E. Kirby Smith to Richard Taylor, September 10, 1863

Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding District of Western Louisiana: GENERAL: Ihave the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 7th instant. In my letter of the 4th I do not require the issuing of an order for 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 Government 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. You can resort to impressment or not, as you deem wise.

The permanent obstruction of Lower Red River by the raft you propose 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 formation 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 Tone’s 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,

218 W. FLA., 8. ALA., 8S. MISS., L. A. TEX., N. MEX. (Cuar. XXXVIIL

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 forethought; 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 not 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,