E. K. Kirby Smith to J. B. Magruder, June 28, 1863

Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, 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 matter, I would prefer his doing so.

Respectfully, yours, &c.,