S. S. Anderson to J. B. Magruder, June 26, 1863

Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, Houston:

GENERAL: I am instructed by Lieutenant-General Smith to say it is very important to increase the military strength of this department. There are many soldiers detailed as teamsters whose places could be well supplied by negroes. It is known the delicate tenure by which the owner would hold this species of property on or near the Rio Grande; consequently, I would not propose to take them beyond the San Antonio, or perhaps the Guadalupe, to such places suitable for depots, It is known, also, the character of property proposed to be hired is the last the owners are disposed to part with, and that slavery is a most delicate question to meddle with in a State where there are so many non-slaveholders, and where the production is so varied that free labor is very profitable. It is, therefore, recommended that an appeal be made to the patriotism of the people to hire negro men for teamsters, and that

86 W. FLA., S. ALA., 8. MISS., L. A., TEX., N. MEX. (Cuar. XXXVIIL

proper men, planters, be employed to visit the different slave counties with your appeal, and use every effort to induce the owner to hire as many as he can spare from his plantation, and, after every effort has been used, and the necessary number not obtained, then, with great prudence, a pro rata assessment should be made upon the slaveholders, and the numover required be impressed, in accordance with the law of impressment; but this should be done with great precaution, so as to wound the sensibilities of the people as little as possible, for it is of the first importance to obtain not only our full strength in the ranks, but keep those at home loyal and zealous in support of our cause and efforts. It is suggested, in view of the State election coming off on the first Monday in August, and as much importance may be attached to the results of that election, it is desirable that no additional exciting cause should be presented that may influence the minds of voters; consequently it would be advisable not to use the impressment law prior to the election.

In General Smith’s letter to you of the 23d instant,* authority was given you to impress cotton, to secure the munitions of war on the Sea the Nueces until after the said election, but confine it to and near the Rio Grande. In reference to the letter above referred to, I am directed by Lieutenant-General Smith to say it was not as comprehensive as it should have been, as it was intended to embrace all supplies whatsoever comprising the cargo of the Sea Queen; you will, therefore, be governed accordingly.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,