Links to Some Texas History Primary Source Documents on the Internet
8. Texas in the Civil War: Part G (September 1-October 31, 1863)
(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. 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 Please do not cite "Lone Star History Links."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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J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, September 1, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the chief of staff of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department that he will carry out orders from General E. Kirby Smith to send some troops to Bonham but warns of the consequences should too many troops be drawn away from the Gulf coast. [Scroll down to thr document.] Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey to H. P. Bee, September 1, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona conveys to the commander of the Western Sub-District that General J. B. Magruder's assurance to Bee that he appreciates his patriotism and valuable services and continues to have confidence in him. Yancey informs Bee of preparations Magruder has made for the expected Union invasion. Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey to S. P. Bankhead, September 1, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Northern Sub-District that he has received Bankhead's communication from Bonham concerning the advance of the enemy through the Indian Territory toward northern Texas. General Magruder is taking action to strengthen defenses there. Details. Link to document
W. T. Carrington to C. L. Pyron, September 1, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a regimental commander that word has come [from General E. Kirby Smith] "of the advance of the enemy into Texas in four columns." One through the Indian Territory, one from Arkansas, and two through Louisiana (one originating in Vicksburg, the other in Natchez). Colonel Pyron is to move with his troops to Bonham. Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey. General Orders, No. 149, September 1, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona issues an order stating that Texas is threatened by invasion by four columns. Presence of every man capable of bearing arms is needed in the field. The desolation and ruin wrought by the enemy in Louisiana "should teach Texans what they have to expect from the presence of the enemy," etc. Link to document
W. T. Carrington. Special Orders, No. 236, September 1, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona issues an order relating to General [William] Steele's defending against a possible Union thrust from the Indian Territory. Should Steele need additional forces, General J. B. Magruder calls on Texas state troops to volunteer to supply that need. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
R[ichard]. Taylor to W. R. Boggs, September 2, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Western Louisiana writes to a staff officer of the Trans-Mississippi Department that he is concerned that if Confederate military officials encourage "the natural desire of the Texas troops to serve at home" their usefulness to fight beyond Texas "will be seriously impaired." Link to document
Guy M. Bryan to J. B. Magruder, September 2, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department conveys orders from General E. Kirby Smith that General Magruder is to send General [Henry E.] McCulloch to his command of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham. Gives reasons, including "the sentiment that exists in that community." Link to document
H. H. Bell to John Madigan, September 2, 1863. The commander of the Union blockading fleet on the Texas coast writes to the commander of a blockading ship regarding plans for an expedition against Sabine Pass. The army wants to make a landing within a week, Details about the role of naval ships. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
H. H. Bell to Gideon Welles, September 4, 1863. The commander of the Union blockading fleet on the Texas coast writes to the Secretary of the Navy that General Banks has organized a force of 4,000 under General Franklin for an expedition against Sabine Pass. Provides details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, September 4, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a staff officer of Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department that he believes that the concentration of troops at New Orleans indicates that the enemy intends to try to take possession of the lowest part of the Sabine River and also move by sea to attempt the possession of Aransas Bay (with a small force going to the mouth of the Rio Grande as well). San Antonio will be threatened, as well as the cotton trade with Mexico. States what actions he may take should these things happen. [Continues onto two more pages.] Link to document
Guy M. Bryan to J. B. Magruder, September 4, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department, writes to the commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that General [E. Kirby] Smith calls General Magruder's attention to the importance "of having the cooperation of the French to prevent the landing of the enemy at Lavaca and Rio Grande," etc. Link to document
W. T. Carrington to V. Sulakowski, September 4, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona conveys to the district's chief engineer General Magruder's orders to fortify Sabine Pass immediately, as the enemy is expected there soon. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Nathaniel P. Banks to Abraham Lincoln, September 5, 1863. The commander of the Union Department of the Gulf reports to the president that the invasion of Texas via Sabine Pass is about ready to launch. Plans to capture Beaumont, Liberty, Houston, and Galveston. Claims that the possession of the latter two cities will mean that "the whole state is in our possession." Link to document
N. P. Banks to H. W. Halleck, September 5, 1863. The commander of the Union Department of the Gulf reports to the army's general-in-chief on the beginning of the expedition to Sabine Pass, Texas. Details. Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to J. B. Magruder, September 7, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the commander of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona of the need to "push forward the organization of the State troops" and place them where they can best assist regular troops in resisting a Union incursion into Texas. Details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to J. B. Magruder, September 7, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the commander of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that holding the Rio Grande is important, as it "is our base of supplies," but knows that it cannot be held if a large enough enemy force lands there. If there is a Union thrust toward Houston and the railroad system of Texas, General Taylor in Louisiana may be able to come to the rescue. Link to document
Jno. P. Gillis to H. H. Bell, September 7, 1863. The senior officer in the Union blockading fleet off Galveston reports to the commander of the Western Gulf Squadron that the pilots obtained in New Orleans were at fault for what happened at Sabine Pass and cannot be relied on. Also, the blockading fleet off Galveston is not sufficient in size for the task assigned to it. Details. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
F. H. Odlum to A. N. Mills, September 8, 1863. The Confederate commander of artillery at Sabine Pass writes to a staff officer of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona of the early morning Union shelling of the fortification at Sabine Pass. Asks for reinforcements. [First communication.] Link to document
Leon Smith to "the Commanding Officer Eastern Sub-District of Texas," September 8, 1863. Confederate naval officer writes from Beaumont that he was learned that nine Union ships have arrived at Sabine Pass. Has heard heavy firing from there. Is sending troops. Link to document
Leon Smith to Edmund P. Turner, September 8, 1863. Confederate naval officer writes to a staff officer of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, reporting from Sabine Pass in great detail on the Confederate victory there that day. [Scroll down to the document, which continues for two more pages.] Link to document
William B. Roe to G. B. Drake, [in reference to September 1-8, 1863.] Chief of Signal Corps, Union Department of the Gulf, reports to a staff officer of the district, recounting the duty performed by the U. S. Signal Corps in the Sabine Pass expedition. [Dated February 2, 1864] [Continues onto the next page.] Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey to W. R. Boggs, September 9, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona reports to a staff officer for the Trans-Mississippi Department that General J. B. Magruder has called for troops to move to Sabine Pass. Yancey presumes that the Union forces are now in possession of the pass. Explains why. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
John P. Gillis to H. H. Bell, September 9, 1863. A Union naval captain on ship off Galveston reports to the commander of the fleet blockading the Texas coast that he has just learned that, on the previous day, Confederates at Sabine Pass had captured the Clifton and the Sachem. Union troops are on their way back to New Orleans. Details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
W. H. Dana to H. H. Bell, September 9, 1863. A Union blockading ship commander provides the blockading fleet commander with a fairly detailed report of the Sabine Pass battle. Link to document
Edmund P. Turner. Special Orders No. 245, September 9, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona announces General J. B. Magruder's orders deploying troops along the Texas coast. Link to document
R. W. Dowling to A. N. Mills, September 9, 1863. Dick Dowling, commanding an artillery company at Fort Griffin at Sabine Pass, reports to another officer on the Confederate victory there the previous day. [Continues onto the next page.] Link to document
F. H. Odlum to A. N. Mills, September 9, 1863.A Confederate officer writes to a fellow officer, reporting from Sabine Pass on the great victory there over the Union naval force. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Edmund P. Turner. General Orders, No. 154, September 9, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona announces to the Confederate troops in Texas the victory at Sabine Pass. Details. [It may be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
C. W. Lamson to H. H. Bell, September 10, 1863. A commander of one of the Union vessels involved in the Battle of Sabine Pass reports on that engagement to the commander of the Union blockading fleet off the Texas coast. Link to document
H. Tibbits to H. H. Bell, September 10, 1863. A commander of one of the Union vessels involved in the Battle of Sabine Pass reports on that engagement to the commander of the Union blockading fleet off the Texas coast. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, September 10, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a staff officer of the Trans-Mississippi Department, announcing the Confederate victory at the Battle of Sabine Pass. Details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, September 10, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a staff officer of the Trans-Mississippi Department, calling the victory at Sabine Pass "the most extraordinary feat of the war," but, supposing that the Union fleet sailed into the mouth of the Calcasieu River nearby in Louisiana, is concerned that the enemy may yet invade overland from there. Makes recommendations about how to counter. Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to "the Men of Texas," September 10, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona states that, although the Confederates have won a glorious victory at Sabine Pass, Texans are needed to form themselves into companies and assemble at Beaumont, as the enemy can be expected to return to Sabine Pass. Link to document
E. W. Cave to W. R. Boggs, September 10, 1863. An aide de camp to the Chief of the Bureau of Texas State Troops writes to a staff officer of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department, reporting intelligence that the advance of the enemy through the Indian Territory toward Texas has been checked. Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to Jefferson Davis, September 11, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the president, transmitting proceedings of the conference of Trans-Mississippi governors and others at Marshall, Texas, August 15-18. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
W. B. Franklin to N. P. Banks, September 11, 1863. The Union commander of the Sabine Pass expedition reports to the commander, Department of the Gulf, about embarkation of Union forces from Louisiana toward Texas. [Continues for three more pages.] Link to document
H. H. Bell to Gideon Welles, September 11, 1863. The commander of the Union blockading fleet on the Texas coast writes to the secretary of the navy that the expedition to Sabine Pass "has totally failed." Some details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Godfrey Weitzel to Wickham Hoffman, September 11, 1863. The commander of the Union First Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, writes to one of his staff officers, providing details of the Sabine Pass battle. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Frederick Crocker to H. H. Bell, September 12, 1863. The Union naval commander of the expedition against Sabine Pass reports to the commander of the blockading fleet on the Texas coast about the events of September 7 and 8 at Sabine Pass. Link to document
[For a fuller account by the same officer, written about a year and half later, go to this link. The document continues for four more pages.]
N, P. Banks to H. W. Halleck, September 13, 1863. The commander of the Union Department of the Gulf reports to the army's general-in-chief in detail about the failure of the expedition to Sabine Pass. Has begun planning an overland expedition to Texas across southern Louisiana. Would attempt another attempt on Sabine Pass or "a strike at the Rio Grande" but cannot obtain the requisite naval forces or transports. [Continues for two more pages.] Link to document
W. H. Dana to John P. Gillis, September 13, 1863. The commander of one of Union ships involved in the Battle of Sabine Pass reports to a fellow naval officer, giving detailed reports of the Union casualties in the battle. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
E. W. Cave to J. B. Magruder, September 13, 1863. The aide de camp to the chief of the Bureau of State Troops writes to the commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, stating that the militia laws in Texas are not being enforced. "The prospect of being ordered to the field rather staggers the candidates for home defense." Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, September 14, 1863. The commander of the Western Sub-District of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a staff officer of the district that he has learned from a source in New Orleans that 20,000 Union troops are headed toward Texas via the Opelousas Railroad and that 10,000 more are on their way to Brazos Santiago Island at the mouth of the Rio Grande. "If so, the enemy could be on us in a few hours." [Scroll down to the bottom of the page.] Link to document
R[ichard]. Taylor to Major-General John B. Magruder, September 15, 1863. The commander, Confederate District of Western Louisiana, writes to the commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, stating that he believes that [Union] General Franklin "intends to operate against you farther west, and that the attack at Sabine was not intended to be serious. Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to Brigadier-General [Alfred] Mouton, September 17, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a Confederate officer in Vermillion, Louisiana, stating that General Magruder believes that the enemy will soon attack Sabine Pass with at least 20,000 men. Asks for troops to aid in its defense. Link to document
John C. Robertson to A. W. Terrell, September 17, 1863. One Confederate officer in Galveston writes to his commander about a mutiny several days before in Colorado County of some [state?] troops over an order to relinquish temporarily their horses for use in repelling the expected invasion of Texas. Details. [Continues on to the next page.] Link to document
John P. Gillis to G. V. Fox, September 17, 1863. A Union naval officer in the Gulf writes privately to the assistant secretary of the navy that the plan laid out in New Orleans for the attack on Sabine Pass was not followed. Details. Urges the importance of occupying the line of the Rio Grande. Explains why. Says the ports between there and Galveston are well defended. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
H. E. McCulloch to Edmund P. Turner, September 18, 1863. The Confederate commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham reports to a staff officer of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona of the bad situation in the Bonham area. Many deserters in the area. They live off the property and produce of the people living near their camps "and are a terror to the country about them." Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, September 18, 1863. The commander of the Western Sub-District of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, writes to a staff officer of the district that the French have ordered the blockading the Mexican coast except for Matamoros. Yankees will see the necessity of taking Brownsville, etc. Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder. Circular: "To the Soldiers and Citizens of Texas," September 19, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona announces that he has proof that the expedition against Sabine Pass was to be "a serious invasion of the State of Texas." Because the threat of another invasion is great, Magruder calls on all soldiers, "minute-men," and even speculators to help defend the state against the enemy. [Scroll down to the document, which continues on to the next page.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, September 19, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the chief of staff of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department that, as the Red River has little water in it, the enemy will likely concentrate on Texas. If the effort is successful, Louisiana may have to be abandoned. Wants General Smith to know that the Confederate forces in Texas need "immediate relief." Link to document
Cadwallader C. Washburn to Elihu B. Washburne, September 20, 1863. A Union general writes to his congressman brother from an army base in Louisiana of the slow movement of the troops going to Texas. Fears it may be at least forty days before they capture a Texas port. The force may then move toward the Rio Grande "to watch Louis Napoleon." [Note: the brothers spelled their surnames differently.] Link to document
Francis P. Blair Jr. to Montgomery Blair, September 24, 1863. A Missouri politician and Union officer writes to his brother that he wants President Lincoln to authorize him to raise 50,000 men "for the occupation and militarization of Texas." He does not want to be under the command of General Nathaniel P. Banks. Gives reasons why. Link to document
R[ichard]. Taylor to J. B. Magruder, September 21, 1863. The commander, Confederate District of Western Louisiana, writes to the commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that the Union expedition lately at Sabine Pass is now at Berwick Bay [in Louisiana], having sailed to that place from New Orleans. He believes that it is destined "for some port of your district." Details. Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey to E. Kirby Smith, September 22, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona reports to the commander of the Trans-Mississippi Department that General Magruder is beefing up fortifications at Sabine Pass against a possible enemy attack. Fears that there may not be any reinforcements for the small band of defenders there. Link to document
H. P. Bee and James E. Slaughter to Edmund P. Turner, September 22, 1863. He commander of the Western Sub-District of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona and the district's commander of artillery write to one of the district's staff officers, asking that Santos Benavides be promoted to brigadier-general and given command of the Mexican frontier of the state. They explain why. In the process, they state that the arrival of the enemy on the Rio Grande will pose a danger for the cattle ranches in the area. Also mention [E. J.] Davis and [J. T.] Haynes as among traitors who have influence along the river. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Jefferson Davis to F. R. Lubbock, September 23, 1863. The Confederate president writes to the Texas governor that he has received Lubbock's communication of May 4, stating that he plans to join the Confederate army when his term of office ends. Davis is very appreciative. This will be a good example to others. Is referring the request to the secretary of war. Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to H. E. McCulloch, September 25, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham, expressing hope that he has success "in bringing back the absentees in your [northern Texas] district to their colors." If clemency and persuasion fail, "force must be resorted to." Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to E. Kirby Smith, September 26, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department that he is desperately in need of reinforcements. Without them the enemy may well take "the railroads and the heart of Texas." Whoever controls the railroads of Galveston and Houston "is virtually master of Texas." Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to S. Cooper, September 27, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona submits his official report to Confederate military headquarters in Richmond of the Battle of Sabine Pass on September 8. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to Henry E. McCulloch, September 29, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham that, with regard to furloughing men to sow wheat, he may furlough only state troops. General Magruder thinks it important to save and secure the wheat crop. Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey. Special Orders, No. 264, September 30, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona reports that General Magruder has learned that a small portion of the garrison at Sabine Pass has determined to leave their post and go to their homes upon hearing a rumor that Texas has been invaded from the north. Magruder states that the rumor is false and that anyone deserting his duty under that pretext will be shot. Details. Link to document
[Nine signatories] to Edmund P. Turner, September 30, 1863. The memorialists write to a staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, presenting their case for refusing to give up their horses when ordered to earlier in the month in Colorado County. Link to document
H. W. Halleck to N. P. Banks, September 30, 1863. The Union general-in-chief writes to the commander of the Department of the Gulf, stating that the failure of the attempt to land forces at Sabine Pass is an example of "the uncertain and unreliable character of maritime descents." Disagrees that Sabine City is the center of Confederate operations in the Southwest but endorses Banks' plans to another expedition into Texas [supposedly at some entry point on the Gulf]. Explains why. Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to Henry McCulloch, October 2, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham that he hopes that efforts to win back the deserters in the northern Texas area are successful. As for the disaffected, those whose public behavior shows them to be disloyal should be arrested and sent beyond the Rio Grande. Link to document.
Gideon Welles to H. H. Bell, October 2, 1863. The Union secretary of the navy orders the acting commander of the Gulf Blockading Squadron to convene a court to inquire into the behavior of the officers commanding the ships involved in "the disaster at Sabine Pass." Link to document
Alfred Mouton to Richard Taylor, October 4, 1863. A Confederate general reports from southwestern Louisiana to the commander, Confederate District of Western Louisiana, that a prisoner claims that Union General Franklin is marching 75,000 troops overland to Texas and that the expedition by water has been given up. [It may be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
V. Sulakowski to J. Kellerman, October 5, 1863. The chief engineer, Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, writes to the chief engineer, Eastern District of Texas, stating that the Sabine Pass defenses are being strengthened against a possible new Union incursion there. Details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to H. P. Bee, October 6, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona conveys orders from General Magruder to the commander of the Western Sub-District that he is to send the arms and ammunition recently arrived at Brownsville to Houston. Explains why. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to F. R. Lubbock, October 6, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona conveys to the Texas governor General Magruder's request that the he concentrate the Frontier Regiment and any other similar troops at Fort Belknap immediately to prevent Indian raids on the frontier in November. Details. Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, October 6, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Western Sub-District writes to a staff officer of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that a staff officer of the U.S. consul at Matamoros has told "a reliable person" that a Union force of 30,000 men will soon reach the mouth of the Rio Grande. If so, the movement is against the French. More details. Link to document
Gideon Welles to H. H. Bell, October 7, 1863. The Union secretary of the navy orders the commander of the Western Blockading Squadron to order a court martial to inquire into the conduct of the officers of the ships involved in the Sabine Pass disaster. Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey to Henry E. McCulloch, October 8, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham that, according to intelligence received, 30,000 Union troops have embarked from Berwick Bay. Based on the fact that they have not shown up on the Texas coast, General Magruder believes they have headed eastward. If so, he will send reinforcements to northern Texas. [Scroll down to the document, which is at the bottom of the page.] Link to document
Gideon Welles to H. H. Bell, October 9, 1863. The Union secretary of the navy expresses to the commander of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem his disapproval of the conduct of the expedition that resulted in the Battle of Sabine Pass. Details. Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to E. Kirby Smith, October 11, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Trans-Mississippi Department that he has discovered a dangerous conspiracy involving some men in the Hempstead area with connections to the Union army. Has made arrests. Needs to know what to do with the men. Details. Link to document
Henry E. McCulloch to Stephen D. Yancey, October 11, 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: "There is no portion of the Confederacy in any worse condition" than Texas to meet a Union invasion. Efforts to bring deserters back to their colors have not been very successful so far. Will use force when he has sufficient troops to do so. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to P. W. Gray, October 13, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to a Texas politician, thanking him for accepting appointment as chief of the cotton bureau of Texas. Details. [It may be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Guy M. Bryan to J. B. Magruder, October 14, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department conveys orders from the commander of the department to the commander of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to send the evidence on which he determined that a conspiracy exists at Hempstead and gives instructions about how to deal with the prisoners. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to John Slidell, October 14, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the Confederate States commissioner to France that he agrees with General E. Kirby Smith that, should U.S. troops overrun Louisiana and Texas, the French would not be able to retain their possessions in Mexico. War between the U.S. and France would ensue. Although "the Texans are the most warlike people on this continent," their state will probably be overrun before the French Government can come to our assistance." Details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to H. P. Bee, October 14, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Western Sub-District of the district that General Magruder is very disappointed in Bee's not being able to take possession of arms within his reach. Texas is being invaded by a powerful army and 7,000 of her troops are not armed; others poorly armed. Gives specific instructions about arms that Bee does have. Link to document
Charles E. Aikens to Mat. Nolan, October 14, 1863. An officer in Company G, Texas Mounted Rifles, writes to the company's commander from Mintan, Louisiana, that he believes that General N. P. Banks and 25,000 men nearby will go farther up the country to cross into Texas. Details. [May be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey to H. P. Bee, October 15, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Western Sub-District of the district, informing him that General Magruder does not believe that the Rio Grande is in danger of invasion at present but that eastern Texas is. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
W. H. Dana to H. H. Bell, October 15, 1863. A Union blockading ship commander reports to the blockading fleet commander that, as ordered, he is providing a detailed account of "the conduct of several vessels and their commanders" in the Battle of Sabine Pass. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to E. Kirby Smith, October 16, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Trans-Mississippi Department, presenting evidence and facts about the conspiracy in the Hempstead area. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Henry McCulloch to Edmund P. Turner, October 16, 1863. The commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham writes to a staff officer of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that it is reported that desertions are increasing daily in northern Texas. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
N. P. Banks to H. W. Halleck, October 16, 1863. The commander of the Union Department of the Gulf reports to the army's general-in-chief that "that there are no more loyal men in the country than the Union men of Texas," etc., but they will not participate in the war unless Union forces restore Texas to the Union. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
N. P. Banks to H. W. Halleck, October 16, 1863. In a separate communication, the commander of the Union Department of the Gulf reports to the army's general-in-chief that he had never intended to make Sabine City his base of operations. Explains. Says it is not practicable at this time to send troops toward Shreveport or Marshall. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to Richard Taylor, October 20, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the commander of the District of Western Louisiana that he is convinced that Texas is the objective of the Union column that has moved from Berwick Bay, Louisiana. Gives possible reasons why there was a delay in the beginning of this operation. Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, October 21, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a staff officer of the Trans-Mississippi Department: "General McCulloch has informed me that the enemy has been driven back, and that he regards the northern frontier as safe at this time." Therefore, Magruder wants the brigade now in the Indian Territory sent to Houston [to help meet the expected invasion of southeast Texas. Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey to Henry E. McCulloch, October 22, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham: "The enemy are certainly advancing on Niblett's Bluff" [across from Orange County, coming across southern Louisiana]. General Magruder orders McCulloch to send General Bankhead's Brigade from the Indian Territory to Houston immediately. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Henry E. McCulloch to Edmund P. Turner, October 22, 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 some of [William] Quantrill's men have come into the northern Texas sub-district. Understands that his mode of warfare is that of a savage. McCulloch finds that abhorrent. Wants advice and instructions about how to deal with him. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Nathaniel P. Banks to Abraham Lincoln, October 22, 1863. The commander of the Union Department of the Gulf explains to the president that the planned expedition to Sabine Pass failed because two boats were grounded and two more returned to Louisiana. He is now launching an expedition for a landing between Sabine Pass and the Rio Grande (probably near the latter). Link to document
H. P. Bee to George Dye, October 24, 1863. The commander of the Western Sub-District of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the mayor of Brownsville that the garrison at Brownsville will be reduced to help defend against a Union attack from Louisiana. Asks the mayor to organize citizens into a militia to defend the city against possible attack. Link to document
Henry E. McCulloch to Henry Boren, October 24, 1863. The commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham writes to a leader of a group of deserters that he has learned that Boren has proposed that the men "go into service on the frontier" in the northern part of Texas. McCulloch will allow it only if they submit to Confederate military authority, follow certain orders, etc. Details. Link to document.
E. Kirby Smith to J. B. Magruder, October 25, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the commander of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that he still believes that the enemy thrust will be to Niblett's Bluff and Houston. If, however, it is to the Red River valley, forces now in Texas will be needed there. Says that Texas state troops may not feel bound to leave the bounds of the state, but they can be persuaded if they realize that it may prevent the invasion and conquest of Texas. [Scroll down the page to the second communication from Smith to Magruder.] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, October 26, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a staff officer of the Trans-Mississippi Department, complaining of civilian requests for the detailing of armed state troops for private services. Details. Calls the troops "as fine a body of men as I've ever seen." [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
E. Kirby Smith to J. B. Magruder, October 26, 1863. The commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the commander of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that two letters from General [Richard] Taylor cause Smith to believe that the enemy's plans have changed, that Louisiana, not Texas will be their theater of operations. Magruder is to send some troops to reinforce Taylor. Details. Link to document
Edmund P. Turner. Circular, October 26, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona announces that General Magruder's headquarters have received credible information that the enemy, under the command of Banks, may be expected daily. Alerts coastal posts to be ready. Cotton is to be burned if necessary to keep it out of Union control. Instructs General H. P. Bee how to dispose of stores at Brownsville. He is then to fall back to Roma, Ringgold Barracks or beyond. Details. Link to document
H. P. Bee to Edmund P. Turner, October 26, 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 wants stopped the policy of sending refugees, suspicious persons, etc., to the Rio Grande for exportation into Mexico. Says they are a menace to the lives and property of persons living along the river. Recommends that such people be put to death rather than exported. Link to document
N. P. Banks to E. M. Stanton, October 26, 1863. The commander of the Union Department of the Gulf writes to the secretary of war that he has sailed that day with the expedition to the Rio Grande. Hopes to make a landing at Brazos Santiago Island. Details about what he expects will follow. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
John Tyler. Memorial to "His Excellency the Governor, the Governor-elect, and the Authorities of the State of Texas," October 27, 1863. [Extract, comprising approximately the last half of the original document.] The author, aide to Confederate General Sterling Price and son of former President John Tyler, writes to Francis Lubbock, Pendleton Murrah and others, arguing that the state government of Texas should take the initiative in demanding that the French government intervene militarily in the Civil War. Details explain his reasoning. Tyler claims that without this intervention, the Confederacy is doomed. [The material begins with an introduction to the document and a summary of its first half. The extracted document begins with the paragraph beginning, "Having thus gentlemen, . . . ."] Link to document
J. Bankhead Magruder to W. R. Boggs, October 27, 1863. The commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to a staff officer of the Trans-Mississippi Department that he has learned that A. J. Hamilton and his staff have reached New Orleans. This is a sure sign that an invasion of Texas is imminent. Gives reasons why he believes that Banks will come to Texas rather than go up the Red River valley. Is sending troops to Niblett's Bluff area to defend against Banks. Believes that the federals will strike by sea as well as by land. Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to H. P. Bee, October 27, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona conveys orders from General Magruder to the commander of the Western Sub-District that, should he be forced to fall back from Brownsville, he is to burn all public buildings at Fort Brown. Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to A. G. Dickinson, October 27, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona informs the assistant adjutant-general at San Antonio that c. 37,000 enemy troops are at or near Vermillionville and Opelousas waiting for the water in the streams to fall so that they can invade Texas via Niblett's Bluff. Conveys General Magruder's orders in the event that occurs. [Scroll down to the document, which continues onto the next page.] Link to document
Edmund P. Turner. Special Order, No. 292, October 27, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona reports that General Magruder has learned "with surprise and regret" that some Texas state troops have refused to cross the Sabine River into Louisiana at Niblett's Bluff. Urges the troops to reconsider. Explains why. Link to document
S. S. Anderson to Major-General Magruder, October 28, 1863. A staff officer of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department writes to the commander of the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona General Smith's determination that Magruder has an incorrect interpretation of the impressments law. It calls for government commissioners to fix the prices for all property impressed or otherwise taken for the public use. If cotton owners refuse to sell at the fixed price, the army is to impress the cotton and pay only the government price. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Stephen D. Yancey to Henry E. McCulloch, October 29, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona writes to the commander of the Northern Sub-District of Texas at Bonham that General Magruder deeply regrets that McCulloch has furloughed almost half of his state troops so that they can go home to sow wheat. Orders that they be called back. Explains why in detail. Link to document
Edmund P. Turner to A. Buchel, October 29, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona informs the commander of troops at Niblett's Bluff that the state troops are now willing to cross the Sabine River into Louisiana and are ordered to do so. Link to document
W. A. Alston to G. W. McMahon, October 30, 1863. A staff officer for the Confederate District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona informs a volunteer aide-de-camp that General Magruder has learned that some militia troops in the vicinity of Eagle Lake have been ordered to report to Round Top on November 2. Informs him that Magruder did not issue that order. When they gather, they are to be ordered to return to their homes. Forwards orders from General E. Kirby Smith about military regulations regarding the use of militia. Details. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
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