Santos Benavides to William O. Yager, August 15, 1863
Lieut. Col. WILLIAM O. YAGER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, O. C. S. Army: Sir: I would respectfully submit the following: The exportation of beef-cattle to Mexico on this part of the line is
176 W.FLA., 8. ALA, S. MISS., L. A., TEX., N. MEX, [Cuar. XXXVIIL
being carried on to such an extent that the supply of fresh beef to the troops will in a short time be very difficult.
For the purpose of-putting some check on the trade, with the approval of the general commanding, I will put in force the inclosed order. If the general commanding does not approve the mode suggested, I would respectfully urge the pressing need of putting some check on the business in seme other way, or the public service will ere long seriously sufter for want of a staple article of subsistence.
One reason for adopting the mode suggested is that it will put a tax on a class of men who are at heart bitter enemies of our cause and Government; for the trade is almost entirely in the hands of such men.
Another reason is that the specie is an imperative necessity, for we cannot buy anything or obtain any service performed for any department of the public service without specie, and all applications of disbursing officers for specie are refused.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Major Thirty-third Texas Cavalry, Commanding.
(Sub-Inclosure.]}
GENERAL ORDERS, Hpqrs. LINE OF THE RIO GRANDE,
From and after the 1st of September next, no permits to export beef:
cattle into Mexico will be granted except the owner or conductor of the
cattle shall pay to the commanding officér granting such permit $10 in