Leon Smith to Epmund P. Turner, August 9, 1863

Capt. EpmunD P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General :

Srr: Believing you are anxious to learn what progress has been made in my attempt to place the steamer John F. Carr upon her station in Matagorda Bay, I hereby do myself the honor to report the condition of affairs in the Marine Department in this quarter, and also acknowledge the receipt of a note by courier from Major-General Magruder, dated 3d instant, indicating the wishes of the major-general commanding respecting my movements.

I arrived here with the John IF’. Carr, Mary Hill, and Alamo, at 7 o’clock, Thursday night, 6th instant. Since that period, I have been weather-bound by a strong and unfavorable wind, which has raised so high a sea as to prevent my going out with such frail boats. However much I regret this delay, still, I have reason to congratulate myself that such is the case, as it has enabled me to complete the arrangements I deem necessary to run the gauntlet of an enterprising and vigilant enemy.

I have established a line of signal scouts along the coast from this point to our place of destination, and expect to hear from the west end to-day, and as soon as the wind lulls, and a favorable report is made of the attitude of the enemy, I shall attempt to get the fleet into Matagorda Bay.

It may be that I shall avoid a sight of the enemy entirely, but, after getting under way, and having accomplished part of my voyage, they may heave in sight.

Should such be the case, I deem it prudent to have a sufficient force to defend myself if they attempt to attack or interfere with me, and therefore shall take the steamer Mary Hill along.

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

In trying the guns upon my boats, I found the Nichols gun totally unfit for service, and turned it over to the ordnance officer at this post.

The cartridges of the Parrott gun from the Harriet Lane were also unserviceable, as they would not chamber by 3 inches, being altogether too large, which I was compelled to remedy by reducing the dimensions of the cartridges to fit the bore. I am confident this same difficulty occurred with the gun on board the Bayou City, January 1, which caused its bursting, and I would most respectfully recommend that the ordnance officers having charge of this work be notified of the error and severely reprimanded for neglecting so important a branch of their duty.

The trail of the 18-pounder El Dragon brass gun broke off close to the cheeks at the first fire; it was apparently perfectly sound, but on examination of the pieces after the casualty, I found it was totally unfit for service by dry rot.

Because of this accident, I would most respectfully suggest that an examination be made by boring into the old carriages of all the guns in this district, as they may all be affected inlike manner. I have ordered a new trail to be made for that gun, which will be completed to-day.

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