Page 317 CHAP. XXXVHI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERA.TE. 317 any failure to send them with all possible rapidity to Houston, will rest upon General Bee. If the arms have already started from Brownsville, General Bee will keep himself informed of their progress, and make arrangements on the road for supplying fresh teams or more teams, if necessary, to insure the arms arriving here with the least possible delay. You yourself will inquire after the trains on the road, and, on meet- ing them, will stop and inspect them, and cause fresh teams to be pro- cured and the loads so divided as to facilitate the transit of the arms to Houston, informing me by letter at what time the arms may be ex- pected. You will give such instructions as the case may admit to insure the accomplishment of the purpose in view, and you will exercise the power of impressment, if necessary, to accomplish this. You will send orders as you pass along to the batteries of light artil- lery to hurry on to Houston as rapidly as possible, informing me by letter when I may expect them. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Copy sent to Lieutenant [H. M.] Stanard.) HEADQUARTERS FIRST PIYISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, Tex., October 14, 1563. Major MATTUEWES, C. S. Army, Tampico: SIR: On the 12th instant, I received a letter from Colonel [Charles J.] Helm, dated Havana, September 22, in which he informed me that by the advice of Captain Da Ponte he had advised that you should proceed to Tampico, and there await communications from me; that I would make such arrangements with the Mexican authorities as would enable you to reach my command. Captain Da Ponte writes that he suggests that a flag of truce, with an escort, be sent by the Mexican authorities to communicate with Majot Matthewes and escort him to Matamoras. I very much regret the advice that has been given you by. our friends in Havana, for you might as well be in Japan as in Tampico, so far as any assistance that I can render you is concerned. I am on good terms with Governor Ruiz, of Tamaulipas, but he has no authority to commu- nicate with the French at Tampico, and any open assistance, as the flag of truce, & c., would be a violation of t1i~ neutrality of Mexico. I am, therefore, powerless to help you. I send this by a trusty messenger, and suggest that you consult Don IRamon de Obregon and Don Dionisio Camacho, merchants of Tampico, who may be able to serve you; you can put your trust in them. If you can get outside of the French lines, and lam informed of it, I canget a salva conducta for you to Matamoras. The situation in which you are placed, through the ignorance of our friends, gives me great uneasiness and solicitude. The best way is to run up to the mouth of the Rio Grande in a small vessel, under French colors, and, after coming to anchor, communicate with me through my pickets at the Boca del Rio, who will bring me the information in three hours, but if this is impracticable, and the mer- chants I have mentioned have any way to get you out of Tampico, and you can get to Govevnov ~erna or Don Juan do Leon, at ~oto do 1 Page 318 318 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVJIL Marina, you will be with friends who will aid you~ and, once there, I think I can get you safely here. I very much regret that J have no more power to serve you, but really J feel that the fault is with those who, ignorant of the country, doubtless supposed it was as easy to move from Tampico to Matamoras as to cross the street, whereas it is 400 miles, over a wretched road and through two hostile armies. Answer this by the bearer, and let me know your plans. * * * * * * * With great respect, your obedient servant, H.P. BEE, Brigadier. General, Provisional Army, Confederate States. HousToN, Ti~x., October 14, 1863. Limit. Gen. E. .KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department, Shreveport, La.: GENERAL: I have returned from an inspection of the post and troops at Sabine Pass. I found the troops in only tolerable condition (generally). The com- manding officer, Col. A. Buchel, seems to be an old and experienced officer, conversant with his duties. General Magruder (whom I met with at Beanmont) spoke of him as one of the best officers he had. His command embraces territorially the country from Liberty and Galves- ton east to and incinding Nibletts Bluff and Sabine. He also sends some scouts and men over as far as Calcasien, La. The troops under his command number for duty about 1,500 men, the present and absent being over 3,000. This great discrepancy arises from the number of men detached on various duties. General Magru- der has issued an order recalling all men belonging to the regiments - who are employed in quartermasters and commissary departments, and seems to be endeavoring to get them back to their commands, and their places supplied by men from the State draft; but while I was present at Sabine an order was received from your headquarters (direct), detaching 2 men from Colonel Buchels regiment, and ordering them to report for duty to Major Minter, assistant quartermaster, Shreveport. Allow me here to remark, general, that this is the second instance in which I have seen orders direct from your headquarters to officers of this district, de- tailing men, which, I wouldi respectfully suggest, is not calculated to assist the major-general in his efforts to fill the ranks of his regiments or con- ducive to the general good conduct of his district. There are nine com- panies of the Thir4 Texas Infantry (Colonel Luckett, now detached ,act. ing brigadier-general, and in command of the Eastern Sub-Distric~t, head- quarters at Houston); Lieutenant-Colonel Gray is absent on sick leave, also at Houston; Major Kampmanu was also absent, sick. It was com- manded by Captain [S. G.j Newton. It numbered 265 men for duty. Their clothing and equipments good; arms, Springfield and Enfield rifles, in good condition; drill, only ordinary. It has had the reputation of being the best drilled regiment in the State; this was, perhaps, the case when Colonel Buchel was the lieutenant-colonel, but now it is in need of officers. It would appear to me very unfortunate that Colonel Luckett should be so much detached from his regiment. I am informed that he has never seenmuch service wiVh his regiment, almost always being detached Page 319 CHAP. XXXVIIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 319 There are four companies of the Twentieth Texas Infantry (Lieuten- ant-Colonel Abercrombie, hick), Captain [J. C.] Dickie commanding; clothing, good; equipments, ordinary; arms, Springfield and ~nfield rifles, not in good order; officers and meil deficient in drill and military appearance. The remainder of this regiment, under Colonel Elmore, is stationed at Galveston. Colonel Buchels regiment, First Texas Cavalry, now dismounted and horses left in camp to be herded, commanded by Major Myers, the lieu- tenant-colonel, Yager, being detached from the regiment, on duty with Brigadier-General Bee at Brownsville. Their arms are very miscella- neous, and in bad order, as wa~ also their accouterments; they are defi- cient in drill and military appearance. They left all or most of their clothing in camp with their horses, they being only ordered for the emer- gency. Colonel Buchel being in command of the post, cannot give them that attention which is necessary, and the major does not appear to be a man of much force or soldierly qualities. I would here again call your attention to the detachment of officers in the person of Lieutenant-Colonel Yager, who has been now detached a long time. He is said by the colonel to be a good officer. There are six companies of the Twenty-first Battalion Texas Infantry, Lieutenant- Colonel [W. H.) Griffin (now on general court-martial); two of the com- panies are stationed, under the command of Major [F. C.] McReynolds, about 7 miles west from the town, armed with Enfield and Springfield rifles and muskets, in fair condition; clothing and equipments good, but deficient in drill. The other four companies of this battalion are stationed at Fort Griffin; arms, generally muskets; arms and equip- ments, fair; drill, imperfect. Lieutenant-Colonel Griffin is represented to me as a deserving officer, whose battalion should be raised to a regi- ment. There are five companies of cavalry (three of them belonging to IDebrays regiment, under command of Major [M.] Menard, of Debrays regiment); two of these, stationed with the infantry 7 miles west, show some knowledge of drill; their arms are miscellaneous, principally, how- ever, Halls carbines. The other three, two of which are unattached companies, are badly armed and ignorant of drill, aiid, apparently, dis- cipline (excepting the one company of Debray~s regiment). Major Menard does not show evidence of being a good officer, lack- ing force. I would here beg leave to call attention to the dismemberment of regi- ments. These three companies are losing daily in drill and discipline from being detached, while the necessity for it is, to me, unapparent. There are two batteries of light artillery, under command of Major Fon- taine (one of General Magruders promotions). Captain J01105~ battery, stationed in the town; horses thin and inferior; guns, harness, car- riages, ammunition, in good condition, excepting friction primers, which are worthless. Their (Irill is tolerably good. I observe here but 2 officers on duty with the battery, 1 lieutenant being detached as ord- nance officer for the post. another being detached on some other duty. Captain Jones seems to be an intelligen~ and efficient officer. Captain Nichols battery, stationed with infantry and cavalry 7 miles west, has recently returned from Louisiana nuder General Taylor; guns and horses in good condition; ammunition a little short; carriages some- what worn and needing some repair; harness much worn, needing much repairbetter a new supply altogether. He also needs saddlers tools and saddles. Drill very imperfect, his battery having been but recently filled up by conscripts. Captain Nichols appears to be a young Qfficer of merit, from all I could learn of him. One company of heav Page 320 320 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [Ci.~. XXXVIH. artillery, Captain Odium, of Cooks regiment, is stationed at Fort Griffin. Their appearance, clothing, and drill was highly creditable, especially the drill at the guns. There is also a company of Spaights battalion on duty as artillerists at the fort; their clothing, drill, and appearance was not so good as the other, but fair. In your name, I returned thanks ~othe officers and men on duty here at the time of the attack for their gallantry and determination. After witnessing the scene, I cannot express myself too highly in praise of these men. I herewith inclose a list of those who were concerned,* and would respectfully suggest that some appropriate and substantial testi- mony be awarded them by the lieutenant-general commanding on be- half of the Government. I think they deserve it, and I think it would have a very beneficial effect upon the troops generally. The fort (Griffin) is situated about 1~ miles from the town; is an in- closed work, cr~mdilh~re front, mounting six guns (at the time of the engagement it was not inclosed), two rifled 30-pounders (captured), two 32-pounders, and two 24-pounders. The terre-plein is raised 4 feet above the natural surface. The parapet is 20 feet thick at top. A wide ditch surrounds it, and a glacis, with a banquette of about 10 feet for infantry, is in course of erection. A breastwork for infantry on the right (west side), at about 300 yards, beyond which the marsh is supposed to be impassable or impracticable. Seven miles west, following the line of the coast, at a point where the interior marsh and lagoons approach the coast, is erected a system of redoubts and redans, giving a flanking fire, intended chiefly for field guns. These fortifications, the plans of which, I am informed, are in possession of Major Douglas, chief engineer, are calculated, if well furnished with troops, to resist a serious attack of the enemy. They are well built, and evince skill and ingenuity. The troops now present would, however, be insufficient were any serious attempt to be made. Too much reliance seems to me to be placed upon the impracticable, or, as they term it here, impassabl8, nature of the marsh, which, if succeeded in passing, the forts are turned and rendered useless. The small depth of water in the bayou and on the bars of the rivers would seem to me to insure us against any attack here at present. Captain Siebert, assistant quartermaster, seems an efficient and dili- gent officer. His papers being all in Houston (he had been but recently assigned to duty here), I could not examine them; he has a large amount of transportation on hand, a detailed inspection of which is herewith transmitted, but not too large were it required to move the stores by laud; he has on hand about $18,000 quartermasters and pay funds. Captain [E. P.] Alsbury, assistant commissary of subsistence, seems an efficient and capable officer. His papers for the past month were all made out well, excepting the summary statement, not yet made, but his cash-hook was entered up and balanced for the several months with care. He has a good supply of provisions on hand; .he receives them daily from Beaumont- has on hand $2,500. The hospital is under the charge of Surgeon [James A.] White, regi- mental surgeon; he was reported sick at the time of inspection. The hospital is not clean, and there are no comforts in it; the men chiefly rest on the floor, without bed sacks or any kind of pallets; a few had very rudely made platforms or bunks. There had existed a great want of medicines until the day previous, when some had been received. Omitted Page 321 C~L& r. XXXVIH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 321 Many excuses were made for the ill condition of affairs, but I am well assured that an energetic and faithful surgeon would have accomplished more than what I there saw. Fortunately, there were not very many patients. There are three gunboats, the Clifton, Sachem, and Bell; the last two were undergoing repairs; the first was in good condition, manned chiefly by a company of artillery of Cooks regiment. The guns were well cared for, and everything clean and neat; men seem cheerful and prompt in the execution of the drill; most of the men are furnished for this servic& by details. I found that Colonel Buchel had a soldier on duty with him as a cook; he brought the subject to my attention himself; remarking that he could not avoid it, as he had tried unsuccessfully to hire servants and could not; this man was taken with his own and captains consent. The cob onel states that few of his officers have been able to procure servants, either here or upon the Rio Grande, and that they are compelled to make use of enlisted men, in violation of General Orders, No. 20, Ad- jutant and Inspector Generals Office, Paragraph 111. He also strongly urges the propriety of allowing the officers a ration, for at the reduced value of the currency they find it exceedingly difficult to live, nearly all of their pay going to the commissary. I would respectfully recommend that this matter be taken into con- sideration by the lieutenant-general, and, if possible, that an order be given for the issue of a ration to officers, and that the matter of employ- ing soldiers as servants be in this instance overlooked. This command has been thrown together rather hastily, without a brigade organization; hence there is no regular adjutants office nor in- spector-general, nor other than a post quartermaster, commissary, and hospital. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BEN. ALLSTON, Assistant Inspector- General, Trans-Mississippi Department. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & c., October 14, 1863. Lient. H. M. STANARD, Aide~de-Carnp, Houston, Tex.: SIR: You will proceed to Nassau, New Providence, via Brownsville and Havana, to make such arrangements as you may find possible for the supply of small-arms, and their appropriate ammunition, to this department. On your arrival in llavana~ you will consult Mr. Helm, consular agent in that place, and ar~ fully authorized to contract for the delivery on Texas soil, at the mouth of the Rio Grande or at Brownsville, via Matamoras, at Pass Cavallo, or at the mouth of the Brazos River, of any number of these arms not to exceed 30,000, to be paid for in cotton upon delivery of the arms, the cotton to be valued in specie at the port of delivery; the arms to be delivered at 100 per cent. above the original invoice price, we paying cost and charges, the risk to be incurred by the shipper and not by the Government. You will consult with Mr. Helm as to making out the papers in a legal form, and also with Captain Da Ponte as to the supply of arms 21 R RV014 XXVI, PT I Page 322 322 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. in Havana. The latter you will relieve by my order, and direct him to proceed forthwith to Houston, via Brownsville. Having made such arrangements as you can make in Havana, you will proceed to Nassau, and inform Mr. Heyliger of the extreme need of this department for arms immediately, requesting him to send Govern- ment arms in Government vessels, if it be possible, and informing him that vessels cau enter the Brazos drawing not over 8 feet, and at Pass Cavallo drawing not over 8 feet, and that the Brazos and Cavallo have no blockaders at the time of your departure, although there are some in the neighboring waters of Galveston. If the arms be Govern. ment arms, the expenses, & c., will be paid in cotton, and if private arms, 100 per cent. above the invoice cost, we paying expenses. After having given sufficient time to the execution of the above duties, you will proceed to Richmond, and to the Ordnance Department, report your steps, and represent the great want of arms in this department, which the general commanding represented before leaving Richmond and since his arrival here. Having made such arrangements as you can, your health permitting it, you will return by way of Mississippi or Havana, reporting upon your arrival. Yours, & c., J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major- Gen2eral, Uommanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSIS~JPPJ DEPARTMENT, A3hrevejport, La., October 15, 1863. Major-General TAYLOR: GENERAL: Your letter concerning the works at Grand Ecore did not reach me until my return to this place. At Grand Ecore, I met Colonel [L. G.] Dc Russy, and, at his suggestion, concluded to accompany him farther down the river. I think that the mouth of Black River is the most suitable position for the defense of Red River, and the work, although heavy, will require but a small garrison. I am aware that this work cannot be undertaken if the enemy move up from Berwick Bay. If the opportunity is favorable, I would suggest an inclosed work of a diamond shape (conforming to the, locality), with four bastions; the parapet should be at least 40 feet thick and 12 feet high, with a wide, deep ditch all around. Four or five chains of railroad iron under the guns of the work would be of great advantage. I do not think that there is any other point on the river that can be so easily fortified after a foothold is made, that can be as easily defended, or offers so many advantages. There are many points on the river above suitable for strong defense, with a small force, against gunboats. The position at Plaisance has the advantage of covering Cane River. I do not think it practicable to place permanent obstructions in the river. Lieutenant-General Smith has directed that the obstructions in the mouth of Tones Bl~you be removed, and steps be taken to stop the cut-off. This will take nearly all the water from Red River above Grand Ecore, and, owing to the scarcity of wagons, will makes it difficult to .supply your army from this region. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff Page 323 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 323 HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., October 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: Your communication of the 11th instant, from Opelousas, has been received.* Should Nibletts Bluff and Texas be the objective points of the enemys operations, as your letter seems to indicate, you will spare no efforts with the disposable force at your command in re- tarding his march and in co-operating with General Magruder iu the defense of his district. It may be necessary for you to go beyond the limits of your district; this you will unhesitatingly do, when your judg- ment sanctions the course. The inclosed copy, of a communicatiou re- ceived from General H6bert t indicates that Grant is re-enforcing Rose- crans, and offensive movements of tIle enemy need not be expected in Louisiana. This result would be the natural consequence of a decisive victory gained by General Bragg, which, if confirmed, will relieve the department in Louisiana and Arkansas. I know the difficulties of operating from your present base in the Calcasieu and Sabine country. The enemy possesses every advantage, and can ship his base to Mermen- ton, Calcasien, and Sabine successively. You will, I know, exert your- self to co-operate with General Magruder. His troops have been trans- ferred to your command, and his district is in all probability to be made the theater of operations this winter. Your letter has been forwarded to General Magruder, and his attention called to the points named. I am, general, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., October 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Gommanding District of Texas, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 26th ultimo. In my last communication from General Taylor, the enemy had not advanced beyond Vermilhionville, leaving it still in doubt whether his line of operations would be up the Teche or along the road towar(l Nibletts Bluff. General Taylor has been directed in the latter case to hang upon his flank aiid co-operate as far as possible with yon. I would re-enforce you from Arkansas were it practicable. General Holmes effective force is much under 8,000. The enemys force in his front is estimated at 27,009. A column from the Indian country is threatening Western Arkansas and Northern Texas. The effort to raise State troops in Ar- kansas has proved a failure. The paroled prisoners from Vicksburg are being rapidly reorganized; but I see no prospect of arming them. General Holmes command is only partially and indifferently armed. You see, general, how utterly impossible it will be to give you any as- sistance from the District of Arkansas. You will have to rely upon your own resources. Of the 4,000 arms which were received on the Rio Grande you can retain 3,000. This will be more effectual than a re-enforcement, which would take months to reach you. Should General Braggs victory prove decisive, we may expect , and the enemys force on the Ar- * See Part I, p. 386. t Not found Page 324 324 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXX?VIIL kansas be so drawn U~OII as to remain on the defensive. In this event I may be enabled to re-enforce you, and concentrate in Texas a com- mand sufficient to arrest the advance of the enemy. I am, general, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. OCTOBER 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. H. Bo~s, Chief of Staff, Shreveport: SIR: I have the honor to inclose a copy of an order from Maj or.Gen- eral Price,* which directs Acting Brigadier.Geueral Bankhead to re- main near Waidron, Ark. In consideration of the fact that this force was sent by me to defend the northern portion of this district, and that it is now left exposed by the command being retained in Arkansas, I have the honor to request that this order be revoked. It having been reported to me by Brigadier-General MeCulloch that there was some dissatisfaction among the officers and men of General Bankheads command with General Bankhead, although the most of them are willing to support him, I have taken the responsibility to order Brigadier-General Gano, now at Bonham, to relieve General Bankhead, and to order General Bankhead to proceed to these head- quarters, to assume command of the Eastern Sub-District in place of Brigadier-General Scurry, who has left for Louisiana nuder orders from departmewt headquarters, for the reason, in my opinion, that General Bankhead is much better suited for this command than the officer who relieved Brigadier-General Scnrry nnder my orders. I hope the lieu. tenant-general commanding will approve of the course I have taken in this matter. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKLIEAD MAGIIITDEIR, Major- General, Commanding District of Texas. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DIsT. o~ TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIz., No. 280. f Houston, Tex., Octob6r 15, 1863. * * * * * * * IV. Upon beiug relieved from the command at Brownsville by Brig- adier-General Bee, Brig. Gen. James E. Slaughter and staff will report without delay to these headquarters. By command of Major.Geueral Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HOUSTON, TEX., October 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Co~nmanding Western Sub-District: GENERAL: lam instructed by Major-General Magruder to inform you that, although he directed you a few days since to leave Brownsville and establish your headquarters at Goliad, he, after mature reflection, and with deep regret that circumstances require it, deems your presence * Not found Page 325 OaAP. ~XVflI.] tIOlIRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 325 on the Rio Grande absolutely necessary at present. The interesting aspect of foreign affairs on that frontier at present, your successful ad- ministration in the past, and peculiar fitness for the position, render it impossible for him to relieve you now from what he knows is an un- pleasant duty to you. The general does not think that the iRio Grande is in danger of invasion at present, but the eastern border of Texas is now threatened by the Federals in Louisiana, and the general directs me to inform you that, should you be forced to leave the Rio Grande, he will give you a command in the field, suitable to your rank, in ac- cordance with your wishes. When this communication reaches you, if you have reached Goliad, the general instructs me to say that you are at liberty to remain at home a few days before returning to Brownsville. Upon your arrival in Brownsville, you will relieve General Slaughter, who has been directed to report to these headquarters as soon as relieved. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT, Bonham, Tex., October 15, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: Inclosed you will find three papers, copies of orders issued by you and Colonel Gould, the first from you, No. 148, dated at Sabine Pass, September 26, 1863, republishing Department Orders, No 38 the second, Orders, No. 250, dated Sabine Pass, September 15, and the third, extract from an order of Colonel Gould, No. , Houston, Tex., Sep- tember 19, 1863, to which I take exception, as I regard it discourteous to send a junior officer into the district of a senior to perform duties and exercise powers which properly belong to the senior. In addition to this, the instructions given Colonel Gould, in Orders, 250, but too plainly indicate that the major-general commanding cannot rely upon the infor- mution that I would give him respecting strength, position, and inten. tions ot the enemy, or the state of feeling among the troops, & c., or the state of feeling in the frontier counties and other parts of the country in that quarter. If these things be true, then Colonel Gould should be put in command, and I sent to some place that I could fill, and in which I might be able to give reliable information respecting all the subjects coming within the range of my duties. The habits, attainments, experience, and disposition of Colonei Gould doubtless fit him eminently for high command and intricate duties; but I cannot believe his being sent into this district, with independent power, will have any tendency to make him more subordinate or add greatly to the good of the service. In this, however, 1 may be mistaken, but shall certainly insist upon the common civilities due my rank in the army while I hold it, and most respectfully ask my commanding officer to treat me with courtesy wherever he may see proper to put me; and when he finds that I am not competent to fill a place, or not reliable in it, remove me at once, but not to invade my legal rights or trample upon my personal feelings by sending my juniors into my district with independent commands, and, as it were, to watch over me. Without knowing that Colonel-Gould was to be sent here with these extraordinary * Not found Page 326 326 w. rLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., ~. MEX. jOHAP. XXXVIII. powers, I had directed all the absent offi~ers and men to report to me here he orders them to report to him directly. Which shall they do ~ What are people to nndei~stand, or how are they to know what to do when there are two commanders in the same district l The general will do me a great favor by assigning me to any corn mand he may think me competent to fill but, when assigned, I must respectfully ask that it be my command until removed from it by his order, being willing at all times to obey his orders promptly, or try to give satisfactory reasons why I do not or cannot do so. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY E. MoCULLOCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding Northern Sub-District. [Inclosure No. 1.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX .,ANDARIZ., No. 250. Sabine Pass, September 15, 1863. * * * * * * * IT. It being extremely difficult to obtain reliabie information from the northern frontier, Col. N. C. Gould, commanding Twenty-third Texas Cavalry, is hereby detailed to proceed at once to Bonham, Tex .,to pro- cure all information possible in regard to the strength, position, and intentions of the enemy. He will also investigate and ascertain the quality and efficiency of the Mississippi rifles and other arms manu- factured by the State of Texas. Colonel Gonid will ascertain the state of feeling in the frontier counties and other parts of the country in that quarter. He will examine into the condition and state of the ammunition of that district, quantity on hand, & c., the state of feeling among the troops, & c, and report all this information to these headquarters by the most expeditious method. Colonel Gould will report upon other matters of importance which may transpire. * * * * * * * XII. While Colonel Gonld is performing this duty, he will take the necessary steps to have that portion of his regiment now collecting the horses of tl~e regiment to assemble at Millican as rapidly as possible. When this is done, Colonel Gould will take command of them, and re- port the fact to these headquarters, when that portion of his regiment will be ordered to join the portion now here, or this part be united with that portion. Lieutenant [J. L.] Jamison, of Colonel Goulds regiment, will be detailed to assist Colonel Gould in the performance of the above duty of collecting his regiment. The quartermaster and subsistence departments will furnish all facili- ties in the execution of these orders. By command of Major-General Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 2.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HousToN, TEx -, No. - September 19, 1861. flaring been assigned to the duty of executing General Ordei~, No. 38, from Lieut. Gen. E. Ku-by Smiths headquarters, as well as the instruc- tions therein given by Major-General Magruder, which have been r Page 327 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .CONFEI)ERATE. 327 ceived from department headquarters, I order that all officers of what- ever rank and enlisted men report directly to me, in person or by letter, stating how and why they are absent from their commands. * * * * * * * N. C. GOULD, Colonel Twenty-third Texas Cavalry, on Special Service. HEADQUARTERS GALVESTON ISLAND, Galveston, October 16, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston: Sm: I have the honor to inclose you a copy of a letter from Lieu- tenant Aikens, of Captain Nolans company, which has just been re- ceived from Colonel Buchel by the express which left Sabine yesterday at 3 p. m. Colonel Buchel reports all quiet at his po~t, and no change in the blockading fleet. I have the honor, sir, to remain, your obedient servant, X. B. DEBItAY, Acting Brigadier- General. llnclosure.l MINTAN, October 11, 1863. Capt. MAT. NOLAN: SIR: I have just returned from Vermillionville. I went over with Sergeant Kehr and 4 men. I found the place in the possession of the enemy. One division of their army is following onr forces up the country toward Opelousas. We could hear heavy firing all tnis morn- ing in that direction. We found their men scattered ont in the settle- ments on this side of the town. I made a dash in, and caught 2 of them, and brought them to camp. They report their forces at 25,000 strong, General Banks in command; the First and Second Texas, First Louisiana, and Sixth Missouri Cavalry with them. I will start a party with the prisoners in the morning. I am bnsy now moving my camp across the river for fear of a surprise, although I think the enemy are going higher up the country, to cross to Texas. The prisoners say that it is generally understood in the army their destination is Texas. If I had had men enough to-day, I could have captured 50 men and horses, besides bringing off~ a large lot of horses which the Yankees will get. They are all around for miles. Very respectfully, & c., CHARLES E. AIKENS, Second Lieutenant Company G, Second Texas Mounted Rifles. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, Tex., October 16, 18639 p. m. Lient. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: I have just received Major Bryans communication* on the subject of the conspiracy in this State, and, in compliance with your direction, I reply immediately, and will endeavor to give you as full a * See Bryan to Magruder, p. 312 Page 328 828 w. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. statement of the facts as the brief period given me will allow. For your consideration, and as a part of the evidence, I inclose the printed cir- cular entitled Common Sense, which circumstances prove to be the composition of D. J. Baldwin, my remarks to the troops and citizens on Tuesday last, and a sketch of the principal parties implicated furnished by Hon. Horace Cone, my judge-advocate-general, a well-known .and able member of the bar in this city.* This is all that I can possibly send by the return courier, as it would require a labor of weeks to copy all of the papers relating to the affair. Communication with the enemy, via Matamoras, is provea against several persons of high standing (mentioned in Mr. Cones paper), and a considerable sum of money in gold and notes had been prepared for the Federal prisoners secretly, which is now in our possession, and evi- dences of secret understanding and secret badges abound. I have con - sulted with the principal lawyers and men here, and I am sustained by both the troops and the people. No writs of ha~eas corpus will, II believe, be sent out by the prisoners, as they are afraid of their lives, if acquitted. The principal individuals at Austin, here, and elsewhere, who are suspected, are closely watched. Peeples, Baldwin, and Zinke, the principal conspirators, have been or- dered to be confined at San Antonio until further orders. Some others who were arrested have been released with a warning. Additional evidence is being obtained every day, and I shall endeavor - to keep you constantly and regularly informed. I have been advised to stop for the present. The district attorney, Mr. George Mason, is absent, being at Tyler, Tex., but I have written to him, requesting him to return immediately, as his presence is of the greatest importance to me. I have been fortunate enough, however, to be assisted by the counsel of the Hon. Horace Cone, an able and learned gentleman of this city, whom I have assigned to duty as judge-advocate-general of this district, with the pay and allowances of a captain of cavalry, as compensation for his services. He has conducted the investigations in the most able and successful manner, and is a true patriot and a good lawyer. I think the appoIntment has had a very good effect, and I respectfully request, general, that you confirm the appointment as soon as possible. I believe Mr. Cone is personally known to Major Bryan, of your staff, who doubtless can testify to his fitness for the position. In haste, I am, general, very respectfully, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. HOUSTON, TEX., October 16, 1863. Col. S. S. ANDERSON, A. A. G., Trans-Mississippi Department: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of youi~ let- ter of the 14th instant, directing me to place at Moselys Crossing of the Brazos, 2,262,027 pounds of middling fair cotton, and I would state in reply that it is impossible for me to do this, for the following reasons: The stores already delivered in accordance with contracts have been ordered to be paid for, and in all cases I have ordered supplies to be paid for in the order of their delivery, as m~ny other course would be very apt to create well-founded dissatisfaction. I would obey this order if I could, but I have not the means to buy the cotton, or, if bought, to transport it, and I must respectfully beg the lieutenant-general not to * No inelosures found Page 329 CHAP. XXX~TII.1 CO ESPOl~DE~CE, I~TCCON1~DEt~ATE. 32~ be induced to give such orders without reference to these headquarters or to the cotton bureau when established, as they will produce inexplic- able confusion and result disastrously. None know the difficulties unless they are here and have seen them, and not one order in a huudred which would be likely to be given by those unacquainted with these difficulties could be obeyed, with every desire to do so. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, Tex., October 16, 1863. Brig. Gem HENRY E. MCCuLLOCH, Commanding Northern Sub-District, Bonham: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of ihe 11th, with the inclosed copy of General Coopers communication, containing the gratifying information of the retreat of the enemy in the Indian Territory. The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that the State troops, so far as their organization and the conscripts in them is concerned, will be controlled by the bureau at these headquarters. He does not wish the conscripts taken from the State troops until their time expires, as it would disorganize those companies, and he thinks that there will be time enough to dispose of them in the interval. You will, therefore, let them continue to serve with and as a part of their present companies in the State troops until further orders from these head- quarters. At last accounts the enemy were between Vermillionville and Opelou- sas, 22,000 to 30,000 strong, apparently a%ivancing on Alexandria first. I am, general, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT, Bonham, Tex., October 16, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, flouston, Tex.: CAPTAIN: The State ti~oops come in slowly, and are very poorly armed ; the latter evil can be remedied by sending me some of the arms which have lately arrived at Brownsville, which I trust the niajor-gen- eral will order to me by mule teams as early as possible, and as many as he, in his judgment, may think proper for the troops that he intends for me. Everything from our front looks so perfectly quiet, that I hardly know whether the re-enforcements, which the general spoke of, need be sent to me, but this may only be the calm which precedes the storm, and if he thinks they can be spared from the coast it would be well to send them here, as they could be supplied conveniently with forage and sub- sistence, and could be thrown to General Holmes in case he was pressed back to Texas via Fulton. My pacific policy with regard to deserters has not so far succeeded as well as I had hoped for, but I could not have pursued any other course very well, as I had not, nor have I yet, force enough of a reliable char Page 330 830 W. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. tCHAP. X~YIII. acter to arrest them successfully. It is reported that they are increasing daily in numbers, and just as soon as it is possible to move upou them I shall commence active operations. I find that a good many meu. among the State troops have beeu illegally drafted; some preachers, some over age, & c. Shall we discharge these men upon positive proof, or force them to serve their time out, or get out by habeas corpus? I have just heard of a few meu among the State troops who have entered the Confederate States Army for three years, or the war, and put sub- stitutes in their places, and are now drafted. Should they be discharged, or held for six months~ I inclose you copies of letters from Colonel Gould and myself, which you will please submit to the major-general, that he may see the effect that independent commanders produce in the same district. I have no news of importance from the Indian Teriitory since my last. I am anxiously waiting for the funds the general promised to send me from Houston. If it is possible, by any means, scud me some 2,000 blankets, shoes, and from 1,000 to 2,000 suits of clothes for immediate use. These things are indispensable to onr comfort at this time. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY E. McCULLOCII, Brigadier- General, Commanding Northern kub-District [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS, Glarksville, fLex., October 12, 1863. General HENRY E. MOCULLOCH, Commanding Northern ASub-District, & c.: GENERAL: Your letter, per Lieutenant [Alex.] iVileCulloch, was re- ceived, as was also your letter of the 9th instant. 1 have to say that your views will be strictly regarded by me, and that I shall take no steps with- out consultation with you. I do not consider tifat I was ordered to re- port to you, or that I was under your command, but, considering your superiority of rank, and the command you have, I thought best to lay my orders before you, in order that we might co-operate. I shall endeavor to conform to your views, as set forth in the letters referred to, and shall use only pacific measures to bring these men referred to under the orders again into the service. 1 shall require all officers and men in your district to report to you, but I cannot, consistently with the orders Ihave, order them to report to an inferior officer. In the case of Cap. tam Murray, n~ferred to, I have taken such steps as will undoubtedly cause him to coum in; should he not, however, the major-general com- manding will expect me to compel him to do so, and I only will be responsible if he should not. There are other deserters in the Eastern Sub-District whom it is necessary for me to bring up. Orders touching these men have been issued, and I fear the forces sent will be too small to bring them again to duty. Should it prove so, I intend to send all the forces at my command, and clean them up as I come to them. The men in this county to whom you have sent your letter of the 29th Sep- tember, I have seen, and they express their willingness to co-operate with me in any action I may take in this county. I would inform you, general, that I have issued orders to that portion of my regiment in Northern Texas to rendezvous on North Sulphur, in Lamar County, on the 20th of this month. In order that these men, about 400 in number, be encamped with any degree of comfort, it is necessary that I have cooking utensils, some tents, and transportation Page 331 C~. XXXYIII. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.CONrEDERATE. 3~1 I would like for you to inform me if there is any possibility of my ob- taining them in Bonham upon requisition or otherwise. I would further suggest that there are about 200 men from east of the Mississippi River, deserters who have reported to me. These I have ordered to assemble. in camp on the 25th, in Lamar County. This is additional reasou why I should have cooking utensils, tents, & c. I shall hold these men to their obligation to report until such time as they assemble, when, of course, they will be subject to your orders. There are many members of the militia or State troops come to me, wishing to connect themselves with my regiment. These men are sub- ject to be enrolled as conscripts, being under forty-five years of age. It seems to me that it would be better for them to be in the Provisional Army for the war than in the militia for six mouths; General Greer seems to think likewise. What are your orders in regard to it ~ I am perfectly willing to co-operate with you and adopt your ideas as my own, and more so especially as I am satisfied that I will have to call upon you for troops to carry but the policy of the lieutenant and major generals commanding. I have the honor, general, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. C. GOULD, Colonel, cfic. [Inclosure No. 2.1 HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN Sun-DISTRICT, Bonham, Tex., October 16, 1863. Col. N. C. GOULD, Commanding, & c.: COLONEL: I am instructed by the brigadier-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 12th instant, and to say, as you do not consider that I was ordered to report to you, or that I was under your command, that he must thank you for the courtesy shown him by sending your orders to him, that he might see what you were doing in a district over which he had been assigned the command, and within which he had been led to believe he had the right to command all troops not in transitu under order from his superior officers. lie feels obliged to you also for being willing to notice and respect his views respecting the course to be pursued toward deserters, and your kind offer of co- operation, and hopes that those nuder whom you are acting will not find fault in the end for having done so, and that you may be mutually benefited by free consultation and interchange of views, He directs me to invite you to come up, if your duties will permit, at such time as will suit your convenience, He is gratified at the success with which your efforts have been crowned so far, in collecting deserters, and, in order that you may be enabled to continue to be successful to the greatest imaginable extent, he withdraws, revokes, and rescinds every word that he has written that is calculated to restrict you, so that you only will be responsible if you should be so unfortunate as not to realize your fondest hopes of success. He thanks you for agree- ing to order all the officers and men in your district to report to you,~~ and regrets that you see any objection to ordering them to report to any inferior officer~~ that circumstances might render it necessary to assign to the command of them under his orders. As he finds that he will need all the forces in his district to enable him to enforce discipline and maintain order, he requests you not to order the company he ordered to report to you out of the district, if it is possible for you to get along without doing so, as it belongs to Genera Page 332 W. I4LA., ~. ALA., S. MISS., LA., ttX., N. MEX. tCnAt~. XXXVIII Ganos command, and he may be offended at it, or the company gobbled up and lost to the district in which they are needed. He regrets exceedingly that he cannot furnish you any tents or cooking utensils upon requisition, and he hardly thinks you will be able to get any otherwise, as there are none here, and that he sees but little hope of furnishing you any transportation, and, for fear he is not, suggests that you had better supply yourself, if practicable. Should you fail, however, he will render you assistance if in his power. It may not be convenient for the general to come down in person to receive the 200 men belonging to commands east of the Mississippi River, but he will try to have sothe officer at the place of rendezvous on the 25th to receive them, if he cannot go himself, and requests you to turn them over to him upon presentation of proper authority from him to do so. He regrets that he cannot conform to the views of yourself and Gen- eral fE.] Greer in letting men from the State troops join your regiment, as he knows of no way of doing such thiugs legally, except by regular transfer, and, as your command and his are separate and distinct, he is pretty certain it would require an order from General Magruder, if not from General Smith, before any such thing could be done, or all hands might get into a scrape under the Twenty-second Article of War. The general is very much afraid he will not be able to supply you with troops to carry out the policy of the lieutenant and major generals com- manding, but thinks it likely that you can accomplish the object by uniting the two commands, which he proposes to do, if agreeable to you, believing that this can be done without in any manner affecting the independent commands you hold, respectively, until you clean up~~ the deserters and skulkers. He would be pleased to hear from you again, especially with regard to the last proposition. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, B. E. BENTOX, Aseistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Jilouston, Tex., October 17, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. R. BoGGS, Chief of Staff: GET~ERAL: I forward for the information of the lieutenant-general commanding a letter from Captain [Henry] Rolando, of the U. S. steamer Seminole, to Mr. [Gustavus V.] Fox, Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy.* The original letter has been sent to Mr. Mason, in London, for publication, and a copy to the British admiral, commanding in the Gulf; lone also to the Mexicaim authorities at the Rio Grande. I forward also, through your office, two copies, one for the Adjutant-General and one for the Secretary of the Navy. This letter was captured in the letter-bag of the Seminole, which, together with that of the (Jaynga, were given by the Federals to an English captain of a blockade-runner, who, having deceived them into the belief that he was bound for New Orleans, was intrusted with their mail-bags, and afterward ran into (Jalcasien, and gave them to our cavalry com- mander, who forwarded them to Houston. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General, Gommanding. Not found Page 333 333 CnAF. XXXVIH.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. HousToN, TEX., October 17, 1863. Brigadier-General BoG-GS, Chief of Staff, Shreveport, La.: GENERAL: Information having been. received from General Taylor, announcing the advance of the enemy in force against Texas, which information is confirmed by Northern papers, I reqnest that General Smith will, th rough General MeCulloch, order the troops nuder Gen- eral Bankhead to come immediately to Houston. I apprehend no longer any danger from that quarter, and I have received official information from General McCulloch that the enemy has fallen back to Fort Gib- son. Since writing the above, I have received news from General Tay- lor, stating that the enemy is on the march for Texas, via Nibletts Bluff. I wish General Bankhead to be ordered here forthwith in per- son, as I have need of his services in the field. Please send the order for General Bankhead to return personally, direct, also in the most rapid manner, and in advance of his troops. Respectfully, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, Tex., October 17, 1863. Col. A. BuCHEL, Sabine Pass: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you send at once 2 or 3 men from Sabine Pass across the mouth of the Calcasien, to see by actually passing over it whether or not the road from the Cal- casien to Arthurs Lake, or the place at which the road from Nibletts Bluff crosses the Mermenton, is practicable, and to report the fact at once to these headquarters through you. General Taylor reports that on the 10th, on the road f~om New Iberia to Iberville, the enemy sent a force of some 2,000 mounted men to escort a pontoon train. This would seem to show that the enemy was coming by th~ Coast road to Nibletts Bluff, crossing the Vermillion and Merment5n at the lower ferries, and will run in supplies to their column through these streams; hence the necessity of sending a force, if possible, across the Calcasien to cut off supplies, & c., sent up these streams. Please let these be in- telligent men whom you send to make an examination of the road. and let them report upon the practicability at once. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Mobile, October 18, 1863. Col. B. S. EWELL, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Please say to General Johnston that my latest and most reliable inforrnatiou shows that there are very few troops in New Or- leans, and only 300 or 400 (negroes) at Ship Island. There are three white regiments and two negro regiments at the Pensacola navy-yard. The yellow fever is prevailing among the trpops there. INothing mdi- cates an early attempt to take Mobile in any quarter Page 334 334 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVHL I propose to send Colonel [II.] Maurys regiment of cavalry toward the Jackson Railroad, to break up the Manchac Bridge, at last account nearly completed, and to bring in some of the deserters and absentees who are reported to be lurking in that vicinity. Before sending him, I desire to have General Johnstons assent to the expedition, because lie may have reasons why it should not go, or may desire to indicate some other object for it to accomplish. There is a very fine new regiment of cavalry at Pollard, which I shall bring over here to replace Colonel Maurys during its absence. I inspected the brigade at Pollard day before yesterday, and found it iu very good condition in some respects. One of the infantry regiments, the Fifty-fourth [Fifty.seventh], is very large, and excellent in its appointments and in its drill. Colonel [Joseph] llodgsons cavalry regiment was not armed of excellent material and nncommoiily well mounted. but is I am, colonel, very respectfully, yours, DARNEY II. MAURY, Major- General, Commanding. P. S.All accounts report great depression and anxiety on the part of the Yankees at New Orleans and corresponding high spirits on the part of our people. Colonel [N. G.j Watts, whom I kent to pro~ure the exchange of Major Howard and other prisoners, now detained in New Orleans, confirms these statements so far as his observation went. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, shreveport, La., October 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Gommandiug District of Texas, ic.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let ter of the 15th ~.nstant. The order of General Price was countermanded by me on its receipt, and Colonel Bankhead has returned with his byigade to the district from which he was removed. The appointments of acting brigadiergenerals, which were made by you and submitted through me to the President for his action, having been disapproved, there is imo course left but to immediateW annul them, which you will do on receipt of this communication. The law provides that for gallantry or good service in the field, appointments may be made to fill vacancies, without regard to the claims of seniority. This claim of good service in the field h~is been the only one which for a long time has governed the President in his appointments of brigadier- generals. I have this assurance from himself. Bear this in mind in making your recommendations. I will issue appointments to officers deserving reward and so recom- mended. The troops will be satisfied, and the Government at Richmond will, I am convinced, give its approval. The disapproval of the President comes in a communication from the Secretary of War, bearing date of September 7. I am, general, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding Page 335 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 335 IIDQRs. DIST. OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, October 18, 1863. Brigadier-General Boo ~s, Chief of Staff, Shreveport, La.: SIR: I have the honor to state that information received from Gen- eral Taylor, by letter of the 11th instant, from Opelousas, and also from other sources, forces me to believe that the expedition now at Vermil- lionville is designed for Texas, and that forces are now moving with a pontoon train in the direction of Nibletts Bluff. The strength of the enemy~s force now at and near Vermillionville and on the way via Abbeville is variously estimated at from 30,000 to 40,000 men. I am apprehensive that Ords corps, now at Pascagonla (Ship Island), which 1 believe is destined for this district, may fall upon our coast at any time, and act in concert with this land invasion. I regard it as a misfortune that General Taylor did not adopt my suggestion, and comply with my request to fall back to Nibletts Bluff, by which his forces would have formed a junction with mine. I find myself unable to concentrate at any point more than 8,000 men; under these circumstances, I regard this place as in great jeopardy, and am sat- isfied that without concentration of forces other than mine on the line of the Sabine, it mnst inevitably be lost, as the enemys force is so large as to prevent the hope of successful resistance by my forces unaided. Galveston, probably, and the railroads go ~vitli Houston, and the heart of the Trans-Mississippi is irretrievably gone. I am inclined to believe that the enemy will remain in the vicinity of Opelousas until he can execute a flank movement, and, by crossing the Sabine at or below Nibletts Bluff, force me to evacuate Sabine Pass, and thus secure that place as a base before making a forward movement in force. I am of opinion that Major-General Taylor, if he can get on the Opelousas road to Burrs Ferry, or below, may yet be able, by crossing the Sabine above Nibletts Bluff, to form a junction with my forces. I have so written, and requested him to move accordingly. Unless this concentration of forces is made and that speedily, I regard the condi- tion of this place as extremely critical, and think it will be rendered more so should there be a concerted movement against the coast, which I apprehend from Ords corps. I deem it my duty to furnish this information and to state my views, in order that the calamity which the occupation of this place by the enemy would entail on the whole department, may, if possible, be averted by timely action of the lieutenant-general commanding, whose presence at this moment I desire greatly, as he would see for himself the force of what I state. I will endeavor, if the coast country will permit it, to operate on the enemys left flank from the coast and to intercept his supplies. If Gen- eral Taylor will move on the Alexandria road to Nibletts Bluff, it would be better than by Burrs Ferry; then we might defeat him. Conspirators seem for the present to be appalled, but with the advent of the enemy they will recover. I am, general, very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding District. HousToN, TEX., October 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding Western Louisiana: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 11th instant, and am satisfied from this and other information tha Page 336 336 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIIL the enemy is moving - from Abbeville to Nibletts Bluff. Without re- enforcements, or concurrent action on your part, by forming a junction with my forces, I shall not be able to resist their immense force, as I am unable to concentrate more than 8,000 men at any point. I am induced to believe that an expedition from Ship Island is con- templated against this coast also, which renders it almost certain that the efforts of the enemy to occupy this portion of Texas would be suc- cessful. Nothing but a rapid concentration of our forces can, in my judgment, prevent this. I would, therefore, advise that you proceed to Nibletts Bluff as rapidly as possible, by the Alexandria road, as I think you may be able to reach Nibletts Bluff before the enemy. Should you find this impossible. I strongly adviseso deeply impressed am I with the necessity of our forces being concentratedthat you move rap- idly to Burrs Ferry on the Sabine, and, throwing your forces across the river at that point, effect a junction with me at or near Liberty, Tex. The enemy, should their flank movement be successful, will force the evacuation of Sabine City or Sabine Pass, which could b~ used by him as a base from which he could operate against this place, and thus a vital blow would be struck at the very heart of this district, and ,inmy opinion, the most important point in the Trans-Mississippi Department; therefore I am clearly of opinion that my suggestions should be adopted and promptly carried out by you. The safety of this part of the district seems to me to depend greatly on your prompt and energetic movement. Should you adopt my advice, and will inform me of your intentions, I will cause forage and subsistence to be placed in the depot for you at N ibletts Bluff or Burrs Ferry, and such other places as may b~ neces- sary, in due season, in order that you may move rapidly. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SABINE POST, October 18, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Houston, fLex.: SIR: Your telegrams via Beaumont and Galveston have been received this morning. Inclosed please find a memorandum in regard to the roads leading from Sabine City to Lake Arthur, and farther on. As soon as more thorough information can be obtained, it will be forwarded. The C. S. steamer Sachem left yesterday for Orange. The steamboat Florilda was sent to iNibletts Bluff, at the request of Quartermaster [II. B.] Lee, to bring down Government cotton. She should have re- turned yesterday, but has not reached here yet. The Uncle Ben was sent direct from Beaumont to Nibletts Bluff; without touching here, by orders from headquarters, as I understand. The steamboat Dime, the only steamboat here, will take Captain [Andrew] Dalys company over to the Louisiana shore as soon as the heavy norther, blowing since the receipt of your telegrams, abates and will permit it. She will, after having accomplished this, take the material on board for building the bridge over Mud Flat, and proceed to Johnsons Bayou. The C. S. gunboat Belle was blown ashore just below the Commissary wharf although she had two anchors out, but she will be gotten off as soon as the wind and tide change Page 337 CHAP. XXXYIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 337 I respectfully request that instructions per telegraph may be sent to the commanding officer at Nibletts Bluff for the destruction of the steam- boat and other vessels lying in Lake Charles, should the enemy advance in force toward Nibletts Bluff. I shall forward the same from here. Two gunboats and one schooner reported outside the bar this morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. BUCHEL, Colonel, Commanding Post. [Inclosure.] Memorandum of the roads leading from Sabine ~Jity to the Calcasieu, and farther on. From the Louisiana shore, opposite Sabine City, to Johnsons Bayou settlement, 12 miles. During dry seasons wagons can pass. From Johnsons Bayou settlement to Mud Pass Bridge, 6 miles. Iloads tolerably good in dry season. From Mud Pass Bridge to mouth of the Calcasieu, 8 miles. Good road. From the mouth of the Calcasien (right bank of the river) to Nibletts Bluff road, 31 miles. The road can be traveled with wagons at almost any time. From the point where it strikes the Nibletts Bluff road to Cliftons Ferry, 9 miles. Good road. The only road to Lake Arthur from the mouth of the Calcasieu, so far as can be ascertained, is via the Cheniere, along the beach. Dis- tance from the mouth of the Calcasien to the Cheniere, 15 miles. Road tolerably good. From the Cheniere to Lake Arthur, 35 to 40 miles. Bad road. From Cliftons Crossing over the Calcasieu to Lake Arthur, about 30 miles. Good road. From Lake Arthur to the crossing of the Vermillion and Nibletts Bluff road, over the Mermenton, from 15 to 18 miles. Good road. At the mouth of the Mermenton, where it empties into Lake Arthur. is a good ferry, but which cannot be used during high winds. At the mouth of the Calcasieu there is no ferry. Men cr6ss in canoes and horses ,have to swim. There is now a steamboat, the T. J. Smith (of which the traitor Clay Smith is the owner), together with several schooners, sloops, fiats, & c., lying on Lake Charles, which can be used in crossing troops, provisions, munitions of war, & c., over the river, and carrying them up and down from the mouth to Cliftons Ferry. The foregoing information is all that can be obtained so far,~and seems to be reliable. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, fLex., October 18, 1863. His Excellency General MANUEL Rumz, Governor of the State of Tamaulipas, Matamoras, Mexico: SIR: I had the honor to send a verbal reply by the officer who bore me your letter of the 17th instant, which course I requested him to say to you was adopted by me to enable me to take more time to make mx- written response. I am very sensible of this evidence of your confidence in my great desire to maintain peace and order, a confidence which I assure you is not misplaced. 22 R RYOL XXYI~ PT I Page 338 338 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. So soon as I received your letter, I took prompt measures to ascertain if there was any foundation for the reports that had reached you of an intention to disturb the peace and order of Matamoras by armed men from this side of the river. I can assu~e Your Excellency, as the result of these investigations, that there is no disaffection amongst my troops, and that I can rely on their hearty support in my efforts to restrain any movement that may be con- templated by the enemies of Mexico on this side of the river. There are a few French soldiers in my ranks who might have been used for that purpose, but proper steps have been taken to prevent any such con- tingency. The entire force at my command was under arms all last night to promptly put down any movement on the part of the citizens or resi- (lents of Brownsville. I am glad to say the night passed off quietly. That there are a great many people of all nationalities and political sentiments in Brownsville is apparent, and that movements tending to affect the peace of Matamoras may have been contemplated is not un- likely, but the result of my inquiries point to the fact that their move- ment is auxiliary to the movements of parties in Matamoras itself and is inconsiderable in point of numbers. I have placed myself in communication with certain parties here who may be considered sospechos, and have assured them that I will not permit any violation of the neutrality of the Confederate States, and have received their assurance that no such action is contemplated. I beg Your Excellency to receive my assurances that I will do my whole duty iii this matter, and prevent, if possible for me to do so, any disturbance. I am actuated in this by my sense of duty and my great desire to so conduct myself as to maintain the good relations now so pleasantly existing between our neighboring towns. With great respect, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army, Confederate States. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., October 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. ThCHARD TAYLOR, Commanding District of Western Louisiana: GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding thinks that by the time this reaches you the enemy may have developed his plans, and he directs me to say that, if you consider his movements are toward Texas, yoi~ will make your principal work for the defense of the river at the mouth of the Black. If otherwise, that you will have a small, strong work constructed as low down on the river as practicable, and also - construct other works at suitable points for the defense of the river. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. BOUGS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Port Brown, Tex., October 19, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TuRNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Houston: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- lion, dated October 9, 1863, in which I re.gret to see that I am held r Page 339 CHAP. XXXVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 339 sponsible for the loss of the arms on the Love Bird. My letters of the 28th [ultimo] and October 3 present as full a history of the transaction as I can make, but I inclose a copy of the letter written to Mr. (Jlements,* which will give perhaps a clearer view of where the fault lies, in my opinion, than contained in my letters to you. I do not seek to shield myselr from all proper responsibility by the fact that the orders of the general commanding, dated July 3, 1863, were addressed to my subor- dinate and that on him might fall the responsibility, for I am conscious of realizing to the fullest extent the great necessity of obtaining arms wherewith to save my State from invasion and ruin. With every motive on earth-love of country, life, family, and interestI needed no in ducement to do all that was possible to obtain the arms; that I did all that was in my power I feel satisfied., and respectfully request that the matter may be inquired into, that I may have the opportunity to re- establish myself in the confidence of the general commanding. That no steamboat was employed is easily accounted for by the fact that there was none under the Confederate flag, and they would not violate the neutrality of their flag. My agents were at the mouth of the river, but were powerless to con trot the actions of the self-opinionated, ignorant captain, who supposed his duty accomplished when he came to anchor in a neutral port. It is his fault that the arms were lost. I offered him the value of his ship if he would place her in our waters. If he had refused, I would have taken her by force, but he deceived inc by cordially offering to co-operate in every way in his power. I have received information that the sebooner Nancy Dawson left England on the 1st of September, loaded with munitions of war and a few arms, under the Clements contract. I regret to say that with the French and Yankee blockaders, both always off this bar, I see no pros- pect of saving her. With great respect, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army, Confederate States. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARiz., No. 187. Houston, Tex., October 19, 1863. With much pleasure the major-general commanding makes known to the troops of this district the following cheering intelligence from Northern Texas, congratulating them on the brightening of our pros- pects in that quarter: HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT, Bonham, Ten., October 15, 1863. Very good news from our front. Brigadier-General Blunt, of the United States Army, killed by Colonel [W. C.] Qnantrill 30 miles from Fort Scott. The Fellerals fallen back. North Fork Town burned. Blunt had gone to Kansas, it is supposed, to organize and start his jayhawkers and Indians to the Texas frontier. On his return with his body-guard of 130 men, Quan- trill attacked him, killing him, his adjutant-general, and many, if not all, his men, capturing everything he had, including his sword, carriage, & c. Generai Cooper advanced npon the enemy at North Fork Town, hoping to surprise them, but his advance was discovered, and the enemy fell back rapidly, burning the town when they left it. ~See Bee to Clements, p. 286 Page 340 340 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. Our prospects are brightening in the north, thank God, and for the present, at least, Northern Texas is safe. HENRY E. McCULLOCH Brigadier-General, Commanding Northern Sub-District. By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS LINE OF THE SABINE, Nibletts Bluff, La., October 20, 1863. Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, A. A. C., flouston, Tex.: SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this post with the right wing of my regiment (five companies) and one section of Captain Jones light battery. More cavalry is absolutely needed here. We should have at least 400 or 500 horses from here to the Mermenton, to guard all ferries, roads, and by-roads, and to threaten the enemys line of communication toward Opelousas, and, if L)ossible, to inflict severe punishment on them. The left wing of my regiment, the other section of Jones, and Lieu. tenant [A.] Robiras section of light artillery I hope will be here to- morrow. Neither the 32-pounder guns nor the two mountain howitzers mentioned in your telegram are here. Inclosed herewith please find a dispatch just received from Capt. B. P. L. Vinson, commanding company of the Secoud Louisiana Battalion, which I opened. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. BUCHIEL, Colonel, Commanding. [Inclosure.] CoRsos MILLS, ]Jfermenton, October 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding ~Jonfederate Forces in Texas: GENERAL: I have just returned from Franklin from a scout. I send you a correct report of Yankee forces passe(l through Franklin from the 1st to the 15th instant. This report is correct. There is great dis- satisfaction among the troops, and a great many wish to desert, thinking Texas is a hard road to travel. I brought a Yankee out of their lines, but I am compelled to deliver him, to send him to General Taylor. I am, general, your obedient servant, BAILIE P. L. VINSON, Captain & cond Louisiana Cavalry, Formerly Dreux La. Battalion, Peninsula. [Sub-Inclosure.] The total number bf Federal forces passed through Franklin from the list to the 15th of October [is as follows]: 12-pounder brass smooth-bore guns 26 3-inch rifled guns 15 30-pounder rifled siege guns 4 20-pounder rifled siege gnus 3 Total pieces of artillery . 51 Cavalry 1,500 Mounted infantry 280 Men all told - 20,00 Page 341 CHAP. XXXVIII. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETb.CONFEDERATE. 341 Generals Weitzel and MeMillan in First Division, or Nineteenth Army Corps (all Eastern men), followed up by Generals Ord and Wash- burn, of the Thirteenth Army Cdrps (all Western men), from Grants army at Yicksburg. About 500 army baggage wagons2 prepared with water-tanks on wheels, preparing for a long march. All say destination Rio Grande; General Franklin in command. Banks is now in New Orleans. One negro cavalry company and about 200 negro infantry. Colonel Landram is in command in Franklin with three regiments, with (a provost-marshal); four pieces of artillery. There is much bad feeling existing between the Eastern and Western men. Generals Weitzel and Franklin commanded the expedition to Sabine Pass, which resulted in the loss of the Clifton and other boats. The expedition under them returned to Berwick Bay and came up through Franklin. There have been no new expeditions fitted out for Sabine Pass or Gal- veston. From all I can hear from the officers and privates I have talked with, they all think Texas will be a hard road to travel. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIssISsIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., October 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR: GENERAL: Your letter of the 16th was received yesterday. I am convinced that Texas is the objective point of the column which moved from Berwick. With the wet season so near at hand, their delay is ex- traordinary. It may be occasioned by difficulties encountered in com- pleting their preparations, or the success of Bragg may have suspended the expedition; the latter seems plausible. The reenforcements re- ported drawn from Grants command will so weaken him on the Missis- sippi that he may well hesitate about sending a column into Texas, where it will not only be far removed from the most important theater of operations, but will be a constant drain upon his diminished com- mand for re-enforcements. Dif~cult as you may find it, you must exercise great caution in your operations. You must restrain your own impulses as well as the desires of your men. The Fabian policy is now our true policy. In the present state of the public mind, a defeat to your little army would be ruinous in its effects. When you strike, you must do so only with strong hopes of success. I do not wish to put too great a restraint upon you. The ability with which you have conducted all the military operations in your district assures me that no fault of the enemy will escape your notice, but that, whilst you act on the defensive, you will know when to assume the offensive. I instructed General Boggs to write to you that should the force collected at Berwick move on Texas by Nibletts Bluft opportunity and time would be given for obstructing and defending Red River. The result of his examination was that works at the mouth of Black River are practicable, and will more effectually defend the district than at any other point that can be selected. A small work, with o.bstructious under its guns at Madame Georges, Plaisance, Grand Ecore, or at other suitable sites, might be quickly constructed. Such defenses at two or three points would probably delay and prevent the advance of a column up the Valley of the Red River through the season of high water. Major Douglas has gone to your headquarters, and will consult wit Page 342 342 w. FLA., s. ALA., S. MISS., LA, TEL, N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII! you and get your views in regard to the defenses and obstructions of the river. Whatever is done must be pushed with all the resources of the district, and should be completed before the rise in Red River this winter. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Alexandria, October 21, 1863. Lieut. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: I shall startle you with the declaration that the whole population of Louisiana, white and black, will be without meat-food in half a month. I am remiss in not calling your attention to this subject before, but I must do it the more earnestly on that account. The cause of the famine of meat is the enforcement of a military order emanating from some officer in Texas (but whether from General Magruder or not, I cannot now say), which prohibits any beeves being sent to this State except to the army. The plantations are iu a majority of cases out of meat already. I myself am as careful in provisioning my plantations as most persons, and I shall be out in a few days. You can imagine what our condition will be, with our numerous slaves living on meal and molasses for many weeks before the requisite orders can be issued from your headquarters and be put in course of execution. I do not know what military precaution suggested the propriety of such an order. At first we attributed our scarcity, which has been a subject of anxiety for some time, to the indisposition of the Texas grazier to exchanging beef for Confederate money. It appears sub- sequently, however, to have been the result of military orders. If it is deemed imprudent by reason of the attitude of the enemy below that the beeves shall be sent so near the enemys lines, I sug- ges.t that the drovers be restricted to selling them above a certain place or line, to be designated by you. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tb. 0. MOORE. P. S.I presume the order alluded to was issued previous to the fall of Yicksburg and Port Hudson. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., October 21, 1863. Major-General MAGRUDER: GENERAL: Your note of the 16th instant has been received by the lieutenant-general commanding. Be directs me to say that he had pre- viously received a communication fmom you, stating that Colonel Bank- head had been relieved from command of his brigade by General Gano. An order has been published for Colonel Bankhead to report to you without delay. Intelligence from General Taylor, since the date of your letter, puts the enemy still at Vermillionville. They have not moved in force in the direction of Texas. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, E. CUNNINGHAM, Lieutenant, and Aide-de-Camp Page 343 CHAP~ XXXVIII.1 COR1~ESPONDENCE, hTO.CONFEDERATE. 34~3 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, Tex., October 21, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. 11. BoGGS, Chief of Staff: SIR: I have the honor to sFate that Brigadier-General McCulloch has informed me that the enemy has been driven back, and that he regards the northern frontier as safe at this time. Under these circumstances, and as we are greatly threatened here, I beg that the brigade commanded by Brigadier-General Bankhead, now in the Indian Territory, may be ordered to me at once. I wrote to you several days since on the subject, and hope that this matter may meet the earliest attention of the lieutenant-general com- manding. My pickets, who have been in the vicinity of Opelousas, La., have just reported in the direction of the Calcasieu. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, ]Jiiajor- General, Commanding. IIEADQUARTERS~ DISTRICT OF TEXAS, & C., Houston, October 21, 1863. Brig. Gen. HENRY E. MOCULLOCH, Commanding Northern Sub-District, Bonha~~, fliex.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your coinmuni- cation of the 15th instant, with its inclosures. In reply, I have to state that on the 15th of September, though you had been assigned to the command of the Northern Sub-District, it was known at headquarters that you had not reached Bonham, and it was also known that Acting Brigadier-General Bankhead at that time had left Bonham for the Indian Territory, and was actually beyond the limits of Texas. Constant reports reaching these headquarters of depre- dations committed by Indians and other enemies xendered it necessary that, under the circumstances and in the absence of Brigadier-General Bankhead, some speedy method of obtaining informatiou in regard to the enemy and the condition of the northern fontier should temporarily be adopted nutil your arrival and assumption of command. By a simple reference to the date of the orders furnished Colonel Gould, it will be perceived that the major-general commanding could not have intended to imply in any way that he could not rely upon the in- formation that you would give respecting the enemy, and also concern- ing the state of feeling in the frontier counties, & c., for he had no official or other information of your arrival at Bonham until a letter, dated Sep- tember 19, 1863, was received at these headquarters, at Sabine Pass, September 25, 1863, some time subsequent to the date of the order in- closed by you, which, by the way, is the 16th of September, and not the 26th, as stated in your communication. In regard to General Orders, No. , dated Sabine Pass, September 16, 1863, inclosed by you, I will state thatit was issued in virtue of in- structions from Lieutenant-General Smith, of 7th September, 1863, which have never been made known to you, and which directed Major- General Magruder to send out, on or about the 15th of September, a large cavalry force, to be scattered through the various counties of this district, to make known to every one the provisions of General Orders, No. 3$, from the department headquarters, and to make the arrests if the order was not complied with Page 344 344 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII. Colonel Gould, in accordance with these instructions, was sent out with as large a force of cavalry as could be spared. By an examination of the order, it will be seen that it was the design of Major.General Magruder that you should appoint an officer in your command to whom the officers and men referred to in General Orders, No. 38, should report. The order of Colonel Gould interferes with Major.General Magruders instructions in this particular, and is therefore disapproved. The officer at Bonham, designated by you to whom the officers and men absent from their commands should report, should act in concert with Colonel Gould, who was only charged with the execution of these orders, as far as making General Orders, No. 38, department headquar. ters, known, and disseminating it thoroughly, and making arrests in case of necessity. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant. General. BONHAM, TEX., October 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER: Mv DEAR GENERAL: I inclose you two official letters,* that you might be certain to see them and know something of my true condition here. There never has been any place where there was so little system, so much selfishness, and a general disposition to take all an(l leave none, as there has been up here; and the general authority to every bodyfield, staff, and lineto come into the district for any and all purposes, and interfere one with another, has been and is still creating universal trouble and annoyance. I thank you for the money sent me and medicines ordered to me, and assure you we need them very much, and hope they will soon be here. Troops are beginning to get sick. I have ordered one-half furloughed for twenty days to sow wheat and gather corn, and the troops in camp seem to be satisfied and willing to do their duty; are drilling and im- proving, but need experienced officers to teach them and books to learn from. I cant see how you conclude that I wanted to take the conscripts out of the State troops. I have never thought it practicable, and if I had, General Smiths order settles it emphatically, and I have never permitted it done in any instance where I have been consulted, unless it may have been when the parties desired it and you consented. From all I can learn, we need hardly expect an advance npon our northern border if Bragg has been entirely successful, unless it is a raid by jayhawkers and Indians from Kansas. But our domestic affairs are in a bad condition. I am now perfectly satisfied that there are not less than 1,000 deserters, from the army, conscription, and the mili- tia, in the woods, ready to take to the brush in this sub-district. The largest number in any one place is 30 miles from here, where there are from 200 to 400 at three camps, within 10 miles, all of whom can concen- trate within two hours. They keep every road picketed that goes into their vicinity so perfectly that not a man, woman, or child goes near them that [they] dont know it; they have sympathizers ~all through this country, and, if they cant be induced to come out peaceably, we will have trouble and bloodshed enough in this section to make our * Not found Page 345 CHAP. XXX~IILJ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 345 very hearts sick, and a war of the most wretched and savage character will be inaugurated. Your extension came in good time for me, as it would have been next to impossible to have gotten ready any sooner, and I dont know that I can do so that soon, if the State troops and Martins and Goulds regi- ments cannot be r~lied on (and it is thought by many they cannot, as they are raised in this section). It will take a month yet to get ready, which will give them full time to organize fully and prepare to meet us. If we begin before we are sufficiently prepared, and make a failure in the first move, it will embolden them, and give them great additional strength. Again, there are two strong parties arrayed against each other here, and it will be extremely difficult to unite them. Our man Gould, who drinks, swaggers, and talks big, has said and done many little things here which have had a bad effect; he has neither brains nor prudence enough for a county court lawyer, when sober, and none when he is not. Many of the men who have reported to him have been furloughed for thirty to thirty-five days~ and those that report to me expect the same on that acconnt. I have given a few days to most of them, to give them time to get up winter clothing, and, when they are married men, to sow wheat, bat he curses the peace party, and swears the time is short for them to come in, and all that do not will be fearfully used np in some way, and all who were once opposed to us consider themselves more or less included in his broad denunciations, which can do no good any way. If you intend to kill the