Dabney H. Maury to S. CoopmrR, July 16, 1863

General 8S. CoopmrR, Adjt. and Insp. Gen. C. 8. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: Please ask the Secretary of War to take into consideration the propriety of running cotton out on Government account from

*See Seddon to Maury, August 1, p. 129, 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 recommend 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 bales, but 150 bales will be the maximum limit of any cargo I shall send by her. The great importance of accumulating military stores here by every means induces me to make this application. I am, general,

respectfully, your obedient servant, .