Edmund P. Turner to Hamilton P. Bee, May 15, 1863
Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Western Sub-District:
Sir: The major-general commanding deeming it of great importance, on account of the concentration of a large proportion of the forces of the Eastern Sub-District of Texas at Niblett’s Bluff, under the orders of Lieutenant-General Smith, and the consequent exposure of a part of this district, that your troops, which are destined for the eastern frontier, should reach their destination as soon as possible, accordingly directs that you set in motion these forces at once, and proceed as rapidly as possible. You are requested to keep the major-general advised of your progress from time to time.
Under orders already given, you are free to select whatever regiment you may deem proper to remain on the Rio Grande frontier.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.
Hpgrs. Dist. oF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA,
Las Animas, May 15, 1863.
Siz: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that, in
anticipation of the movements ordered by you, he had directed these
regiments, which are now en route, for Niblett's Bluff, under your orders,