Stephen D. Yancey to Hamilton P. Bee, July 20, 1863

Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding Westeyn Sub-District, Brownsville:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 9th instant, and in reply I am instructed by the major-general commanding to state that from the fact of your being the commanding officer of the sub-district where the cotton trade is being principally carried on, is a paramount reason why you should superintend that business. It is a matter of vital interest to the Government, requiring the attention of officers best acquainted with the subject, and, though the major-general commanding would with pleasure relieve you from what be knows is an unpleasant duty, he cannot intrust it to any officer under your rank.

Colonel Bradfute was placed in command of the coast and its defenses and ordered to report to you. He is in command of Colonel Hobby’s regiment, and all the troops on the coast from Corpus Christi to Matagorda, including the four companies of Woods’ regiment, which are to be considered as detached from Colonel Woods’ regiment and not under his command.

Colonel Bradfute is, therefore, only under your orders and not Colonel Woods’, his command being separate and distinct. We are here to meet General E. Kirby Smith, and will return to Houston in a few days.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,