E, Kirby Smith to Commandant's Office, June 28, 1863

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 Fauntleroy may be relieved from his present command, that in the event of purchase he may be assigned to the command of the vessel above mentioned.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,