K. E. Kirby Smith to Samuel Cooper, June 29, 1863

General S. CooPER, Adjutant-General :

GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a correspondence with Major-General Magruder upon the subject of the impressment of cotton, and also concerning the purchase of a vessel of war arrived in the Rio Grande,* I trust the course I have taken in these matters will meet with the approval of the War Department.

Captain Fauntleroy, C. 8. Navy, has been directed to consult with General Magruder, and then to inspect the vessel thoroughly, with a view to her fitness for war purposes and preliminary to the purchase. Should he report favorably, and the purchase be consummated, she will sail from the Rio Grande under command of Captain Fauntleroy. It is desirable that the crew of the Missouri be transferred to her, and that she be commissioned as a cruiser before sailing, and I request that the necessary authority be given by the Navy Department. If this is acted on without delay, so as to enable her to sail at once as a cruiser, advantageous results may follow.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,