Hamilton P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, June 23, 1863

Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, &c., Houston, Tex.:

Sir: I respectfully submit the following suggestions for the consideration of the general commanding:

The regiments of Woods and Buchel are ordered to the vicinity of King’s ranch, to establish a camp, &c. There is no permanent water nearer than the Aqua Dulce, say 20 miles east of that point, which is the nearest convenient point. The supply of water there, although abundant, is formed only in pools, as the stream does not run; consequently there is more danger of sickness than on a running stream.

A camp established on one of the running streams of Bee County would embrace the following advantages: Pure running water, affording facilities for bathing; good grass and shade; proximity to the cornfields of the San Antonio River, where corn is abundant and cheap, thus enabling the cavalry and battery horses to be put in condition to move to any point needed, with certainty of arriving, whereas if fed only on grass the battery horses at least will not be fit tor service after a march, they being large American horses, which absolutely require corn to enable them to do good service. The difference between teeding on corn and grass will more than compensate for the difference in distance.

A camp of instruction to be formed, at which all troops adjacent might be encamped, as well as the militia to be called out from this section of country. I would further suggest that so soon as I may have accomplished the wishes of the general commanding on the Rio Grande, I be allowed to assume command of the camp, thus familiarizing the troops to their commander and the commander to his troops, a position I have never occupied since I have been in the army; that the companies now detached from Woods’ and Buchel’s regiments be ordered to return t them for the object of acquiring the drill and duties of soldiers, thereby adding greatly to the efficiency of the regiments. I believe that if these suggestions should be adopted, I can promise the general commanding a brigade as efficient and reliable as is to be found in the army. J have the honor to be,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,