Hamilton P. Bee to Epmund P. Turner, August 10, 1863

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

Srr: Major Russell is on duty in carrying out the orders of the general commanding on the subject of obtaining cotton to pay for army supplies.

The loan to the Government at this point of 20 per cent. of all cotton is more beneficial than impressment, for after paying a reasonable freight, there would not be as much left as under the present system which is now in force, and all parties seem satisfied.

The Sea Queen has departed for Liverpool with full freight for private parties, there not being time to make any arrangement after my arrival here. The owners of the cargo of that vessel are at war with each other; two of them disavow the Bellot contract, and I feel satisfied that the credit of the Government is not and cannot be involved in the question. The contiact is out of date by nearly a year, and has not been complied with by Bellot & Co. Major Russell will write you on all these subjects.

I paid an official visit on Saturday to His Excellency General Ruiz, Governor of Tamaulipas, and was most honorably received. I found him a well-informed gentleman, fully impressed with the necessity of fostering this trade, and profuse in his assurances of co-operation with me in all things necessary to promote harmony between the nationalities. On yesterday the Governor returned my visit, and was received

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

by me with all the honors due his position at my command, and he seemed much pleased. I have constantrumors of the near approach of the French; they are said to be coming by sea from Vera Cruz. Their arrival will enable me to obtain a supply of arms. I have no news of the schooner captured by them loaded with arms under the Clements: contract.:

There are now three gunboats off the mouth of the Rio Grande, and. they are busy surveying the bar and demonstrating that we may soon expect a visit from them. I am acting on that presumption, and using: all diligence in removing public property and the passage of the cotton. across the river.

The Federal officers now in Matamoras from the gunboats state that General Lee has been forced farther back into Virginia, and that. Ewell’s army corps has been cut off from the main command and will be captured.

I have issued the necessary orders to Colonel Woods, commanding First Brigade, in compliance with your orders of July 31, 1863, requiring six companies of the Thirty-second Cavalry to encamp near Indianola, and the First Regiment to encamp near Corpus [Christi], but I beg leave most respectfully to renew my suggestions, made from Corpus Christi, that there is not sufficient grass in that vicinity for this regiment, and the limited means of transportation will not allow them to move their command from the San Antonio.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,