Hamilton P. Bee to Epmund P. Turner, July 9, 1863

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

Srr: The communications of July up to the 4th, inclusive, from your headquarters are at hand. I will not lose a moment in proceeding to Brownswille, and have forwarded to Major Russell the necessary instructions, that there may be no delay. I go forward to obey the orders of my general, but I must be permitted to place on record my regret that this disagreeable duty had*not been assigned to an officer of less rank, who could have discharged it equally as well, I have been so unfortunate as to have been required to carry out all previous orders about cotton, and have not failed to receive my portion of slander and abuse, and I had hoped that I was in future clear of it. I anticipate great difficulties in accomplishing the wishes of Lieutenant-General Smith, but will secure the arms, ‘f they come, at all hazards, and will keep you advised regularly of what transpires.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,