Edmund P. Turner to Thomas H. Bee, July 12, 1863

Brigadier-General BEE, Commanding First Division:

Sir: Your communications received. In reply, I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that your General Orders, No. 1, is approved. Major Russell, your chief quartermaster, will not leave the Rio Grande, however, until further orders from these headquarters. Your command will be designated the First Division.

You will instruct Brigadier-General Bankhead to report directly to these headquarters, on account of being removed at a distance from your headquarters, but will furnish you copies of all returns and reports.

He will remain, as heretofore, under your command, but will send his returns and reports direct to these headquarters for information, always furnishing you.a copy of such papers, to be consolidated in your sub-district returns for the month. If they cannot be obtained by you in time, you will send your returns promptly to these headquarters, where the returns of Brigadier-General Bankhead will be incorporated. The general expects that you will spare no efforts to make your returns in good time. The returns for June are now due.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,