Edmund P. Turner to Hamilton P. Bee, July 31, 1863

Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that the fall of Vicksburg necessitates some slight change in the disposition of troops near Corpus Christi.

You will, therefore, cause the remaining companies of Woods’ regiment (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 Buchel’s 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, this regiment can thus be easily marched to Corpus Christi, and transported 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 regard to matters touching the affairs on the Rio Grande, he wishes you to exercise your full discretion, always, however, acting in such manner as to secure the end proposed.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient