J. Bankhead Magruder to Josiah Gorgas, May 30, 1863

Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, Va.:

COLONEL: I have understood that Major [Caleb] Huse, the purchasing agent at London of our Government, is under the impression that we do not require a further supply of small-arms on this side of the Mississippi, and, consequently, has not and is not forwarding any in this direction.

He is probably not aware of the fact that 8,000 stand of arms, intended for this department, have either been captured by the enemy or lost at sea, as the vessel which was to have brought them from Havana has not been heard from, and she is long overdue. It is my conviction that we require at least 40,000 stand of arms to supply the deficiencies now existing and to arm the troops now in the field. Only one-third of the force now under my command is well armed, and a large number without any arms at all. In case of an invasion, I would be compelled to call out a much larger force, and for them there would be no arms whatever.

I propose to send Mr. Mohl (the bearer of this communication), a gentleman of marked financial ability, as agent for the purchase of these arms, and also for the purchase of two light-draught steamers, drawing not more than 8 feet of water, to be bought for the purpose of bringing the arms in; one to come in at the Brazos, which now has on its bar from 10 to 12 feet of water, and the other at the Rio Grande; these arms and vessels to be paid for on their delivery here, in cotton. [ have reason to believe that Mr. De Leon, in Paris, can make such arrangements as to satisfy the French Government that the arms are for the Confederacy, and not for the Mexican Government, and can obtain

*Not found, an order for the commanding officer of the French blockading squadron off the Rio Grande to let the arms be landed on our own shores, otherwise the French men-of-war at the mouth of the Rio Grande might prevent the passage of the vessels.

It is of the greatest importance that these arms should be secured as speedily as possible. I have been compelled by recent changes caused by Banks’ success in Louisiana to place on the coast troops that are only partly armed—a number of the men having no arms whatever, and therefore being useless in case of an engagement, and an expense to the Government at ail times. I trust that these facts will have full weight with you, and that Mr. Mohl will be at once sent abroad, with such instructions from Ordnance Department as will authorize Major Huse to make the purchases without delay. The steamer or steamers before arriving on our coast should be armed with one or two long-range guns, and, if possible, from 50 to 100 men, armed with long-range rifles, should be shipped either in England or at some intermediate port. They should also be under the command of a naval officer, or some trustworthy man devoted to our cause.

The order from the Secretary of War to impress cotton here for the payment of the owners of the steamers, and their cargoes, and a copy of the impressment bill, showing that we have the legal authority to do so, together with the statement. officially made, that there is no blockade whatever on the coast west of Galveston, would, I think, induce merchants abroad to furnish the steamers and arms.

Should you desire to carry into operation these suggestions, please inform me by direct route across the Mississippi, and also via Havana and Brownsville, and I will send coast pilots to Nassau or to Liverpool, if desired, to bring in these vessels. If I can in any way get smallarms in sufficient numbers, there need be no apprehension about the Trans-Mississippi Department, especially about Texas, but the supply now is extremely inadequate, and causes me well-founded uneasiness. I am putting into execution, and have done so since my arrival in the country, every possible plan to accomplish this purpose, but so far without success. General Bee has failed to procure the arms he expected from the United States through Mexican hands. Ithink the plan here proposed the most feasible. These steamers should also bring our longrange rifled cannon and artillerists to serve some of them on board, should it become necessary on the passage.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,