Saml. Boyer Davis to S. Maclin, January 18, 1862

: Houston, January 18, 1862. Maj. S. MACLIN, . Acting Chief Commissary of Subsistence, San Antonio, Tex. :

SIR: Col. P. N. Luckett, commanding at Fort Brown, informs that the difficulties now existing in the neighboring State of Tamaulipas, Mexico, have so wholly changed the condition of affairs from what they were a short time since as to deprive the command of the many facilities upon which they could with a reasonable certainty calculate. The ‘ civil war existing in the Mexican States renders intercourse and transportation precarious and unsafe. So much so, that the public carriers are prevailed upon with extreme difficulty to undertake the risk of bringing the necessary supplies for subsistence, and when they do, it is at a high price, and the supplies but small in quantity, and are frequently confiscated by the opposing forces in Mexico. In consequence of this state of affairs the quartermaster and com- ^missary of subsistence at Fort Brown has been unable to procure the necessary supplies for the troops. At the time Colonel Luckett wrote there was no flour on hand and no prospect of being supplied from day today. He therefore directed that requisitions be made on San Antonio for the supply of his command.

Colonel Luckett further informs that the credit of the Government has suffered, and that Confederate notes are almost wholly useless, but few being willing to take them, and when they do, requiring an

advance upon their usual prices of 25 and 30 per cent. ; and, under the cireumstances, it becomes necessary to supply the command at Fort Brown and other points on the Lower Rio Grande from the “general depot” at San Antonio; and the general commanding orders that this be done accordingly.

By order of Brig. Gen. P. O. Hébert: