J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boaes, May 29, 1863

Brig. Gen. W. R. Boaes, Chief of Lieutenant-General Smith’s Staff, Shreveport, La.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to submit, for the approval and consideration of the lieutenant-general commanding, the following plan which I propose executing, in establishing a new district in the north and northeastern part of this State, the boundaries to be as follows, viz: Commencing at Hatton’s Ferry, on the Sabine River, and running along the southern boundary of the counties of Sabine, San Augustine, Angelina, Houston, Leon, Limestone, and the eastern part of Falls County to Marlin on the Brazos; thence up the Brazos River to Fort Belknap; thence due north to the Red River, inclusive, with headquarters at Bonham, in Fannin County.

The principal quartermaster and commissary depots I propose locating at Paris, Lamar County, for supplying Brigadier-General [William] Steele’s army and the army in Arkansas; one at Marshall, Harrison County, for supplying the army of Louisiana, and one at Dallas, Dallas County, for supplying the army in Texas; the officers in charge to have the exclusive right to purchase supplies, otherwise it will be impossible for ine to correct the injurious effects resulting from officers in these departments and Government agents bidding against each other, which may, in a great measure, account for the high prices now ruling.

I propose that Government agents coming into the district for the purpose of obtaining supplies be required to call on and make their requisitions on the depot quartermasters and commissaries established at the above places named; that they be required to turn over the funds brought to purchase those supplies, which will thus enable these officers to replenish and keep up their stock of provision and other stores, and that none be permitted to contract or make outside purchases. If this plan is adopted, I am satisfied from the information I have that the wheat crops can be secured to the Government at greatly reduced prices. Unless this plan or a similar one is adopted, you will, I think, perceive that it will be impossible for me to devise any system by which compe- tition and extortion can be prevented… A communication from Maj. W. H. Thomas, commissary of subsistence, to Capt. J. Q. St. Clair, acting commissary of subsistence at Tyler, has been referred to me, in which he notifies Capt. J. Q. St. Clair that he has taken entire control of a large portion of the wheat-growing region in Northern and Northeastern ‘Texas, to secure breadstufts and other supplies for that portion of the Trans-Mississippi Department not under the command of Major-General Magruder, and will furnish him with funds to make purchases, &c.; also requiring officers of the commissary department in that district to report tohim. I do not think you have authorized or would sanction this proceeding on the part of Major Thomas.

As you will readily perceive, it will be impossible for me to regulate the district, or institute any degree of system therein, if ofticers of other districts are permitted to enter this, and endeavor to control the actions of the officers under my command, without reference to me or any existing orders. Iam satisfied that the best interests of the Government will be subserved provided some such plan as the one proposed by me be put into operation, and the number of purchasing agents reduced to the smallest possible number, and that that duty be confined to oflicers who are permanently stationed at depots in this district, whose acquaintance with the resources of the country and the market value of the products will give them peculiar advantages over all new-comers. Lieutenant-General Holmes adopted a plan similar to that proposed by Major Thomas, and the necessities of the troops under my command forcing me to buy in the same region, competition naturally ensued, and hence the fabulous prices. As I command this district, I would willingly assume the responsibility of furnishing these supplies, provided I could have control of the purchasing officers and agents.

I propose to send to the Red River, beyond Bonham, three regiments and a battalion at present, and to strengthen this force hereafter if necessary. Ihave ordered ammunition for small-arms, lead, and caps, to be sent to Brigadier-General Steele, and one 12-pounder howitzer, brass, and one 18-pounder gun. I hope also to be able to send a light battery with these regiments, and shall place Colonel Bankhead, an officer of experience and talent, in command, assigning him to duty with the rank of brigadier-general, subject to the approval of the President. I have no other officer whom I consider capable.

All of which I respectfully submit to the lieutenant-general commanding.

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