Edmund P. Turner to Major A. G. Dickinson, July 30, 1863

Major A. G. DICKINSON, A. A. G., and Comdr. of Post, San Antonio:

Srr: I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to revoke all orders given you in regard to the impressment of cotton.

The general directs, however, that you take at once the necessary steps to take, strictly in accordance with the law, the assessment of 8 per cent. of cotton, and, when assessed, you will hold this for the Government.

128 W. FLA., 8. ALA. 8. MISS., L. A., TEX., N. MEX. [Cuar. XXXVIIL

You will pursue this course in regard to all cotton in and near San Antonio, and between that place and Eagle Pass.

You will proceed to the execution of this matter at once, so as to secure the full benefit of this law.

If the owner offers to give security for the payment of the law in money, this, of course, will be refused, for we need the cotton. If he refuses to deliver up the cotton when assessed, the 8 per cent. will be impressed, in accordance with the provisions of the ”impressmeit act,”‘ and held by you subject to the general’s orders. You will systematize this matter as soon as possible, and report progress, &c., to these headquarters from time to time.

It is possible that cotton may be diverted and taken out by Laredo, and hence you will secure the interest of the Government in that quarter by means of these two acts, viz, the “impressment bill” and the “law in regard to tax in kind.”

The general wishes you to send a messenger to Governor Vidaurri with a copy of the ” tax law,” and state that Major-General Magruder has not allowed the ‘”impressment law” to operate against his subjects, and does not desire to do anything which would interfere with the trade in that quarter, which should be preserved. State to him that the ‘tax law” is the law of the land, and that the general collects the 8 per cent. on cotton to secure this to the Government and prevent it from being taken from the country.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,