8. Texas in the Civil War: Part H (November 1863)
Selected Texas History Primary Source Documents
(Back to Civil War Table of Contents)
Important Notes
1. These links, almost without exception, are to documents having to do with events and movements (mostly of a military character) which occurred (or at least meant to occur) within the boundaries of the state of Texas. Persons interested in documents having to do with the participation of Texans in various battles and campaigns beyond Texas can consult works found in the first Civil War list at this site, especially The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (plus the same for the navies) and Battles and Leaders of the Civil War.
2. The summary descriptions of the military correspondence do not always make clear which addressors and addressees were in Confederate military service and which were in the Union service. Persons not familiar with the names of all or most of the relevant military personnel may find the following useful.
Confederate officers: (last names): Bee, Bell, Boggs, Debray, Dickinson, Ford, Gorgas, Magruder, McCulloch, Mills, Pendleton, Scurry, Smith, Taylor, Turner, Yancey.
Union officers (last names): Banks, Dana, Halleck, McPherson, Pierce, Stone, Washburn.
3. How to cite most of the documents in this list.
Most of the documents in this list are from the two multi-volume collections listed just below this paragraph. Those collections are at Cornell University's "Making of America" website. At a specific document page, most browsers will display the phrases "Cornell University Library" and "Cornell Making of America" near the top of the page. (If not, use the scroll bar to the right of the "next page" icon to reveal these phrases.) To determine the exact location of a document in either of the War Department or Navy Department series (i.e., series, volume, and part), go to the drop-down "Go To:" menu on the right and choose "Title Page." Please cite both the data having to do with the War Department or the Navy Department series and Cornell University's "Making of America" website. Please do not cite "Lone Star History Links."
United States. War Department. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. 70 vols. in 128. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
United States. Navy Department. Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. 30 vols. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1894-1922.
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Suggestion: One might also find it useful to consult the list of documents and collections of documents at List 2 , "Texas in the Nineteenth Century: General."
[J. Bankhead Magruder] to W. R. Boggs, November 1, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a staff officer of the Trans-Mississippi Department, stating that he will carry out General Smith's orders to take troops to the Red River valley of Louisiana but notes logistical difficulties and the problem of leaving Texas open to attack by sea and land. Some Texas state troops are refusing to cross the Sabine. Details about these issues and other problems. [The communication is unsigned but internal evidence and Boggs to Magruder, November 6, reveal the author to be Magruder.] Link to document.
Henry E. McCulloch to Edmund P. Turner, November 1, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham reports to a staff officer for the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that he will send the troops to Houston, as General Magruder has ordered, but states that this will leave northern Texas exposed. Also will weaken the Confederacy's friends in the area and strengthen those who oppose it. [May be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to Henry E. McCulloch, November 2, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham, recommending that he utilize Quantrill's Missourians in dealing with deserters, etc., in northern Texas. Explain why. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to Pendleton Murrah, November 2, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona calls Murrah's attention to the military situation in Texas so that the governor can assist in the state's defense. Many details. If the enemy takes the Red River valley in Louisiana, "a movement upon the wealthy and productive portion of Eastern Texas becomes practicable." Understands that an expedition against the Texas coast is nearly ready to sail. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 2, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Western Sub-District writes to a staff officer of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that he has learned that seven Union steamers arrived at the mouth of the Rio Grande at nightfall the previous day. Is forwarding everything of value at Fort Brown up the river. Cotton headed for Brownsville is being turned back. Expects to have to evacuate the fort and town because of a lack of men and arms. Plans to retreat slowly up the river if it proves prudent to do so. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 2, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Western Sub-District reports to a staff officer of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that the enemy has arrived off the mouth of the Rio Grande in considerable force. Stormy weather will prevent landings until tomorrow. Link to document
R[ichard]. Taylor to W. R. Boggs, November 2, 1863 [extract]. The commander, Confederate District of Western Louisiana, writes to a staff officer of the Trans-Mississippi Department that enemy troops in southwestern Louisiana seem to be retreating to Berwick Bay. Latest captured Union prisoners say that the Texas expedition [by land] has been given up. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Henry E. McCulloch to Stephen D. Yancey, November 3, 1863. The commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham writes to a staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, defending his action in furloughing half of the state troops so that they could go home and sow wheat. Refers to Turner to McCulloch, September 29, 1863. Link to document
N. P. Banks to M. C. Meigs, November 3, 1863. The commander of the Department of the Gulf Expedition writes to the quartermaster general of the Union army that he has arrived at Brazos Santiago, near the mouth of the Rio Grande. Has occupied it and the surrounding area. Meigs to urge on the government the need for a few thousand more men there and for additional supplies. Link to document
N. P. Banks to H. H. Bell, November 3, 1863. The commander of the Union Department of the Gulf reports to the commander of the fleet blockading the Texas coast that he reached Brazos Santiago, November 1. Encountered a severe gale on October 30. Details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
R. Taylor to James Duff, November 3, 1863. Report by a captain of the 33rd Texas Cavalry [Confederate] to his commanding officer, reporting events at or near the mouth of the Rio Grande on November 2-3. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
N. P. Banks to H. W. Halleck, November 4, 1863. The commander of the Union Department of the Gulf reports to the general-in-chief of the army about the progress of the expedition to the lower Texas coast so far. Gives many details. States that the recent Union movements in the Teche country of Louisiana plus the attack on Sabine Pass "have drawn all of the [Rebel] forces from Western to Eastern Texas." Without that, the landing at the mouth of the Rio Grande would have been impossible. As a follow up, will order some of the troops at Vermillionville in Louisiana, to join him. Still needs more reinforcements [to take control of much of coastal Texas]. Details. [Appended are data about troop strength and the composition of the expedition.] Link to document
N. J. T. Dana to Captain Strong, November 4, 1863. Union General Dana thanks a naval ship commander for the gallantry of his sailors in assisting troops landing in dangerous surf at the mouth of the Rio Grande. Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 5, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Western Sub-District writes to a staff officer of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that just prior to evacuating Fort Brown, he burned the buildings and the cotton. Is now at Las Animas, on the way to the King Ranch. Cannot go up the river. Explains why. The enemy force is large; twenty-six ships counted. Thinks the force came from Fortress Monroe [on the Virginia coast]. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
N. P. Banks to General Carleton, November 5, 1863. The commander of the Union Department of the Gulf informs the commander of U.S. forces in New Mexico that U.S. forces occupy the island of Brazos Santiago and Brownsville. Asks if Carleton and his troops would be able to cooperate with Banks in a movement toward San Antonio. Link to document
Charles P. Stone to William B. Franklin, November 5, 1863. General N. P. Banks' chief of staff writes from New Orleans to the commander of U.S. forces in western Louisiana that "advices from Brownsville, Tex., show that [Confederate General] Magruder was withdrawing all the force from the Rio Grande in order to concentrate on Northeastern Texas." [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
William Hyde Clark to Major Thompson, November 5, 1863. Union officer orders Thompson to proceed with his men the following morning to occupy Port Isabel. Is to treat the local people well, unless any are known or suspected to be in communication with the enemy. Is to requisition whatever he needs from them to carry out his mission but must not allow his men to steal, pillage or otherwise mistreat the people, etc. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
William Hyde Clark to William Vandever, November 5, 1863. Similar message as that to Thompson. [May be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
W. R. Boggs to J. B. Magruder, November 6, 1863. The Union retreat to Berwick Bay indicates "that immediate invasion of Louisiana and Texas is not contemplated." Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey to Henry E. McCulloch, November 6, 1863. General Magruder orders McCulloch to take his troops to the camp of the deserters and "use every effort to effect their extermination." [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
N. P. Banks to H. W. Halleck, November 6, 1863. Occupied Brownsville that morning. Retreating The action of rebels in burning Fort Brown barracks and some of the town and plundering and doing violence led to the organization of local citizens to protect themselves and their property. Other details about Matamoros and Mexico. Link to document
N. P. Banks to H. W. Halleck, November 7, 1863. An addition of five to ten thousand volunteers (easily obtainable from New England and the West) would contribute greatly to the restoration of Texas to the Union. Hopes that the government will authorize such recruitment. People on both sides of the Rio Grande are friendly to the U.S. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 8, 1863. Sends from Santa Gertrudes [sic] [the King Ranch] his official report of military events beginning with the enemy appearance at the mouth of the Rio Grande a few days earlier to the present. Details. [Continues onto the following page.] Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 8, 1863. Writes from Santa Gertrudes [sic] to which he has retreated [following the Federal capture of Brownville]. Proposes that no cotton cross the Rio Grande below Eagle Pass. Details about his situation and the situation of South Texas. Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to Pendleton Murrah, November 9, 1863. The Union fall back to Berwick Bay makes a movement from there to the Texas coast probable. It is important that the state troops be retained for the duration of the war. Explains why. Link to document
H. P. Bee to J. A. Quinterro, November 9, 1863. Writes from Santa Gertrudes [sic] to a man in Monterrey, Mexico, that he was able, with just one hundred men, to get out of Brownsville with a train worth one million dollars. "I was assisted by no one in Brownsville." Has all of the cotton at Santa Gertrudes [sic]. Will seek a crossing at both Laredo and Eagle Pass. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
Nathaniel P. Banks to Abraham Lincoln, November 9, 1863. General Banks telegraphs from Brownville that his troops are in possession of Brazos Island, Port Isabel, and Brownsville. He is very pleased with the success of the operation. Link to document
Henry E. McCulloch to Edmund P. Turner, November 9, 1863. In order to get the deserters out of the brush, he has agreed to place them upon the frontier. Details. Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, November 10, 1863. Reports to General Smith that he has learned that the enemy appeared off Brazos Santiago at the mouth of the Rio Grande on the 2nd. Landed there and proceeded on to Brownsville, which Bee evacuated on the 4th, after destroying buildings and cotton. Bee reports that the Union force numbers between 5,000 and 6,000. Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to H. P. Bee, November 10, 1863. In light of the Union invasion, gives instructions and suggestions about how to handle the situation. Expects more landings. Details. Link to document
W. R. Bradfute to Edmund P. Turner, November 10, 1863. Understands that the enemy has landed on Padre Island and is now headed for Corpus Christi. Is sending a few troop there to help save the public property. [It may be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 11, 1863. Has learned that three companies of Union troops entered Brownsville, two black, one white. Total enemy strength in the area, 12,000. Asks for 1,000-2,000 cavalry be sent to him. Suggests that no more cotton on private account be exported, only that belonging to the government. [Scroll down to the document, which continues for two more pages.] Link to document
James Duff to E. R. Tarver, November 11, 1863. Report by the colonel commanding the 33rd Texas Cavalry of Union landings at the mouth of the Rio Grande, the evacuation of Fort Brown and Brownsville, failure of most local citizens to assist, etc. [Scroll down to the document. See especially pp. 441-443.] Link to document
Henry T. Davis to George W. Caldwell, November 11, 1863. Report of an officer of the 33rd Texas Cavalry [Confederate] of events at or near the mouth of the Rio Grande, November 2-3. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document.
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 12, 1863. Plans to march from Santa Gertrudes [sic] to Rio Grande City soon. Will demonstrate that we do not intend to abandon the area, will encourage our friends, punish or at least quieten our enemies, and give protection to the large amounts of cotton now on the way to Laredo. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
Santos Benavides to H. P. Bee, November 12, 1863. Writes from Rio Grande City that almost no persons along the river are friendly to the Confederacy. Link to document
Charles P. Stone to N. P. Banks, November 12, 1863. Is sending artillery, horses, mules, 30,000 rations to General Banks in South Texas by sea. [Scroll down to the document, which continues to the next page.] Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to Jefferson Davis, November 13, 1863. Encloses dispatch from General Magruder announcing the occupation of Brownsville by the enemy. Defends Magruder with respect to that occupation. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
W. S. West to Richard Taylor, November 13, 1863. Enemy occupation of Brownsville suggests that he "has not entirely abandoned the designs on Texas." Therefore, Taylor should not venture far to the east unless he is sure that all of the Union troops are gone from Berwick Bay. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to H. P. Bee, November 13, 1863. General Magruder considers that Corpus Christi is in greater danger from the enemy than San Antonio. Bee is to march to Corpus Christi to defend it until all the cotton can be removed. Details about orders for other troop deployments. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
N. P. Banks to L. Pierce, November 13, 1863. General Banks writes to the U.S. consul at Matamoros urging that Mexican authorities be made aware that rebellious Texans, forced by the U.S. invasion to flee across the Rio Grande, are in Matamoros accumulating stores and other property taken out of Texas for use by the Confederate government. Provides details, makes request for help. Link to document
Charles P. Stone to N. P. Banks, November 13, 1863. Congratulates Banks on the success of his expedition. "Its results cannot fail to be appreciated by the country." Is sending men and materiel. Will probably be able to send some black troops later, but will send "good troops" first.[May be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
C. S. West to J. B. Magruder, November 14, 1863. General Smith has received news of the enemy's occupation of Brownsville. Bee is to retreat up the Rio Grande valley. Sufficient cavalry is to be deployed to watch the enemy, try to keep his force limited to the Brownsville area, and protect roads from there to San Antonio and from Laredo and Eagle Pass to San Antonio. ]Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
John P. Hawkins to James B. McPherson, November 15, 1863. Writes from Louisiana that he has learned from a person recently in Texas that "everybody is being conscripted" and that Confederate General Kirby Smith expects to have 75,000 from the effort. Also slaves are being taken from Texas and Louisiana to help fortify Shreveport. [Scroll down to the document]. Link to document
N. J. T. Dana to Major-General Banks, November 15, 1863. Encloses letters from [E. J.] Davis and "Mr. Gray" about enlisting Texans to fight for the Union for a term "during the campaign in Texas." This is causing problems [which he explains] and so has suspended the recruitment pending instructions from General Banks. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
N. J. T. Dana to Major-General Banks, November 16, 1863. Is buying horses and mules in Mexico. Is fortifying Brownsville area. Is sending cavalry pickets out in several directions. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 16, 1863. Explains why he did not proceed to the Rio Grande. Is at a camp on San Fernando Creek [near present-day Alice]. Is equidistant between Corpus Christi and Laredo. Can respond to attack from Brownsville or the coast. Details about various contingencies in the future, etc. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
[Seven civic leaders of San Antonio] to A. G. Dickinson, November 16, 1863. The signatories, including the mayor, newspaper editors, and Samuel A. Maverick, ask the local Confederate commander if he anticipates resisting an attack on the town by Union forces, should such occur. They explain why they ask the question. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to H. P. Bee, November 17, 1863. Understands that San Antonio is in danger of a raid from the Eagle Pass area. Orders him to send a strong company there immediately. Probably best to make his HQ at Corpus Christi. Will try to send cavalry. Gives more orders and suggestions. General Smith has ordered the substitution of state troops for coastal defense. [Document continues onto the next page.] Link to document
N. P. Banks to Charles P. Stone, November 17, 1863. Has captured the works of Aransas Pass that day. Gives a few details. Will move next day to take Pass Cavallo. Mentions that Col. E. J. Davis is with him [commanding the First Texas Cavalry]. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to H. P. Bee, November18, 1863. General Magruder wants him to remain on the Rio Grande. Gives him more discretionary authority. Explains why. [Scroll down to the document.[ Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to Henry E. McCulloch, November 18, 1853. Includes an endorsement written by General Magruder on McCulloch's communication in which he explains why he cannot send him reinforcements. Turner also states that Magruder is "greatly satisfied" with the way McCulloch has handled the deserter situation. [Scroll down to the document.] [Link to document
T. E. G. Ransom to Augustus W. Sexton, November 18, 1863. Union officer's report on the capture of the Confederate battery at Aransas Pass and the expedition against and capture of Fort Esperanza. Link to document
H. W. Halleck to N. P. Banks, November 19, 1863. Will not be sending more troops from other theaters of operation to reinforce Banks in South Texas. Explains why. [May be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
E. Cunningham to Henry E. McCulloch, November 19, 1863. General Smith disapproves of McCulloch's agreement with the deserters in his district. Explains why. (Involves Quantrill.) McCulloch is relieved of all responsibility to fulfill the agreement. Deserters who have surrendered must return to their old commands. The ringleaders "should have no quarter." Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 19, 1863. When he learned that the enemy had arrived in force off Corpus Christi Pass and begun landings on Mustang Island, he hurried to Corpus Christi. Will remain there for the time being. Two men were sent to Mustang Island (one by sea, one by land) to try to learn the fate of Confederate soldiers there. Has heard no word to date. The movement of the enemy prevents his going to the Rio Grande. Link to document
Charles C. Stone to J. C. Kelton, November 20, 1863. As of November 10, Banks had 3,000 men and sixteen pieces of artillery in South Texas. No known enemy closer than Corpus Christi (handful) or San Antonio (150-200 under Bee). Supposes Corpus Christi will be occupied soon. Is sending 2,000 more infantry to Banks from Louisiana. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
George S. Boutwell to Abraham Lincoln, November 20, 1863. Massachusetts congressman notes that he was received a letter from General Nathaniel P. Banks, imploring him to urge that the government send 5,000-10,000 more troops to Texas. Link to document
N. J. T. Dana to N. P. Banks, November 21, 1863. Rumor in Matamoros that "all foreigners are to be immediately prohibited from trading or doing business there." Col. [E. J.] Davis and 100 mounted men left that morning to ride up the river as far as Rio Grande City. Davis is short on ammunition. Explains. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
H. P. Bee to U.S. commanding officer, Aransas Pass, November 21, 1863. Is sending an officer under flag of truce to inquire about the fate of Confederate soldiers captured on Mustang Island. Families are anxious about them. [Scroll down to the bottom of the page.] Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 21, 1863. No reliance can be placed on the state troops. "They will not leave their families in the rear." Same is true of some regular troops who are Texans. Has heard that there is a general feeling of alarm among the people of western Texas because they have heard a rumor that General Magruder plans to try only to hold the line of the Colorado River. Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to Henry E. McCulloch, November 21, 1863. Large enemy force expected to land soon on the Texas coast. Therefore, General Magruder orders General McCulloch to send all his available troops to Houston immediately to meet the threat. Details. Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to Richard Taylor, November 21, 1863. In light of expected new movement of Union troops from Louisiana to Texas, asks for Taylor to send reinforcements to him via Niblett's Bluff. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, November 21, 1863. Is transmitting reports to General Smith of the Union capture of Aransas Pass and Corpus Christi Pass. Is sending state troops (ordered by Smith to replace Confederate regulars at coastal defenses) to save Velasco at the mouth of the Brazos River, if not Saluria. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, November 21, 1863. Understands that more Union troops are on the way to the Texas coast from Louisiana. "Upon the issue of the impending attack depends the fate of the heart of Texas," so he asks General Smith to have General Taylor to send reinforcements from southwestern Louisiana. Link to document
W. A. Alston to H. P. Bee, November 22, 1863. General Magruder approves, in the main, of Bee's plans for operations against the enemy. Instructions about fall back contingencies. If the enemy moves inland, try to cut him off from his base on the coast. Mentions the fortifying of both San Antonio and Austin. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to Pendleton Murrah, November 23, 1863. Believes that there will be cavalry raids in the direction of San Antonio and a "direct attempt will be made upon Austin as soon as the enemy will have been reinforced." Asks that the Frontier Regiment be placed under Confederate authority so as to better defend the entire frontier, including the area between San Antonio and the Rio Grande. Link to document
William H. Seward to N. P. Banks, November 23, 1863. Congratulates Banks on his successful landing and occupation of Brownsville, etc. Especially important, given the situation in Mexico. But the U.S. will not take sides in the civil strife there. Detail. Banks has no authority to protect U.S. citizens in Mexico. Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to E. Kirby Smith, November 24, 1863. Refers to a plan "for the protection and defense of western Texas." Believes that it can succeed. Is enclosing letters to General Bee [evidently lost] that contain details. Involves using Juan Cortina. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, November 24, 1863. Writes from Corpus Christi. Does not believe San Antonio is threatened. Will 'virtually abandon this place tomorrow," as there is no food for the horses. Tells of sending an officer under a flag of truce to inquire about Confederate soldiers captured on Mustang Island. Has not heard from him. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
C. C. Washburn to N. P. Banks, November 25, 1863. Reports on the progress of the expedition against Fort Esperanza on Matagorda Island. Also notes that a rebel major, carrying a flag of truce, was fatally shot two days previously. Details. The man wanted to know what had happened to the Confederate troops that were on Mustang Island. Link to document
William Webb to H. L. Webb, November 26, 1863. Commander of a brigade of state troops writes of delinquents [in the La Grange area?] who are on his draft rolls. Suggests ways to deal with the issue. Is probable some have been detailed by cotton agents, but such men have no control over militia men. Details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to H. P. Bee, November 26, 1863. The enemy is moving toward Saluria [on Matagorda Island]. Bee is ordered to take his entire force to Victoria. If that town falls to the enemy, he is to fall back to San Antonio. It is General Magruder's intention to hold the country west of the Colorado River if possible. [Scroll down to the document, which continues for two more pages.] Link to document
N. J. T. Dana to M. M. Kimmey, November 27, 1863. Dana, left in charge of Union forces on the Rio Grande, writes U.S. consul in Monterrey. Has sent Col. E. J. Davis and troops to Rio Grande City. Dana is in need of horses and mules. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
N. J. T. Dana to N. P. Banks, November 27, 1863. None of the refugees [supposedly coming from Monterrey, Mexico] have arrived. When they do, will give them rations. Details about mustering them into military service. Details about funding problems relating to the refugees. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to E. Kirby Smith, November 27, 1863. Is evident that the force moving against Saluria on Matagorda Island is either a separate expedition from Berwick Bay or reinforcements to the first expedition under Banks. "In order to meet this overwhelming force, re-enforcments [sic] are necessary." [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, November 27, 1863. "The state of affairs on the Rio Grande will prevent for at least several months the cotton trade with Matamoros." Details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
A. G. Dickinson to Edmund P. Turner, November 27, 1863. Local Confederate commander says he will issue a circular the next day calling on the people of San Antonio "to lend a helping hand in the defense of their city." Other details about defending the town. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder "to the Citizens of Western Texas," November 27, 1863. Has learned of a report in circulation that he intends to give up the defense of western Texas and will defend only the line of the Colorado River. Not so. Intends to defend all of the country "to the best of his ability." States why the false report is being spread. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to H. P. Bee, November 28, 1863. "No more troops should be exposed to capture if we should fail in holding Saluria." Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to Richard Taylor, November 28, 1863. A deserter from the Union, who had worked in New Orleans, reports that Union General Franklin cannot bring his troops to Texas for want of seagoing transports. Is this so, or is an expedition making ready in southern Louisiana to sail for Texas? [It may be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
George P. Finlay to Edmund P. Turner, November 30, 1863. Confederate defenders evacuated the fort at Suluria the previous night after spiking the guns and blowing up the magazines. No fighting occurred. Retreating now to Lavaca. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
A. C. Dickinson to S. T. Fontaine, November 30, 1863. Details about the strengthening of the defenses about San Antonio in anticipation of a possible Union attack. [Continues onto the next page.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, November 30, 1863. Many details about military problems, including a lack of horses for state troops. Also, he asks for General Smith to write to Governor Murrah and members of the legislature, urging them to keep the state troops in service during the duration of the war or at least extend their service beyond what the state law now specifies. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
S. J. Lee to C. L. Pyron, November 30, 1863. Explains why Col Bradfute evacuated Fort Esperanza the previous night. States that Bradfute will make a stand at Lavaca. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Walter L. Mann to H. P. Bee, November 30, 1863. Reports on his trip, under flag of truce, to Aransas Pass, fulfilling Bee's instructions of November 21. Tells what he saw and heard during the four days he was detained. Is now back in Confederate lines at Lavaca. [It may be necessary to scroll down to this document.] Link to document
C. C. Washburn to Major-General Banks, November 30, 1863. Last night the rebels evacuated Fort Esperanza on Matagorda Island and blew it up in the process. Will move on Houston when sufficient forces are available to make that prudent. Implies an intention to move on Galveston as well. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
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