S. Hart to John Bankhead Magruder, August 4, 1863

Respectfully referred, through Captain Andrews, in charge of the Labor Bureau, to General J. B. Magruder, commanding, with the request, under the circumstances, that negroes may be impressed for the purpose of driving the teams mentioned within to this place or King’s ranch, Mr. Rhine, my agent, being at this place at present, has made the statement that the owners of negroes in the district to which he is assigned, viz, the counties of Bowie, Davis, Red River, Marion, and Lamar, have positively refused to hire the negroes required. Since the date of the within letter, Agent Rhine has got ready one hundred more wagons and teams, and consequently that number of negroes will be required in addition to the number (125) asked for within by Mr. Rhine. Of course the proposition made to Mr. Rhine by planters, &c., subject to militia duty cannot be entertained for amoment. In view of the fact that the wagons and teams—they having been purchased for the Government—and the cotton to load them, are ready to take the road but for want of drivers, I have to ask, as a matter of great interest to the service, that the negroes to drive them may be at once impressed.

Respectfully submitted.