Stephen D. Yanoey to Hamilton P. Bee, May 14, 1863

Brig. Gen. H. P. BEE, Commanding at Brownsville:

Sir: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct you to send with Capt. Durant Da Ponte to Havana a reliable and thoroughly business man, for the purpose of purchasing arms, ammunition, &c., in accordance with instructions. Captain Da Ponte is perfectly familiar with the Spanish language, but has little experience in business, and the general thinks it will-be necessary to send some one capable, in your judgment, to assist him.

These arms will be paid for with Government cotton, if there be any in Brownsville at the time of their arrival at that place, and if there is none, you are directed to seize any cotton in the place for the purpose of paying for them. As soon as these arms arrive, you will cause them to be sent without delay to Houston, and for this purpose you will seize such 4 number of teams, no matter to whom they may belong, as may be necessary, if there is not sufficient Government transportation.

These arrangements are not intended to affect in any manner your own movements in pushing forward without delay to the eastern part of the State, which you will do in accordance with previous instructions.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,