William R. Boggs to C. S. Army, June 30, 1863

Major-General MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th instant, with inclosures.*

I am directed by Lieutenant-General Smith to say the statements of Mr. Fleury concerning the guns convey a false impression. The gunboat Missouri has no guns whatever. At the present time there are but two heavy guns, those captured on the Indianola, in the District of Louisiana and Arkansas.

The guns of the Harriet Lane are not designed exclusively for the Missouri, nor will they be used on her until such time as it may appear advantageous. These guns are intended for land batteries for the defense of the Red River Val’ey, and can only be put in position during low water. They will be put in position as soon as they arrive.

The supplies necessary for the armies east of the Mississippi River, as well as of the armies in Arkansas and Louisiana, depend entirely ou the control of the Red River. Under these circumstances, it is con-

*’The inclosures not found. 7 R R—VOL XXVI, PI U sidered essential that these guns be put in position at the earliest practicable moment. I remain, general,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,