| Headquarters District of Texas, &c. |
| McNeel's Plantation, December 19, 1863 |
| |
| His Excellency Pendleton Murrah |
| Governor of Texas |
| |
| Governor, |
| I am in receipt of your
communication in reference to the destruction of property on the
coast. |
| Immediately upon the
evacuation of Saluria, I directed the commanding officer to destroy
the wharves at Lavaca, with such storehouses at Lavaca and Indianola
as might be of service to the enemy, and also to destroy the
railroad to Victoria {the San Antonio &
Mexican Gulf RR}. I afterward modified the order, so as to
allow the transportation of the engines to Columbus, if the same
could be done. Such of the rolling-stock as cannot be transported
will be destroyed, and every effort be made to make the road
valueless to the enemy. |
| The line of this railroad
embraces that portion of the route over which the enemy must pass in
advancing toward Austin and San Antonio in which the difficulties
are the greatest to overcome. If it is left in a condition to be
used by him, he can easily secure himself at Victoria, and, making
it the base of operations, advance in any direction. The highest
military importance is, therefore, attached to its destruction, and
the strictest sense of duty has prompted my orders concerning it. |
| Having given no orders for
the indiscriminate destruction of property, the fears of those who
have made the statements contained in your communication are without
foundation. |
| I have the honor to be, &c., |
| J. Bankhead Magruder |
| Major-General, Commanding, &c. |
|