Hamilton P. Bee to E..p. Turner, July 16, 1863

Capt. E..P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Houston, Tex. :

Srr: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place on the 15th instant. I at once prohibited the further exportation of cotton, and called upon the owners, and agents of owners, of all cotton, to report to me the amount, &c., on hand, which, when received, will enable me to move advisedly. , a

I need scarcely say to you that I am beset with perplexities and annoyances, and that great excitement prevails in the community, and many difficulties and obstacles are arising, probably not contemplated by the major-general commanding. My greatest apprehension now is, that the parties interested will not receive the impressed cotton in payment for their goods, as it is asserted that such as is owned in Mexico

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

will, if impressed, be retaken by the owners as soon as crossed, and also that, it being universally known as Confederate cotton, it will be captured on the high seas by the enemy. These considerations may prevent the parties from closing with me. I shall do my best to meet the views of Lieutenant-General Smith, and will communicate further with you on the subject.

Major Hart has no cotton here, nor has he any coming that I am apprised of. He writes to Mr. Gallagher, his agent here, that he does not agree to your suggestions to turn over his cotton for the present necessities of the Government and to replace it with cotton in the interior. However, I have made the proposition as directed by the major-general commanding, and if the. parties, or any of them, accept the proposition, I will give them the proper papers, addressed to him.

I have to-day forwarded dispatches for the French admiral and French minister at Mexico, requesting the return of the vessel loaded with arms, captured off the mouth ot the river, together with all the necessary papers, to prove that the arms were intended for the Confederacy; were forwarded by Capt. Arthur Hood, Royal Navy, who, I am informed by Mr. Maloney, takes a warm interest in this affair, and will do all he can to place the matter right before the admiral.

The arrival of the schooner unannounced and unexpected was the fault of Mr. Ruthven, the agent of Mr. Clements, who did not inform any one of the contents of his letter announcing her speedy arrival, and she was not expected for forty days. There is no doubt but that the Yankees would have captured her, as It is now said that for this reason the French took her. 1 believe she will be given up, but anticipate great difficulty in getting her cargo safe, as a great deal of notoriety has attached to the transaction, and the consul at Matamoras is wide awake.

The general health of this place has improved. The news to the 3d from New Orleans is still favorable.

With great respect, your obedient servant,