William R. Boggs to William R. Scurry, May 18, 1863

Brig. Gen. W. R. Scurry, Commanding Eastern Sub-District of Texas, Houston :

GENERAL: Your letter of the 11th instant has been received. Lieu. tenant-General Smith directs that you make such disposition of [N. C.} Gould’s regiment as you think best. It is very important that you should organize a force near the Upper Red River, to resist any raid the enemy may undertake through the Indian Territory. The Indian Territory is at present entirely destitute of troops. So soon as a regiment of cavalry can be spared from General Taylor’s command, it will be sent there. The people should be called upon to organize themselves into companies of minute-men, arm, and hold themselves in readiness to be called into service for a limited period.

Lieutenant [Arthur D. Wharton, of the C. S. Navy, was sent to take charge of the guns of the Harriet Lane, and transport them to the Red meets the approval of the lieutenant-general commanding. Some one should be sent ahead to make the necessary arrangements for the transportation from Logansport.

Lieutenant-General Smith desires me to return you his thanks for your promptness in anticipating the wants of the department here, as well as for the efficient manner with which you have executed your plans and instructions.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,